Holojam in Wonderland: Immersive Mixed Reality Theater

Abstract

Holojam in Wonderland is a prototype of a new type of performance activity, “Immersive Mixed Reality Theater” (IMRT). With unique and novel properties possessed by neither cinema nor traditional theater, IMRT promises exciting new expressive possibilities for multi-user, participatory, immersive digital narratives. The authors describe the piece, the technology used to create it and some of the key aesthetic choices and takeaways.

Virtual Reality Methods

“…Returning to Stone's (1993) original idea that VR should be both collaborative and creative, there have been some innovative projects attempting to engage with more arts-led approaches. Gochfeld et al's (2018) interactive theatre piece Holojam in Wonderland is a good example of this. They ask what added value can be brought to theatre by using VR, beyond the merely gimmicky.…”

New Efficacies for Audience/Performer Interactivity and Responsive Narrative in Immersive Theatre

“…Instead of needing numerous set, costume, and prop pieces to be designed and then thrown away, the youth were able to utilize digital elements to reduce the ecological footprint of their performance. Similarly, [1] explored Alice's Adventures in Wonderland with multiple performers and audience members. The creators were able to change the scale of the environment to tell the story, stage a scene for multiple perspectives, and share this in realtime.…”

“…Youth taking on the challenge of performing as digital avatars was an impressive and innovative undertaking; live IVR theatre performances are still an elusive concept for most actors and professional theatre companies. To date, most inquiries focus on productions with adult performers [1,2]. This research reports best practices for working with secondary students in IVR, to guide other researchers and educators for using immersive design when the need or opportunity arises.…”

CAVE: Making Collective Virtual Narrative: Best Paper Award

“…Users share a common goal, although each user's focus of attention and specific actions may differ. [8], a previous project by members of our team, was a multiuser, immersive narrative for six people at a time, using live actors in motion capture suits acting out a scene from Alice in Wonderland. However, due to the limitations of using live performers for each show and allowing participants to walk around the performance space, it was not scalable.…”