Draxtor Despres has released his latest episode (#24) of The Drax Files: World Makers featuring MadamThespian Underhill who directs Avatar Repertory Theater in Second Life. MadameThespian is a Chicago-based actor who performs and directs for her local Shakespeare company which is very fascinating.
This episode is amazing and really inspiring I think. I love the part about motion tracking technology in the future. Once again another fantastic interview and it’s worth visiting the Avatar Repertory Theater today. 🙂
Watch Episode 24 below
Episode 24 details
“Second Life levels the playing field when we interact with each other”, says actress MadameThespian Underhill who directs the virtual reality theatre troupe Artist Repertory Theatre in SL.
A.R.T has been performing live theatre in the virtual world since 2008 with a cast that spans all generations and [physical] location.
Professional TV and stage actors mingle with dedicated hobbyists and community theatre buffs to dress up their colorful avatars in homemade sets to produce drama, comedy, musical and improvisational theatre for a global avatar audience.
In addition to the creative possibilities that a digital universe such as Second Life holds, MadameThespian is enthusiastic about its social aspects as well:
“The value for older people” she says, “is wonderful because of the ability to interact with other people from all over the world of other ages. You are being judged by what you say – the pure essence of who you are!”
And so you can often see the likes of Thinkerer Melville, 85, well-known benefactor of the arts in Second Life enjoying inter-generational dialogue with Madame and Mike Denneny, who at 22 years old is already a veteran in the virtual realm, having started as an entrepreneur on the Teen Grid in 2005.
The theatre a place to express a deeper kind of truth about the human condition? Certainly a tradition in physical “reality” but increasingly one that has impacted virtual reality just as much!
The Drax Files Radio Hour
Also check out The Drax Files Radio Hour #24 called Unter Den Lindens which was published this week. OMG Drax went to Linden Lab HQ in San Francisco!
Daniel Voyager 