Introduction

What questions did you have at the start of this project?

What technology is available? Can we make new technology combined by already existing elements. What type of technology would reinforce the way of presenting theatre and help us build the story?

What technology was the focus of the work, and why?
The ceiling of the stage was made out of 2000 LED pixels, and controlled by Madmapper. It could, with help of colored lights, imitate the pictures shown on the screen. There where also used Immersive sound scape that engulfed the audience, made by Felipe Noriega.

What did you hope to explore in terms of technology, form, and content?

We wanted the technology to be an integrated part of the performance, and blend in the same way as the actors. We didn`t want the technology to feel like an obstacle for the audience.

Creative Process

How did the collaborators work together on this project?

There were a positive energy all the way. Everybody was excited to work under new circumstances in a world we haven't to much in before. Also being a part of a European collaborating project was new and exciting. It was good to be part of the exchange with the other theatres in the project.

What forms of trial and error occurred?

We had a lot of work with the madmapper to make it work in the way we wanted. It was difficult to make the things we pictured our self in the beginning. That was also the reason why we used the light ceiling less than we planned. It took a lot of time and resources.
Covid-19 targeted us one week before the original opening night. Shutting it down, and picking it up a year later had us challenged on documenting before closing down, and trying to remember at the second part. We made a lot of changes before the new opening night.

Did you use existing software?

We used madmapper, controlling 2000 LED pixels placed in the ceiling of the stage, making different "pictures" and moods.

Did any of your questions or goals change, over the course of this project?

We understood that technology itself isn't enough to engage an audience. There must be interaction with the actors to give an effect. The year between the first rehearsal period and the second period, and the way society and technology change over just one year, had a big impact on how we thought at the second rehearsal period. We had a lot of new ideas and new focus points.

What were the key milestones in the development of the production?

Reach and engage a young audience and present them new immersive technology.

Reflections

What was the final outcome of the project, and how does it compare to any expectations at the start?

The result was simplified from the first idea with a lot of different technology. Lack of time and resources, and the wish of focusing on the story and reach out to the audience made us change it.

In what ways was the production a success?

It was a good start into a longer project period, and we have learned a lot to use in the two next productions. The show itself was also effected by Covid-19, that made us postpone it one year.

What elements of the final production would you change?

Make the different elements merge better together. As an advice to other people taking similar approach, we would say to take time, connect to the right people, and don't be too ambitious. It's not a lot needed to make the wow factor.