Whether through historical or eventful trauma, a certain presence of trauma cannot be denied in our interconnected world. How does trauma influence us on a collective level? The polyvagal theory, introduced by Dr. Stephen Porges, describes how complex inner neural circuits enable us to recognize whether the outside world is safe, dangerous or life threatening (neuroception). Upcoming technologies and devices such as Bio Mapping ®, brain hacking gadgets and location intelligence make it increasingly possible to measure neuroception, collect and visualize data and, potentially, act upon the feeling of safety within public spaces. How do we reconnect and disconnect with one and another when we become aware of each others bodily states? What about the ethics and politics of such measuring tools within smart cities, where trauma is a present past?

The second part of DEAD DAY DOG, is a performance project around the notion of trauma and the knot as a metaphor for trauma. The earlier publication under the same name, laid the foundation of the residence program at Südufer (February 2019), in which Mieke Weckesser and Agnes Schneidewind cooperate with artists from different fields (visual, dance, film & theatre) continue their trauma research in a trans-disciplinary setting.

The residency at Südufer concluded with an Installation-Performance shown on the 9th of March, 2019. During this event, the publication became part of a science-fiction, in which journalist Monica Muhn from Radio Levant talks with Ulrich von Oben (the so called director of Dead Day Dog), questioning his recent collaboration with Skynet cooperations.

A third part and performance lecture of DEAD DAY DOG was also performed at ZKM - Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe on July 4th, 2019.