"Extending Our Reach - Performance in a Digital Age," the second episode of the webinar series "The Next Stage" organized by the Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles and the Western Arts Alliance (WAA) in 2021 to explore the possibility of using technology in performances, will be held at 5 pm on May 26.
The pandemic accelerates technology application in performing arts. The first episode, "Creation in Isolation" held on April 27, features a diverse panel of artists and producers sharing their journeys.
In continuation to the first episode, the second episode features Lin Ting-chun (林亭均), director of programming and international development at the National Theater and Concert Hall (台灣國家兩廳院) in Taipei, interdisciplinary artist Ty Defoe, Janet Cowperthwaite, manager of Kronos Quartet, and cellist Seth Parker Woods. They are invited to talk with indigenous Hawaiian musician and moderator Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti and share their views on the future development of technology application in performing arts.
In light of the acceleration of technology application in performing arts due to the pandemic, virtual programs are no longer simply a replay of the recordings of live shows. Performing arts groups, artists and venues now make use of technology to create new productions and viewing experiences.
The National Theater & Concert Hall in Taipei launched the first 5G-themed stage show "Kaleidoscope (萬花筒)" in 2020, utilizing 360-degree VR videos, multi-view selection and 5G core networks to allow for interaction between performers and the audience through technology devices that transcend the limits of space and time.
In 2020, interdisciplinary artist Ty Defoe presented his work "Revolving Sky (旋轉天際)," which combines an immersive performance with interactive multimedia to explore indigenous knowledge, science and climate crisis, at Under the Radar Festival.
Kronos Quartet launched an online program "Testimony" last year, which features a performance in an empty venue, coupled with the well-received recorded video of famous Ethiopian musician Meklit Hadero from San Francisco.
Cellist Seth Parker Woods is a new artist-in-residence at the Kaufman Music Center. Like Woods, the moderator Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti is a musician and composer who makes music that incorporates electronic elements.
This event will be held through Zoom while livestreaming on WAA's YouTube channel and Facebook. All are welcome to register online at https://www.westarts.org/news-updates/register-now-extending-our-reach.
For more information about the series of webinar "The Next Stage: Essential Issues in Performing Arts Creation, Presentation, and Engagement," please follow WAA’s website here, Facebook page here, and YouTube channel here.