STRINGS
Can we touch and move each other on the internet? How can technology brings us together again, encourage us to rethink how our bodies interact and help us find a new sense of togetherness?
STRINGS is an interactive performance - available as an in-person, remote or hybrid experience. The dancer is wearing networked haptic devices that react to the collective actions of the audience through a web interface.
It explores how digital technology can enable collaboration and help us dance together, hold each other from a distance and find a new sense of togetherness.
The dancer is found inanimate after several weeks of self-isolation, losing connection with the outside world, fighting against anxiety and apathy, and contemplating the self. She will rely on the audience interactions to help her live through movement again and reconnect with others.
Using this interactive system, the audience is able to watch the performance while collectively deciding how the dancer should move. Each instruction acts as invisible strings to (re)animate a living and dancing body.
STRINGS (The Original)
This original version of STRINGS has been created as a response to the Covid 19 pandemic. It has been created and premiered during the first lockdown in the UK, fully performed remotely from home. It marked a clear turning point for Unwired Dance Theatre, opening the door to creating digital work and enabling remote interactions with the audience.
STRINGS In the City
STRINGS In The City is an evolution of the original version, happening in a hybrid format: outdoors with in-person audience and livestreamed for remote participants.
April & May 2020 | 19 Acts of COVID 19 Bravery (Online)
May 2020 | Can Everyone See My Screen, Goldsmiths University (Online)
July & October 2020 | Dance Against Racism Day (Online)
July 2020 | Digitally charged, Tramshed Theatre (Online)
29-30 June 2021 | S+T+ARTS Urban Fest, organised by Nesta IT (Online) | Livestreamed from Ugly Duck, London
14 June 2022 | Hardware Hack / Volumetric Society, Thoughtworks Arts, New York
30-31 Jul & 6-7 Aug 2022 | Escapade Escape Arcade, Enter Venue, London
09 Sept 2022 | Extended Senses & Embodying Technology Symposium 2022, London & Online
09 JUNE 2024 | VOIDSPACE LIVE!, Theatre Deli, London, UK
STRINGS has originally been presented as part of 19 Acts of COVID-19 Bravery, a selection of digital performances prompted by the coronavirus outbreak, curated by Brendan Drake and Kate Ladenheim.
Creative team
Direction and Creative Technology
Clemence Debaig
Dancers
Clemence Debaig, Chloe Bellou
Music
Christina Karpodini
Web development
Ed Boucher
Creative input
Chloe Bellou, Kristia Morabito, Marcello Licitra