“The Pointless Chatroom: Coping with Absence in Online Performances” presented by Arrigoni and
Symposium:
Session Title:
- Materialities and Networks
Presentation Title:
- The Pointless Chatroom: Coping with Absence in Online Performances
Presenter(s):
Venue(s):
Abstract:
This paper addresses the role of chat functionality when included in online performances that do not fundamentally require it. The explanation that chats are included to reintegrate forms of co-presence is supported by a series of interviews but immediately challenged by the author. This papers argues that the need for co-presence is not a universal one, but is rather rooted in theatre practice. Online performers with a background in the visual arts tend instead to emphasise a purely visual relationship between audience and artwork. This study also elaborates on the use of chat logs as a form of documentation.
