DISKOKINA

Diskokina is NYC’s own cutting-edge incubator for “Real-Time Club-Theatre” — a dizzying fusion of high tech, audiovisual theatrical collaborations staged by a team of boundary pushing artists and performers. Wielding bleeding-edge mediums like live VR puppetry and motion capture, Diskokina is the brainchild of Team Rolfes and Club Cringe, directed by Sam Rolfes and Jen Sillen with a travelling ensemble of DJs & musicians hailing from the underground scenes of NYC and beyond. Throughout the show, virtual avatar and mascot ‘Kina’ guides audiences through high-stakes and ever-evolving narratives of international intrigue and digital drama.

Sam, co-director of studio Team Rolfes, are pioneers in the fields of virtual performance, design, and direction, who have shaped the landscape of avant-garde club and theatre scenes through livestream improv, live stage animation, and sculptural 3D design. Their studio work spans album covers, fashion collaborations, and music videos for artists like Lady Gaga, Danny Elfman, Arca, Holly Herndon, and Danny L Harle, with performances of their flagship show, 321Rule, showcased at major festivals worldwide.

Jen and her iconic collective Club Cringe have been an influential force in NYC’s underground nightlife, founding the venue Rash in 2021 and curating programming for institutions like Times Square Arts and Moma PS1 Warm-Up. Club Cringe’s internal roster, Mother Cell, Frost Children, DJ Wallhax, Angel Money & DJ Trick have presented their unique blend of club anthems and narrative theatre across a discography of compilations and releases, virtual raves, LAN Parties, radio shows, a sprawling mix series & festival stages worldwide.