On April 20th, 2010, the offshore oil platform “Deepwater Horizon” exploded 66km off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. A disaster that would have grave environmental consequences in the long run. 
Eleven people died in the explosion and several more were critically injured. Research that was conducted in the aftermath showed that several critical safety measures had failed in the event. Because of the rig’s blowout preventer not working correctly, flammable oil and natural gas was able to travel from the seafloor up to the platform, triggering several large explosions. 

Two days later, on April 22nd of 2010, the Deepwater Horizon finally capsized and sank, triggering one of the most severe oil spill incidents in US history. Shutting the well at the bottom of the sea proved to be a difficult task, allowing up to 60’000 barrels of oil per day to leak into the ocean. An oil slick stretching almost 150’000km formed on the Gulf of Mexico, polluting over 1’750km of shoreline. 
The effects on the environment were serious and manifold. Animals that were exposed to crude oil or chemical dispersants used to make cleanup easier, often died or developed long lasting health conditions. Up until 2015 1’400 whales and dolphins had stranded, a figure representing only a small percentage of oil spill casualties. The overall damage the spill has done to the environment is difficult to grasp and continues to unfold.
Judges ruling in the following court cases determined that British Petroleum’s behavior leading up to the explosion was “grossly negligent”, a phrasing that BP disputed heavily. 

Political measures to prevent future spills were largely rolled back during the Trump administration. 

DWH is a performative musical piece dealing with the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe on multiple levels, discussing its political, human and environmental aspects in an emotionally engaging way.