Hello, this is Chloe Lees student number 102920
I have been studying at Bath Spa University in a module called Virtuality and Performance, tutored by Ian Mc Nish.
This blog is a working evaluative log ofhow I've been getting on over the weeks of study. Start reading at the bottom!!
Parts of the blog are irrelevant to my actual project, I initially began by exploring the realms of blogging by adding links and pictures which interested me- it has all added to the experience so I have decided to keep them on!
Thanks!! Bye!!
Wednesday 16 January 2008
to conclude
Since starting this project with Vikki, I have pondered in my own beliefs as to whether we perform all the time, sometimes or never??
I have asked close friends their thoughts and opinions and it is really interesting to spark this debate as no one really seems to have thought about it all that much. This is why I have thoroughly enjoyed our small social experiment.
Vikki worked on obtaining the raw footage of herself in differing social situations and on the slide show whilst I worked on editing the footage to creating our final piece and compiling the audio to work alongside it.
Our initial idea was to post the video on facebook and YouTube, but due to the lack of my teachnological abilities, we failed in this and have created a DVD instead.
Our performance includes a brief test from Glamour magazine 'how many woman are inside your head' questioning the number of alternating roles we play to cope with everyday situations. This is accompanied by a power point presentation which includes some of the research on our project. Following this introduction we play our 3 minute DVD. Our manifesto explains furthermore our inspirations, stimuli and extensive research.
I have asked close friends their thoughts and opinions and it is really interesting to spark this debate as no one really seems to have thought about it all that much. This is why I have thoroughly enjoyed our small social experiment.
Vikki worked on obtaining the raw footage of herself in differing social situations and on the slide show whilst I worked on editing the footage to creating our final piece and compiling the audio to work alongside it.
Our initial idea was to post the video on facebook and YouTube, but due to the lack of my teachnological abilities, we failed in this and have created a DVD instead.
Our performance includes a brief test from Glamour magazine 'how many woman are inside your head' questioning the number of alternating roles we play to cope with everyday situations. This is accompanied by a power point presentation which includes some of the research on our project. Following this introduction we play our 3 minute DVD. Our manifesto explains furthermore our inspirations, stimuli and extensive research.
story board
Our first draft story board looks as follows;
Our Story board as follows;
1) Around Friends
2) Around Family
3) At work - RETAIL THEATRE
4) At Uni - classes, library, student life.
5) Performing - Rehearsals
6) Time alone
7) with different genders
8)interaction with media, telephone voice - elaborate upon, internet.
Initially, our proposal included staging a scene at work (in a restaurant) where the kitchen would act as a back stage area and as soon as Victoria had left the realness of a busy, crowded kitchen the scenario of delivering meals to a table would transform into a staged performance, over acted and brash. However we preferred the true presentation of the self with rather anonymous outbursts, opinions and advice on ‘true identity’ through the audio. We located You tube videos which helped us to gain an influence for our style of formation- allowing us to develop our content.
Our Story board as follows;
1) Around Friends
2) Around Family
3) At work - RETAIL THEATRE
4) At Uni - classes, library, student life.
5) Performing - Rehearsals
6) Time alone
7) with different genders
8)interaction with media, telephone voice - elaborate upon, internet.
Initially, our proposal included staging a scene at work (in a restaurant) where the kitchen would act as a back stage area and as soon as Victoria had left the realness of a busy, crowded kitchen the scenario of delivering meals to a table would transform into a staged performance, over acted and brash. However we preferred the true presentation of the self with rather anonymous outbursts, opinions and advice on ‘true identity’ through the audio. We located You tube videos which helped us to gain an influence for our style of formation- allowing us to develop our content.
why vlog?
We're now going to create a short film about our everyday alter egos, using voice overs from customer service lectures on youtube and using vikki as our case study, displaying the several alter egos that she uses in her everyday life. Including around her family, at work, in the presence of authority and in a home environment around friends.
We'll be using abstract properties of sound and visual recording in the film and then use it in a live performance in class.
We have decided to use film as our chosen method of presentation as our self presentation project is stimulated by our online era, intrigued by the exploitation of the self online which, in turn, has lead to an intentional manner in which we present ourselves in day to day life. The Big Brother syndrome. Suspecting that there is always someone watching. The artist who form the group ‘Forced Entertainment’ comment;
‘Our work spans theatre and performance through digital media, video installation and publication. It is original, contemporary work that develops new forms and old to find the most effective articulation of its ideas.’ www.forcedentertainment.com
We believe that to articulate our ideas most effectively would be to upload our video onto YouTube and/or Facebook in order to engage the public, to encourage them to question whether or not they are being true to their personalities when they interact online.
We'll be using abstract properties of sound and visual recording in the film and then use it in a live performance in class.
We have decided to use film as our chosen method of presentation as our self presentation project is stimulated by our online era, intrigued by the exploitation of the self online which, in turn, has lead to an intentional manner in which we present ourselves in day to day life. The Big Brother syndrome. Suspecting that there is always someone watching. The artist who form the group ‘Forced Entertainment’ comment;
‘Our work spans theatre and performance through digital media, video installation and publication. It is original, contemporary work that develops new forms and old to find the most effective articulation of its ideas.’ www.forcedentertainment.com
We believe that to articulate our ideas most effectively would be to upload our video onto YouTube and/or Facebook in order to engage the public, to encourage them to question whether or not they are being true to their personalities when they interact online.
The Presentation of Self
Our title was ‘borrowed’ from Erwin Goffman, he describes how we present ourselves and interact with others depends on where we are, who we’re with and what we’re doing. He questions -where are some of the “front” and “back” regions of your everyday life? What are some of the activities or identities you suppress when you come to class, and why?
In direct response to what we have learnt from Goffman and to relate it to our project we ask…what is performance? Are we all frauds? We want to know when personal performance goes too far and becomes fraudulent behaviour....??
In direct response to what we have learnt from Goffman and to relate it to our project we ask…what is performance? Are we all frauds? We want to know when personal performance goes too far and becomes fraudulent behaviour....??
you learn something new everyday
"Web 2.0 is the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the Internet as platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform."
Web 2.0 is what virtuality explores. It is really difficult to pin point exactly what has influenced me throughout this module but I can honestly say that I always saw the internet as positive tool, an easily accessible source to everything and anything, but mostly an implement from which to extract information.
I reluctantly joined facebook after a friend created my account for me, since then I have spoken to so many people who I may never have seen again and racked up days of procrastination on due assignments. My mum and dad are both over whelmed, they would both like to join facebook, even though they do not understand how it works. Obviously I have said no i will not be your friend on facebook, I think they worry a lot about the privacy and security on web communities. I have been through msn messenger to the more open and accessible Myspace and now I still regulary abuse facebook.
So what's next is a big question for me? I have posted a link for the facebook song on this page- it's a brilliant parody, showing the 'social utilitys' true colours!
Having visited 'The simulation Argument, I have in my notes that 'I am very disturbed by this'. Along with Dr Cyborg with his unique virtual glasses invention the idea of simulism quite literally freaks me out....
'Universe 2029'
Let's take a leap forward. As computers become more and more advanced, and computing power is growing exponentially, it is not hard to imagine that in 2029, approximately 20 years after the release of Spore, a game would be feasible that simulates a large part of the universe, including many of its laws of physics. Having evolved from Pac-Man, Sim City folk, The Sims characters and Spore species, the characters of 'Universe 2029' will be very human-like. They will have emotions, social skills and, most important, (artificial) intelligence. If you take into account the advances in the field of computer graphics, 'Universe 2029' would probably look amazingly realistic too.
No thank you!! Although I do have sims on my phone!?!
Web 2.0 is what virtuality explores. It is really difficult to pin point exactly what has influenced me throughout this module but I can honestly say that I always saw the internet as positive tool, an easily accessible source to everything and anything, but mostly an implement from which to extract information.
I reluctantly joined facebook after a friend created my account for me, since then I have spoken to so many people who I may never have seen again and racked up days of procrastination on due assignments. My mum and dad are both over whelmed, they would both like to join facebook, even though they do not understand how it works. Obviously I have said no i will not be your friend on facebook, I think they worry a lot about the privacy and security on web communities. I have been through msn messenger to the more open and accessible Myspace and now I still regulary abuse facebook.
So what's next is a big question for me? I have posted a link for the facebook song on this page- it's a brilliant parody, showing the 'social utilitys' true colours!
Having visited 'The simulation Argument, I have in my notes that 'I am very disturbed by this'. Along with Dr Cyborg with his unique virtual glasses invention the idea of simulism quite literally freaks me out....
'Universe 2029'
Let's take a leap forward. As computers become more and more advanced, and computing power is growing exponentially, it is not hard to imagine that in 2029, approximately 20 years after the release of Spore, a game would be feasible that simulates a large part of the universe, including many of its laws of physics. Having evolved from Pac-Man, Sim City folk, The Sims characters and Spore species, the characters of 'Universe 2029' will be very human-like. They will have emotions, social skills and, most important, (artificial) intelligence. If you take into account the advances in the field of computer graphics, 'Universe 2029' would probably look amazingly realistic too.
No thank you!! Although I do have sims on my phone!?!
the essay
The essay allowed me to gain further knowledge in Virtuality and Performance, exploring Ians' weekly blog which was in parts useful, for example Philip Auslanders liveness versus media debate.
The society in which we live right now has been referred to as a media-saturated culture, Auslander reverses our traditional conception of the live preceding the
mediatized: “…whereas mediatized performance derives its authority from its reference to the live or the real, the live now derives its authority from its reference to the mediatized, which derives its authority from the live etc.”
I watched two performances by Bath Spas' Full Tilt company entitled 'Complex/Electra', the first using a range of media to its advantage and the second to be a faithful, live performance.I must admit to have been much more excited by the first, digital performance. This is all analysed in the essay.
The society in which we live right now has been referred to as a media-saturated culture, Auslander reverses our traditional conception of the live preceding the
mediatized: “…whereas mediatized performance derives its authority from its reference to the live or the real, the live now derives its authority from its reference to the mediatized, which derives its authority from the live etc.”
I watched two performances by Bath Spas' Full Tilt company entitled 'Complex/Electra', the first using a range of media to its advantage and the second to be a faithful, live performance.I must admit to have been much more excited by the first, digital performance. This is all analysed in the essay.
examples
Examples of fraudulent identity can be found all over YouTube in the numerous home videos made by people who have created a life for themselves on the video sharing website through the medium of video log or VLOG! Some people depict true stories of themselves and use Vlogging as a form of escapism, some utilise the technology as an aid to something they’re working on like on http://areyoumywife.blogspot.com/
and then there are those who become weekly vloggers, accounting their life for all to see. Some maybe true to themselves, but others, it’s certain perform for the camera, portraying an alter ego for example
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=xsullengirlx who discusses with the world very intimate issues of self harm, mental health. I think that it is a scary thought that if I was broadcasting myself on YouTube, weekly or monthly- someone would know all my thoughts on the subjects I had discussed, someone could be using my vlogs in a project thousands of miles away from e like I am right now and I would never know.
and then there are those who become weekly vloggers, accounting their life for all to see. Some maybe true to themselves, but others, it’s certain perform for the camera, portraying an alter ego for example
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=xsullengirlx who discusses with the world very intimate issues of self harm, mental health. I think that it is a scary thought that if I was broadcasting myself on YouTube, weekly or monthly- someone would know all my thoughts on the subjects I had discussed, someone could be using my vlogs in a project thousands of miles away from e like I am right now and I would never know.
Now i understand
After acquiring a fuller understanding of what Virtuality is all about, we divided into individual groups in order to concentrate on our practical assignment, which was to be formulated by the group before finalising the chosen topic with module co coordinator. I began working on what became a collaborative learning experience with Victoria Brown aka Vikki. From day one we shared interests in online communities, most prevalently; Facebook, YouTube and MySpace. For me, this was due to our first seminar, which was based on ‘the matrix beyond facebook’. We toyed with the idea of creating alter egos, to subscribe on each of these online theatrical forums and to record the response we provoked. This idea was soon removed in place of the question of self presentation. This was an early revelation in our group work which allowed us an adequate amount time to focus on the ‘experiment’ entitled ‘The Presentation of Self’.
We investigated these areas
· Revamping/ editing personalities for online communities
· who are we really?
· how many alter egos do we use in daily life?
· telephone voices/ work personalities/internet databases/social sectors
· the repercussions of the performatative society
· rehearsals with no performance - the common man
· scripts of life- Margaret Thatcher and her playwright script wrights
· manipulative puppet worlds
We investigated these areas
· Revamping/ editing personalities for online communities
· who are we really?
· how many alter egos do we use in daily life?
· telephone voices/ work personalities/internet databases/social sectors
· the repercussions of the performatative society
· rehearsals with no performance - the common man
· scripts of life- Margaret Thatcher and her playwright script wrights
· manipulative puppet worlds
what makes a worthwhile performance?
The first major debate which kick started the module for me was the question;
Assuming that we live in a performative society what constitutes a worthwhile performance?
-It's an interesting, debate sparking question, which will never have a definite answer.
Not unlike the glorious 'used toilet' art debate, it really depends on what you, as an individual constitute as a performance (leaving the 'worthwhile' aside for just a moment).
Over the past few weeks of looking into virtuality and giving it more thought than I ever had before, I would define a performance within our 'performative society' as a conscious action or series of actions designed to be seen by someone, anyone. Whether it's rehearsing for weeks or months, having spent lots of money for a grand performance for a paying audience, or trying to talk rationally to your mum after a few too many afternoon beers. I am always picked up on my 'customer voice' at work with people telling me how sweet and polite I sound, obviously not sounding so sickly when around friends. I think people act differently around different people and in different situations.
So what makes it worthwhile? When someone enjoys it, when the concious action has achieved its purpose. For example when your mum fully believes you've been at the library all day- and the giggles are because you're just walking past a lecture room where your friend looks inanely bored. Or the customer you're serving leaves you a nice tip and says thanks for lovely service.
I don't think everything that everyone does in life can be called a performance, I certainly don't feel like I'm performing in a way which isn't 'me' around my best friends. As for the internet- facebooking, youtubing and blogging...I believe that can be labelled as a performance for SOME people as they will write/produce comments, videos and photos with the intention of coming across in a specific way for other people to see. Are these worthwhile? They are to some.
Assuming that we live in a performative society what constitutes a worthwhile performance?
-It's an interesting, debate sparking question, which will never have a definite answer.
Not unlike the glorious 'used toilet' art debate, it really depends on what you, as an individual constitute as a performance (leaving the 'worthwhile' aside for just a moment).
Over the past few weeks of looking into virtuality and giving it more thought than I ever had before, I would define a performance within our 'performative society' as a conscious action or series of actions designed to be seen by someone, anyone. Whether it's rehearsing for weeks or months, having spent lots of money for a grand performance for a paying audience, or trying to talk rationally to your mum after a few too many afternoon beers. I am always picked up on my 'customer voice' at work with people telling me how sweet and polite I sound, obviously not sounding so sickly when around friends. I think people act differently around different people and in different situations.
So what makes it worthwhile? When someone enjoys it, when the concious action has achieved its purpose. For example when your mum fully believes you've been at the library all day- and the giggles are because you're just walking past a lecture room where your friend looks inanely bored. Or the customer you're serving leaves you a nice tip and says thanks for lovely service.
I don't think everything that everyone does in life can be called a performance, I certainly don't feel like I'm performing in a way which isn't 'me' around my best friends. As for the internet- facebooking, youtubing and blogging...I believe that can be labelled as a performance for SOME people as they will write/produce comments, videos and photos with the intention of coming across in a specific way for other people to see. Are these worthwhile? They are to some.
Virtuality and Performance> first response
Amongst class mates the title Virtuality and Performance soon got shortened to 'Virtuality' but even though we were on a 'first name basis' with the module, no one could fully explain the purpose of the course.
What enticed me into choosing the course initially was its description from the big YEAR 3 folder in main house months ago, this I cannot recall word for word but I remember it sounding innovative and looking to the media influence of theatre.
From day one, the classes have been a virtual learning environment themselves as well as a forum of discussion. Technologically minded as we students are today, the structure of the lesson worked to our advantage, allowing us to explore exactly what interests us rather than being spoon fed a rigid curriculum.
With weekly readings and class interaction, I have not only learnt a lot from this module but I have also looked at many 'online performances' in a different, non judging yet analytical light.
I have enjoyed the weekly encouragement of seminar discussions, which have supported our practical exploration of each subject area focussed on in class. I feel this has engaged us as a group, allowing us to acknowledge and learn from others interpretations and opinions; moreover aiding our understanding and also widening our research.
What enticed me into choosing the course initially was its description from the big YEAR 3 folder in main house months ago, this I cannot recall word for word but I remember it sounding innovative and looking to the media influence of theatre.
From day one, the classes have been a virtual learning environment themselves as well as a forum of discussion. Technologically minded as we students are today, the structure of the lesson worked to our advantage, allowing us to explore exactly what interests us rather than being spoon fed a rigid curriculum.
With weekly readings and class interaction, I have not only learnt a lot from this module but I have also looked at many 'online performances' in a different, non judging yet analytical light.
I have enjoyed the weekly encouragement of seminar discussions, which have supported our practical exploration of each subject area focussed on in class. I feel this has engaged us as a group, allowing us to acknowledge and learn from others interpretations and opinions; moreover aiding our understanding and also widening our research.
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