Towards the Emergent Theatre: A Novel Approach for Creating Live Emergent Narratives Using Finite State Machines

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    In this project, we introduce finite state machines as a way to simultaneously connect an audience’s input with performer output during a live performance. Our approach is novel in that we can redefine the traditional notion of an author, by dividing and balancing the responsibilities for creating and developing emergent narrative between three elements: the audience, finite state machines, and the performers. This also allows audience members a large degree of freedom to input into the system, as we can consider audience inaction as a form of productive action. We have developed the Data Generation Engine (DGE), software that generates data to be used by performers for creating and developing narrative and to provide audiences with opportunities to manipulate the DGE’s data generation and distribution mechanisms. We argue that using this approach in a live theatre context allows a consistent narrative to emerge while giving the audience the freedom to engage in the narrative without disrupting the performance.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationInteractive Storytelling
    Subtitle of host publication13th International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling, ICIDS 2020, Bournemouth, UK, November 3–6, 2020, Proceedings
    EditorsAnne-Gwenn Bosser, David E. Millard, Charlie Hargood
    Place of PublicationCham
    PublisherSpringer
    Chapter8
    Pages92-101
    Number of pages10
    Volume12497
    ISBN (Electronic)9783030625160
    ISBN (Print)9783030625153
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 3 Nov 2020
    Event13th International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling: ICIDS 2020 - Virtual, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
    Duration: 3 Nov 20206 Nov 2020
    https://icids2020.bournemouth.ac.uk/

    Publication series

    NameLecture Notes in Computer Science
    PublisherSpringer
    ISSN (Print)0302-9743
    ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

    Conference

    Conference13th International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    CityBournemouth
    Period3/11/206/11/20
    Internet address

    Keywords

    • Emergent narrative
    • Finite state machines
    • Immersion
    • Audience agenc
    • Live theatre

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