Shakespeare and Digital Performance in Practice

Shakespeare and Digital Performance in Practice explores the impact of digital technologies on the theatrical performance of Shakespeare in the twenty-first century, examining the rise of live broadcasting and recording, live video feeds and dynamic projections, and born-digital theatre-making. It argues that technologically adventurous performances allow performers and audiences to test what theatre is and reflect on what it means to be present in an increasingly online world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 249 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Shakespeare and Digital Performance in Practice delves into the profound influence of digital technologies on the theatrical presentation of Shakespeare in the twenty-first century. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of numerous productions, ranging from high-profile to lesser-known, the book explores the emergence of live broadcasting and recording in theaters, the increasing utilization of live video feeds and dynamic projections on the mainstream stage, and innovative experiments in born-digital theater-making, encompassing social media, virtual reality, and video-conferencing adaptations. Through this detailed examination, the book makes a compelling argument that technologically adventurous performances of Shakespeare offer performers and audiences a unique opportunity to redefine the boundaries of theater and contemplate the essence of presence in an increasingly online world.

Introduction:
The advent of digital technologies has revolutionized the way we engage with theater, transforming the artistic landscape and expanding cultural access. Shakespeare, as one of the most celebrated playwrights.
authors in history, has not been immune to these technological advancements. In the twenty-first century, Shakespeare's plays have been performed in diverse settings, from traditional theaters to unconventional spaces, and through various mediums, including live broadcasting, recording, and born-digital theater-making. This essay aims to explore the impact of digital technologies on the theatrical performance of Shakespeare in the twenty-first century, both in terms of widening cultural access and developing new forms of artistry.

Live Broadcasting and Recording:
One of the most significant developments in the theatrical presentation of Shakespeare in the twenty-first century has been the rise of live broadcasting and recording. With the advent of digital technology, theaters have been able to capture and distribute live performances to a global audience, enabling people who may not have the opportunity to witness a live performance in person to experience the magic of Shakespeare's plays. This has opened up new avenues for cultural exchange and has allowed theaters to reach a wider audience, including those who may be geographically isolated or have limited access to theater.

Live broadcasting and recording have also had a significant impact on the way Shakespeare's plays are performed. Performers are now able to experiment with new interpretations and approaches to the text, as they have the freedom to explore and interpret the plays in their unique way. This has led to a greater diversity of performances and has allowed audiences to see different perspectives on the plays. Additionally, live broadcasting and recording have enabled theaters to preserve and archive their performances, ensuring that they can be accessed and enjoyed by future generations.

Live Video Feeds and Dynamic Projections:
In addition to live broadcasting and recording, another significant trend in the theatrical presentation of Shakespeare in the twenty-first century has been the growing use of live video feeds and dynamic projections. These technologies allow theaters to create immersive and visually stunning performances that engage the audience on multiple levels. Live video feeds and dynamic projections can be used to create realistic environments, such as battlefields or ancient settings, and can be combined with other multimedia elements, such as sound effects and lighting, to create a truly immersive experience.

Experiments in born-digital theater-making, including social media, virtual reality, and video-conferencing adaptations, have also emerged as a significant trend in the theatrical presentation of Shakespeare in the twenty-first century. These adaptations allow theaters to explore new ways of engaging with audiences and to challenge traditional notions of theater. For example, social media platforms can be used to create interactive performances that allow audiences to participate in the action and to engage with the characters in real-time. Virtual reality can be used to create immersive experiences that transport audiences to different worlds and times. Video-conferencing adaptations can be used to create performances that are accessible to people who may be geographically isolated or have limited access to theater.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the impact of digital technologies on the theatrical performance of Shakespeare in the twenty-first century has been profound. Live broadcasting and recording have opened up new avenues for cultural exchange and have allowed theaters to reach a wider audience. Live video feeds and dynamic projections have enabled theaters to create immersive and visually stunning performances that engage the audience on multiple levels. Experiments in born-digital theater-making, including social media, virtual reality, and video-conferencing adaptations, have allowed theaters to explore new ways of engaging with audiences and to challenge traditional notions of theater. As digital technologies continue to evolve, it will be exciting to see how they continue to shape and transform the theatrical presentation of Shakespeare in the twenty-first century.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031057625
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022