For ‘Lebensraum’, Jakop Ahlbom drew inspiration from the work of Buster Keaton in the 1920s. With his silent films, Keaton was a pioneer of slapstick and physical comedy.

In Keaton’s day, silent films were accompanied live by piano music. ‘Lebensraum’ is accompanied live by Leonard Lucieer and Empee Holwerda.

Two men live together in a small room. Ingeniously, they have solved the problem of their limited space. Everything is multifunctional: the bed is also a piano, and the bookcase doubles as a refrigerator. 

To make up for the lack of feminine care, they create a mechanical housekeeper. It soon becomes clear that this lady has plans beyond simply cleaning peacefully. A doll with a mind of her own that refuses to be ordered around. 

The one-room apartment is getting crowded. That latest invention looks set to become their downfall…