The story of forefather Abraham, who is willing to obey God's command and sacrifice his son, is one of the most puzzling passages of the Bible. In the three monotheistic religions, it is among the most significant and most popular stories and among the first that were ever depicted. The text that is handed down in Judaism as the "Binding of Isaac" to this day still raises questions that are answered differently by the three religions.

Multimedia artist Saskia Boddeke and British film director Peter Greenaway understand the sacrifice of Isaac as a human drama. Which is stronger – God's command or the love of a father? And where can the modern subject be found between the priorities of obedience and trust?

Boddeke has interpreted the story as a human drama, in a modern context. Children from all over the world stating “I am Isaac” or “I am Ismail”,  represent the children who need to be protected. Images of children and their parents show a different perspective of Abraham’s obedience, for which he was praised and rewarded. Contemporary images of suffering children make us question whether we, like Abraham, are sacrificing children in obedience too....?

The result is an immersive experience in fifteen parts using film projections, installations, precious objects, and its own soundtrack. Its dramaturgy is inspired by the legends of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, and linked with the experience of our time.  

My role: Picture researcher and costume designer