Narratologies Interactive Workshop at Kenyatta University – Nairobi, Kenya
During a month-long residency in Nairobi, Kenya, Narratologies hosted an engaging workshop for students at Kenyatta University’s School of Creative Arts, Film, and Media Studies. Collaborating with Ph.D. researcher Clinton Kihima Kanyangi, the workshop provided participants with hands-on experience in interactive technologies, video-making, and storytelling in virtual environments.
The workshop’s theme centered around the fusion of two captivating myths: the Kenyan legend of Lwanda Magere, a superhuman warrior, and the Greek myth of Orpheus, who journeyed to the Underworld to rescue his wife, Eurydice. These stories inspired the creation of mini animation videos that were showcased in a music and dance performance titled “Orpheus, Lwanda, and the Khthónios Journey.” This performance took place on February 15, 2023, as part of the CAPHE Symposium opening at Kenyatta University.
Creating Authentic African Visuals
Participants first explored various video-making techniques while creating animations inspired by local culture. Then they gathered imagery through digital resources and field research, which ultimately enhanced their storytelling with authentic African visuals.
Moreover, Narratologies team collaborated with researchers from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) to incorporate XR (extended reality) technologies into the performance, further enhancing the immersive experience. Christos Lougiakis, a Ph.D. researcher from NKUA, created a cutting-edge VR scene that allowed both performers and spectators to dive into the virtual world of Orpheus and Eurydice. As a result, this immersive VR environment seamlessly blended the physical performance with digital elements, creating an interactive experience that blurred the boundaries between reality and virtual worlds. Ultimately, the VR scene deepened the storytelling and provided the audience with an innovative way to engage with the ancient myths, taking the performance to a whole new level.
This collaboration pushed the boundaries of hybrid space exploration in the performative arts by merging physical and virtual realities. The project opened exciting new possibilities for future artistic endeavors that seamlessly unite these two worlds!