Examining model artistic principles of theatre design guided by the elements of the technical and experimental, this research probes the technological mediums artistically explored and deconstructed within the multimedia theatre performance company based in Prague, Laterna Magika. Furthermore, I examine the various modes in which these technologies were (re)considered and implemented by contemporary artists in their choreographic work as well as my own. This exploration is based on the perspective and guiding technical and experimental principles practiced by late scenographer and artistic director of Laterna Magika, Josef Svoboda (1920-2002). Through research and analysis of Svoboda’s necessary artistic components of scenography–set design, projection work, lighting, choreography, live performance, music, etc.–fulfilled on the theatre stage, I explore how his principles provide the potential to enlarge a set space–not only in the proscenium theatre but through the camera lens/film. Moreover, how providing the potential to enlarge the space of the theatre/stage is a living question to some contemporary artists working with technology.
Presentation deriving from senior honors thesis with Angie Hauser and Chris Aiken, associate professors of dance.