Paperwork does not work is an immersive audio walk that takes participants on a poignant and thought-provoking odyssey through the labyrinthine process of obtaining a visa. Blending real-life narratives with the voices of those who experienced them, the piece unfolds in the very locations where these stories take place, grounding the listener in a visceral sense of place and reality. Guided by cold, impersonal instructions from an unseen authority, participants navigate a trail of audio files, mirroring the disorienting and often dehumanising journey through bureaucratic systems. This immersive experience crafts a dystopian atmosphere that feels eerily close to reality, underscored by a subtle yet biting layer of irony. It’s a powerful exploration of the human struggle within the machinery of bureaucracy, inviting reflection on the absurdities and challenges of navigating systems designed to control movement and identity.
The starting point for the audio walk is at Den Haag Central Station, upstairs and inside, in front of the bus platform where Niccolò Angioni, Seolbeen Lee, and Teade Ridder will meet you. Please bring your phone and your own headphones.