Visualising Lost Theatres: Virtual Praxis and the Recovery of Performance Spaces

This groundbreaking study uses virtual reality to uncover the history of five lost venues: the Rose Theatre in London, the Komediehuset in Bergen, the Queen's Theatre in Adelaide, circus tents in Australia's goldfields, and the Stardust showroom in Las Vegas. It recreates the immersive feel of these venues and reveals performance logistics, offering a new methodology for using visualizations in theatre history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This groundbreaking study employs virtual reality to unearth the rich history of five venues that have faded from our collective memory: the Rose Theatre in London during the 1590s, the Komediehuset in Bergen during the mid-nineteenth century, the Queen's Theatre in Adelaide in 1841, circus tents that served as stages for Cantonese opera performances in Australia's goldfields during the 1850s, and the Stardust showroom in Las Vegas during the 1950s. These venues, which have played pivotal roles in shaping some of the most enduring genres of world theatre and cultural production, represent significant cultural transformations that are explored in depth through a detailed examination of theatrical practices and socio-political history. By utilizing virtual models as performance laboratories for research, Visualizing Lost Theatres recreates the immersive atmosphere of these venues, providing a glimpse into the logistical considerations for actors and audiences. Moreover, this study proposes a novel methodology for utilizing visualizations as a valuable tool in the study of theatre history, offering 3D visualizations for readers to consult alongside the text. As a pioneering contribution to the digital humanities, this study makes a significant impact on our understanding of the past and the potential of new technologies to enhance our cultural heritage.

Weight: 466g
ISBN-13: 9781108476751