How Digital Scenography and Images Affect the Visual Spectacle in a Site-Specific Choreographic Installation

Abstract

The aims of the research project were to gain a better understanding of digital scenography, mainly in the field of dance as used by recent choreographers, to create an experimental, improvisatory dance performance. This was eventually entitled Απεραντοσύνη/ Vastness, and successfully staged in a non-theatre installation space at the Attic, University of Hertfordshire, on September 16, 2016. The three main research questions are: Can a narrative, as represented by images in a projected animation, be a chorographic tool? Is it possible to combine projected animation with projected interactive motion generated images successfully for developing improvisatory dance performances in non-theatre spaces? And if so, can this combination also be a choreographic tool? The thesis of the project is that firstly, despite the apparent lack of historical precedents, it would be possible to combine scripted animations and un-scripted interactively generated graphics successfully in a dance performance project, presenting a decorative and aesthetic enhancement to the visual spectacle of the performance. Secondly, that such use could also be identified as a valuable choreographic tool for the development of improvisatory dance performances in non-theatre spaces. This dissertation analyses the historical, theoretical and practical processes of developing Απεραντοσύνη/ Vastness. It concludes that all of the questions have been given positive answers and these support the thesis.