Toward a digital stage architecture: a long-term research agenda in digitally enabled theater

Since 1991, the Gertrude Stein Repertory Theatre (GSRT) has been pursuing a unique research agenda, attempting to develop a theater style and theory based on digital technology. The approach has its aesthetic roots in Japanese Bunraku-style puppetry, Meyerhold's, biomechanics movement training, and Bharatta Natyam and other forms of Indian dance and performing arts. These traditions offer guidance in creating stylized characters using dramatic effects, which are external to the performer, as opposed to the more naturalistic Stanislavski and Actors Studio performance styles. Digitally enhanced production processes (rehearsal, training, and artistic collaboration) would make true global, multicultural performances possible. We can create sets and characters with computer-generated animation and modeling tools. Audiences might participate via the Internet or advanced broadband networks or attend public performance in specially equipped spaces.