Theatre in the Digital Age

European Theatre Convention

The digital shift changes how we create, share and monetize content, including theatrical works. Where does contemporary theatre fit into our digital world? And what conditions must be met for digital innovation in theatre? The European Theatre Convention (ETC) has set Theatre in the Digital Age as a core pillar of its program for European Theatres. Through research and experimentation with digital technologies, ETC aims to enhance theatrical live experience and to offer meaningful reflection of its possibilities and boundaries.

CyberRäuber Workshop

Björn Lengers (DE), Marcel Karnapke (DE)

Since 2016, Marcel Karnapke and Björn Lengers have worked together as CyberRäuber, bringing theatre into VR and VR into theatre. They do artistic research into new narratives, virtual stages, recorded and real-time acting on stage and VR. Their work is shown as repertoire pieces at several theatres and international festivals. In addition to showing their first interactive VR opera “Fragments | a digital Freischütz,” the CyberRäuber give a hands-on workshop with exclusive insights into VR theatre.

Musiktheater Workshop: Fragments | a digital Freischütz

CyberRäuber (DE)

Opera up close, eye to eye with the main characters: Max must prove himself with a masterly shot to gain the hand of Agathe, the head forester’s daughter, and so become his successor. Doubting his skills as a marksman, Max accepts the help of Kaspar, who sold his soul to the devil, to cast seven magic bullets: six of them hit anything the shooter wants, the last one will be directed by the devil…

Panel: Theatre in the Digital Age

How can digital technology add to the magical, theatrical moment? Digital theatre entails a multitude of approaches and perspectives.

This year for the third time, Ars Electronica and ETC collaborate in a symposium with discussion, a hands-on VR workshop by the CyberRäuber and their Fragments | a digital Freischütz, a virtual reality opera in four episodes, co-produced by ETC members Landestheater Linz and Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe.

Founded in 1988, ETC has become Europe’s largest network for public theatres with around 40 venues from more than 20 countries. As an artistic platform for creation, innovation and collaboration, ETC initiated the project European Theatre Lab – Drama goes digital in 2016.

Project Credits:

The ETC project ENGAGE: Empowering today’s audience through challenging theatre is co-funded by the Creative Europe Program of the European Union.

Website:

https://www.europeantheatre.eu/