ABSTRACT
This instance discusses an example of theatre as a hypermedium (← introduction) in respect of the online, virtual world of Second Life (SL) as an element of an actual onstage performance but, reciprocally, considers the virtual platform of SL as a stage for a live theatre event. It concerns the juxtaposition of the virtual (→ term: virtuality) with the actual and the interrelationship between the performers and their computer-generated characters, the avatars. These themes are discussed through the performance Aid Anne II; a second part of an art-research project by Marloeke van der Vlugt. The performance, presented during 2007 in Amsterdam, is inspired by Martin Crimp’s text Attempts on her life (1997). It appears as a series of monologues spoken from different points of view, aiming to define an elusive character Anne. The character is produced through the collaboration of performers and avatars. The performance is formed according to the structure of Crimp’s text, proceeding with ‘attempts’ at different scenes. The script combines quotations from Crimp, the discussions that have occurred in SL, and material improvised during the rehearsal process.
