Imagine a stage-show where you don’t just immerse yourself in the story, enjoy the music and marvel at the spectacle, but you also get to actively ‘game’ your way through the performance and influence what happens on stage?
‘7 Deadly Sins’ is the world’s first hybrid eGaming and storytelling stage show, and it will premier a number of development performances in The Civic Theatre, Tallaght on the 12th and 13th of July. Utilising ground-breaking mapping technology, created in partnership with Maynooth University, the audience use a simple app on their mobile phone to become ‘active’ participants, creating a seamless interaction between the audience and performers in real-time. So instead of being told to ‘put your phone away’ when you enter the theatre, this performance will be asking you to get your phone out and be a part of the show!
This steam-punk rock opera, created by Irish playwright and technologist Niall Austin and directed by Prof. David Bassuk, re-imagines Dante Alighieri’s iconic 14th century masterpiece ‘Inferno’ for the 21st century. The 7 Deadly Sins are positioned as digital or social media channels such as:
- Photo and video sharing apps represent Envy
- Dating apps represent Lust
- Cryptocurrency represents Greed
While the performance is taking place live on stage, audience members can engage in combat with an array of virtual demons, zombies and dragons through an app available on IOS and Android. Spectators are encouraged to hold up their phones during the show and partake in the performance by using the app which features augmented reality gaming technology contextually designed around the on-stage production.
Starring opera sensation Claudia Boyle, rising hip-hop star Fortune Igiebor and singer and actress Aoife Spratt, the performance also features a host of other, never before seen interactive features.
Niall Austin, the show’s creator, says: “7 Deadly Sins not only brings a traditional piece of literature into the 21st century, it is a dynamic experience which offers the audience a new frontier in live entertainment – where technology, narrative and performance marry together create an unforgettable stage show. Live entertainment is constantly evolving with many young people now attending concerts and shows to take photos and videos. I am looking forward to enhancing audience engagement and creating an incredible experience for attendees.”
Donal Shiels, Artistic Director at The Civic, says: “It is an exciting time in the world of theatre where technology can be incorporated into stage productions to create a new and interesting experience for audience members. We are delighted to be bringing a world first to The Civic Theatre as we remain committed to evolving with the ever changing technology landscape. Following the incredible success of Niall’s last two shows – PL-AI and Deep Fake – we are looking forward to seeing the interaction between the audience and the performers.”
7 Deadly Sins takes place in The Civic Theatre, Tallaght on Friday 12th July and Saturday 13th July at 7:30pm
As a ‘development performance, tickets are available for €12 here: https://www.civictheatre.ie/whats-on/7-deadly-sins/
