The role of the audience in stage performances is changing from passive spectators to contributors making the performance interactive by using different techniques. We investigate the connection of audience physiological data to the experienced performance in three performance events with a total of 98 participants. We identified memorable performance moments by assessing Electrodermal Activity (EDA) showing that the audience’s responses match the choreographer’s intention. Through Heart Rate Variability (HRV) features related to parasympathetic activity, we identified dramatic shifts that are connected to the choreographic development of the performance.
Each performance lives from the interplay between audience and artists. Even if performers follow a precise script, each rendition is different partly due to audience reactions. Performers often describe it as an invisible link between them and the spectators, involving the audience in co-creating art. The stage design and described setup came out of a collaboration between the performing artists, designers and researchers in a semi-democratic process.
Both researchers and artists contributed to developing the concept during the iterative process to balance research and artistic interests. This process was mainly led by artists, especially the choreographer. Besides the predetermined story and design, the choreographer also created some improvisational sections where dancers could interact with stage elements affected by audience physiological response.
Contributors
- Project lead, artistic direction, dancer: 須川 萌 (Moe Sugawa)
- Screenplay, dancers: Mademoiselle Cinema (竹之下たまみ, 蓮子奈津美, 古茂田梨乃, 中島詩織, 須川萌, 佐治静, 中込美加恵)
- Stage direction: Session House (舞台演出・振付 伊藤直子, 舞台監督 鍋島俊介, 照明 石関美穂, 音響 宇野愛生)
- Technical direction: 古川泰地
- Wearable sensing: George Chernyshov, Karen Han, Lady Dingding Zheng, Kirill Ragozin, Jamie A. Ward
- Sound design and composition: Danny Hynds
- Interactive lighting system: Marcelo Padovani
- Technical operation: 河﨑 勇斗
- Stage design: Yurike Chandra
- Videography: 有馬 俊
- Technical supervision: Kai Kunze, 南澤 孝太 (Kouta Minamizawa)
- Special thanks: ASADAMESH inc.
Era: GEIST lab, Graduate School of Media Design, Keio University (2015 to 2026).
Source: kaikunze.de (27 December 2020).