Short Summary
Investigating loneliness, community and intimacy through projections, music and text, RE/CONNECT asks what is a "right" relationship to technology? In an era of intense interfacing with i-devices and avatar identities, this interdisciplinary performance prioritizes what the performing arts contribute to understanding the relationship of humans to each other, both on screen and off. A monumental i-device swipes through vignettes and narratives of music, movement and media, addressing concepts of human-to-technology relationships, communication and our understanding of how humans connect.
Through the performance and accompanying "behind the scenes" exhibit, RE/CONNECT will:
- Emphasize the importance of STEAM education
- Bridge disciplines of music, dance, theatre, engineering, and design
- Reach an audience of thousands of undergrads at UT and beyond
- Explore new standards for performance technology and hybrid theatre
- Transform the way we think about our online communities
What We Need & What You Get
Break it down for folks in more detail:
- In order to bring this high-profile performance to fruition, we require some extremely invaluable resources.
- All funds will go toward the purchase of e-textiles, projection technology, and soft goods to create the environment for the performance and exhibit.
- This includes:
- Arduino boards and connectors
- LED lights and diffusers
- Projectors, lenses, and lamps
- Hard materials to construct a larger-than-life iPad that serves as the main set piece for the performance
- Rose Brand Sharks tooth scrim to take digital projections which complement the world of the performance
- Snacks for the talent during our long rehearsal hours: 7 dancers and actors, 3 musicians, 1 stage manager, 2 choreographers
The Impact
- This is the first performance of its kind to begin the creative process from the outside in
- The co-producers have a great track record of producing new work and engaging audiences
"With this piece, we hope to change the way the Austin and UT community views the relationship between art and science, and how we view communication technology vs. physical interaction. We are not the first people with these goals, nor will we be the last, but as in any movement, many voices are needed before they are heard." - Ryan Belock, Co-Producer/Artistic Director/Projection Designer
"RE/CONNECT will offer audience members a visually dazzling performance, as well as the opportunity to interact with the technologies that went into this production, hopefully sparking a dialogue about the performance themes, an interest in the technologies, and the value of arts and sciences in our communities." - Kristen Weller, Co-Producer, Costume Designer/Technician
Risks & Challenges
Some challenges include mastering the physical site plan and having enough resources to program a show of this magnitude in such a condensed amount of time.
- We are extremely grateful for the team of collaborators who have volunteered their time and we would be remiss to leave them (or you!) empty-handed without a special token from the show as compensation.
- Having the resources of appropriate computers and projectors, screens and scrim will allow for the most flexible show programming and synthesis of all other live elements: percussion music, movement, acting, and media playback.
Other Ways You Can Help
Some people just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean they can't help:
- Please spread the word and chat it up with your friends. We are really inspired by Sherry Turkle, MIT psychologist, Louis CK, comedian, and Spaceship Earth at Disney's Epcot and the movie Her. If these inspire you too, you won't wanna miss out on helping make this dream of an interdisciplinary show become a reality!
- Use the sharing tools below!
Thanks, and let's chat!
