Exploring an emotion-based interactive system in live theatre
| dc.contributor.author | Wang, Ruichao | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-03-11T10:17:46Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-03-11T10:17:46Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-07 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This thesis presents an investigation of facial expression recognition technology in digitally mediated live interactive theatre. The research explores how the audience’s facial expressions can influence the storyline’s evolution, with the actors’ interpretations guided by the author’s framework of the interactive narrative. The research is based on a theoretical foundation that incorporates narrative theory, emotion studies, interactive design, human-computer interaction (HCI), and audience engagement. A literature review of interactive narrative (IN) – audience engagement with technological intervention – identifies a research gap in building an emotion-based interactive system that emphasises the emotional connection between the actors and audiences in live interactive theatre. The use of facial expressions as an interface enables the audience to navigate different levels of agency, from intentional gestures to spontaneous expression. The study advanced my practice as a scriptwriter in theatrical performance and literature by integrating a branching narrative strategy to facilitate interactive performance. This research led to the development of an emotion-based interactive system, which was deployed within a performance context. Actors were trained to engage with the system, and an emergent role for a drama manager was identified. Findings highlight that the role of a drama manager who controlled the interactive system facilitated communication between different departments enhanced the fluidity of the play, and contributed to building a seamless interactive experience for the audience. The strong emotional connection established between actors and audiences underscores the potential of interactive systems to enhance the theatrical experience. The study suggests that when actors are sensitive to audience emotions and respond accordingly, this creates an engaging experience for the audience, making them feel acknowledged and immersed. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by proposing and testing a hybrid approach to the development of interactive narratives. This study makes contributions to the field of technological intervention in live theatre and audience engagement, filling the gap by providing empirical evidence on the effective integration of facial expression recognition technology in live theatre plays, thereby enhancing both narrative depth and audience interaction. Moreover, the study introduces a novel framework for assessing and implementing an emotion-based interactive system in a live theatre context. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/2086/24866 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | De Montfort University | |
| dc.publisher.department | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media | |
| dc.title | Exploring an emotion-based interactive system in live theatre | |
| dc.type | Thesis or dissertation | |
| dc.type.qualificationlevel | Doctoral | |
| dc.type.qualificationname | PhD |