Intimacies - "Did you remember to Lock the Door"

Research Background: The development of physical interactivity with computers with high speed response of video had led to a new form of theatrical and dance performance which combines sound, imagery and live performance. Experiments have been made since the late 1990s by such artists as Stelarc (Aus), Blast Theory (UK) and Troika Ranch (USA). Research Contribution: How can interactive media and live performance be combined in such a way as to create a seamless experience that does not compromise the talents and skills of performers and yet introduces audio visual material to produce a theatrical event that is unique and could not be produced in any other way? The creation of an "interactive instrument" that enables both performers and potentially audience members to control an audio visual environment produces artworks which are not only original, the facility for improvisation makes sure that no two performances are alike. A new form of imagery, the visual equivalent of 'ambient music', was produced in a way that did not upstage the live performers. Further innovation that insured a unique original theatrical experience was a collaboration with a local electronics manufacturer who created customised sensors for the dancers. Research Significance: This collaboration was funded by a research grant from RMIT Vietnam of $10,000. Arabesque is Saigon's leading dance company who tour overseas and are regarded as innovative leaders . This is multidisciplinary art/science project. The principal researcher, Paul Verity Smith has been involved in this this area since 1998 and is a member of Interaktionslabor, The DAP Lab, Brunel University, and has produced interaction design and photography for performances in London, Athens, Uzice and Kibla Slovenia. Both performances were not only sold out but demand exceeded availability and an extended production is already in preparation.