Experiments in Digital Storytelling: EXEGESIS
La MaMa and CultureHub in collaboration with Dream Adoption Society
Experiments in Digital Storytelling is an initiative by CultureHub and La MaMa that explores the potential of emerging technologies to create dynamic and engaging live storytelling experiences. Initially set as an in-person series in The Downstairs at La MaMa, CultureHub brings the initiative fully online with open rehearsals, prototype performances, and discussions.
La MaMa and CultureHub are collaborating with Dream Adoption Society, a laboratory and artistic group founded by director Krzysztof Garbaczewski, operating since 2017 in the context of theatre and contemporary art using VR/AR/AI and other new technologies. In their new performance, Exegesis, Dream Adoption Society creates a VR meditation that happening between virtual realms and Philip K. Dick’s Exegesis.
What is VR theatre? A specially designed, computer-generated virtual space is a meeting place for actors, director, choreographer, composer, cinematographer and other people who are part of the team. Each of them has a digital body in the form of an avatar so that they can move, gesture, touch and move three-dimensional objects. Thanks to cyber rehearsals, the team prepares performances, which are finally broadcast live on the web.
Performed by:
Ananstasiia Vorobiova, Iza Szostak, Danusia Trevino, Jim Fletcher, Jan Duszyński,
Krzysztof Garbaczewski, Robert Mleczko, Sebastian Krysiak
Director: Krzysztof Garbaczewski
Video: Jonathan Caouette
Live music: Jan Duszyński
Digital art: Anastasia Vorobiova
Camera: Robert Mleczko, Sebastian Krysiak
Dramaturgy: Andrzej Serafin
Experiments Play Reading Series
For the 23rd season of La MaMa Experiments we will focus on theatrical works in progress addressing mental health issues. No one is more familiar with the need to create greater access to mental healthcare than our New York audience, who come face to face with this crisis on a daily basis. After 3 years of a global pandemic, all of us are feeling the upsurge of anxiety and depression, but these trends have been on the rise long before Covid-19. The works this season shed light on important, personal stories and deal with this subject matter in many different and unique ways. From tongue in cheek comedies to absurdist tragedies, Experiments hopes to create a season that will destigmaify, enlighten and, yes, even entertain.
Online Happenings
Presented by La MaMa and CultureHub, La MaMa is exploring ways to respond creatively to a situation that is potentially changing how we gather as a community in our theatres. La MaMa is working with CultureHub to provide online streaming of select productions and events on Howlround Theatre Commons.