I is a strange loop

From the creative ensemble behind Complicité’s sensational A Disappearing Number, this two-hander unfolds to reveal an intriguing take on mortality, consciousness and artificial life.

Alone in a cube that glows in the darkness, X is content with his infinite universe and abstract thought. But then Y appears, insisting they interact, exposing him to her sensory and physical existence. Each begins to hanker after what the other has until a remarkable thing happens … involving a strange loop.

Featuring acting mathematicians Marcus du Sautoy and Victoria Gould – both stellar contributors to recent Complicité hits – I is a strange loop is part of a Barbican series investigating consciousness through music, machines and the mind. Led by Du Sautoy, who takes inspiration from the 40th anniversary of Douglas Hofstadter’s seminal book, Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid, the triptych finds links between systems and creativity, technology and humanity, using theatre, music and art.

Theatre & dance strange loops Life Rewired

Duration: 1 hour 20 mins, no interval
Age guidance: 8+

Presented by the Barbican. Supported by the Simonyi Fund.

Standard £18

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No booking fee. Discounted tickets subject to availability.

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Young Barbican

£5

Aged 14–25? Join Young Barbican for free.

No booking fee. Subject to availability.

Concessions & discounts

Under 16
Save 50%. Proof of age required on collection.

Schools
£8 per ticket. Call the Groups line on 020 7382 7211 to book.

Access
Visitors with access requirements who have joined our Access Membership scheme may be eligible for reductions on tickets. Call the Box Office on 020 7638 8891. For Minicom facilities, call 07710 854 085.

Groups (10+)
Save 20%. Call the Groups line on 020 7382 7211.

Corporate Discounts
Save 25%. More info

Discounts are not available on lowest price tickets and are subject to availability. Discounts do not apply to associated talks, films or workshops. They cannot be combined to make greater savings.

*Excludes £3 booking fee