The podcast reinterprets Louvre Abu Dhabi’s iconic architecture through a futuristic story narrated by international talents including Hussain Al Jassmi, Willem Dafoe, Zhou Dongyu, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Nina Kraviz, Wim Wenders and Jean Nouvel
Louvre Abu Dhabi added to its digital offering by releasing a 20-minute cinematic podcast titled ‘We are not alone’. Composed and produced by Soundwalk Collective an experimental group of artists and musicians, this podcast invites audiences to discover Louvre Abu Dhabi’s unique architecture through a science-fiction narrative. The podcast is accompanied by a short film that reimagines the museum as the backdrop to this poetic tale that takes place in a post-human galaxy, thousands of years in the future.
We are not alone is available on Louvre Abu Dhabi’s website in six languages. The story is narrated in the voices of renowned international talents including Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi in Arabic, American actor Willem Dafoe in English, French actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg in French and English, Chinese actress Zhou Dongyu in Mandarin, Russian is narrated by DJ, singer and producer Nina Kraviz, and German by filmmaker and playwright Wim Wenders.
The work utilises an original script written by Stéphan Crasneanscki. The story draws on the unique geometry, architecture and concepts behind Louvre Abu Dhabi’s creation. The experience begins with a message from Louvre Abu Dhabi’s architect Jean Nouvel, recorded for future generations. A narrator then places the audience within the tale’s futuristic world, inviting them to imagine the museum’s surroundings in a galaxy that has survived long after human extinction. Posing questions on free will, human nature and destiny, the experience reflects on the human condition in a dystopian future ruled by Artificial Intelligence.
The podcast represents the first part of the collaboration with Soundwalk Collective, offering a preview of an on-site 40-minute audio tour that will be available to visitors through Louvre Abu Dhabi’s multimedia guide at a later stage.
The podcast is part of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s extensive digital offering, providing free access to more content through virtual tours, video, audio and downloadable activities. These include opportunities to explore and discover the museum’s collection and exhibitions through the museum’s website and mobile app and “Art From Home” online resources; make and play, a series of online videos and colouring activities for families and children, and rich digital learning resources for teachers to engage with their students. As part of a partnership with Anghami, the MENA region’s largest music streaming app, the museum has also launched a series of curated playlists to experience the museum’s collection in a different way. Inspired by the museum’s masterpieces, the hand-selected tracks feature a range of eclectic music genres.
Louvre Abu Dhabi is also participating in CulturAll, a new initiative launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to bring the emirate’s cultural landmarks online for audiences to enjoy their offerings from home. Follow @abudhabiculture and #CulturAll and stay tuned for experiences from the museum.