Unwanted Waters

[Prototype Series]

A live mocap performance in WebXR

Inspired by the old myth of Rusalka, Unwanted Waters is a tale about marginalised individuals who have suffered from harassment, brutality and exclusion.

This series of prototypes mark the premise of an upcoming long form of Unwanted Waters. It allowed us to experiment with live mocap in webXR, virtual worlds and hybrid performance formats.

In this one-of-a-kind performance, remote audiences and dancers can coexist in the virtual environment. Using custom-made technology, a mocap suit and a VR headset, remote dancers can animate fully rigged virtual characters in real-time and interact with the audience. The environment uses a browser-based social VR platform (Mozilla Hubs), allowing audiences to participate from remote locations - or in-person - from their phone, laptop and VR headsets.

#1 Disturbance

In this live Mocap dance performance, the audience will encounter unfriendly water spirits who will not appreciate their peace being disturbed. Audiences and spirits will need to find a common language to connect and accept each other.

Prototype presented to remote audiences as part of OnBoardXR [3]: Mythos & Monsters

#2 Rite of Passage

A new sprite enters the Rusalka's realm and needs to prove their worth. This chapter explores concepts of safe space, conformity and rituals within a community.

Prototype presented to remote audiences as part of OnBardXR [4]: Port of Registry. Featuring two dancers in live mocap, in London and NYC.

#3 Universe City special

As part of a residency, we co-created this version of Unwanted Waters with the local community at Universe City, in Brownsville, NYC. Participants shared their personal stories through interviews and movements recorded in mocap that inspired the audio track and the choreography.

This prototype has been presented to in-person audiences in VR and on a projection screen - as part of Universe City’s block party, celebrating Juneteenth 2022.

#4 The permanent exhibition

The celebrate the end of the prototyping phase, we have created this permanent, and virtual, dance installation with audio testimonials and full-mocap dances.

This exhibition has been presented with OnBoardXR as part of Active Replica’s Constellation project.