Virtual and Real

Ideas and Tools for an Enhanced Theatre in an Empathic Direction

Abstract

Tracing the evolution of the term "virtual" in relation to the real, this article aims to valorize VR technology as a tool for enhancing theater in an empathic direction. By providing examples of performative outcomes in mixed VR/live formats, the article highlights experiments that utilize VR as a tool for fostering empathic engagement. A portion of the article focuses on the experimental project "Specimens/Exemplars," an unprecedented mixed performance piece (VR/live) with an original script written by the author, which also serves as a social experiment.