Lu Yang: DOKU, The Binary World | Networked Motion Capture Performance | Freespace and Sydney Opera House
MetaObjects co-produced and developed a networked live motion capture performance with Lu Yang as a collaboration with dancers in Sydney and Hong Kong interacting in a shared virtual environment. The work Doku, The Binary World explores binaries in a networked performance between Hong Kong's Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District and Sydney Opera House from 7-9 Oct 2022.
The high-energy audiovisual experience draws on Buddhist philosophy, club culture, video games and the aesthetics of anime. Embodying the avatar forms of Lu Yang's genderless digital reincarnation Doku - Dokusho Dokushi, “We are born alone, we die alone” - the dancers present binary combinations of deities from the six realms of Buddhist reincarnation: Heaven and Hell, Human and Animal, Hungry Ghosts and Asura (Jealous gods). The performance includes music by liiii and virtual visual effects manipulated live by a game controller.
A motion capture demonstration workshop led by MetaObjects was held jointly with audiences in both venues on 8th Oct. Additionally, a panel discussion Beyond Binaries: Digital Performance in a Post-COVID Era was held on 28 Sept at Eaton HK with speakers Lu Yang, Stuart Buchanan, Head of Digital Programming, Sydney Opera House, Karen Cheung, Acting Head of Contemporary Performance, Performing Arts, West Kowloon Cultural District, Mat Spisbah, Artistic Director, Exhibitionist, Ashley Lee Wong, Artistic Director, MetaObjects.
Lu Yang's DOKU: The Binary World was nominated for Outstanding Small Venue Production in the Hong Kong Dance Awards 2023.
Co-presented by:
Freespace and Sydney Opera House
Co-presented by:
MetaObjects and The Exhibitionist
Core Team:
Artist: Lu Yang
Musician/Composer: liiii
Production and Development (Sydney): Exhibitionist
Production and Development (Hong Kong): MetaObjects
Hell Environment 3D Design: Extreme John
Hong Kong Live Performance:
Producer: Dr Ashley Lee Wong
Technical Lead: Andrew Crowe
Technical Assistant and AV Coordinator: Edwin Lo
Choreographer and Dancer: Kenny Leung
The programme in Hong Kong is part of “Creative Tomorrow” exclusively sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Sydney Live Performance:
Producer: Mathew Spisbah
Motion Capture Technician AV Coordinator: Dr Sam McGilp
Choreographer: Harrison Hall
Dancer: Taiga Kita-Leong
Motion capture equipment sponsor: Noitom