A WORLD-FIRST, COMMUNAL AUGMENTED REALITY THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE

ALEX: A PLAY WITH HOLOGRAMS

7 & 8 July, 2023.

Alex: a play that uses holograms to help kids with mental health on this school holidays

Researchers from the Queensland University Technology set to debut the world premiere of a live performance combining traditional theatre practice with cutting edge, augmented reality technology.

https://laboite.com.au/shows/Alex-A-play-with-holograms

A story for brave kids and adults alike, this play combines holographic projections with an all-ages narrative to tell the story of Charlie, a young girl who must journey to the holo-world to rescue her father, who has been kidnapped by the evil and scary daemon, Alex. With the help of riddle-solver and Chief-Pickler, Englebert Sparklepants, and their trusty best-friend, Dylan the purple dog, Charlie must overcome her own internal demons and confront her greatest challenge.

Alex is the mainstream realisation of step-changing augmented reality technology hybridised with live performance - synchronously animated holograms performing alongside live actors. Alex fuses traditional theatre practice with augmented reality techniques invented specifically for the performance. Based on research undertaken by digital performance experts at the Queensland University of Technology, in collaboration with IKONIX immersive experiences and supported by The Creative Sparks Fund, the Dr Don Bachelor Award and the Queensland University of Technology’s Design Lab, the play explores issues of identity and aims to promote positive social change amongst audiences.

WARNINGS: All ages event. While all ages are welcome, please note the performance contains spooky and supernatural themes that may scare younger children, loud noises and references to online bullying and related issues of mental wellness.

Runtime: 50 minutes

CAST

Charlie
Jeanda St JamesJamie/Engelbert
Zachary BoultonAlex/Dylan
Jag Popham

CREATIVES

Writer and Director Shane Pike, Production Manager and Sound Design Freddy Komp, Set/Costume Design Sarah Winter, Digital Animation Paul Van Opdenbosch, Lighting Design Travis MacFarlane, Choreography Elizabeth Old Gibbs, Dramaturg Kathryn Kelly and Performance Research Design Tessa Rixon.

Alex is supported by Brisbane City Council and Queensland Government through the Creative Sparks Fund. The Creative Sparks Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council to support local arts and culture in Brisbane.