The Power of the Unseen

Video documentation of “Prometheus Bound”

Meiro Koizumi (JP)

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Inspired by the Greek tragedy “Prometheus Bound,” this work is an experiential theater piece that uses VR/AR technology to develop the tension between technology and human society, which has been altered in various ways in civilization.
The theater piece is made of two compositions. In the first half of the piece, viewers wearing head-mounted displays are able to experience immersive VR/AR. In the second half, the piece reflects on the existence of Masatane Mutoh, an ALS patient: his memories, anguish, and vision of a future in which ALS will be overcome. This is the axis of the play, which critically examines human behavior and how it can be manipulated. ABAL’s technology, which enables a synchronized AR/VR experience, presents a crowd that embraces a communal illusion, reminding us of the utopia that technology will bring, but also warning us of the dystopia that lies behind it. This video is a record of the performance at Theatre Commons ’20 in 2020.

Video

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Video documentation of “Prometheus Bound”, Meiro Koizumi (JP), Credit: Meiro Koizumi

Video documentation of “Prometheus Bound”, Meiro Koizumi (JP), Credit: Meiro Koizumi

Video documentation of “Prometheus Bound”, Meiro Koizumi (JP), Credit: Meiro Koizumi

Video documentation of “Prometheus Bound”, Meiro Koizumi (JP), Credit: Meiro Koizumi

Meiro Koizumi (JP): Born in 1976. After graduating from International Christian University, Koizumi moved to England to study visual expression at Chelsea College in London. He explores the relationships between the state/community and the individual, and between the human body and emotions, through experimental videos and performances that interweave reality and fiction. He has participated in exhibitions at Tate Modern’s BMW Tate Live, Shanghai Biennale, and Sharjah Biennale. Solo exhibitions include “Projects 99: Meiro Koizumi” (Museum of Modern Art, New York, 2013) and ”Battlelands” (Pérez Art Museum Miami, 2018).
His experimental VR Theater piece “Prometheus Bound” won the Grand Prize in the Art Division of the 24th Japan Media Arts Festival.

Credits

Credits for video documentation: (Video documentation of “Prometheus Bound” at Theatre Commons ‘20 at Daiba Civic Center, performed between March 5th to 7th, 2020. Duration of the video: 46 minutes.)
Filming: Meiro Koizumi and Tsuyoshi Nomura
Editing: Meiro Koizumi

Credits for “Prometheus Bound”: “Prometheus Bound” is powered by ABAL
Performance: Masatane Muto
Script: Masatane Muto and Meiro Koizumi
VR Production: ABAL Inc.
VR Effects: Katsuya Taniguchi (Rhino Studios)
VR Management: Tsuyoshi Nomura
Director of Photography: Yasuhiro Moriuchi
Lighting: Atsushi Sugimoto
Recording: Ryota Fujiguchi
Camera Assistant: Aoi Nakamura
Editing: Meiro Koizumi
Assistant Director: Wataru Koyama
Technical Manager: So Ozaki
Stage Manager: Takashi Kawachi
Production Coordinator: Aya Comori (TASKO Inc.)
Production Manager: Sayuri Fujii
Co-operation: With ALS and Arts Commons Tokyo
Curator: Chiaki Soma
Concept and Direction: Meiro Koizumi
Production: Aichi Triennale 2019, Meiro Koizumi