Avatar · Mythology
New Media Performance | October 18, 2019 - October 19, 2019
Venue: New Space Theatre, Shanghai Theatre Academy, Shanghai, China
Collaborators: Zhang Yinan (Tongji University), Li Yuejuan, Jess Chiayi Seetoo (Shanghai Theatre Academy), Zoe Yu Chien Cheng
Videos
Project Description
The project was premiered in 2019 China Shanghai International Arts Festival as “The Rising Artists’ Works”.
Drawing on the worldview of Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), a Chinese classic text of mythic geography and beasts, we instill contemporary, philosophical contemplations into a newly conceived story. Against the mythical backdrop is the idea of “avatar,” or modes of “alter-being,” through which we elaborate the inner journey of human beings’ coming to terms with the unknown: the birthing of life, the struggle for survival, the revelation via love, hate, and fear, and the ultimate transcendence and release with inner peace.
If the mythical world filled with Eastern totemic symbols represent the birthing of the unknown, the “beasts” that are the “alter-beings” of humans render visually our inner complexes. This piece combines semi-immersive space design with multi-medial visuals to let the audience inhabit the “unknown” and experience their “alter-beings” with the dancers, as we journey into the mysteries of life.
In correspondence, the digital media design features technological “avatars” by way of motion capture, interactive animation, and remote control, linking backstage manipulation with front stage performance. With these all-permeating technological “avatars” as metaphorical “alter-beings,” the performance also embodies the merge between modern technology and traditional arts.
Features real-time motion tracking and interactive avatars mimicking dancer movements.
Contributions
- Developed real-time motion tracking and abstract creature generation.
- Managed media content via Arena Resolume.
- Designed and simulated technical setups using 3D modeling.
- Contributed to sound composition and overall media integration.
- Led the conceptual development and integration of media, choreography, and sound.
Supplemental Materials
Actual Performance
Real-time Motion Tracking
Custom Interface
Projection Mapping Interface
Stage Mock-ups
