Masque added an extra special touch to this production which promises to be a spectacular merge between theater and technology. With the use of a scrim (translucent screen) placed above the set, the audience will be taken into a world of virtual reality (VR). Throughout the play Chief Bromdem has a series of speeches that could be otherwise awkward, but the VR world allows the audience to see more into the character's reality. The audience will get a better feel for the meaning of Bromdem's words as well as witness the newest thing in theater technology. The VR world was created by WPI students using a Duke Nukem editor to create rooms in which a "Virtual Actor" will navigate through, as it is projected on stage. Dean O'Donnell '86, visiting instructor of drama/theater, states that, " This is a totally new approach - so new we only know of one other place that is doing it."
This show seems to have everything going in its favor, an excellent cast, a great script and the latest theater technology. Everyone has three opportunities to witness this history making production, this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (November 21-23) at 8:00pm in Alden Memorial. Tickets will be on sale for $3 in the Daniels lobby this week and each night at the door. Don't be too slow though, you might just miss out on a superb night of WPI drama at its best.