And Finally.....
Manifesto for our group
We initially started to research the issue of racism, as we wanted to work on a topic that has affected many people and has been a problematic issue for many years. Although we felt this was still a dominant issue, we wanted to touch upon an area that the majority of people could relate to as well as something that stems directly from the module itself. We decided after much thought that racism may have been too specific as it only affected a particular group of people rather than all people in general.
From the onset, our seminar groups discussions have been heavily related to the Internet, in particular Facebook. With an increasing number of people joining Facebook, and the internet becoming more of a focal point in our lives, we aimed to explore this issue in more depth. The internet was our main influence for our final topic of discussion. We feel that the internet has taken the world by storm. It is a whole new world that gives ordinary people unrestricted access to completely uncensored information. We discussed positive and negative aspects of the Internet, as well as discussing the issues that have been made most public, controversial, and problematic. One of which was violence. The increase of violence in modern society has always been linked to the increase in violent shows on the media. Now, it appears that the internet is taking the blame as well. Street violence, especially gun violence in Britain is on the rise in the younger generations with teenagers being shot dead almost every week in large cities. Recently, Anthony Anderson was jailed for three years on account of ‘outraging public decency.’ He urinated on a dying woman whilst his friends filmed the footage and then claimed, “This is a youtube moment!” Is the internet to blame for his behaviour or are we just using the internet as a scapegoat for much deeper problems within British society? Is violence is an outcome of the Internet and whether the Internet contributes to violence as a form of entertainment.
Our objective is to present our audience with an issue and tackle it through discussion. We felt that by staging a live debate that concentrated on the issue of the internet contributing to violence being seen as form of entertainment, we would not only be able to express our own individual views on the matter, but also gain the understanding of the public. We wanted to question the public’s understanding of violence as entertainment and whether or not they feel it has a place.
As a group of four strong minded people, we felt it necessary that we all had our own say. Our intent is not to force our opinions on others, but provide them with a choice and let them reach their own decision. There is no right or wrong answer to the question proposed, it all comes down to personal opinion. The aim of the debate is to demonstrate this, by getting our audience involved they too can voice their opinion, after hearing the research and opinions that we put forward and taking part in an in depth discussion. In order to do this we understand that it is vitally important that we have provided them with enough information for them to make a decision for themselves.
Violence affects everyone in one way or another; it is present in all types of media, television, newspapers and the internet! But would violence as entertainment still be present without the internet? Has it contributed to crime rate and sadistic behaviour? What do we view as acceptable entertainment and should we interfere with the contents of the internet by using censorship? Through our discussion and debate we aim to try and bring some light to these subjects, and even if we do not come to solid conclusions- we hope to get our audience members thinking about them.
What we hope to achieve:
Our main aim was to produce a live structured debate open to the audience to contribute and speak their opinions. We wanted to use an issue that is growing rapidly but is often disregarded therefore we wanted to raise awareness. By having a debate we hope to produce a valid argument that covers points both for and against violence in the media contributing to real acts of violence in today’s society. We hope to achieve a heated argument between the four of us, but we also hope to provoke to audience, raising elements that they may be able to identify with or feel strongly towards. By having a group debate, we are able to have a general idea of what contribution the media has to violence today. By aiming our debate around young students who are highly opinionated and less influenced by the media than young children for example, we hope to form a successful argument by stepping out of the box and looking at these issues as outsiders. As students and young adults we are very prone to violence, and we often regard it as part of the binge culture we live In today, therefore it is interesting to look closer at something we are affected by everyday, the media, and question whether it is causing or influencing these problems.
By taking part in virtuality in performance, we have learnt the huge affect of the media and technology on our lives without realizing the extremes of these effects. By forming our debate we hope to discover what these effects are.
Friday, 25 January 2008
Evaluation.
The debate, did not go to plan, due to unforseen circumstances we had to perform in the following week.
I decided that i still wanted the debate in place, and so with the help of Chris, Kyle and Ian, i managed to come up with the idea of SKYPE, linking three out of the four group members together to form some sort of debate.
Despite technical issues, i found the whole experience interesting, i felt we had added virtuality into our presentation.It was disappointing as i felt if more people were present and if we had done it on the week planned, a real debate could have taken place, as it already formed with the five people present, with more there, more of a bantor and atmosphere could have been created. As stated in our manifesto our aim was tpo provide the audience with something to think about, not to force our opinion on them, which i felt we did.
Even thou, i felt let down by the group, i was happy with the way the presentation was conducted it was an experience and a learning curve.
I decided that i still wanted the debate in place, and so with the help of Chris, Kyle and Ian, i managed to come up with the idea of SKYPE, linking three out of the four group members together to form some sort of debate.
Despite technical issues, i found the whole experience interesting, i felt we had added virtuality into our presentation.It was disappointing as i felt if more people were present and if we had done it on the week planned, a real debate could have taken place, as it already formed with the five people present, with more there, more of a bantor and atmosphere could have been created. As stated in our manifesto our aim was tpo provide the audience with something to think about, not to force our opinion on them, which i felt we did.
Even thou, i felt let down by the group, i was happy with the way the presentation was conducted it was an experience and a learning curve.
Monday, 21 January 2008
THE DEBATE!!
My research over the Christmas break, led me to an unexpected path! At first I thought that the Internet was to blame for the amount of violence which we had in our entertainment. But as I began to research, I found that violence has been around for a long time, dating back to ancient times! I also found, that people in other cultures still have public stoning and hangings; all of this is viewed as entertainment without the influence of the Internet.
I also found that, the content of violence on the Internet is very minimal; most of the content is facts and news about reality rather than actual sources of entertainment!
I also found that violence on television, film and indeed video games is to a much higher extent than that of the Internet.
Vladimir Propp, the Russian formalist, talks about how violence is part of the 31 components which make up any story, from fairy tales to modern day soap operas! Blockbuster violent films will still draw in the numbers as violence has and always be entertainment to us! This will be explained to a more detailed extent during the performance. As part of my research, I also spoke to peers and co- workers, to gain an impression of what the public thought, there were mixed feelings, some agreed that the internet did not contribute; other argued it did, as the internet was unavoidable! However with this in mind, I planned my argument!
The main points i wanted to argue where:
1. Violence has always been in our enetertainment since the Greek ages.
2.People watch violence, in the hope to understand it!
3.Propps ideas.
4. Blockbuster Violent films still popular.
5. Indvidual choice!
6. Public violent events still happen in other cultures.
7.The difference between facts and fiction.
8. We can chose what we view on the internet.
Together with Kims ideas, i felt we had a very strong argument!
I also found that, the content of violence on the Internet is very minimal; most of the content is facts and news about reality rather than actual sources of entertainment!
I also found that violence on television, film and indeed video games is to a much higher extent than that of the Internet.
Vladimir Propp, the Russian formalist, talks about how violence is part of the 31 components which make up any story, from fairy tales to modern day soap operas! Blockbuster violent films will still draw in the numbers as violence has and always be entertainment to us! This will be explained to a more detailed extent during the performance. As part of my research, I also spoke to peers and co- workers, to gain an impression of what the public thought, there were mixed feelings, some agreed that the internet did not contribute; other argued it did, as the internet was unavoidable! However with this in mind, I planned my argument!
The main points i wanted to argue where:
1. Violence has always been in our enetertainment since the Greek ages.
2.People watch violence, in the hope to understand it!
3.Propps ideas.
4. Blockbuster Violent films still popular.
5. Indvidual choice!
6. Public violent events still happen in other cultures.
7.The difference between facts and fiction.
8. We can chose what we view on the internet.
Together with Kims ideas, i felt we had a very strong argument!
Video Bar
Oppoiste you will see, a video link of lots of violence on the internet. Ask yourself this. IS THIS ENTERTAINMENT??
Friday, 4 January 2008
Week 10
Week 10.-
This week, the blurb on the fighter cockpit, drew my attention to video games being seen as a form of entertainment.
Video games transport us into a different world, a work of virtuality which we control, we become that character and that character becomes us. The game is out stage and the story the script.
Like theatre, video games have expanded and developed. We no longer have to put up with 2D images and single camera angles, with such inventions as the Playstaion 3, and Nintendo Wii. Performance can be created. The Nintendo Wii. Allows us to create our own characters called ‘Miis’. We can make them look like us and even give them characteristics of ourselves.
Computer games and consoles have become fully engaged in the multimedia virtual age, and have re mediated themselves too, we can still play, Classic sonic the Hedgehog and Mario, but on a higher level, we become that character and play out a performance but to a larger degree.
‘The fighter cockpit exemplifies the theatrical space of the digital world, and if the critics have not seen this, the video game designers certainly have.’
I think that although theatre has reinvented itself it need to a larger degree, the audience craves more and so more should be given to them.
This source of research, I also felt was applicable for my project, as the topic was that of violence, I felt it important to show how violent video games are seen as entertainment and weather this too was a contributing factor. Kim and I, designed a group on facebook raising these issues, as we were all on facebook, we thought this was the best platform, added to this; we could invite other, outside our class to comment on the issues, making our research more in depth. We felt it was important to see other views on such an important subject.
This week, I also watched Complex, which was the performance mentioned earlier put on by the Graduating Performing Arts Students.
Electra was very interesting. The set consisted of about 5 television screens, and one large projection screen. The five screens allowed the audience to see the action from Nemours angles, whilst the projection screen provided us with action linking to that what was happening on stage, I felt this performance encompassed a lot of multimedia work, and was extremely effective. The Multimedia added to the performance and created a different platform of theatre. This piece juxtaposed with the following story, that of Oedipus. as this one had no multimedia effects, instead relied on action alone. This piece was extremely physical. It was different but at the same time very effective, it proved that theatre does not have to have images of virtuality in order for it to be effective, and that like Chris said; theatre can indeed compete with other forms of media.
This week, the blurb on the fighter cockpit, drew my attention to video games being seen as a form of entertainment.
Video games transport us into a different world, a work of virtuality which we control, we become that character and that character becomes us. The game is out stage and the story the script.
Like theatre, video games have expanded and developed. We no longer have to put up with 2D images and single camera angles, with such inventions as the Playstaion 3, and Nintendo Wii. Performance can be created. The Nintendo Wii. Allows us to create our own characters called ‘Miis’. We can make them look like us and even give them characteristics of ourselves.
Computer games and consoles have become fully engaged in the multimedia virtual age, and have re mediated themselves too, we can still play, Classic sonic the Hedgehog and Mario, but on a higher level, we become that character and play out a performance but to a larger degree.
‘The fighter cockpit exemplifies the theatrical space of the digital world, and if the critics have not seen this, the video game designers certainly have.’
I think that although theatre has reinvented itself it need to a larger degree, the audience craves more and so more should be given to them.
This source of research, I also felt was applicable for my project, as the topic was that of violence, I felt it important to show how violent video games are seen as entertainment and weather this too was a contributing factor. Kim and I, designed a group on facebook raising these issues, as we were all on facebook, we thought this was the best platform, added to this; we could invite other, outside our class to comment on the issues, making our research more in depth. We felt it was important to see other views on such an important subject.
This week, I also watched Complex, which was the performance mentioned earlier put on by the Graduating Performing Arts Students.
Electra was very interesting. The set consisted of about 5 television screens, and one large projection screen. The five screens allowed the audience to see the action from Nemours angles, whilst the projection screen provided us with action linking to that what was happening on stage, I felt this performance encompassed a lot of multimedia work, and was extremely effective. The Multimedia added to the performance and created a different platform of theatre. This piece juxtaposed with the following story, that of Oedipus. as this one had no multimedia effects, instead relied on action alone. This piece was extremely physical. It was different but at the same time very effective, it proved that theatre does not have to have images of virtuality in order for it to be effective, and that like Chris said; theatre can indeed compete with other forms of media.
WEEK 9
This week, I began focusing in my essay as well as my group work. I chose the question ‘-
• Can theatre compete with other forms of media in the digital age? Should it try? Discuss with reference to the work of contemporary theatre practitioners engaged with ‘inter medial’ work.
As part of my research, I looked a theatre through the ages, as well focusing in on, experimental groups such as the builders association and the blue man group. These groups show intermediary work, so I thought it important to discuss them, I found their ideas different and inspiring they were a new type of theatre and so I felt that they needed to be discussed in the essay. The builders association in particular uses a lot of digital aids including web streaming and video footage in their performances, they too have videos and even art work to express the messages; they do not rely on live performances alone.
Added to this, I also interviewed, a family friend, who is a director. Chris Green has been a director of film and television; I wanted to see what he thought of theatre in the digital age. He believed that traditional theatre still had its place in society today, as it been around for generations, he commented on how it has always competed with different forms of media, and can still triumph he agreed that with other forms of media the theatre is at threat. But argued that by getting involved with media. The theatre can overcome any types of threat.
It was interesting to get a different prospective on things as it provided me with more of an idea of weather or not theatre could compete.
I began exploring the idea of remediation more, to see if this could contribute to my research, from doing this I found that it is a must for theatre to constantly re mediates, as the audience are for ever changing, likewise so does the content have to change! Remediation does not mean that the content has to be lost, but generated again using new material, for example, The Performing Arts Students, are putting on the myth of Electra and Oedipus, they will be performing one, with no visual effects the other which contained multimedia. I will comment on this further after seeing the production.
I also began interviewing people as my personal research for my debate I wanted to gain an understanding of what the public thought before I planned my debate, this way I could form a balanced answer. Please refer to the videos for the interviews that took place
• Can theatre compete with other forms of media in the digital age? Should it try? Discuss with reference to the work of contemporary theatre practitioners engaged with ‘inter medial’ work.
As part of my research, I looked a theatre through the ages, as well focusing in on, experimental groups such as the builders association and the blue man group. These groups show intermediary work, so I thought it important to discuss them, I found their ideas different and inspiring they were a new type of theatre and so I felt that they needed to be discussed in the essay. The builders association in particular uses a lot of digital aids including web streaming and video footage in their performances, they too have videos and even art work to express the messages; they do not rely on live performances alone.
Added to this, I also interviewed, a family friend, who is a director. Chris Green has been a director of film and television; I wanted to see what he thought of theatre in the digital age. He believed that traditional theatre still had its place in society today, as it been around for generations, he commented on how it has always competed with different forms of media, and can still triumph he agreed that with other forms of media the theatre is at threat. But argued that by getting involved with media. The theatre can overcome any types of threat.
It was interesting to get a different prospective on things as it provided me with more of an idea of weather or not theatre could compete.
I began exploring the idea of remediation more, to see if this could contribute to my research, from doing this I found that it is a must for theatre to constantly re mediates, as the audience are for ever changing, likewise so does the content have to change! Remediation does not mean that the content has to be lost, but generated again using new material, for example, The Performing Arts Students, are putting on the myth of Electra and Oedipus, they will be performing one, with no visual effects the other which contained multimedia. I will comment on this further after seeing the production.
I also began interviewing people as my personal research for my debate I wanted to gain an understanding of what the public thought before I planned my debate, this way I could form a balanced answer. Please refer to the videos for the interviews that took place
WEEK 8
. As well as expanding on our group projects, we also carried on the research of theaters changing to adapt to the audience. The audience as a spectator now wants to become more involved in the performance and live it for themselves. I researched into Coco Fusco, a female dramatist, who takes her spectators on journeys and allows them to explore the experience for themselves.
Coco Fusco not only performs live but also creates videos of her work.
‘
‘Fusco’s recent art projects combine electronic media and performance in a variety of formats, from staged multi-media performances incorporating large scale projections and closed circuit television to live performances streamed to the internet that invite audiences to chart the course of action through chat interaction. In collaboration with Ricardo Dominguez, Fusco is currently developing a bilingual on-line game that maps the movements of and restraints upon the various social groups that inhabit the US-Mexico border for the 2005 InSite Biennial. She is currently developing a serious of new performances and videos about the role of female interrogators in the War on Terror’
Her work is ferocious and compelling, it can be commented as gender orientated as a lot of her work relates to females.
Coco shows us of how media and performance combine together to make a virtual performance, it is extremely interesting and engaging.
View the website for clips of previous productions:
www.cocofusco.com
In out group, it became clear, that as a group of four we had very different ideas on how chosen subject, I thought it would be interesting to take advantage of this, I suggested we formed a debate, this way we would all be able to discuss what we thought and all have an individual debate, I began watching political debates and researching material so I knew what was involved in a debate, and how it should be presented.
Coco Fusco not only performs live but also creates videos of her work.
‘
‘Fusco’s recent art projects combine electronic media and performance in a variety of formats, from staged multi-media performances incorporating large scale projections and closed circuit television to live performances streamed to the internet that invite audiences to chart the course of action through chat interaction. In collaboration with Ricardo Dominguez, Fusco is currently developing a bilingual on-line game that maps the movements of and restraints upon the various social groups that inhabit the US-Mexico border for the 2005 InSite Biennial. She is currently developing a serious of new performances and videos about the role of female interrogators in the War on Terror’
Her work is ferocious and compelling, it can be commented as gender orientated as a lot of her work relates to females.
Coco shows us of how media and performance combine together to make a virtual performance, it is extremely interesting and engaging.
View the website for clips of previous productions:
www.cocofusco.com
In out group, it became clear, that as a group of four we had very different ideas on how chosen subject, I thought it would be interesting to take advantage of this, I suggested we formed a debate, this way we would all be able to discuss what we thought and all have an individual debate, I began watching political debates and researching material so I knew what was involved in a debate, and how it should be presented.
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