Digital theatre takes centre stage at Belfast International Arts Festival

Hosted online, the festival opened with the premiere of a new virtual and interactive theatrical production of Macbeth by Big Telly Theatre Company, a world leader in live digital theatre. Available to the general public from 14-17 October following a two-day run for secondary schools, the play is performed on Zoom and uses technology to create a fully immersive experience. 

Children’s theatre company Cahoots NI will present The University of Wonder & Imagination from 22-25 October and 29 October-1 November, an immersive, fun theatrical experience for families. It will be broadcast from an extensive, purpose-built set and feature magic and illusion.

For older audiences, Portuguese theatre maker and performer Pedro Penim will present DOING IT on 21-22 October, a live streamed lecture-performance taking the audience on a virtual journey across Pedro’s ‘island collection’. Viewers will learn about these hidden places, exploring themes of isolation and discussing his obsession with the world’s most remote islands. 

Festival director Richard Wakely said, ‘In recent months, due to the restrictions facing the arts and cultural sectors, theatre companies – and indeed artists and innovators from right across the creative industries – have adapted their approach to storytelling to leverage evolving digital technologies and to showcase world-leading theatre remotely.

‘Belfast International Arts Festival has a rich history of showcasing the very best theatre from local and international production companies and we’re very pleased to be able to continue that tradition in 2020.

‘This year, we will host two local companies – Big Telly Theatre Company and Cahoots NI – who are leading the way in programming interactive, immersive and compelling productions specifically for the digital stage.’

Tickets range from free to £20. Visit www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com