In this lunchtime talk, Emma Hughes and Ben Neal, discuss their project Facades, a surreal virtual reality (VR) dance experience that invites audiences to walk the line between reality and illusion.

Created by Digital Dance Artist Kerryn Wise and Creative Technologist Ben Neal, Facades is a surreal virtual reality (VR) dance experience that invites audiences to walk the line between reality and illusion. Cinematic and deeply immersive, Facades is an atmospheric and sometimes challenging experience that leaves audience members questioning their own place on a virtual stage, what the rules of this new world are, who is in control, and what the experiences they have really mean.

Facades uses Volumetric Capture to record real-life performers digitally and transform them into three dimensional, virtual versions of themselves. Including abstracted movement, themes and settings inspired by iconic film scenes including Rear Window, The Wizard of Oz, and The Mirror, the choreography explores domesticity through repeated gestures and emotive recurring motifs, as the isolated solo performer seeks to find a connection by reaching out to the visiting viewer. This beautiful yet unsettling narrative exposes themes of vulnerability, trust, disembodiment and isolation.

From 10:00 - 17:00 you can stay at the Studio for Open Studio Fridays - join us to continue the conversation or work on your own projects. The Studio provides chairs, tables, wireless and a great space. You bring what you need to work with (laptop/mobile). Tell us what you’re up to, or allow us to facilitate conversations within the resident community. Studio staff and residents will be around to chat, answer questions, or tell you more about what we do. The open afternoons close at 17:00, sometimes with a trip to the Café & Bar.

The Lunchtime Talks take place in the Pervasive Media Studio, which is in the Watershed building. The Studio is just beyond the Café & Bar, turn right and then go down the corridor to your left (where the toilets are). The double doors here will be open, go all the way down until you reach the Studio. A member of staff will sign you in, and check your ticket, if you have booked.

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