Matti Braun invests in an exploration of alienation in a complex and unexpected way, developing his project in the framework of classic theatre. He created an adaptation of a film script from the Bengalese filmmaker Satyajit Ray into a play. Working with non-actors, Braun speculated as to whether individuals could rather inhabit the roles as themselves in an improvised fashion. Braun further pushed this uncanny alienated feeling by positioning the actors as beautifully coloured pastel props, carefully choreographed against a stark black and white Burenesque stage set, with simple minimal sculptures in a highly controlled mise en scene.

Matti Braun developed his project The Alien as a series of stages in which elements of dance, acting and music were explored and framed within the context of Braun’s wider practice. Inviting the composer Li-Chuan Chong and the Kantele player Timo Väänänen to come to the Netherlands to compose the music for the play, the first public performance of the music took place at the Lloyd Hotel in April, 2005.