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Cyberformance
Cyberformance is live performance in graphical chat rooms on the internet.
These environments, which have grown from role-playing fantasy worlds
to social communities, are now also sites for performance art for on-
and off-line audiences.
The Workshop
The workshop begins with a brief introduction to the technology and concept
behind cyberformance, followed by a live demonstration by online cyberformers.
There will be the opportunity to ask them questions and discuss some of
the issues and ideas.
Participants then move to the computers, where they are
introduced to the Palace client application. Each participant will be
able to dress their avatar, develop a character and learn how to manipulate
the features of the software. As well as working amongst themselves and
with the cyberformers, the participants can visit public chat rooms, meet
other Palatians and experiment with their characters.
Hand-out material will include URLs for sites where participants
can download the software for their own computer and learn more about
the Palace environment.
Outcomes for Participants
The workshop will give participants an introduction to cyberformance and
the potential for live online performance. They will gain a background
understanding into experimentation that has already been taking place
in this medium, as well as how they can further explore the medium themselves.
Previous workshop participants have described the experience as fun, inspiring,
addictive and enjoyable. Video footage of a workshop is available on request
(Quicktime format).
The Palace
There are a number of different graphical chat applications available
free on the internet. This workshop uses the Palace, as it has features
that make it ideal for cyberformance, such as being able to create unique
avatars and swap "costumes" with a key stroke. The software
includes speech and sound effects and the ability to use props and painting.
It is 2-dimensional environment, with a colourful, cartoonesque style.
Rather than going down the sci-fi, 3-D route, the culture of the Palace
is more grassroots, lending itself to low-tech, alternative styles of
behaviour and performance.
In September 2000, Communities.com, the company that developed the Palace
software, ceased providing support for the software. Instead of disappearing,
the Palace has thrived as an underground community, and there are many
web sites where the software and registration codes are available, directories
of Palaces, manuals and tutorials.
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