blauwdruk
dance-tech and mainstream dance often make comparisons between dance and architecture (choreography as architecture / architecture as choreography). whilst many projects have explored such links in installation based artworks, there has been little performance space building/design.
the «bayreuth festspielhaus» is often given as an example of a theatre designed for a specific arts practice (opera). the recessed orchestra pit (to preserve the stage illusion) is most noted design feature at the festspielhaus.
given current dance-tech practice, a specially designed theatre would require:
- 360° (all round) projection capability.
- surround sound (cinema quality).
- ethernet, wifi and internets.
- flexible lighting rig.
- flexible seating.
but this list only hints at the possible design, and capabilities of a dance-tech performance space. how about a reconfigurable/nteractive (mechanized) stage? would such an environment still be suitable for dancing in?. would the design reveal or hide the technology (perhaps it could do both)?.
most new theaters are new-media capable, but follow traditional designs. dance-tech does not have the financial weight to pay for real building projects. but it would be interesting to see an architectural competition for a dance-tech theatre.
many arts practices have been shaped by the spaces they perform in. the web is no different from any other screen, and as such has not re-defined dance-tech. virtual spaces (3d or telepresent) have also had little impact on the practice (and are often screen based). a physical space might stimulate the change dance-tech needs.
with its desire to retain the physical body, dance-tech will always need physical spaces. although 19th and 20th century performance spaces are usable, dance-tech would benefit from new designs. for the moment, it seems doubtful that will happen.
blog comments powered by Disqus