Dark Play

Hi Class,

So I attended the “Dark Play, or Stories for Boys” production on Friday night in the Constants Theatre. I definitely see how this show is relevant to our Digital Worlds Class. The production utilized three different projection screens, slightly smaller than the quadrants in digital worlds. Throughout the play these screens would be used to display images relevant to the play. One thing I found interesting was that when the screens were not being directly utilized they displayed a very generic 1990s like stationary screen saver image. I would have enjoyed there to be a greater use of the screens, even if it were subtle nuances while other elements or scenes were currently highlighted. I also found the social recognitions of technology extremely fascinating and telling of our culture. Such sounds as the PC shutting down tone or “you’ve got mail” or chat room dings all elicited laughter of familiarity within the audience (as well as a Law and Order reference that less directly relates to the digital aspects). And just for fun, during a “chat room scene” one of the screens displayed slightly twisted and humorous screen names of Theatre and Digital Worlds faculty which included out very own Professor Pat Pagano as “Patmyass.” Just thought the class might find that amusing. Furthermore, I also noticed that the music used was edited, I took note of layering and fades that were most obvious, for only hearing the short sections once. Throughout the duration of the show I noticed a defect in one of the lights, which caused it to strobe throughout the entire show. Though at some points this was distracting, at other points I found it enhanced the scenes and gave the play a further technologically warped sensation. I feel in general this play was primarily strongest in its story line and message, however this would not have come across nearly as effective without the tactility of the technology right in front and around you. I feel the live use of real technology and digital media created an atmosphere in which you lived in for the entirety of the show.

-Melissa C