Intermediality and hybrid performance

The introduction of intermediality into theatre seems a perfectly reasonable 'next step' to take in the way of theatre, as it reflects, more realistically, our lives. After all, the aim of the theatre is to put life on the stage. Whilst some say that the introduction of intermediality will be the death of the play, seeing as the very nature of a play is that it is live media, i believe that media can enhance performance. By enabling hybrid performance and intertextuality we can bring more depth to a stageplay. We can project images and show videos on the backdrop that can enhance the audiences understanding. If not only this, the introduction of intertextuality allows us to perform in an entirely different way than we had done before, giving us a variety of different effects and a new range of tools to use. Media also allows us to, in some circumstances, discard the typical 'set' and bring in new ways of recreating and dressing the stage.
To further this, intertextuality allows a whole new way of acting. I once saw a production whereby a couple had met over the internet. This was depicted in the opening scene of the play by the backdrop being split in half. Each half represented the characters computer screen and words would be typed upon it by one character and then replied by the other character. This meant that the audience could see the characters relationship start to build before we had seen either of the actors.
To conclude, i think that intermediality etc is a positive step forward in the world of theatre. However, whilst it brings us more opportunities than ever, we must not completely forget where the line blurs and always be aware of the simplicity that a play can simply be actors on stage in nothing but a black room.

define 'performance'

Recently we were asked to consider what we thought of as a performance. I think there are many different answers to this because, to some, life is performance. I know few people who consistently stand when in a room so that people will always have their eye on him/her. People such as these have a constant awareness that whatever they do will be seen by others and thus the world is their stage. This is not to say that they do not want to be watched, often i find these are the kind of people who thrive on attention and having all eyes on them. Then we were asked if something could be considered a 'performance' if the 'actor', as it were, did not know that people were watching them. I think that you cannot define someone as 'performing' unless they are aware that they are performing, otherwise you are simply reacting to what is going on around you. I believe that for a performance to occur, someone has to know what and why it is happening. For example a planned fight in a coffee shop can still be considered a performance even though the audience were unaware that they were watching it. Just as an altercation between two people could be considered a performance even if one person is unaware that the other has fabricated the whole argument. This is a seemingly straightforward question, the connotations of which are trickier to understand than first thought

exercising the mind

i am somewhat confused as to what this is... a 'log', a web 'log', is this correct? People keep saying the word 'blog' which i presume derives from 'weblog', that is a log that is kept on the web, or a 'website' to use its full name. So this is a 'website' log. 'Log', though, being short for the word 'logbook'. So this means i am currently writing a 'website logbook'...no wonder we use abbreviations.

strike out

oh what a postal strike. can't get post. what a nightmare. i am fully aware that in the postbox down my road is 6 letters that i have posted in the last week. and there they sit until the man in his little red jacket, emerging from his little red van removes himself from the strike and collects them. but that's ok because i've got a phone and an email address, but there's nothing better than getting a letter. something coming through the door especially for you and not intended for anybody else. But i won't get any replies, because my letters aren't moving. bummer.

week in, week out

Not the busiest week at 179, Ikea played a role in the removal of 53.86 from my bank account.
Ashort trip to the bank to collect some money left me with a 45 minute wait in order for me to collect my own money from the account.

Very important business so far.