|
Immersion in other worlds has always been one of the objectives of literature, theatre and film. Digital technologies take immersion to a whole new level and challenge traditional definitions of reality and fiction. Immersive, interactive worlds were long the domain of computer game developers. Now, creatives from many art forms are exploring these new dimensions of storytelling. New York's Tribeca Film Festival has launched a dedicated category for immersive storytelling. For the projects submitted here, the audience is presented with individual visual impressions, mostly through virtual reality goggles. In immersive theatre experiences, by contrast, digital technology fades into the background. In the American city of Pittsburgh, the Bricolage theatre company emphasises active audience participation. Daan Roosegaarde, from the Netherlands, creates immersive art worlds which explore the dynamic relationship between humans and nature, often in public spaces. For his “Waterlicht” installation in New York, entire streets were darkened and then virtually flooded with masses of water. The works of the Roosegaarde studio transport the visitor into virtual worlds. In so doing, the technological objects often communicate with the space and the people. Ever more and ever faster, digital technology is helping to create new realities.
|