The presentation explores the concept of a future “XR Contingency Theater” in the context of the technical and narrative possibilities of extended realities (XR). Building on Janet Murray’s vision of the “Holodeck” as an immersive narrative space and various theater-historical concepts, the presentation shows how XR technologies enable new forms of theatrical experience in which viewers become active participants. The contingency theater uses the openness and changeability of virtual realities to explore the boundaries between representation and participation, between fiction and reality. In addition to the artistic and narrative potentials, the technical and ethical challenges are also discussed, as well as practical examples that illustrate how XR technologies are already enabling new forms of theater today. The electronic contingency theater is presented as a forward-looking approach that not only expands the traditional understanding of theater, but also opens up new avenues for collective experiences and social self-reflection.
Follow-up discussion with Jonathan Harth, Robin Junicke, Sarah Buser and Tobias Bieseke
kiU Talk #8 of the kiU storyLab of FH Dortmund/Dortmunder U.
In German.