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Multidimensional Theatre

17 Oct 2012
In this video interview, Flatland director Ralph Upton and producer Adrianne Roberts take Transmedia NZ's Anna Jackson on a journey through the new multidimensional work.

In this video interview, Flatland director Ralph Upton and producer Adrianne Roberts take Transmedia NZ's Anna Jackson on a journey through the new multidimensional and interactive theatre work.

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Flatland is a new theatre work that is truly multidimensional, incorporating the art of digital puppetry; the real-time interplay between live bodies and projected image, Xbox Kinect technology, wearable electronics and an interactive online game.

Inspired by Edwin A. Abbott's 1884 ‘romance of many dimensions’ novella, Flatland asks: what do we do when we think we have been enlightened? What comes next? The audience is invited to explore an unthinkable world where only two dimensions exist, like a sheet of paper.

The story told explores what happens to the character Square, when his concept of the world and all its possibilities implode as he is revealed a world in 3D.

According to the producers of the show, “technology, design, digital puppetry are all equally important live performers in this exploratory, totally original work which plays with and questions what theatre looks like in an increasingly digital world”.

Flatland is collaboration between Interactive Designer Johann Nortje (Interrupt Collective), Arts Producer Adrianne Roberts (Cuba Creative), and Director Ralph Upton (Binge Culture Collective). The interactive online game has been developed in association with Victoria University of Wellington and a team led by Kah Chan (Lecturer – Media Design).

Try out the game at www.flatland.co.nz.

I spoke to producer Adrianne Roberts and director Ralph Upton at the launch of the 2012 STAB Season at BATS Theatre.

Flatland (Interview with Director Ralph Upton and Producer Adrianne Roberts) from Transmedia NZ on Vimeo.

Flatland, is at BATS Theatre 13-27 October 2012. Bookings via BATS, 04 802 4175, www.bats.co.nz.