DUETTEN
For the performance installation DUETTEN I wanted to develop a system for an audience of 24 to communicate with a performer on stage. It shouldn't ask too much input from the audience but work with 'their normal sitting behaviour' when watching a performance. Or in other words; there are two extreme postures one can take while watching a performance / sitting on a chair; leaning forward (active) or leaning backwards (passive). The distance between one's back and the back of the chair can be measured by a distance sensor and the output data can be taken as input for a specific way of communication.
To involve the audience as much as possible, I wanted them to be able to communicate with their own personal video and audio material. To realize this a RFID card was necessary to attach personal content to every chair. Together with Bas Withagen / Waag Society and Tim van Elferen we developed the following system consisting of an Arduino board, distance sensor and RFID reader:
In Fablab, I developed the wooden construction, for the electronics to be attached to the chair, by using the lasercutter.
http://www.marloekevandervlugt.com/www.marloekevandervlugt.com/audience....
Description DUETTEN:
Every visitor enters the theatre space one by one. At the entrance they get their own RFID card. By saying their name in a microphone, this audio file gets attached to the card. On the little stage their video footage is recorded and connected to the card (see video part I on following link).
http://www.marloekevandervlugt.com/www.marloekevandervlugt.com/works/Pag...
The moment they sit down on a chair and insert the card into the box, they can play with the audio file and the video fragment projected on the half transparent screen. Leaning forward makes the video play, slow down, stop, colored or black and white. At the same time a light spot on stage is put on / off.
The spot triggers the performer. When she is in the spot her sensor costume gets the light and triggers the connected audio file (name). She can also trigger the connected video file and play with it (see video part II on following link).
http://www.marloekevandervlugt.com/www.marloekevandervlugt.com/works/Pag...
DUETTEN is performed in the Veem theatre, Amsterdam and in Theater KIKKER Utrecht in september 2011. The project is further developed to be presented at festivals in 2012.
Photo credits:
Stephan van Hesteren
CREDITS DUETTEN:
‘We are both the mirror and the face we see in it’
Duetten is an intimate performance installation about watching and being watched.
An interactive mirror game for 24 visitors and one performer. Moving in your chair is permitted.
Duetten is produced by Stichting Loena and Het Veem Theater
Supported by Waag Society and Amsterdam Fonds voor de Kunst
Concept, direction: Marloeke van der Vlugt
Digital design: Tim van Elferen
Performer: Keyna Nara
Choreography: Sarah Manya
Advisor: Barbara Duijfjes
Audio programming - sound design:
Pandelis Diamantides | Microseq
Host: Murielle Polak
Costume: Marina Toeters, Marloeke van der Vlugt
Technical realisation audience system: Bas Withagen, Waag Society
Production: Stephanie Lühn
Light: Erik Gramberg
Thanks to: Productiehuis Rotterdam, DasArts, Nienke Rooyakkers, Prisca Maas, Lucas Evers & Joris Ringers, FABLAB Amsterdam
