Dead zones | Rafaele Andrade

The project Dead Zones by visual artist Suzette Bousema and musician Rafaele Andrade, focusses on addressing the critical issue of dead zones in coastal areas. Through a live music performance they explore the environmental impact of micro-algae blooms fueled by agricultural fertilizers, livestock manure, and sewage overflows. Their aim is to elevate awareness about the nitrogen and climate crisis resulting from human activities. They have previously developed a 30-minute performance in collaboration with programmer Aart Odding and violinist Coraline Groen. Within the performance, Bousema and Andrade guide their audience on a metaphoric diving session in one of the Netherland’s dead zone areas, located in Veerse Meer, Zeeland. The story starts at the ocean’s surface and ends at the ominous ocean floor, raising questions about humanity's impact on the ecosystem. For its future development, the creators plan to deepen the connection between the performance and its local environment. By intertwining the narrative with specific locations, they aim to make the abstract environmental issues more tangible and personal for the audience. To contribute to the project's multidisciplinary approach, Bousema and Andrade will partner with production house Silbersee and a network of scientists.