You are invited to attend an open discussion event exploring the experience of watching live performance in the digital realm.

Wednesday 22nd July | 6.30 - 9.30pm | Watershed, Bristol.

Over the past few months, Bristol Old Vic, Watershed and HP Labs worked together on a research project, which sought to capture and extend the experience of watching live performance to the digital realm. As part of the project, members of the public were invited to attend a live, work in progress performance of Strange Case, a new piece of theatre, directed by Sally Cookson and devised by the company at Bristol Old Vic. The performance incorporated a range of fixed and wearable cameras recording the point of view of the actors, musicians, back stage and props.

Working in collaboration with filmmaker Geoff Taylor, we then created two versions of a film, using footage captured during the live performance. Audience members who attended the performance, and those who couldn't attend, were invited to view a version of the film at Watershed Cinema, or receive a USB stick containing a film to view at home, using their computer.

We asked everyone who participated to fill in a short response form directly after each experience. The responses we collated, allowed us to gage the value of experiencing live performance in the digital realm.

On July 22nd, 6.30pm, we’re hosting an open discussion event at Watershed. The event will provide the opportunity to learn more about the project and the findings from our research. We also hope you’ll share your thoughts with us; hear the thoughts of others who took part; and participate in a wider discussion about the future of live performance and the digital realm. We’ll also screen the two versions of the film during the event. We hope you’ll be able to join us.

An agenda for the event will be posted shortly. Attendance at the screenings will be optional.

If you participated in the project we'd love to hear from you, or if you were unable to participate but would like to view the films and share your thoughts, we’d be pleased to welcome you. Drinks and snacks will be provided at the event.

Sign up for a ticket using our Eventbrite ticketing system by visiting: http://strangecasediscuss.eventbrite.com/

Places are limited so please respond quickly.This project is funded by the Technology Strategy Board and is a collaboration between Bristol Old Vic, Watershed and HP Labs.

Please pass this invitation on to anyone you feel may be interested in coming along.We hope you’ll be able to join us.