Digital Theatre: interactive installation 'Euclide' in San Paolo, Brasil

In the context of the San Paolo workshop in Brasil, Studio Azzurro has introduced for the first time technologies developed by CALLAS. The new scenario was focused on the dialogue between video, physical environment and the spectator with particular attention being paid, in this instance, to the recognition of emotions in the audience and to everything that is emotionally involving in the context of the scenic space.

The interactive installation allows a virtual character named Euclide to talk with the audience. The action takes place in two or more separate locations: in one a concealed animator wears a cyber glove connected to a graphic computer; in another a monitor, connected by a cable to the computer, shows the virtual character to the audience. The animator’s hand movements activate the virtual character, controlling his mimics; digital effects alter animator’s voice.


BIT - An interactive digital character made by studio azzurro

People can talk to the character while a camera shows them to the concealed animator; he can therefore react and respond to them. The audience gets truly caught and surprised at seeing a virtual character reacting to them; the contrast between the cold appearance of computer imagery and the lively, fun virtual character entices even the most reluctant spectator.

Studio azzurro noticed that the reaction of the audience to technology is extremely different when virtual characters are involved. Even if the audience is aware of the existence of the concealed animator (the audience knows where he is hidden), people react to the virtual character as if it was an independent entity and not a puppet in the hands of the hidden animator.

The character can be realised with different styles from realistic to cartoon or assembling objects (similar to Arcimboldo's paintings) and different effects and accessories can be added to personify it. Euclide can have the role of a guide and an educational assistant.

[text pasted from CALLAS' website]