At the Shed in New York's Hudson Yards, audiences are experiencing 'An Ark', an experimental play that blends physical and digital elements. Attendees wear enhanced glasses to see actors Ian McKellen, Golda Rosheuvel, Arinzé Kene and Rosie Sheehy appear as video projections, seemingly seated in the room. The 47-minute show, written by Simon Stephens, addresses viewers directly, creating an intimate yet unsettling experience.
Producer Todd Eckert stresses that this is mixed reality, not virtual reality. Mixed reality combines physical and digital elements, allowing audiences to see each other and the room, fostering connection. This contrasts with VR, which Eckert describes as 'elective isolation'. The technology uses volumetric capture, filmed by 52 cameras in a single take in Grenoble, France, to present four actors simultaneously.
Eckert's company Tin Drum previously produced mixed reality works, including a hologram of Marina Abramović in 2019 and a virtual concert by Ryuichi Sakamoto in 2023. 'An Ark' aims to refine the technology further. The concept arose from conversations between Stephens and Eckert about what is possible beyond traditional theatre. The show's program explicitly states it is not a work of AI.
Stephens began writing the play in 2020, exploring themes of mortality and human connection. Director Sarah Frankcom, despite initial scepticism about the technology, was drawn to the open-hearted themes. The play spans four lives from birth to death, offering a unique theatrical experience.
