Video projection mapping is an exciting new projection technique that can turn almost any surface into a dynamic video display. Specialized software is used to warp and mask the projected image, to make it fit perfectly on irregularly shaped screens, creating an end result of a dynamic projection installation that transcends ordinary video projection. Pioneers like the Ex Machina multidisciplinary company, already use digital technology to create a new perception of the stage area, expanding its limits on lighting design and stage design area and exploring theirs dynamics. Examples like this company inspired me for my research and practice for this Unit.

 

 

My studio practice was focused on this collaboration between stage design, lighting design and digital design and the impact of this association in modern dance area. One of my objectives was to understand as much as possible the range and capabilities that can be offered by the projection mapping and motion capture techniques projected on large scale stage sets and smaller stage sets or bodies, by using all the values of a theatre-dance performance, in order to find similarities and differences. Main purpose was to define, as much as possible, the balance between them. One of my ultimate goals will, also, be in the future to succeed in communicating my ideas and concepts about digital theatre, by using the tools and methods of projection mapping and motion capture techniques in order to create an outstanding and unique outcome.

 

 

My practice in the during first unit was to experiment my ideas by creating-designing them digitally through the knowledge, that I’ll have conquered with my research. My  research was based on interviews, critics, blogs, and videos about the contemporary theatre performance making.

 

 

To be more precise my goal  was to learn and create several graphic designs-proposals and use them as lighting material, projected them from different positions (front/top) on the real set of a famous Greek dance performance called “2” by Dimitris Papaioannou. I tried to recreate the real stage set in a scale 1:25, with few changes in order to be more practical for the projections. One of my basic thoughts was to represent the dynamics of the choreography, the emotions and the atmospheres with digital animations, using the projected light as the main source of expression.