What I liked
I liked that the audience had a chance to interact with the VR as well as talk to the experts on the panel.
What I didn't like
It was hard to hear while watching the VR.
My overall impression
For those who tend to skim show descriptions or Fringe-binge based on titles alone, it should be noted that Shakespeare in the Sphere’s Virtual Reality is definitely a presentation/workshop as opposed to a performance. As such, if one of the topics addressed – arts in schools, Shakespeare, virtual reality – don’t pique your interest then this probably isn’t for you. However, if any of those topics does pique your interest, or you want a chance to check out some virtual reality, then definitely see this workshop. Shakespeare in the Sphere wants to bring Shakespeare into schools using the new technology of virtual reality to capture the interest of students and help improve critical thinking. They explain their mission much better than I do, but that’s the gist. This workshop consists of a Q&A with a Shakespeare expert and a tech expert and then they invite people to come up and watch a VR scene from the play Othello that they shot last year. They are not only open to feedback, they provide feedback cards so you can tell them about your VR experience and they encourage the audience to come down and speak to either them or their experts. All in all, it’s an intriguing glimpse into how one company is melding the past with the present to help mold our future.
