Cyberformance
Workshop
Helen Varley Jamieson
www.creative-catalyst.com
Length: 2 hours
Maximum number of participants: approx. 10 (dependent on number of computers)
Technical requirements: data projector; computer and internet connection for each participant; internet connection for tutor.
Set-up: installation and testing of the Palace client on all computers (approx.15 minutes per computer).
What is cyberformance, and how can I do it?
This two-hour
introductory workshop gives participants the opportunity to play with
performance in the creative medium that is the internet - experimenting with the body, emotion and
language in the virtual environment.
Cyberformance is live performance in graphical chat rooms on the internet. These environments, which have grown from role-playing fantasy worlds to social communities, are now also sites for performance art for on- and off-line audiences.
The workshop begins with a brief introduction to the technology and concept behind cyberformance, followed by a live demonstration, usually with remote cyberformers.
Participants then move to the computers, where they are introduced to the Palace client application. Each participant will be able to dress their avatar, develop a character and learn how to manipulate the features of the software.
As well as working amongst themselves and with the cyberformers, the participants can visit public chat rooms, meet other Palatians and experiment with their characters.
Hand-out material will include URLs for sites where participants can download the software for their own computer and learn more about the Palace environment.
The workshop will give participants an introduction to cyberformance and the potential for live online performance. They will gain a background understanding into experimentation that has already been taking place in this medium, as well as how they can further explore the medium themselves.
Previous workshop participants have described the experience as fun, inspiring, addictive and enjoyable. Video footage of a workshop is available on request (Quicktime format).
There are a number of different graphical chat applications available free on the internet. This workshop uses the Palace, as it has features that make it ideal for cyberformance, such as being able to create unique avatars and swap "costumes" with a key stroke. The software includes speech and sound effects and the ability to use props and painting, as well as to write or alter scripts.
It is 2-dimensional environment, with a colourful, cartoonesque style. Rather than going down the sci-fi, 3-D route, the culture of the Palace is more grassroots, lending itself to low-tech, alternative styles of behaviour and performance.
In September 2000, Communities.com, the company that developed the Palace software, ceased providing support for the software. Instead of disappearing, the Palace has thrived as an underground community, and there are many web sites where the software and registration codes are available, directories of Palaces, manuals and tutorials.
A playwright, web queen and creative catalyst, Helen Varley Jamieson is a pioneer of cyberformance. She has collaborated with Desktop Theater (www.desktoptheater.org), presented her work at the Odin Teatret in Denmark and is currently working on a research project, The ABC Experiment (www.abcexperiment.org), investigating the meeting points between theatre and cyberformance.
The ABC Experiment developed from a presentation at the Transit Festival, Odin Teatret, Denmark (January 2001), where cyberformance was challenged as not being "theatre", lacking a "body" and "emotion". This inspired Helen to create a project that would respond to the questions raised. The project has received funding from Creative New Zealand and will be presented at the Wellington Fringe Festival, February 2002.
Helen's other work includes an internship with Franklin Furnace Archive (February 2001); professional productions of her plays in New Zealand; writing, research and project management for web sites and CD-ROMs; and reviewing the Edinburgh Festivals for New Zealand magazines. She holds a BA in Drama and English Literature (Otago University, 1992).
More information is available on Helen's web site: www.creative-catalyst.com
Martha Wilson
Director
Franklin Furnace Archive
45 John Street, #611
New York, NY 10038-3706
Phone 212.766.2606
Fax 212.766.2740
martha@franklinfurnace.org