FIVARS spoke with the director of live virtual performance “Mary Shelley Lives Here,” Jedidjah Julia Noomen.
What lead to the creation of this piece?
I’d always wanted to do something with Mary Shelley’s ‘The Last Man’. The story is so relevant but I am also intrigued by how for her, storytelling was a part of her marriage and friendships. Plus, there was this element in the story that felt perfect for VR (no spoilers).
Then, when I moved to a small island and had to learn how to build a new life, everything fell into place – and that’s when the development truly started!
What was the production process like for you and your team? What did you learn?
I was lucky enough to find a wonderful partner in Max, who wasn’t just able to build a world in VRChat, but also understood what I wanted creatively, and was able to add many great ideas.
The biggest challenge for a live VR show is the fact that you need actual participants to test your flow and storytelling. Plus, all audiences are different; experienced VR participants will act differently from VR virgins, for instance. But that process has been one of the best ones too, because of the direct feedback.
How did you become an immersive content creator and why?
I worked in film and theatre for years, and then leapt over to videogames, where I did narrative design. Immersive media turned out to be the ‘missing link’ that combined all of my storytelling interests.
What is the AR/VR industry like in your region?
I’m in BC, Canada, where there is a very healthy digital industry. I do work with and for people throughout the world, though – one of the amazing perks of XR! Max, our worldbuilder, for instance, is from Germany.
What do you have planned for the future?
With Hummingbird Interactive we’re working on a new small immersive live show (non-XR) that’ll premiere after summer. After that, we’ll start on an ambitious VR experience titled “Les Muettes”.
What would you like to share with fellow content creators and/or the industry?
We’re living in a society where every new technology is viewed through the lens of earnings and productivity. Let’s keep on also using technology for storytelling and emotion in any way we see fit, whether for smaller or bigger audiences.
Do you think VR festivals like FIVARS are important?
Yes! Although there are more and more ‘regular’ festivals that have sections for XR and immersive projects, they can never show the full width of what’s being made, plus, often it’ll feel as an add-on. A festival like FIVARS is able to show a yearly overview of what is being made in VR around the world, and festival audiences will be able to take their time and really immerse themselves in the experiences, rather than doing VR in a stolen half hour.
“Mary Shelley Lives Here” will have live performances that FIVARS attendees can attend online from the comfort of their own homes. Details will be sent to ticket holders.
