Augmented opera performance

Abstract

Operatic performance has a long and well-established history as a large-scale performance encompassing elements of music, theatre and design. Staging of such productions is an intricate process involving many parties both on the stage and behind the scenes. This paper discusses multimodal and multimedia technologies and techniques that can assist this practice. We look particularly at the conductor, as the controller of temporal progression, leading the various components as a cohesive unit. For this reason, a particular focus is upon the development of methods to communicate cues and information for lighting, visual stimuli and haptic feedback. Previous work that has informed the design of this system is also discussed. The paper concludes with the project's current status and impact. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.