Extending the Performing Space through Virtual Reality

Περίληψη

In this work we present the challenges and opportunities for using Virtual Reality (VR) technologies as a medium to expand the space and time of the performing stage and storyline through the experimental collaborative performance. This interdisciplinary artistic and experimental exploration took the form of a theatrical production and a hybrid telematic theatrical play which took place simultaneously in the digital space as well as in four European cities in four countries (Poland, Greece, Ukraine, and Georgia) called Brave New World. This VR theatrical performance was conceptualised and directed and direction by Garbaczewski, and developed by the Digital Performance Network.The narrative of hybrid performance expands in both these four physical spaces and countries, and virtual worlds of the platform, enabling a constant interplay between different world extensions and mappings as well as multiplicities of roles, acting events, and perspectives of the heroes. This also activates a hybrid stage for live direction and real-time interactions. In this work, we focus on the technical and artistic solutions that we adopted for the creation of the performance for the Greek audience in the physical space both during the rehearsals and the performance.