Is physical comedy possible in virtual reality? Where is the balance between a live performer and a screen, and what makes the juxtaposition humorous? Dive into the comedic possibilities of technologies and the storytelling challenges encountered by artists operating in the world of mixed reality. In Bag of Worms, a darkly comic sketch by artist-coder-performer Matt Romein, live performance of motion capture systems interact with virtual gamified landscapes, achieving an immersive, madcap vision in which bodies are reshaped by digital effects, and vice versa. In Kate Ladenheim’s durational performance, Commit!, she responds in real-time to audience evaluation of her movements, and those of her avatar controlled by motion capture technology. Explore with them choreographing for both real and virtual bodies, and the complex relationship between violence and humor. Come see how humor brings anarchy and insight to the virtual realm!Watch
