The Application of Visual Image and Interactive Storytelling to Stage Performance

Abstract

New media technologies bring to light new techniques in representation and storytelling. Particularly, in theatre performance that is delivered live to the audience, new techniques have the capacity to create more immersive experiences to audiences. In recent years, Chinese audience are witnessing an increasing number of new representation and storytelling techniques being applied on stage productions. These technological innovations on stage are rapidly developing and inherit tremendous creative potentials. This paper focuses on the application of game engine-powered technologies such as real-time rendering used in 3D mapping, interactive, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality etc. On the frontstage that is visible to the audience, the way of storytelling and the visual narration of the creative concept appears to be the result of these technological innovations on stage. This paper focuses on the application of technologies such as real-time rendering, virtual reality, and mixed reality on stage performances powered by game engine to realize intermixing of storytelling. Throughout the paper, we provide examples of various stage productions, such as theatre, music performances, and dance productions. These examples demonstrate the wide range of applications that are possible in enriching ways of storytelling and engaging audience. Yet, despite all of the above benefits, we also call for is a reflection upon the relationship between technology and arts. We argue that in spite of the availabilities of these technologies, it is imperative to also slow down and reassess the content we are going to create and begin a series of creative conversations between artistic expressions and technological excursions.