Choreographing the Cyborg: IM-Mortal

In IMMORTAL, choreographer Emilio Colalillo examines the superior effect of choreographing movements with technology seen through projection mapping and video projections. It is known as spatialized augmented reality or 3-dimensional (3D) projection mapping, in live dance theatre. Specifically, to examine the effect of this modality, this thesis focuses on the evolution of humankind, a posthuman. This research will prove the success in bringing fantasy to reality to create a posthumanistic world through the use of technology, aesthetics and choreography in live theatre. The thesis examines how to augment reality through the illusion of 3D projections on stage with dancers. With the correlation of music and choreography, the augmented reality stimulates the illustrative and visual meaning. The results show that spatialized projections and projection mapping produces greater 3D existence, expanding to additional layers of depth. With projections on the cyclorama, dancers, scrim and the illusion of holographic images, creates what is argued as a 4-Dimensional (4D) effect. The technology has an interactive quality with the dancers that augment reality and bring the imaginary and fantastical to live theatre, creating a futuristic experience.