The Last Dodo
live performance and Virtual Reality theater hybrid
collab with Tom Rhodes and Flying Fire Collective at CalArts
The Last Dodo: 360 video documentation
VR fantasia The Last Dodo is a modern allegory that explores elements of fact and fiction within the environment of our given realities. Now an icon of extinction, the dodo as a flightless bird observed by humanity form 1507–1681 on the tropical island of Mauritius, its only natural habitat.
In the first act, the audience of 12 people seated around the stage, wear VR headsets and watch the pre-recorded 360-degree performance from the point of view of a dodo egg in the nest in the center. In the second act, they continue watching the live performance from their own point of view after they take off the headsets.
Shows
2019 - CalArts Winter Lab, CalArts Theater E400, January
2019 - CalArts Digital Expo, CalArts theater E400, May 9
CAST
Faryn Thomure, RAT
Kezia Roane Madarang, DODO
Kaitlyn McKinney, DODO
Likun Jing, RAT
Lydia Li, HUNTER
Vidushi Chadha, RAT
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Anna Grossman, Sound Designer
Cameron Amelia, Costume Designer
Changting Lu, Producer
Chasen Whitson, Producer and Scenic Artist
Christian Mejia, Lighting Designer
Jac Langheim, Costumer
James Vitz-Wong, Movement Curator
Jazzi Rhodes, Producer & Audience Experience
Mathew Richard Martinez, Technologist
Micah Mora, Winter Lab Dodo
Michael Tan, Production Assistant
Nikita Shokhov, VR Video Artist
Sam Novick, Costumer
Samantha Brounstein, Production Stage Manager
Sonya Berg Valentina, Costumer
Thomas Lemuel Witwer, Composer
Tom Rhodes, Curator and Story
MUSIC RECORDING
James Vitz-Wong, Bass
Leila Jay Bishop, Harp
Michael Freed, Violin
Nigel Dean, Viola
Oliver Jung, Recording Technician
Paul Engle, Celesta
Tanner Pfeiffer, Viola
Wells Leng, Cello
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Kate DeWall, Master Electrician
Electrics crew: Ry Burke, Soowan An, Jake Jolley, Robert Hill-Guarino, Ryan Wichterich
Gahyae Ryu, Sound Support
PROJECT ASSISTANCE
Produced by the Flying Fire Collective & the 2019 CalArts Expo, with additional support from Tom Rhodes, Chasen Whitson, Lydia Li, Thomas Lemuel Witwer, and Mathew Martinez.
Presented with assistance from the CalArts Commission for Sustainability, the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, and costumes sponsored by the Interdisciplinary Project.
Oculus Go devices provided by the Schools of Theater and Film/Video.
Other technology provided by the Schools of Dance, Music, and Film/Video.
Space, lights, and sound are generously provided by the School of Theater’s Executive Committee.
SPECIAL THANKS
ARS Studios, Amanda Shank, Andrew Freeman, Anne LeBaron, Brian Harlan, Chebon Marshall, Chip Largman, Ciro Cappellari, Dimitri Chamblas, Eva Graham, Francesca Penzani, Gary Kechley, Jackson Campbell, Jason Palmer, Justin Hogan, Jo Ann Callis, Matt Radis, Megan Carter, Michael Darling, Michael Scroggins, Patrick Smith, Paul Olsen, Ravi Rajan, Tracie Costantino, and Travis Preston.
Rehearsal goodies courtesy of Roan Mills Bakery.
Special thanks to West Coast Fire Shield.
Expo trustee reception catering provided by Daniel Peavy & Bashè Jackson (@us_on_the_menu).
Poster design by Colin Yeo.
Production logo by Ivan Campos.
USA 2018-2019