Philip Speakman

performance for virtual production studio (7x3m screen running real time Unreal Engine environment, motion tracking, live performance, sound, camera rig, torch prop)
17:26
2024

Katabasing was made for Gossamer Fog’s Alt_R, a virtual production studio featuring a large 7x3m LED screen displaying a live 3D environment. The work uses motion tracking to allow the performer to seamlessly and physically interact with the virtual 3D environment; tracking an object so it functions as a virtual torch beam, shinning digital light into the virtual scene.

Through soundtrack and performance, the work tells the story of Orphic Chase, a now-missing YouTuber, and the miraculous videos he filmed. The work reimagines the story of legendary Greek poet Orpheus, said to be able to move animals and the natural world using the power of his words and song, eventually using these powers to gain access and travel into the underworld, an act known in the ancient work as Katabasis. The work explores this travel into a parallel realm, and how new technologies inevitably gives rise to new occult narratives and beliefs.

The work draws on theories of reenactment, play, LARPing, real esoteric online subcultures, ritual magic, internet folklore and Netflix true crime shows. Just as Orpheus was said to manipulate reality through the power of his words and songs, the work considers the techniques and affects viral content deploy to inform and infect our sense of reality online.

Unreal Engine and technical production by Sam Capps
Sound design and score by Boyadam
Interviewee voice acting by Tash Rowan
Performed as part of ‘Mudsimmer’ on 04/05/24 at Gossamer Fog’s Alt_R. With thanks to Gossamer Fog, Sam Capps, Diane Edwards and Billy Sassi.