Technological developments have an increasing impact on our daily lives and forms of cultural expression. More and more we exist in a mix of real and virtual environments in which we communicate and share experiences. Most devices we use are connected to the Internet. Public and private space start to blend and we manifest ourselves online as self-created fictional characters. 

How is this relevant for theatre practice? Is theatre in its traditional form going to be obsolete? What do current developments like Mixed Reality, Transmedia and The Internet of Things mean for telling stories and creating theatrical experiences? How do we design performances on multiple ‘stages’ and relate to our audiences when they become co-creators?

In this keynote, Joris Weijdom, researcher and designer of mixed reality experiences at the HKU University of the Arts Utrecht, will address these questions by taking you on a roller coaster ride of thought provoking ideas and examples from the world of technology, media and theatre.

Joris Weijdom is a researcher, designer and lecturer on the subject of interactive mixed reality experiences and leader of the research group Performativity and Media at the Research Centre Performative Processes at the HKU University of the Arts Utrecht. His core focus is interfacing people, tools and methodology in practice-led co-creative research processes. Next to his design and research activities he teaches on several BA and MA courses and gives both lectures and workshops in the Netherlands and abroad.