One music video. One dance video. This is what we start with. The rest of the material is produced by YouTube practitioners. The goal of this project is not to point to YouTube as an example of today’s society, but let its specific mechanics inform the production of theatre. Using the snowball effect of video responses we generate versions and interpretations of our own uploaded material. Together they will be composed into a fabric through which live performers and virtual performers communicate together to create an emerging community of practice. They are not bound by identity but by doing something together. We are making a DIY Rock Opera that addresses questions of democracy and collectivity.
The PLOT is inspired by the idea of the seven generic plots that all stories are based on: overcoming the monster, rags to riches, the quest, voyage and return, comedy, tragedy and rebirth. We will use all these plots however not to hail one hero, but to celebrate the emerging community.
The MUSIC is inspired by stadium rock. For this project The Understated Brown will launch their first original song in the style of stadium rock on YouTube and rework their own song through the interpretations of the response videos live.
The DANCE is inspired by social dances such as line dances and variations of iconic dance moves working on a new form of how to communicate a dance we can all dance together. An "original" dance will be put onto YouTube encouraging users to make it their own, opening up to different genres, landscapes, solos and mass choreographies.
The task is to make a show that doesn't just show but creates a community. Super! Power! - The Rock Opera
