Entering the Megaverse (May 2022)

I know, the title is cheesy.
I'm sorry.

So anyone that has stuck with us and reached this page in spite of it, welcome, and well done! Today I'll be catching up with Megaverse, the interactive studio building the app that will play host to the Song future performance. And in something of a first for this blog, today they've taken the lead in writing the piece themselves.

So without further delay, I'll let them take it away!

"We are a Sheffield-based interactive studio which brings together XR technologies, theatre, gaming and visual arts to develop immersive experiences for our audiences. Our role in the team is to develop an interactive app that brings the story ‘Song of the Female Textile Workers, the Future’ to life. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and so we were really keen to work with Haili and the team on this unique and ambitious project. It is also an exciting opportunity to collaborate with teams from both the UK and China, and to develop connections with Chinese creative digital markets.

"We have really enjoyed working on ‘Song of the Female Textile Workers’ so far. The app will facilitate a promenade performance, which means, as users walk through the museum site the story is revealed. It is really important for us that everyone using the finished app feels confident in what they are doing and where they are going, whilst at the same time feeling able to go at their own pace and direct their own experience. In other words, the app needs to be as intuitive as possible.

"Therefore, one of the main challenges that we envisage is ensuring that the augmented reality content works effectively in every part of the physical museum environment, particularly in different lighting states. We want users to feel engaged with both the virtual and physical realities in which they find themselves, so that the app is a means of expanding - rather than hindering - their interactions with their surroundings."

An example of Megaverse's work in the Frankenstein project, in association with The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain

As is evident, Megaverse share our own hopes and aspirations for the piece. From growing a diverse audience in both the UK and China through the use of novel technologies and performance, to creating an immersive experience that bring people closer as a community, and engages them with their local museums and galleries. With their wealth of experience on a wide range of projects - running the full gammet from intense interactive theatre, to calming, stress-relieving environments for the local children's hospital - it is hard to think of a more appropriate team to bring this dream to life.

Indeed, it has been a pleasure working with the Megaverse team throughout the process thus far, and I for one am excited to see exactly what they come up with for the performance.

For more information Megaverse, visit their website at https://www.megaverse.co