Liveness, mediation and immediacy – innovative technology use in process and performance

Abstract

Much of the discussion about the incorporation of technologies and mediatised components into performance has focused on the concept of liveness. This often leads to competing claims about the relative power of live versus mediatised performance and is not necessarily helpful for understanding the scope of opportunities now available for drama and applied theatre practitioners. Consideration of other relevant concepts such as mediation and immediacy may help move the discussion forward and place the use of new and emerging technological tools alongside more humble analogue tools within a spectrum of innovative possibilities and practices. Drawing on sociocultural conceptions of mediation allows for aspects of the experience of liveness to be identified across a range of contexts, and includes the use of digital technologies and tools as well as those featuring co-present human bodies in the same physical space. The concept of immediacy highlights the importance of the emotional response and connections that may be achieved through different tool use. In this article examples from drama and theatre projects are drawn upon to explore these concepts. With a reconceptualisation of liveness and mediation as involving the full range of tools – human, technological and digital – the focus then shifts. Oppositional critiques are replaced by an exploration of purpose, the innovative uses of different tools and technologies available and possibilities for connecting to participants and audiences.