Theatrical performance on the Internet: How far have we come since Hamnet?

Sant, Toni

Abstract

This article aims to contribute reflective insight towards a clearer historical narrative for the beginning of theatrical performance on the Internet. This approach involves reassessing the significance of a specific production that is widely considered to be the first of its kind, in the broader context of related works that have appeared over a period of twenty years. The first example of this type of work is Hamnet: Shakespeare's Play Adapted for IRC (1993), an appropriation of Hamlet. This work goes beyond the act of interpreting dramatic literature through new technologies; however, some subsequent works do not seem to have built on the unique performance qualities that this work discovered in online environments, and have arguably become less innovative renditions of more conventional theatrical productions. While there is plenty of room for creativity and scope for innovation in online virtual worlds, they can also be used as a tool for simulation.

Citation

Sant, T. (2013). Theatrical performance on the Internet: How far have we come since Hamnet?. International Journal of Performance Arts and Digital Media, 9(2), 247-259. https://doi.org/10.1386/padm.9.2.247_1

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: Nov 13, 2014
• Journal: International Journal Of Performance Arts And Digital Media
• Print ISSN: 1479-4713
• Electronic ISSN: 2040-0934
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 247-259
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1386/padm.9.2.247_1
• Keywords: Communication; Visual Arts and Performing Arts
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/470773
• Publisher URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/routledg/padm/2013/00000009/00000002/art00002;jsessionid=dnf8kfapcch9.x-ic-live-02