Conclusion

I find it interesting that the beginning of this chapter talks about the past failures of digital technologies.  I suppose we can not move forward if we do not know the snafus of the past.  I do agree with the ideas presented in " Theatrical and Human Uncertainties."  We can make steps to create new theatrical practices here at UF, but not until the administration shows the interest to do so.  Recently we have been throwing new technologies at main stage productions to try to fix problem areas.  I hope everyone realizes now that showing slide shows and video at scene shifts does not make them any better.  The audience still sits there in the dark wondering when the show will go on.  the directors are still freaking out about how long shifts are.  this has not changed a bit.  Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic that we as a whole are trying new things.  now it is time to move on.  we have been taking baby steps toward innovation.  It is time we take leaps.

 

The example of Uncle Roy is intriguing.  Although the risk of being mugged is not appealing, there are steps being made to reinvent century old theatrical practices.  Now I know that everyone is tired of hearing about the Dr. Ralf trip, but one of our outings was to a theatre company by the name of Punchdrunk.  This event was complete immersion theatre.  The Uncle Roy concept was along the same lines.  Although, this choose your own adventure show intertwined six different story lines.  The company had converted a historical building to enclose your adventure with no threat of being actually mugged.  One may be taken into a private room or such without harm.  In this environment you lose yourself to become a character of your own.

Mainstream theatre is boring, especially here in America.  Risks need to be taken before we lose our audience forever, grandma and grandpa are getting old.  Or we could all just move to Europe.