An unfinished drama

Abstract

The partnership of theater and digital media shows much potential for new means of storytelling. Digital scenery can be joined to the performer's action on stage; algorithmic influences can blur the linearity of a drama; interactive technology offers novel means of involving the audience in the creation of the piece. Interaction can thus enhance the dramaturgical possibilities of traditional theater. However, the narrative task also accompanies various new challenges for the designers of such a play. On the basis of our dance performance Parcival XX-XI, we define requirements for making an audience interact in a theatrical play and introduce four interaction-enabling criteria for theatrical performances that use gestural interfaces.