Re*Spire: An Artaudian Exploration of the Cough and Technology

Abstract

ReSpire: An Artaudian Exploration of the Cough and Technology In this support paper, theatre technologist Patrick James reflects on the technology, creative process, and theory implemented during the creation of ReSpire: a technology fueled dance performance which investigates the performers’ and audience’s sense of liveness as the performance world has moved to digital platforms due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper and creative work argues that, specifically in post COVID contemporary theatre, combining theatre and creative technology via the medium of the “coughing body” can produce what Artaud calls “cruelty” to reengage audiences and re-enliven scenography. This paper outlines James’ background and experience as a theatre technician, head of lighting at a Canadian regional theatre, and his shift to becoming a theatre technologist in the prairies. The performance piece Re*Spire engages two dance-based collaborators, Robin Poitras (choreographer) and Krista Solheim (performer), with James in the creation and exploration of Artaud’s theories from his writings in The Theatre and Its Double. James’ work seeks to re-engage the audience with the performance in a digital world, and further enhance the sense of liveness in a performance through the introduction of creative technologies. In this support paper, James assesses the usage and implementation of 3D printing, live streaming, and the use of 360-cameras for performances.