At the junction of the oldest and newest media

Blaž Bertoncelj
School of Arts, University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia

The aim is to investigate the common denominators of human body as the oldest known media and the new media, as well as the perception of the viewer as an end user of performance work.

The defined common denominators between human body and new media objects are: the original data is not visible to the observer and it is only represented/communicated through an interface, which is limited by its own capability, data are modular so different elements can exist independently, data are variable and can be represented in multiple versions, data can be automated and transcoded.

In the field of performing arts the human body(ies) and new media object(s) can co-create theatrical moment, which is a result of parallel process of representation by a human on one side and the computer on the other, based on defined common denominators. Furthermore, human body(ies) and new media objects can co-depend on each other to produce complete information to the observer. Complex digital systems can also communicate with performer (sensors + programed response) but only in the paradigm of partnering (positive reaction of the system if parameters are met) and not in the paradigm of complex human response.

The effective strategy of implementation of human body(ies) and new media object(s) in performance space is finally defined by the multi-modal perception capabilities of the observer.

Keywords: dance, new media, stage design, performance art, theatre