Here are some more thoughts about a possible way of proceeding and concepts
for integrating live theatre and the Internet:
General production details:
Performance duration: 1 hour
Performances sites: 3 -5
Cast size: 1 actor per site
Stage: 8 meters x 8 meters
Lighting: varilite? or other possibilities - I would encourage you to keep
this simple as resources will vary from theater to theater
Sound: some sort audio transfer
Video: I would really encourage some sort of video element. I know it's slow
and troublesome but it's really worth it. Audience will want to see the
other stages in the other countries
Production Concept:
JOURNEY TOLD BY A JOURNEY
Here is a concept or technique to consider:
The story of Odysseus told in parts (episodes).
Each episode takes place on a different stage in a different country
The actor on each stage plays Odysseus.
2 episodes in Vienna
3 episodes in other countries
1 episode = 10 minutes
length of show = 50 minutes (probably 1 hour given technical difficulties
and other considerations)
TELL ME - The journey begins in Vienna then travels to other sites as
determined by the group, possibly by the sequence of the episode and
concludes in Vienna - returning to where it began. Each site is a vital link
in the story and the Internet is used to link all the stages and episodes
together.
The Internet element:
Each site would have one camera and all sites would video conference. All
actors playing Odysseus mirror the "active stage" - (the stage which is
telling its episode). Stage grid would be useful for reference, lighting
could also be more or less duplicated.
Digitization of Odysseus
To suggest the traveling of Odysseus from one site to another - Odysseus is
digitized - meaning scan the face of the actor who plays Odysseus in Vienna.
This scanned image "morphs" into the image of the face of the actor playing
Odysseus in Argentina. Then the Argentine stage is active and all the other
Odysseus mirror the action in Argentina. The scanned images of the actors
faces could be videotaped ahead of time or put on a website which is put up
on a monitor. Obviously each Odysseus will be different and depending on the
episode maybe Odysseus will even be a puppet manipulated by the actor!
Ambient sound
Along with the digitization of the Odysseus, ambient sound of the location
could be used. This could mean if the next episode is in Chicago maybe
random phrases in English would be heard, cars and other sounds of the city
could be heard. Also sounds which have something to do with the Chicago
episode.
Hardships of the Internet
As we all know nothing works perfectly. Sound quality and picture quality
will not be ideal. This is o.k. and can be used. The Odyssey is an ancient
story so the idea of messages coming from the past could be used. Some come
through perfectly ... others are garbled. The idea of the text coming from
memory, coming from someone telling the story (the muse) this could explain
why stories are fragmented and hazy. I would even suggest a major technical
glitch to start the show. This would get the audience's attention
immediately and clear the notion of a high-tech/technically perfect show. IF
the computers and lights went out or if there were sparks of electricity or
if somehow the show started slowly like power or electrical current was
slowly being injected ...this might be effective. ANOTHER RANDOM IDEA: at
the end of the show all the cameras on all the stages could be turned to the
audiences. So audiences watch audiences and realize that they have all
shared the journey ... just a thought.
Telling the story
If we use the analogy of memory then images and sound come to mind. Also
storytelling by the actor or accompanying text on a WWW page? A voice
narrating and the actor doing the movement?
Theme
The theme of the performance will be determined by the episodes that are
selected and the mode of performance. This will be developed as all work
together and will be shaped by Monika and the KIS group.
SUGGESTED ARTISTIC WORK PLAN
1. Identify the sites - Given that the details are more defined start
finding the other countries that will participate. Three other stages would
probably be the easiest. ALSO (you may already have this) find a SPECIALIST
or PROFESSOR who can serve as a HOMER resource. Someone who knows a lot
about Homer and the Odyssey would be very useful for the project. Questions
regarding text and history could be directed to the Specialist. Also the
Specialist may have ideas on how Episode elements relate to the Internet and
to the theme of the performance.
2. Once the sites are selected then select the episodes. It sounds Monika
and Gernot know which episodes they want to use. Then either assign certain
episodes to certain cities/stages or let the cities select which episode
they would like to present.
3. Each site could then develop a performance plan/script for their episode.
All the scripts would then be sent/discussed with Monika and Gernot. Through
group discussion, and decisions made by Monika and Gernot, the performance
would have unifying elements and the theme would be found.
4. Bring in Designers and Technicians. Have the designers and technicians
look at the Performance plans and see if they have ideas and ways to link
the journey together. Unifying design elements can be established.
5. Bring in the actors. Actors could then come in and rehearsals would
begin. This would then develop the performance and journey even more.
6. Performance!
SUGGESTED PRODUCTION PLAN
1. Sites are identified and information gathered regarding all organizations
involved. Work guidelines and simple agreements are made - who gets credit
for the performance, rights etc.
2. International needs
Identify equipment and resources needed by ALL stages/performance groups.
Approach companies together with information on everyone in the group. This
will make the proposal stronger and may make it easier to get the money or
equipment that is needed by everyone. Also the company only gets one
proposal as opposed to 4 - 7 proposals from all the different countries
involved.
3. Local needs.
Each organization takes care of local production needs however letters of
support from the other countries involved will help get local resources
(this worked for me when I did a collaboration with an Australian theatre
company).
4. All funding and equipment is obtained. Then work starts on unified
publicity and production information - actually the website is already very
good and many things are already happening in this area.