P1010040.JPGTo bring theory into practice, test hypotheses, develop prototypes and allow for information to be generated through hands-on experience the research group Virtual Theatre initiates so called LAB’s. These events are designed to be a research through practice. Depending on the subject matter being investigated a series of tests are prepared in advance to facilitate a balance between predetermined specific subject matter and space for spontaneous exploration and investigation.

LABs are oriented in two types:

  1. Test LAB’s
  2. Performance LAB’s

Test LAB’s are mostly designed to explore possibilities of specific technology and to develop set-ups that are more suitable for a performative context. Also in a second phase these LAB’s serve as a means to test prototypes and initiate further development.  Performance LAB’s are designed to use the developed technologies coming form the Test LAB’s and test them in a performative context.

Performance LABs 2009-2010:

Performance LAB 1: Text
Nirav Christophe and Mart-Jan Zegers (4 to 13 november 2009)
A performative exploration of the personal relationship with the poem ‘The Fisherman’ by Judith Herzberg. Through interaction with 2D text, live sampled sound and 3D text by means of motion tracking and a WII-mote.		 P1030210
Performance LAB 2: Sound
Falk Hubner (4 to 13 november 2009)
An investigation on the performative potential of a dialog between an alt-violin player and a dancer. Through interaction with live sampled sound and prerecorded video by means of motion tracking and two WII-motes.		 P1030470
Performance LAB 3: Image
Moniek Merkx (3 to 13 february 2010).
An exploration of the potential of projection in 3D analogue space in preparation for a Theatre play for children entitled ‘Kortjakje’. Through live-drawing and projection mapping techniques.		 P1040471

Performance LABs 2010-2011:

Performance LAB 4: HipHop and live-puppeteering
Habek & MC Kapabel (18 to 22 oktober 2010)
A project by 4th years students for the performance of 15 hip-hop tracks written and performed by MC Kapabel in a theatre show with live band. The LAB was used to explore the possibilities of using projection and live-puppeteering of digital characters.		 P1070065_resize
Performance LAB 5: Jazz musicians and light artists
Rob Mosterd & Ruud Lanfermijer (21 to 25 february 2011)
An investigation on means to create a truly equal dialogue between a video artist and jazz player, between image and sound.  This time the Performance Engine was connected to the interactive live camera and video system of the Blue Noise Department. Also we made use of the motiontracking capabilities of the Microsoft KINECT and used Midi to connect the Hammond organ to everything else.		 P1080506_resize

In the Performance LABs a external theatre maker is invited to come to the LAB and work with the full setup for 4 to 5 days in Huis aan de Werf. They are obliged to have some raw materials prepared and a rough idea what to creatively explore. The goal however is to come to more elaborate idea’s and form through improvisation with a performer and the Performance Engine system.

The Research group is open to applications of theatre makers who would like to explore creative possibilities through this particular way of working. Please contact us through email!

TestLABs:

Several Test LABs have been successfully completed in 2008-2009. These are:

Performance LABs 2009-2010:

Performance LAB 1: Text
Nirav Christophe and Mart-Jan Zegers (4 to 13 november 2009)
A performative exploration of the personal relationship with the poem ‘The Fisherman’ by Judith Herzberg. Through interaction with 2D text, live sampled sound and 3D text by means of motion tracking and a WII-mote.		 P1030210
Performance LAB 2: Sound
Falk Hubner (4 to 13 november 2009)
An investigation on the performative potential of a dialog between an alt-violin player and a dancer. Through interaction with live sampled sound and prerecorded video by means of motion tracking and two WII-motes.		 P1030470
Performance LAB 3: Image
Moniek Merkx (3 to 13 february 2010).
An exploration of the potential of projection in 3D analogue space in preparation for a Theatre play for children entitled ‘Kortjakje’. Through live-drawing and projection mapping techniques.		 P1040471

For sep 2010-jan2011 three new LABs are being planned in cooperation with Huis aan de Werf.