Shakespeare's Dream Becomes Interactive Online Performance

Dream, an interactive performance based on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, uses motion capture and Unreal Engine to let online audiences control a swarm of fireflies. The project is a collaboration between the Royal Shakespeare Company, Manchester International Festival, Marshmallow Laser Feast, and Philharmonia Orchestra, funded by the UK's Audience of the Future initiative. Originally planned as a live motion-capture show, it was redesigned for online due to the pandemic. Actors wear motion-capture suits to animate 3D models in a digital forest. The audience interacts via smartphone, tablet, or computer, sometimes guided by Puck (EM Williams). The score combines pre-recorded Philharmonia Orchestra pieces with real-time music generated by actor movement via Gestrument software. The performance addresses climate change, referencing the Little Ice Age mentioned in Shakespeare's play. Dream runs until March 20, with interactive tickets at £10 for 50 minutes or free passive streaming. Research findings will be published afterward.