ACT Oedipus: Digital theatre and the apocalyptic structure of re/presentation

Abstract

ACT Oedipus: Digital theatre and the apocalyptic structure of re/ presentation Apocalyptic Cybernetic Theatre: ACT Oedipus is a digital theatre piece by Studio for Electronic Theatre that was performed at Tate Britain in November 2011 as part of an evening themed around the Apocalypse. The work re-imagines the Oedipus myth in a virtual reality environment. I use the term 'digital theatre' to refer to theatrical works that involve a combination of live physical performance and audio-visual media; particularly (and most relevant to this discussion) the use of cameras to generate visual material as part of the performance process. The piece I am using as an example includes projections of digital images -some prepared in advance and some taken in real time from the live performance -which create an effect of doubling the action. This simultaneous presentation of solid bodies and projected images highlights both similarities and differences between them. The digital technology allows for the images to be manipulated in various ways, and for multiple perspectives to be presented in the same space and time.In this consideration of the digital in theatre, I am not claiming to be able to move 'beyond representation' as such. However, given that the theatre in its classical Greek form has served as a