ART & LIFE: Who’s Afraid of Digital Theatre?

Due to the current pandemic, theatre-makers have found themselves exploring a new frontier: online performances. We’ve seen examples of ‘Zoom theatre’ and performances created especially for online viewing. But are these projects improvisations for the present... or a portent of the future?

In this live dialogue session, we discuss the possibilities and pitfalls of digital theatre by looking at case studies from the region. How has working online facilitated transnational collaborations? Is the medium redefining our relationships with our audiences and the authorities? Is digital theatre ultimately limiting or liberating?

WILD RICE’s first Southeast Asian online panel will feature Kwin Bhichitkul from Thailand on 𝐼𝑛 𝑂𝑤𝑛 𝑆𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒, Jo Kukathas from Malaysia on 𝘡𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘩 and Sim Yan Ying “YY” from Singapore on 𝘞𝘩𝘰’𝘴 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦? It will be moderated by WILD RICE’s Resident Playwright, Alfian Sa’at.

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[klwl]

I see live and digital theatre not being a case of either one or the other, but can be tapped to supplement each other. For example, the digital format can be used for archiving and to help spread knowledge of a theatre group's works far and wide. On the other hand, digital theatre can also inform and inspire life theatre acts.