BREAKING THE FIFTH WALL: Immersion between live performance and virtual spaces

How can virtual performances draw spectators and performers into the virtual while connecting them in an immersive experience? Immersion is of all times and of all arts. Where different arts come together, a complete experience emerges, often bridging the traditional boundaries between spectators, medium and character. These performances balance on the border between performance, video and installation art. They appeal to all of the senses and explore spatial relationships, placing the spectator at the center of this sensory game. The fourth wall – the imaginary wall at the end of the stage between the audience and the performance space – has come down. But what if we take the spectator one step further? What if the spectator becomes the story, as if we, the creators, were the directors of one’s life? And what are the parameters that we must define, control and manipulate in order to provide such a complete experience? In both a presentation of his own artistic work, as well as compelling examples of other digital artists, researcher and director Kristof Timmerman attempts to map out the complexity and enormous potential of live performances within virtual environments.

Kristof Timmerman (BE) is a designer and director of digital performances and installations, working in the field of live, interactive digital environments and virtual reality. He worked for several theater companies, including the experimental CREW. In 2006 he founded the digital artist collective studio.POC Kristof is the chair and coordinator of MAXlab, the research group on the interaction between art and digital technology at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. He is also a teacher and frequently consulted coach for VR productions and digital storytelling.