Incubator

The incubator, a critical tool in rescuing premature infants, symbolizes an unwavering commitment to safeguarding and preserving every human life, especially those yet to attain fundamental biological self-sufficiency. By precisely regulating temperature, humidity, oxygen levels, and minimizing external stimuli, incubators significantly contribute to the survival and healthy development of infants born prematurely or with low birth weight, effectively replicating the nurturing conditions of the mother’s womb.

The project aims to shed light on different narratives woven around the incubator and its role in the delicate balance between life, technology, and human compassion, encompassing an intimate perspective as well as political criticism. Oliver Frljić will examine a deeply personal experience: the prenatal birth of his sister during which her twin brother lost his life. The theatrical exploration will extend to the historical context, tracing the development of incubators, and reach a highly charged contemporary scenario in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The haunting images of incubators in Al Schiffa’s hospital deprived of power, and the infants left to huddle together for warmth, bring forth a pressing inquiry into the limits of human empathy.