Crew (BELGIUM)
U – raging standstill
‘The experimental theatre company Crew is advancing yet one more step in its search for the ‘technologisation’ of the body. In its previous production, Crash, the theatre visitor was put on a bed with 3D-camera goggles and instigated to roam through dark spaces. This time, one can walk around, guided by a tele-steered device. It’s an experience that settles itself irreversibly into your body. You can no longer trust your own senses: straight on is going left, right up is diagonal, and the whispering voice in your ears only increases the confusion. You trust the walking device, fumbling through a space that isn’t there, but becomes increasingly prominent in your imagination. ‘U’ turns the experience of the visitor completely upside down. They become the actor and the maker of their own performance. What one experiences physically is so strong, that it is impossible to observe passively. Moreover, you never know for sure what it is that you’re perceiving.’ Elke Van Campenhout, De Standaard
An immersive experience for one audience member at a time follows on from Crew’s winter school course during the previous week. Members of the public must sign up for a session lasting 30 minutes. Each user undergoes the immersive part of the performance, thus being key figures in the performance, taking up the role of protagonist in their own play. Guided by a voice they will be able to physically walk around in a live virtual surrounding, experiencing the implosion of realities (the radical confluence).
Whilst each individual session takes place, up to 20 people are welcome to sit in the gallery, and – like an ancient Greek choir – are able to observe and comment upon the story unfolding in the user’s head (by sounds and projection of images on wide screen). The observers are able to see the apparatus, actor, user, and operators in action and can interact with the director.
To learn more about this technology there will be a public demonstration/lecture that will give a clear insight into the possibilities of staging new media and scripting reality, the symbiosis of art and science, the codes and strategies that are put in practice, the theoretical framework, and technological aspects of the originally developed hardware and software facilitating the performances. Thus, the performance and theatrical experience are embedded in reflection and a dissection of the underlying technological driving forces.
In cooperation with Het Productiehuis Rotterdam (Rotterdamse Schouwburg, NL), Het Toneelhuis (Antwerp, B) and ARTEFACT Festival (STUK art centre, Leuven, B). Crew is granted structural financial support by the Flemish Ministry of Culture.
British Premiere
Tramway
Tues 20 to Sat 24 February
Individual sessions every half hour (12noon-2200), Please book your appointment by calling Tramway Box Office 0845 330 3501
Fri 23 February 1600-1730 - Lecture/demonstration (free)