Pathogen of War

Shubbak Festival and BAC present the preview of Pathogen of War: An immersive experience exploring a mysterious killer born of war. In 2023, this pathogen kills between 50,000-100,000 people a year. 

We’ll take you forward to 2073, a decade after the Bio-Rift – the moment when all bacteria became resistant to all our antibiotics, resulting in the deaths of around half the human population.

This speculative interactive work combines real science with a possible near future looking at the dangers of antibiotic resistance. As participants, you’ll be undertaking learning module mandated for all citizens of the Recovery Administration showcasing new research by their Museum of Medical Archaeology about what caused the Bio-Rift and what lessons can be drawn to prevent it from happening again.

Iraqi medical anthropologist Dr. Omar Dewachi will take you on a journey to understand the how Acinetobacter baumannii went from being a relatively benign bacteria, to a “perfect killer”, also known by its US moniker ‘Iraqibacter’ or the ‘invisible enemy’.

Together you’ll reveal the many layers of this bacteria’s social history – from the microscopic to the geopolitical, unearthing how the consequences of war can drive pathogens, which threaten the viability of antibiotics, and our health, globally.

Shubbak Festival is the UK’s premier festival of contemporary Arab arts and culture. Shubbak Festival is taking place across London, key UK locations, and online throughout 23rd June – 9th July 2023.

Cutting-edge artists feature alongside distinguished names in its ambitious programmes of premieres and new commissions. With a vibrant mix of visual arts, film, music, theatre, dance, literature and debates, Shubbak showcases the diversity and innovation of contemporary Arab arts and culture, and celebrates what makes it distinctive to itself.

www.shubbak.co.uk

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