Output details

Alma Mater

This is an example of a creative collaboration sharing new insights into the nature of theatre. Alma Mater was conceived to explore the expressive and dramatic potential of new technology in creating a performance for an audience of one. The researcher collaborated with Eilidh MacAskill and Robert Walton (who produce their work under the name 'Fish and Game') in all aspects of the production, and took particular responsibility for the music and sound design for this immersive piece.

Mary Brennan, theatre critic for The Herald explains: ‘It begins with an Alice in Wonderland moment: you’re standing in front of a white door, wondering, “do I knock?” when the iPad in your hand shows you the self-same door… opening. So through you go, totally alone except for the music sending melody-atmospheres through your headphones and the film now running on your hand-held screen. It’s panning around the little all-white bedroom you’re standing in – only, it’s not exactly the same. But even as you’re noticing the differences, a merry little girl in a stripey sleep-suit is suddenly in the frame and her bright-as-a-button face will lure you into another dimension.’

The portfolio that accompanies this output includes links to the production website, an evocative trailer and numerous press and television excerpts, together with the researcher’s musical materials and other documentation, in an attempt to give a flavour of an ephemeral experience that is unique for each audience member. The impact of Alma Mater is reflected in reviews internationally ‘wholly new theatrical experience’ (The List, 4 stars); ‘will haunt you for days’ (The Guardian, 4 stars); ‘a brand new way of looking at the world’ (The Stage); ‘a whole new genre’ (The Skinny, 4 stars); ‘The world’s first piece of i-Pad theatre’ (Melbourne Leader).