What is digital theatre and is it here to stay?

date

2020/02/29

This amateur production of 'DNA' directed by Richard Bland and written by a British scriptwriter Dennis Kelly attempts to move theatre online. The play has become a core set text for GCSE, and has been studied by approximately 400,000 students each year. The Zoom play was watched by 110 'devices' and raised more than £400 for Young Minds Charity. It also glimpses into the future of the theatre. I talked to the director and actors to find out more.

This radio piece touched on another complex issue that massively impacted the creative industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. The UK saw a complete shutdown of the country's beloved theatres and cinemas. For a nation reliant on its West End, its pantomimes, the two undying theatre giants - Phantom of the Opera and the Lion King–and most of all sharing the whole experience on Twitter, news about the temporary closures was devastating as ever. Nevertheless, enthusiasts of performing arts put to the test a new medium of entertainment – digital theatre. Online plays are expected to be more accessible to audiences and creators. They may also play a larger role in the future of theatre after the pandemic.

The interviewees of this story talk about new challenges they were presented with while working in the performing arts during the pandemic. Plunging deep into the technical side of producing digital theatre, performing into the black void of the camera, and not knowing if anything is going to ever be the same.

Like most of us, I could sympathised with them. Preparing this radio report taught me new skills in audio production and research, while countless Zoom meetings upped my interview game. I am constantly eager to try new production tools and platforms, as well as envision original ideas to replace or improve old ways.