A thought I had would be for a group of us to do something similar to this. I recommend you watch the video of the project (I have included it above). Basically, the idea consists of an interactive poster advertising a current drama production. It involves video projection of a character from the play along with a phone number. When a passerby calls the displayed number, the video-projected character reaches into their pocket and answers their phone, giving a short monologue or part of the play into the phone. It is certainly clever and no doubt does a great job of piquing curiosity and engaging passersby with the play. I know I would be interested in experiencing a production if their advertising consisted of such a project.
Perhaps a group could do something similar with Shakespeare? We could set up a projected video of someone in a Shakespeare costume and come up with a few different ways for someone to interact with it. Maybe it would be through Twitter, SMS, or email? Or maybe even a simple website. We could place it somewhere where people could easily see it and interact with it. Maybe in the library? Someone could be working on their homework, look up, see the projected image, visit a listed website, and push a button that would cause the projection to present some information about Shakespeare.
Example: An image of Ophelia standing against a brick backdrop is projected in the library. Across the poster is written the words, "Have headphones? Talk to me: shakespeare-talks.com." Someone goes to shakespeare-talks.com, puts on their headphones, and pushes a button. The projection comes to life and Ophelia discusses her role in the play Hamlet while the person listens. To anyone else in the library, they only see the projection moving and talking, but can't hear unless they too visit the website and plug in. After a short presentation, Ophelia goes back to waiting for the next interested person. We could even create a way for people to provide feedback. Maybe Ophelia asks a question that they can then answer on the website? It would be interesting to see people's responses and perhaps learn more about the general attitude toward Shakespeare.
I like this idea. I would certainly be interested in doing it. It seems somewhat technical, but I think it is completely doable. And super fun. Anyone else interested?
This is a pretty cool idea. Do you know any computer savvy people or actors who would know how to do this sort of thing?
ReplyDeleteI think getting someone to do the acting would be important. I don't know if I know anyone off the top of my head. Does anyone is our class do acting?
ReplyDeleteAs for the computer stuff, I think that I could pull off most of that part. Writing the web app I could definitely do. The more technically difficult part would be figuring out how to make the web app interact with the projector. But, I have a few simplified ideas that I think would work. For instance, if we had the video paused when it wasn't playing, instead of playing a constant video like the one in the example I posted, we wouldn't have to worry about transitioning from the standing video to the talking video, we could just play one. Which would be much easier: all we would have to do is hook the projector up, and then have the user press play on their computer or phone or whatever. And then it would play. Easy enough. Does that make sense? It would just have to be slightly more simplified than the example video I posted. It would just require some planning.
This is an amazing idea! A couple things I see happening though, is the fact that people will either grab their smartphone, or a laptop for a website link. That means they will probably keep walking or will go somewhere they have access to a laptop. Most people won't stop. They'll hear the message, but won't be watching at the figure anymore and may not realize that they correspond. Maybe something that suggests that it talks back. Just throwing around some ideas.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great way to mesh digital literacy and social discovery. It would be a good way to reach out to a large number of people at once. I agree with your point though that perhaps the projection should ask a question or invite the audience to respond somehow. That way they can put some thought into it. Also, Angela brought up a great point that it should be emphasized that the projection will come to life. That would probably draw lots of attention for the novelty of it.
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