Inspired by the eponymous short story by Michael Swanwick, "The Very Pulse of the Machine" is a concept liveshow that aims to explore the integration between art and technology, blurring the lines between reality and digital. At the core of the stage, a computer symbolizes a dark force, an almost metaphysical presence that captures the audience's attention and drives an engaging narrative. The goal is to immerse viewers in a theatrical and cinematic atmosphere, creating an intense, energetic, and dynamic experience. The portrayal of the computer as a malevolent entity adds a dramatic layer, maintaining tension and evoking contrasting emotions throughout the performance.

The Stage

The stage has been designed as an immersive scenic element, capable of transforming in synergy with the storytelling. The LED wall, while a significant presence on stage, blends seamlessly with the other structures, becoming an integral part of the visual context. The aim was for the LED wall not to be perceived as a separate entity, but rather as a dynamic canvas that merges with the rest of the scenography, creating a larger, cohesive picture.

The shapes and geometries of the stage were crafted to suggest a sense of continuity and fluidity, ensuring that every element appears naturally connected to the others. Lighting plays a fundamental role in transforming the stage, creating depth and perspective through the skillful use of colors, shadows, and reflections. The entire space was conceived to change in response to different phases of the performance, with gradual shifts that evoke various sensations and atmospheres. This approach allows the stage to adapt organically to the storytelling, enhancing moments of high tension or dynamic energy.

The lighting, architectural forms, and perspective illusions were all meticulously planned to create an environment with a futuristic, dystopian aesthetic, capable of transporting the audience into an alternative, mysterious future. Each scenic element was carefully placed to maximize cohesion between technology and traditional scenography, giving the stage an appearance that is constantly evolving. The physical structure itself responds to visual content and digital interactions, seamlessly merging the physical and virtual worlds, making each moment of the show feel like part of a unified, coherent narrative

The Visuals

For the production of visual content, motion capture techniques were used, applied to the face of the "computer," the true digital protagonist of the show. This virtual presence was brought to life using real-time rendering engines, ensuring immediate responsiveness and smooth interaction with other elements of the scene. These digital components were then integrated into a highly refined compositing process, requiring multiple stages of work to achieve a convincing and immersive result. Every detail was carefully designed to integrate with the physical stage environment, creating a layered, multisensory scene.

The lighting, colors, and dynamic light movements were essential elements in bringing the stage to life and keeping the audience's attention. The choice of color tones was carefully considered to convey the right mood at each point in the show: cool colors for tense moments, warm tones to emphasize bursts of energy. The movement of the lights was also meticulously choreographed to follow the action, creating perfect synchronization between sound, image, and light. This approach made the show not only dynamic and engaging but also capable of transporting the audience into a deeply cinematic experience, as if each moment on stage were part of an evolving and captivating film.