I have been pondering a few ideas and have been trying to work out the
framework and details before offering them but since the project it now at
the stage where decisions concerning the content and framework are
beginning to solidify I thought it would be best if I put them on the table
for possible discussion.
1. Have the audience (on computer) play the central part of Odysseus!
2. Have the real performance locations represent the different stages of
his voyage!
This would accomplish several things and I believe add a compelling sense
of drama. To begin with, I think the audience on computer will probably be
larger than the audience in the RL and they will also be in better position
to particate via each individual computer. Also, having each RL represent
a stage in the voyage will give each location a solid anchor and purpose
which will make them more accessible to the entire audience. In addiition,
each RL could use their native language (which could be condensed and
subtitled). This would, of course, add to the universal worldwide appeal
of the project.
Another benefit to this course of action would be that this project could
be developed so that it would have a life after these initial performances.
By this I mean, an interactive performance could be created from this
framework and placed on the WWW for future individual performances by any
one with a computer who wished to access the Oudeis-site and play the part
of Odysseus, a continuing performance with variations, if you will.
The major question is, how would each audience member, on computer,
actually play the role of Odysseus? This is the detail I have been
concentrating on and there are several possibilities. One is that the
framework could be set up in such a way that it would give the
audience/Odysseus some flexibility for interaction as the events occur in
the course of the play. Another possibility would be to have each RL
repeat with some variation their phase of the voyage a number of times
during the performance which would allow the audience/Oysseus greater
freedom in choice and time in determining which part of the Odyssey they
would like to participate in.
As I said, these are ideas which are not fully developed but I thought it
might provide some help in both formulating the content and deciding on the
role of the audience.
All the best,
Lee