UCLA’s Center for Research in Engineering, Media and Performance (REMAP) is redefining the boundaries of artistic expression through its innovative production of “Xanadu.” This unique production combines theater and technology, fostering a sense of community and interactivity among audience members. Inspired by the 2007 jukebox musical and the original 1980 film, “Xanadu” centers around Sonny, a painter, and his muse, Kira, as they navigate love, art, and the magic of roller-skating rinks.
What sets UCLA’s “Xanadu” apart from previous interpretations is its compelling use of generative artificial intelligence to involve the audience in real-time. Attendees were invited to download an app prior to the performance, enabling them to sketch objects that would be projected onto screens as part of the set during a pivotal mural-creation scene. This interactive component not only enriches the narrative but also enhances the communal experience of theatergoers.
Naisha Agarwal, a third-year computer science student and the generative AI director for the production, emphasized how the audience’s contributions transform the performance into a collaborative art form. “It’s a community feeling that you’re able to work with everyone else who’s there,” Agarwal remarked. This intersection of technology and performance arts offers a delightful experience that feels personal and engaging, breaking down barriers between performers and the audience.
Mira Winick, an alumna of UCLA’s directing program and guest director of “Xanadu,” articulated the distinctiveness of this participatory approach. “There’s a lot of different ways that we’re allowing audiences to participate, and part of that came out of discussions around accessibility,” she explained. This includes live segments like jazzercise intertwined with technological elements, ensuring everyone can engage with the production in their own way.
However, this ambitious project is not without its challenges. Winick noted that the integration of advanced technology required extensive testing and adaptation. The complexity of audience-driven variability meant that no two performances would unfold in exactly the same manner. Beneath the surface, this technological experimentation demanded training and resilience from both the cast and crew. Guests were even invited to the dress rehearsals to help actors adapt to the fluidity of the show, thus enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.
Matthew Smith, who plays Sonny, shared insights into the difficulties actors face when intertwining traditional performances with cutting-edge technology. The use of motion capture—a technique where actors’ performances are digitized and represented as animated characters—adds another level of complexity to their roles. “There’s a point in the show where I’m acting to motion-captured digital gods and goddesses,” Smith explained. This immersive approach not only challenges actors but deepens audience engagement by allowing viewers to become part of the fantastical elements projected on stage.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of “Xanadu” is the physical arrangement of the audience. For this production, attendees were seated on stage, a bold choice that creates a more intimate atmosphere and bridges the divide between audience and performer. This layout invites the audience to experience “Xanadu” more intimately, fostering a collective journey through art and narrative.
Smith believes that this immersive experience will resonate with audience members, inspiring them to appreciate the power of art. He said, “Sonny’s rekindling of artistic passion in the show will leave those who watch walking away with an appreciation of the arts.” By encouraging emotional connection and personal reflection, “Xanadu” embodies the transformative capabilities of performance art.
Performances of “Xanadu” at the Freud Playhouse on UCLA’s campus ran from May 15 to May 23, attracting viewers from varied backgrounds and ages. Guests were encouraged to dress in 1980s-inspired garb, adding an element of fun and nostalgia to the immersive experience. Winick noted that “it’s a very silly, funny show, and I think that is always so nice and palatable for all audience members, whether it’s children or older generations.”
As the curtain falls on “Xanadu,” it becomes evident that the fusion of technology and performance art is paving the way for future explorations in theater. This production encapsulates a moment in time where community, individuality, and collective creativity converge, leaving a lasting impression on all who participated. The project serves as a reminder of the extraordinary potential that lies at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Through art, “Xanadu” fosters connection, making each performance an accessible and joyous celebration of creativity.
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