Holy Bitch Project – immersive theatre

In “The Holy Bitch Project“, Christiane Mudra investigates the dynamics of analog and digital violence against women in Germany and its cultural and social breeding ground through interviews with affected women and experts as part of immersive productions in similar genres and moments.

About The Holy Bitch Project and immersive theatre

In reference to the film Matrix (1999), the audience swallows the red pill like the film’s hero Neo, which offers active participants a glimpse behind flawless scenes. The audience follows the performers into an interactive labyrinth of game scenes and binaural sound in which domestic, sexualized, and digital violence can be experienced, emphasizing audience participation. The project incorporates interactivity that engage the audience both physically and emotionally, fostering a deeper connection with the narrative.

As the Alt-Right movement and the misogynistic “Incels” use the film motifs to spread misogynistic conspiracy theories, The Holy Bitch Project deliberately makes the Matrix world its own and establishes a feminist counter-narrative.

What is immersive theatre and audience participation?

What is immersive theatre? This is a question that many audience members may ask themselves when they first encounter this type of performance. An immersive theatre is a form of theatre in which the performers and audience are integrated into the same environment, often blurring the lines between reality and fiction, unlike traditional theater.

This can be done in a variety of ways, from completely surround sound and lighting to actors actually interacting with audience members. Immersive theater techniques transform traditional theater by integrating spectators into the narrative and promoting interactive experiences. Some might call it an extreme experience, as it can involve physical contact or simulated experiences that are beyond what most people are used to in a traditional theatrical setting.

Immersive theater techniques create challenges for the sound

This work from the category of immersive theater is peppered with quite a few modern technologies. It specifically plays out the research in different formats such as performance in urban space, radio play, podcast, film, 360° live video, installation, lecture, and publication. Investigative theater experiments with digital tools such as (web) apps, XR, AI, 3D sound among others, and seeks interaction with the audience. The project also explores the use of augmented reality to create digital environments that blend seamlessly with physical settings, enhancing the performer and audience’s experience.

So for me, the big challenge was that the audience would wear headphones throughout the piece. So a headphone disco system for over 50 people was rented. In advance, I produced audio content to depict different scenarios showing violence against women, involving the audience directly in the creative process. The idea was not to plausibly re-enact the situation but to empathically convey how such problems can arise in everyday life.

Thanks to the 3D sound, it was possible to dive even deeper into emotions. Thus, storytelling jumped into the subjectivity of the person. As a visitor to the scene in the immersive theater, you left the role of the observer in places. Thus, recordings from the first-person perspective were also realized.

In addition, there were also spoken live texts. In part, they were combined with the recordings, which were pre-recorded. In this way, for example, an inner dialogue of the actors with their self from the past was created. This former self was literally recorded with a time delay. Quite a challenge for all the actors involved. The timing was critical and there were even scenes where several people spoke completely simultaneously. Thanks to the binaural technology, however, I was able to make the speech intelligible to the audience involved in all levels of narration at the same time.

In addition, the 3d sound provided several surprises: Due to the externalization, i.e. the realistic feeling that the sound comes from outside despite the headphones. Sometimes the impression was mixed whether an actor was speaking live or whether it was pre-recorded. In this way, the helpless situations of the victims could be told through the sound. In addition to 3D sound, the project has also experimented with virtual reality to create fully immersive experiences that challenge traditional notions of theater.

Immersive Theatre: A New Era Beyond Traditional Theater

In recent years, the landscape of theatrical performance has evolved dramatically with the rise of immersive theatre. Unlike traditional theater, where there is a clear distinction between the performers and audience members, immersive theatre blurs these lines, creating an environment where the audience is an active participant in the unfolding narrative. This dynamic approach to decision making allows for a unique, interactive experience in performances that can evoke a stronger emotional response from audience members.

Immersive theatre invites the the audience member to step out of the passive observer role and engage directly with the performers and the storyline. This active engagement creates a personal connection between the audience members and the narrative, allowing them to experience the story from within, rather than merely watching from a distance. This level of engagement is something that traditional theater rarely achieves, making immersive theatre a compelling and transformative art form.

Interactive Elements and Audience Participation

One of the defining characteristics of immersive theatre is the emphasis on audience participation and agency. In immersive plays like The Holy Bitch Project, audience members are not just passive observers but are actively involved in the performance. This participation can take many forms, from interacting with performers to exploring the set and even making decisions that affect the outcome of the story.

This type of engagement requires a different set of skills and a willingness to break away from the conventions of traditional theater. For example, interactive theatre often takes place in unconventional spaces that are designed to enhance the immersive experience. These spaces can range from abandoned buildings and warehouses to outdoor environments, each adding a unique layer to the narrative. By incorporating such interactive elements, immersive theatre creates a multi-sensory experience that fully engages the audience, making them feel as if they are a part of the story.

Expanding the Boundaries of Immersive Theatre with Technology

The integration of advanced technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) has further expanded the possibilities of immersive theatre. These technologies allow for the creation of digital environments that can be seamlessly blended with physical settings, providing an even more compelling immersive experience. For example, VR can transport audience members to entirely new worlds, while AR can overlay digital elements onto real-world environments, creating a layered experience that enhances the own experience.

The use of these technologies in immersive shows not only enriches the overall experience but also opens up new avenues for creativity and experimentation in theatre. By combining digital tools with traditional theatrical techniques, immersive theatre productions can push the boundaries of what is possible on stage, creating experiences that are both innovative and deeply engaging.

The Role of the Audience members in Immersive Theatre

In immersive theatre, the audience’s engagement is crucial to the success of the performance. Unlike in traditional theater, where the audience remains seated and silent, in immersive theatre, they are often required to move, interact, participate and even become part of the story. This level of involvement creates a unique bond between the performers and the audience, making each performance a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Immersive theatre relies heavily on the concept of sense of immersion and the audience’s willingness to fully engage with the narrative. This type of theatre often appeals to those looking for more than just passive entertainment; it attracts individuals who want to explore new perspectives, challenge their senses, and be an active participant in the unfolding story.

The Future of Immersive Theatre and Its Impact on Traditional Theater

As immersive theatre continues to grow in popularity, it challenges the conventions of traditional theater and offers new ways for audiences to engage with stories. By placing participants the audience at the center of the action and using innovative technologies to enhance the experience, immersive theatre has the potential to reshape the future of theatrical performance.

The success of productions like The Holy Bitch Project demonstrates the power of immersive theatre to connect with audiences on a deeper level, creating meaningful and impactful experiences. As more artists and theatre companies explore the possibilities of immersive theatre, we can expect to see a continued evolution in the way stories are told and experienced, blurring the lines between reality and fiction in ways that traditional theater could only dream of.

This innovative approach to performance art not only expands the boundaries of what is possible in theatre but also invites audience members to see themselves as an integral part of the character and the storytelling process, making each performance a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Result and review

The immersive theater piece was rightly celebrated by the press for its groundbreaking immersive experience.

• https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/chrstiane-mudra-monopol-kino-pathos-theater-holy-bitch-1.5608024
• https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/kultur/buehne/the-holy-bitch-project-raus-aus-der-matrix-art-736780

Mudra’s research and use of cutting-edge technology is outstanding. As a 3D sound designer, I am pleased to have been involved with the project from conception to recording and premiere.

Immersive technology offers a lot of opportunities for theatrical pieces to rethink content. Binaural audio is just the beginning, I have already been able to work with VR in this context and overcome many limitations of stereo sound.

The use of immersive techniques, such as binaural audio and interactive elements, played a critical role in enhancing the overall experience.

What else can we create together?