This week, I became interested in the idea of what theatre is now, the posted link on Minerva talked about, how theatre is no longer theatre, and instead it is something which we are all familiar with. The example given, was how in the west end musicals sell out a year before. It is because of other forms of media! The first example is that of The Lion King, does it sell out because people want to see a musical, a show or is it because, People know the well know version created from Disney and want to see a spin of from that? It is hard to determine weather; this can be classed as a form of theatre! If Disney had not made the film, it would not be familiar, so would it be as popular, a lot of what the theatre put on is down to the new Media.
The second example is that of reality television! Sound of Music and Joseph and his Technicolor Dream coat are now box office hits in the west end. Two of the most popular shows, however, I think this is greatly to do with the fact that the starring roles came about from the BBC shows, How to solve a problem like Maria and Any Joseph will do! Millions voted for the favorite Maria and Joseph weekly, the winners winning the leading role, but if these two people were not televised, I doubt that these shows would attract such high number. From reading both articles on Minerva, I believe that the future of theatre does lie in other forms of media.
Zarrilli et al, comments that key developments in theatre happen as key developments in human nature do. This is something which I concur with, this day and age human nature is engaged with the celebrity world, and so theatres have adapted this theory. Theatres are now using top celebrities to draw in the numbers! Sir Ian Mckellin played King Lear in Courtyard Theatre Stratford upon Avon in spring 2007 and the show was a sell out. This shows how theatre adapts to the human demands; they want famous celebrities they get them!!
As part of the group work, I began to investigate further into racism as a form of entertainment, it became apparent to me that violence was also huge, so we began toiling with the idea of having violence as the over all theme, as this could include racism, happy slapping bullying and much more. Giving us more content to work with.
Friday, 4 January 2008
WEEK 6
Last week, we were set the task of reading a chapter from the book Virtual Theatres. The introduction talks about how technology and virtuallity are becoming more and more involved in out theatres now. From studying experimental theatre as another module, I can see this is true.
Theatre groups such as, The Blueman group, Ping Chong, and Coco Fusco, all break down the 4Th wall convention and become some what engaged with intermediary work. They go beyond what is normal and are not afraid to experiment. Since late 1960s a massive change has been seen in the theatre world, a change which has experimented, some has been successful other have failed, but it is safe to say that technology is playing more of a part in our theatre today. Video and Internet are being used more and there is now less of an empathizes on live theatre, and more of an empathizes on visual instillation. Giannachi express how important virtual work is as it takes place through the viewer’s performance, rather than the actors. Virtual theatres, appeals to viewers on different levels and is more stimulating. As modern technologies improve likewise does the theatre.
Gabriella Giannachi discusses this idea in depth, she also comments on the previously discussed topic of Remediation. A phenomenon rapidly taking over in our per formative society. Theatre is now being forced to re mediate its content in order to appeal to the audience. We have seen many famous books go from paper to film; the theatre is grasping onto this idea and making the material suitable for the theatre. And example of this is Tolkiens Lord of the rings, the popular trilogy started as text before becoming sequel of films, now it has been put to the stage, using a range of virtual techniques in its performance. Remediation is essential in the running of virtual theatre.
After reading this chapter, it became apparent that we could adapt some of these ideas into our performance piece. We didn’t want to do a straightforward performance, but instead a reflection on what we had been studying over the last few weeks.
We came up with the idea of how the internet exploits racism as a form of entertainment and question why! We wanted to show, the amount of racism shown on the internet and question the public to weather t was a form of entertainment. We began researching the subject. We found many videos on YOUTUBE alone, all exploiting racism, added to this I even found websites glorifying racism. We raised the issues of the internet encouraging violence, and investigated the different types of racism. Racism happens every day, but the media only gets involved when it it’s published an example of this is the famous racist encounter which happened in Celebrity Big Brother.
We had ideas of making a collaboration of videos. Empathizing the shock factor and then making a docudrama by interviewing people on their responses, we would then make a video for our performance.
Below is a list of links to some of videos and sites we found:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_MS6LNimDU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoWZk8R2WB4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk
http://www.adl.org/poisoning_web/racist_rock.asp
http://www.stumbleupon.com/tag/racism/
Theatre groups such as, The Blueman group, Ping Chong, and Coco Fusco, all break down the 4Th wall convention and become some what engaged with intermediary work. They go beyond what is normal and are not afraid to experiment. Since late 1960s a massive change has been seen in the theatre world, a change which has experimented, some has been successful other have failed, but it is safe to say that technology is playing more of a part in our theatre today. Video and Internet are being used more and there is now less of an empathizes on live theatre, and more of an empathizes on visual instillation. Giannachi express how important virtual work is as it takes place through the viewer’s performance, rather than the actors. Virtual theatres, appeals to viewers on different levels and is more stimulating. As modern technologies improve likewise does the theatre.
Gabriella Giannachi discusses this idea in depth, she also comments on the previously discussed topic of Remediation. A phenomenon rapidly taking over in our per formative society. Theatre is now being forced to re mediate its content in order to appeal to the audience. We have seen many famous books go from paper to film; the theatre is grasping onto this idea and making the material suitable for the theatre. And example of this is Tolkiens Lord of the rings, the popular trilogy started as text before becoming sequel of films, now it has been put to the stage, using a range of virtual techniques in its performance. Remediation is essential in the running of virtual theatre.
After reading this chapter, it became apparent that we could adapt some of these ideas into our performance piece. We didn’t want to do a straightforward performance, but instead a reflection on what we had been studying over the last few weeks.
We came up with the idea of how the internet exploits racism as a form of entertainment and question why! We wanted to show, the amount of racism shown on the internet and question the public to weather t was a form of entertainment. We began researching the subject. We found many videos on YOUTUBE alone, all exploiting racism, added to this I even found websites glorifying racism. We raised the issues of the internet encouraging violence, and investigated the different types of racism. Racism happens every day, but the media only gets involved when it it’s published an example of this is the famous racist encounter which happened in Celebrity Big Brother.
We had ideas of making a collaboration of videos. Empathizing the shock factor and then making a docudrama by interviewing people on their responses, we would then make a video for our performance.
Below is a list of links to some of videos and sites we found:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_MS6LNimDU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoWZk8R2WB4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk
http://www.adl.org/poisoning_web/racist_rock.asp
http://www.stumbleupon.com/tag/racism/
/Week 5-
This week, we began thinking about what made a worthwhile performance. We watched videos last week by Guillermo Gomez, and a you type video entitled The punishment, these were deemed as performance but where they worthwhile?? The punishment was particularly disturbing as it showed a group of young children being asked what they thought of President Bush, the end result saw these children punishing Bush by sticking pins in him. It was ironic as they didn’t know what they were doing. The children spoke in a foreign language which made it even more disturbing as we could only see their actions, despite the subtitles!!
We were introduced to a series of links. all displaying types of performances, again this was traumatic. Thousands of people upload video footage onto the web which the deem as a performance. Such things as violence. Cruelty, sex and more. At first seeing this video was worrying however, when I began to think about it, we pay to go and see theatre of cruelty and violent films. These people are just doing the same but in reality. I think it is more disturbing to us as it is reality; I began to question where is the line drawn before virtuality and reality.
Yes, it is true that no one wants to see a Cat being killed, or bullies in a playground, but Blockbuster movies are made such as Die Hard, where nothing happens but violence! Theatre of cruelty was and still is popular, they are acting, but still we flock to see it performed. It is true that we watch violence to understand violence. It is hard to determine, where reality ends and virtuality begins.
I then began thinking, with my group what we deemed as a worthwhile performance, we came up with the following five. :
1. A drama which I can relate to, and has an impact on me, an example of this is ‘Close every door.’ It is a drama based on a women suffering with Neurofibromatosis, the condition I suffer from, it was worthwhile to me because it made an impact on me.
2. Footage of people completing marathons, I think this shows exceptional talent and people should be praised for it.
3. Award winning films, for example. ‘Last kind of Scotland’ this shows excellence in acting especially when portraying important events this film is directed by Kevin McDonald and is Based on the events of the brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin's regime as seen by his personal physician during the 1970s.
4. a piece of theatre which not only shows excellent performances but everything from lighting sound and set is outstanding.
5. A sports team who constantly show excellent ability to achieve their goals, e.g. - Wales winning the grand slam in 2005, after winning every single match.
I wrote a response to what is a worthwhile performance: The term performance is described as ‘a musical, dramatic, or other entertainment presented before an audience’ It is something which an audience will chose to see, weather the enjoy it or not.
In today’s society, performance takes place every day, not only in the theatre or TV and radio. But also constantly on the internet, thru the media such as ‘YOUTUBE’, and other sharing programmers. It is hard to determine what constitutes a worthwhile performance, as the material is so vast. It comes down to a personal opinion. For example: During Week 5 seminar, we explored a web page with the thread entitled ‘Top Ten Shock Blogs’. This consisted of 10 You Tube videos, which were extremely shocking; the themes included the broadcasting of bullying, animal cruelty, war, misogyny and work place satire. Some of the class were mortified by the content where as other argued that if the performer had a reason for the performance can be accepted. On a personal note, I can see no reasoning for filming the broadcasting a violent attack! But others may argue it is to raise awareness for the fact it does happen in every day life, therefore by making the public aware and act upon what we have seen the performance becomes worthwhile as it as made a positive impact.
Performances are meant to be shared; there would be little point in a performance if it was to be kept private. But with such powerful tools now such as the internet performance can often been pointless. We also discussed the massive phoneme of Face book, in class, and agreed that it is a personal performance for others. You chose how you are depicted by other, by what you say about yourself, what pictures you put up and weather you tag yourselves in photos or not. To be on Facebook, no longer means to keep in touch with lost friend, but to broadcast and make a performance of yourself, unless you’re honest and show the real you, what your portraying is a lie, and is worthless as it means nothing!
We also looked at a page entitled ‘Weird and Wonderful Blogs’. A page with links to videos which others had taken, including drawings on ideas of what the world will be like in year to come, Hens being filmed 24 hours, and a man in search for a wife. Although at first glance these can be viewed as pointless, it is interesting to note that they all have hidden meanings. For example, the filming of the hens to me commented on how, like hens we to are constantly monitored, making me think about our privacy and raising awareness, therefore like the bullying video the performance becomes worthwhile. On the other hand, it could be just the filming of a flock of hens, and so has no point and is worthless.
Blogging heads was and interesting link we looked at, as it showed to people having a real conversation about current affairs (In this case 9/11). It became a performance once it was broadcasted, and allowed the public to see to different views on such an important affair.
To finish, I would like to comment on the link regarding the High court and You Tube. In very recent news, a member of the public was sentenced, as they recorded a court case on their mobile phone and broadcasted it on You Tube, this is an illegal act. But it raises the question of, why did they feel the need to broadcast such an event? It must have been, to them something they wanted to share, bringing me to the point, that a worthwhile performance is indeed something which has to be decided on personally.
To finalize on what I have discussed, and drawing information from various sources, I think I am just in saying a worthwhile performance, no long means a play, a musical or a Film. With the internet now, anything is possible, and as long as the performer has a worthy reason, or meaning behind their act, it can be see as worthwhile. Even if is to cheer someone up by appearing a fool on you tube! Writing a poem and creating a blog about it. The answer to the above question can not be clear cut; it can not even be answered in full! A worthwhile performance is something personal and something which will constantly change!
The group’s responses can be found at:
http://virtualityandperformancegroup.blogspot.com
This week, we began thinking about what made a worthwhile performance. We watched videos last week by Guillermo Gomez, and a you type video entitled The punishment, these were deemed as performance but where they worthwhile?? The punishment was particularly disturbing as it showed a group of young children being asked what they thought of President Bush, the end result saw these children punishing Bush by sticking pins in him. It was ironic as they didn’t know what they were doing. The children spoke in a foreign language which made it even more disturbing as we could only see their actions, despite the subtitles!!
We were introduced to a series of links. all displaying types of performances, again this was traumatic. Thousands of people upload video footage onto the web which the deem as a performance. Such things as violence. Cruelty, sex and more. At first seeing this video was worrying however, when I began to think about it, we pay to go and see theatre of cruelty and violent films. These people are just doing the same but in reality. I think it is more disturbing to us as it is reality; I began to question where is the line drawn before virtuality and reality.
Yes, it is true that no one wants to see a Cat being killed, or bullies in a playground, but Blockbuster movies are made such as Die Hard, where nothing happens but violence! Theatre of cruelty was and still is popular, they are acting, but still we flock to see it performed. It is true that we watch violence to understand violence. It is hard to determine, where reality ends and virtuality begins.
I then began thinking, with my group what we deemed as a worthwhile performance, we came up with the following five. :
1. A drama which I can relate to, and has an impact on me, an example of this is ‘Close every door.’ It is a drama based on a women suffering with Neurofibromatosis, the condition I suffer from, it was worthwhile to me because it made an impact on me.
2. Footage of people completing marathons, I think this shows exceptional talent and people should be praised for it.
3. Award winning films, for example. ‘Last kind of Scotland’ this shows excellence in acting especially when portraying important events this film is directed by Kevin McDonald and is Based on the events of the brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin's regime as seen by his personal physician during the 1970s.
4. a piece of theatre which not only shows excellent performances but everything from lighting sound and set is outstanding.
5. A sports team who constantly show excellent ability to achieve their goals, e.g. - Wales winning the grand slam in 2005, after winning every single match.
I wrote a response to what is a worthwhile performance: The term performance is described as ‘a musical, dramatic, or other entertainment presented before an audience’ It is something which an audience will chose to see, weather the enjoy it or not.
In today’s society, performance takes place every day, not only in the theatre or TV and radio. But also constantly on the internet, thru the media such as ‘YOUTUBE’, and other sharing programmers. It is hard to determine what constitutes a worthwhile performance, as the material is so vast. It comes down to a personal opinion. For example: During Week 5 seminar, we explored a web page with the thread entitled ‘Top Ten Shock Blogs’. This consisted of 10 You Tube videos, which were extremely shocking; the themes included the broadcasting of bullying, animal cruelty, war, misogyny and work place satire. Some of the class were mortified by the content where as other argued that if the performer had a reason for the performance can be accepted. On a personal note, I can see no reasoning for filming the broadcasting a violent attack! But others may argue it is to raise awareness for the fact it does happen in every day life, therefore by making the public aware and act upon what we have seen the performance becomes worthwhile as it as made a positive impact.
Performances are meant to be shared; there would be little point in a performance if it was to be kept private. But with such powerful tools now such as the internet performance can often been pointless. We also discussed the massive phoneme of Face book, in class, and agreed that it is a personal performance for others. You chose how you are depicted by other, by what you say about yourself, what pictures you put up and weather you tag yourselves in photos or not. To be on Facebook, no longer means to keep in touch with lost friend, but to broadcast and make a performance of yourself, unless you’re honest and show the real you, what your portraying is a lie, and is worthless as it means nothing!
We also looked at a page entitled ‘Weird and Wonderful Blogs’. A page with links to videos which others had taken, including drawings on ideas of what the world will be like in year to come, Hens being filmed 24 hours, and a man in search for a wife. Although at first glance these can be viewed as pointless, it is interesting to note that they all have hidden meanings. For example, the filming of the hens to me commented on how, like hens we to are constantly monitored, making me think about our privacy and raising awareness, therefore like the bullying video the performance becomes worthwhile. On the other hand, it could be just the filming of a flock of hens, and so has no point and is worthless.
Blogging heads was and interesting link we looked at, as it showed to people having a real conversation about current affairs (In this case 9/11). It became a performance once it was broadcasted, and allowed the public to see to different views on such an important affair.
To finish, I would like to comment on the link regarding the High court and You Tube. In very recent news, a member of the public was sentenced, as they recorded a court case on their mobile phone and broadcasted it on You Tube, this is an illegal act. But it raises the question of, why did they feel the need to broadcast such an event? It must have been, to them something they wanted to share, bringing me to the point, that a worthwhile performance is indeed something which has to be decided on personally.
To finalize on what I have discussed, and drawing information from various sources, I think I am just in saying a worthwhile performance, no long means a play, a musical or a Film. With the internet now, anything is possible, and as long as the performer has a worthy reason, or meaning behind their act, it can be see as worthwhile. Even if is to cheer someone up by appearing a fool on you tube! Writing a poem and creating a blog about it. The answer to the above question can not be clear cut; it can not even be answered in full! A worthwhile performance is something personal and something which will constantly change!
The group’s responses can be found at:
http://virtualityandperformancegroup.blogspot.com
Week 4
Week 4-
We began, adding to the blogs which we had created my own blog and an outlook on my thoughts and feeling can be found at:
http://katenicholas.blogspot.com/
I began looking at my peer’s blogs, and picked out three which I liked the content off:-
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1 Performing girls.
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1 Leigh
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1 Clem.
I picked on these three in particular as they all seemed to be addressing the idea of our module more clearly. They seemed to discuss relevant material and gave me something to think about.
After posting what I consider to be cool on my blog, which can be viewed by the link above, we began as a group of three to make a film about what is cool. We took the idea of what is cool, and instead of a statement changed it into a question what is cool??
After a discussion, we decide to have a short film, of one of the groups members smoking a cigarette, then raise the question to our audience weather it was cool or not to smoke!
The film was only about 60 seconds long; it was simple yet effective as it raised awareness of smoking. With the group formed we began discussing idea of what we would like to do for our performance, we said the task of individually
To finalize, we were asked not only to begin thinking of our performance but also define Performance with reference to Auslander, and Virtuality with reference to Novak. I came up with the following
Virtuality – Novak describes virtuality as three different concepts, space of the Platonic Ideal; the space of consciousness; and technologically constructed information space. According to Novak, reality is virtual as we can never anticipate the end result. He expressed how reality is the most plausible for us and virtuality goes beyond that, virtuality is like outer space; it goes above normal to achieve excellence.
Performance- A Performance is something which spectators observe, be it live or filmed. Auslander talks about performance in his book Liveness, performance in a mediated culture. He argues that live events, from, theatre to sport are ‘now themselves pale replicates of mass-media technologies,’ Everything and anything is a performance, even our own Facebook pages, they are a platform of what and how we want other to see in us. Performance is not only a term used to describe theatre. It goes a lot deeper than that. Performance happen everyday, we are just oblivious to them!
I began researching into different kind of performances, and came up with 5 very different types:
1. A Stage performance, be it a school nativity to a west end show.
2. A Rock Concert.
3. Personalized WebPages such as Facebook. My Space and BEBO.
4. YOU TUBE videos, even if is a group of friends on a night out.
5. A football match, the players, the spectators and the coaches are all performing.
I began to establish, how virtuality and performance can combine together. Virtuality widens the gateway to performance immensely with the technologies of virtuality performances can be created on another level.
We began, adding to the blogs which we had created my own blog and an outlook on my thoughts and feeling can be found at:
http://katenicholas.blogspot.com/
I began looking at my peer’s blogs, and picked out three which I liked the content off:-
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1 Performing girls.
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1 Leigh
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1 Clem.
I picked on these three in particular as they all seemed to be addressing the idea of our module more clearly. They seemed to discuss relevant material and gave me something to think about.
After posting what I consider to be cool on my blog, which can be viewed by the link above, we began as a group of three to make a film about what is cool. We took the idea of what is cool, and instead of a statement changed it into a question what is cool??
After a discussion, we decide to have a short film, of one of the groups members smoking a cigarette, then raise the question to our audience weather it was cool or not to smoke!
The film was only about 60 seconds long; it was simple yet effective as it raised awareness of smoking. With the group formed we began discussing idea of what we would like to do for our performance, we said the task of individually
To finalize, we were asked not only to begin thinking of our performance but also define Performance with reference to Auslander, and Virtuality with reference to Novak. I came up with the following
Virtuality – Novak describes virtuality as three different concepts, space of the Platonic Ideal; the space of consciousness; and technologically constructed information space. According to Novak, reality is virtual as we can never anticipate the end result. He expressed how reality is the most plausible for us and virtuality goes beyond that, virtuality is like outer space; it goes above normal to achieve excellence.
Performance- A Performance is something which spectators observe, be it live or filmed. Auslander talks about performance in his book Liveness, performance in a mediated culture. He argues that live events, from, theatre to sport are ‘now themselves pale replicates of mass-media technologies,’ Everything and anything is a performance, even our own Facebook pages, they are a platform of what and how we want other to see in us. Performance is not only a term used to describe theatre. It goes a lot deeper than that. Performance happen everyday, we are just oblivious to them!
I began researching into different kind of performances, and came up with 5 very different types:
1. A Stage performance, be it a school nativity to a west end show.
2. A Rock Concert.
3. Personalized WebPages such as Facebook. My Space and BEBO.
4. YOU TUBE videos, even if is a group of friends on a night out.
5. A football match, the players, the spectators and the coaches are all performing.
I began to establish, how virtuality and performance can combine together. Virtuality widens the gateway to performance immensely with the technologies of virtuality performances can be created on another level.
Thursday, 3 January 2008
WEEK 3- Radio, television and early virtuality.
Week three, began with us exploring the idea of radio and TV in the virtual world. After reading all of the links given on Minerva The title of this week’s seminar was Radio and TV, so I began to explore how radio and television are involved in the virtual world... I
Ten years ago, the majority of people had four channels on there television set and where content with that. Now, it is seen as abnormal for a household not to have Digital TV, or ‘SKY’.’ This is an example of virtuality in television. Sky opens up a different gateway for the audience. Over 200 channels are available, news. Weather movies and sport are on 24 hours a day. We can even pick what camera angle we want to watch a football or cricket match from. Recent improvements allows us to pause live television, and pick up where we left of, as well as record multiple channels, we can even watch again if we have missed out favorite television program. Virtuality has taken over television completely.
Likewise with radio, it can now be accessed via the internet, where we can listen live, as well as listen again, in some cases as far back as the month previous, many of the related links on Minerva referred to this change, and provided video link up with a chance to express views. It became easy to see how television and Radio have adapted, and how theater will change too.
We also began creating our own blogs, were by we discussed, what ourselves as individuals thought of as cool content. Minerva provided us, with different links such as the cool site of the day, an uncool site of how to be cool, this was to be cool:
‘Have you always wanted to be the cool guy, who always seems to do the right thing? Or are you dying to be the cool girl, who flows through life with ease and grace? Are all of the 'cool' kids making fun of you? Here are some steps that define the essence of being cool. The rest is up to you.’
After looking into these site, what I perceive as cool will be different from the next person, below is a list of five websites I think are cool and why.
1. www.wru.co.uk Being very patriotic I like to keep tabs on what my National Rugby team are doing, team news an up and coming fixtures, I even comment in the blogs about game plans and coaches decisions on the squad.
2. www.dressupgames.com – This site allows me to customize my own hairstyle, by uploading a picture of yourself you can experiment with different styles and even submit so people can have their say on your new mop!
3. www.miniclip.com- when work is driving you insane and you need a break, this is a really cool website, and it allows you to play free games an ease tension, its very addictive.
4. www.facebook.com – Being a student, a lot of my friends I don’t get to speak to, this site allows me to keep in touch with them, as well as contact friends I have not seen for years!!
5. www.westerntelegraph.co.uk this site is an online newspaper for my local county, it’s an easy way of keeping up to date with the counties news without having it posted to me weekly.
We briefly touched on the subject of remediation, something to be explored further in future lessons. I began investigating into what remediation was, remediation is the term used, for reassessing something and then either adding or regenerating the material to improve on it, sometimes, material is remediate so it becomes more familiar to the audience. An example of this is in advertising, Marks and Spencer’s uses a famous Slogan, ‘ This is not just any…… this is M and S…..’ added to this, the news music which is recognizable to us, other companies now use this slogan, as a mimic but still people will remember their product because of the way it has been presented.
Ten years ago, the majority of people had four channels on there television set and where content with that. Now, it is seen as abnormal for a household not to have Digital TV, or ‘SKY’.’ This is an example of virtuality in television. Sky opens up a different gateway for the audience. Over 200 channels are available, news. Weather movies and sport are on 24 hours a day. We can even pick what camera angle we want to watch a football or cricket match from. Recent improvements allows us to pause live television, and pick up where we left of, as well as record multiple channels, we can even watch again if we have missed out favorite television program. Virtuality has taken over television completely.
Likewise with radio, it can now be accessed via the internet, where we can listen live, as well as listen again, in some cases as far back as the month previous, many of the related links on Minerva referred to this change, and provided video link up with a chance to express views. It became easy to see how television and Radio have adapted, and how theater will change too.
We also began creating our own blogs, were by we discussed, what ourselves as individuals thought of as cool content. Minerva provided us, with different links such as the cool site of the day, an uncool site of how to be cool, this was to be cool:
‘Have you always wanted to be the cool guy, who always seems to do the right thing? Or are you dying to be the cool girl, who flows through life with ease and grace? Are all of the 'cool' kids making fun of you? Here are some steps that define the essence of being cool. The rest is up to you.’
After looking into these site, what I perceive as cool will be different from the next person, below is a list of five websites I think are cool and why.
1. www.wru.co.uk Being very patriotic I like to keep tabs on what my National Rugby team are doing, team news an up and coming fixtures, I even comment in the blogs about game plans and coaches decisions on the squad.
2. www.dressupgames.com – This site allows me to customize my own hairstyle, by uploading a picture of yourself you can experiment with different styles and even submit so people can have their say on your new mop!
3. www.miniclip.com- when work is driving you insane and you need a break, this is a really cool website, and it allows you to play free games an ease tension, its very addictive.
4. www.facebook.com – Being a student, a lot of my friends I don’t get to speak to, this site allows me to keep in touch with them, as well as contact friends I have not seen for years!!
5. www.westerntelegraph.co.uk this site is an online newspaper for my local county, it’s an easy way of keeping up to date with the counties news without having it posted to me weekly.
We briefly touched on the subject of remediation, something to be explored further in future lessons. I began investigating into what remediation was, remediation is the term used, for reassessing something and then either adding or regenerating the material to improve on it, sometimes, material is remediate so it becomes more familiar to the audience. An example of this is in advertising, Marks and Spencer’s uses a famous Slogan, ‘ This is not just any…… this is M and S…..’ added to this, the news music which is recognizable to us, other companies now use this slogan, as a mimic but still people will remember their product because of the way it has been presented.
Week 2-Theatre and Virtuality (theatre and intermediality 1)
We began this week by discussing definitions of the term ‘Virtual’. Virtual is a term which can be used to describe a number of things. Without a doubt, we are living in a virtual society as computers are so heavily involved. You can do almost anything via virtuality now, online banking, shopping even play sports through such virtualtiy adaptations such as the Nintendo Wii.
I found a description for Virtual:
adj. [via the technical term `virtual memory', prob. from the term `virtual image' in optics] 1. Common alternative to logical; often used to refer to the artificial objects (like addressable virtual memory larger than physical memory) simulated by a computer system as a convenient way to manage access to shared resources. 2. Simulated; performing the functions of something that isn't really there. An imaginative child's doll may be a virtual playmate. Oppose real.’
I began thinking about how Virtuality played its part in theatre and performance. The theatre is now using form of virtuality to engage the audience on a higher level, making it more of a stimulating experience.
I began investigating into theatre groups which have become engaged with virtuality in their performances. II came across an interesting article on Hamlet, and how the director Carlos Cueva had adapted the Shakespeare classic to fit into today’s society:
‘Our Peruvian society is also increasingly dominated by pre-fabricated needs and tastes. If you have no dreams of your own, they are made for you. Thus each of the seven actors was given an individual multi-media set for this theatrical piece with which they could work on their interpretation of Marketing-Hamlet’
More and more companies are using aspects of virtuality in their performances, many used use of video.
Samuel Weber discusses Virtuality in theatre. He discusses how theatre has changed, and the impact virtuality has on theatre. He looks back to theatre of cruelty and juxtaposes the then and now. His Website is below:
http://www.hydra.umn.edu/weber/art2.html
I became interested in the idea of Myth Hacking. The website explains how a Greek tragedy such as Medea is hacked into and exploited via 3D images and video link ups. It explains that the performance can be viewed both live as well as an internet link up.
There are two ways to visit the ME DEA EX universe - physically attend the performance and see the live actress interacting with 3D world projected on the walls, or enter via the internet and affect the show, while watching the actress via her webcam. Both ways, you may become part of the chorus (the global village), that sing classic lines using text-to-speech mechanisms, saying: We could have saved the children… We could have done something…
We began discussing the idea of Meda Ex, which is Medea in 3D, the production above is fully engaged in virtuality not only is it accessible on the web, but it is performed in multiple languages. Making the production available on the internet increases the changes of gaining more of an audience and shows how virtuality can be a good thing for theatre.
We confront virtuality everyday and so it would be foolish to say that it did not belong in the theatre, as with anything the theatres must change to move with the times, it is inevitable that virtuality will continue into our theatres.
I found a description for Virtual:
adj. [via the technical term `virtual memory', prob. from the term `virtual image' in optics] 1. Common alternative to logical; often used to refer to the artificial objects (like addressable virtual memory larger than physical memory) simulated by a computer system as a convenient way to manage access to shared resources. 2. Simulated; performing the functions of something that isn't really there. An imaginative child's doll may be a virtual playmate. Oppose real.’
I began thinking about how Virtuality played its part in theatre and performance. The theatre is now using form of virtuality to engage the audience on a higher level, making it more of a stimulating experience.
I began investigating into theatre groups which have become engaged with virtuality in their performances. II came across an interesting article on Hamlet, and how the director Carlos Cueva had adapted the Shakespeare classic to fit into today’s society:
‘Our Peruvian society is also increasingly dominated by pre-fabricated needs and tastes. If you have no dreams of your own, they are made for you. Thus each of the seven actors was given an individual multi-media set for this theatrical piece with which they could work on their interpretation of Marketing-Hamlet’
More and more companies are using aspects of virtuality in their performances, many used use of video.
Samuel Weber discusses Virtuality in theatre. He discusses how theatre has changed, and the impact virtuality has on theatre. He looks back to theatre of cruelty and juxtaposes the then and now. His Website is below:
http://www.hydra.umn.edu/weber/art2.html
I became interested in the idea of Myth Hacking. The website explains how a Greek tragedy such as Medea is hacked into and exploited via 3D images and video link ups. It explains that the performance can be viewed both live as well as an internet link up.
There are two ways to visit the ME DEA EX universe - physically attend the performance and see the live actress interacting with 3D world projected on the walls, or enter via the internet and affect the show, while watching the actress via her webcam. Both ways, you may become part of the chorus (the global village), that sing classic lines using text-to-speech mechanisms, saying: We could have saved the children… We could have done something…
We began discussing the idea of Meda Ex, which is Medea in 3D, the production above is fully engaged in virtuality not only is it accessible on the web, but it is performed in multiple languages. Making the production available on the internet increases the changes of gaining more of an audience and shows how virtuality can be a good thing for theatre.
We confront virtuality everyday and so it would be foolish to say that it did not belong in the theatre, as with anything the theatres must change to move with the times, it is inevitable that virtuality will continue into our theatres.
Week 1.-The matrix beyond Facebook: Web 2.0 and wikis, blogs, youtube and more
The first week, saw us being introduced to the module and what to expect. We by looking at clips from the blockbuster movie, The Matrix. This started a conversation about the internet as a form of media; we also looked at as video bar which conspired of four videos all commenting on the internet in one way or another. These video suggested to me that slowly but surely the internet is taking over all other types of communication as it is the easiest and fastest. It is fascinating to think that through mediums such as SKYPE, the world’s largest video calling tool, I am able to contact people on the other side of the world literally at the click of a button!
We began discussing how computers now play a major part in our lives, for example every single member of the class had a Facebook account, and admitted to checking it regularly, most on a daily basis.
Social networking sites, blogs and video sharing sites such as YOUTUBE now dictate our lives.
We were given a series of links to look at; one which interested me the most was discussing the idea of ‘Web 2.0’. This is the phrase given to the improved version of the World Wide Web.
A quote by actor Stephen Fry describes Web 2.0:
An idea in people's heads rather than a reality. It’s actually an idea that the reciprocity between the user and the provider is what's emphasized. In other words, genuine interactivity, if you like, simply because people can upload as well as download".
Thoughts, feelings debates and conversations can now take place over the Internet 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Related Links for this week.
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1
We began discussing how computers now play a major part in our lives, for example every single member of the class had a Facebook account, and admitted to checking it regularly, most on a daily basis.
Social networking sites, blogs and video sharing sites such as YOUTUBE now dictate our lives.
We were given a series of links to look at; one which interested me the most was discussing the idea of ‘Web 2.0’. This is the phrase given to the improved version of the World Wide Web.
A quote by actor Stephen Fry describes Web 2.0:
An idea in people's heads rather than a reality. It’s actually an idea that the reciprocity between the user and the provider is what's emphasized. In other words, genuine interactivity, if you like, simply because people can upload as well as download".
Thoughts, feelings debates and conversations can now take place over the Internet 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Related Links for this week.
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1
https://minerva.bathspa.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8955_1
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