Dramaturgy as an enquiry on how interweave space, body and technology in performative interactive installations
Abstract
This paper explores some of the important steps in the evolution of my doctoral research, which aims to relocate the notion of dramaturgy from the performing arts into interactive installation art. It briefly contextualises dramaturgy in the 21st century, and analyses the dramaturgical transformations caused by the impact of technology. It uncovers the still open process of the composition of a performative interactive installation, which supports the development of space dramaturgy concept.
Developing the concept of space dramaturgy presupposes the analysis of other compositional elements vital for the elaboration of the concept: space, body and technology. The first aspect to be analysed is the philosophical scope related with both individual and collective experience of space. This draws on Bachelard, Merleau-Ponty and Lefebvre’s spatial theories. The theoretical underpinning is followed by a review of the process behind practice-based research, reflecting on the possibilities of adapting that to a dramaturgical questioning. Finally, the paper enquires into the interweaving of spatial bodily experience, participation, technology, the importance of time, and memory as a mean of finding performativity in interactive art installation, taking as a specific example the doctoral practice research.
Paper presented at ISEA 2015 – Disruption. Vancouver, Canada
Dramaturgy of Robots and Machines
Abstract
It is undeniable that digital technologies transformed contemporary artistic practice and cultural production. Particularly in the field of the performing arts, technology changed the relationship with the public narrative processes, creating an avenue to investigate contemporary dramaturgical practices. This paper investigates the dramaturgical transformations as a result of the increasing use of robotics in performance with the support of theories of Marianne Van Kerkhoven (2009a; 2009b) Katalin Trencsényi, Bernadette Cochrane (Trencsényi & Cochrane 2014) and Peter Eckersall (Eckersall et all 2017). Based on this theoretical framework, this paper looks into themes and narrative strategies that explore the relationship and emotional connection between humans and robots. This is done through the analysis of the Hirata Oriza, Mari Velonaki, Blanca Li or Max Dean. To further the study of a dramaturgy of robots and machines, this paper analyses the concept systematurgy (Antúnez 2016), a methodology that provides an insight into Marcel-Lí Antúnez’s body of work. Systematurgy demonstrates how Antúnez articulates technology and machine-like elements within a dramaturgical process. Unlike traditional theatre, Antúnez’s dramaturgical model is not focused on the textual elements but integrates coding, image, drawing, robotic and mechanical elements into the narrative structures of performance.
Paper presented at EVA London 2020, London, UK.
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