Ok, so here is a quick update on how things stand in Vienna for AI:
We have two real locations (RLs) Vienna (Cafe Stein) and Linz (Sky Cafe).
We have one virtual location (ATHEMOO).
All three locations will be connected via the Internet and synchronized to
the best of our ability (thank god for Rainer and Aaron).
During the workshop and before the performance we will get people
acquainted with the MOO and instruct them on its use (see mail "MOO help
from the Archwiz..."). I know that Juli, Jim, Susan, and maybe others are
also working on a tutorial that will prove very useful.
Then the performance begins:
Gernot had a very good idea on how to lead into the performance at the Sky
Cafe. It is a wonderful location on the top floor of the ARS building with
a commanding 270 degree view of the Danube. The windows will be sealed off
with shutters that can be controlled automatically and we can manipulate
them to play with the shadows...very dramatic and also serves as a
transition from the real (the view of the Danube 'Danau') to the internal
virtual world of the Sky Cafe that we will create during the performance.
Also, as we make this transition it will be accompanied by the entrance
music (Parados). But here Santiago and we must discuss this change. It
would be best to have just the composition without the screens while this
transition is taking place and then have the screens begin just after the
MC takes position and the transition is completed from real to virtual.
NOTE: During this time people will be on the MOO in both Linz and Vienna
(and elsewhere of course) but this will not be seen on the large screens
which will remain black in both places until the transition is complete.
Though the music will be heard in Both Linz and Vienna.
Ok, so Mischa (our MC) then takes her place and begins the introduction as
the screens now join the music (showing both animation and the MOO).
NOTE 2: The introduction is being changed to reflect the obvious changes
in venue and circumstance, and also because people will have been informed
of the project and the MOO before the performance through the use of the
workshop, screens, tutorials, personal help, and printed material.
As stated before, the performance will be synchronized in all three venues.
In Linz and Vienna there will be identical performances with a few
substantial differences dictated by the limitations (opportunities :-)) of
the locations. This is particularly true of the Cafe Stein in Vienna which
presented many difficulties that had to be resolved.
First the Sky Cafe:
We will have a screen and project for the optimum viewing of the animations
and MOO.
Ulli's light cones will be situated across the Sky cafe and not centrally
located (Ulli and me both hate symmetry). This will prove more visually
interesting and also serve to extend the performance space. Now, one or
two of the cones will be outside of the visual plane of the large screen
which means that people will be turning away from the large screen to view
the cones as they speak and the light fades up on (in) them. So, this is
what we are doing to enhance the idea that the light cones are engaging in
dialogue as characters with each other (btw, there is also a concurrent
dialogue being engaged in between the MC, the MOOMC and the virtual MOO
actors and participants). Monitors will be placed in each light cone (this
is in addtion to the dramatic lighting and not in place of it) . When each
character is speaking the monitor within the light cone will show the MOO
dialogue (German, Spanish, English). All other monitors will be black.
This, with the lighting will serve to center attention on the active light
cone. Also, on the eight extra monitors, which are on the other side of
the room from the large screen, we will show only the animations so the
audience will not miss anything when they turn to view the light cones (one
or two) that are farther from the big screen.
In the Cafe Stein in Vienna, Ulli's cones will be recreated to her
specifications (fingers crossed) as neon art (80 centimeters high) and also
asymmetrically located throughout the three chambers that serve as our
performance space. Originally, I wanted to use holograms but there wasn't
enough time. Still, in some ways, I think neon may fit more nicely with
the Cafe Stein. This lights will also be manipulated to show that the
characters are engaged in dialogue. Now, the major difficulty with the
Cafe Stein is the way it is situated as three interconnected chambers.
Fortunately, we found a good location for the screen and projector
(near...very near the MOO computers) and also came up with the solution to
provide two large monitors, in addition to the large screen, so that all
three chambers will see the screen animations and MOO dialogue.
There will be no MC at the Cafe Stein. Instead, the MC's voice will be
transmitted via the Internet to the Sky Cafe.
Point of fact: All three locations will receive their cues from the audio
of the MC in Linz (On the MOO this will be transmittied from the MC to the
MOOMC to the MOO participants). So, the audio connection of the text from
the MC is the most important piece of information being transmitted.
Because of this we are taking steps to ensure that the quality and
reliability of the audio remains constant throughout the performance.
Some additional info:
In Vienna we will have someone to function as a stage manager (presently
unfilled).
Rainer will be in technical command in Vienna, Aaron in technical command
in Linz. In the ATHEMOO Juli, and in BC (Jim?).
Well, this is all I can think of at the moment. I will write as more
details become available but I think things are finally taking shape.
One very important thing for everyone to remember, here in Vienna there are
many technical, financial, and logistical problems that still have to be
resolved (I think we have a good grip on the artistic) and we are working
very hard just to get this done in time for September 12. So, this
obviously means that we have to concentrate on the immediate tasks before
us and not dissipate our energies on tangental matters. I know everyone
understands and I have a feeling the same is true in Hawaii and BC.
See you all soon,
Lee
PS: I was thinking that since alcohol is served in the Cafe Stein, Sky
Cafe, ATHEMOO (virtually :-( ) and BC(?). That we should devise a drink
called "Oudeis Ambosia", something unique and strong. What do you think?
Any suggestions?