How New is New Media? The History of Multi-Media Usage in Theatrical Productions

Abstract

This article takes as its starting point the current fascination with ‘new media’ and ‘new form’ being employed in theatre and questions just how new is new media? As a theatrical form, how recent is the inclusion of multi-media into live stage productions? Three major influential artists in the use of multi-media in theatre are investigated. These include the political theatre work of director, Erwin Piscator, the concurrent theatre of Russian director, Vsevold Meyerhold and the work of Czechoslovakian set designer, Joseph Svoboda. The findings suggest that these artists, together with contemporary artists of today, are responding to the technological advancements of the day and exploring them within the bounds of their theatrical work. It is proposed that the employment of technology is not a means in itself but a further resource available to an artist in their desire to communicate to an audience.