Butts In the Seats: I wasn’t aware until recently that airlines have started to strip all the video equipment from their planes and have begun requiring people to bring their own personal devices and headphones in order to enjoy some form of entertainment during a flight.
Passengers on United can tap into the Wifi for a price if they want to go online or into the onboard entertainment system signal for free.
3 comments:
Not going to lie, I really dislike the idea of having technology being integrated into arts performances. It seems superfluous and unnecessary for audiences to have all this information happening while the performance is happening. For example, the author speculates on a type of technology that will be “a simulcast from backstage where the audience can witness every entrance and exit, set change, interaction” which seems to break the fourth wall like nothing else. Seeing the inner workings of a show is really not supposed to be a part of the entertainment value of the performance and I see no enhancing value of that information being broadcasted. Also with that, asking for the actors to remain in character just so over-interested audience members can see what doorway or ramp they use to get off stage does not seem like a fair request. This could also become a problem with losing the magical quality of scenic changes if all the machinery is just another tab on someone’s iPad.
I find this really interesting. The idea of using personal technology in a community space reminds me of the silent raves popular in Europe. Participants either bring their own music, or everyone plugs into a greater signal, listening with headphones. In this way people have the experience of group interaction, but there is a certain amount individualization to the experience. It is the artistic version of the new airlines policies.
I think technology can be incorporated interestingly into arts performances, but it must be used effectively. I think that technology as an artistic medium should only be used when there is no other way to achieve the same effect, and only if that effect is entirely necessary. If it is not, it runs the risk of appearing to be shoved in a show for the sole purpose of having something shiny and new. Spectacle does not good theatre make. I think that every effect must be done with a singular thought in mind: does this serve the art I am trying to create? If so, go for it! If not, leave it out.
Personally I always liked when airplanes already had tv’s installed into the seats because it helped the flight experience still feel enjoyable and help time fly faster. I understand do to budget and maximizing space that these pleasurable experience are being cut and that we do live in a world now where everyone has a smart phone. It just put more pressure on passenger to make sure that whatever device they want to use to connect has to have full power. The added stain is not needed since passangers already have to take into account for the added stress of security. While security is important, flight was designed to be a shorter and more comfortable mode of transportation option than the train and bus, but each year it is looking less and less likely that is the case. It’s appears more greedy to have passenger have to pay for a service that is eating up the life cycle of a device they need every second of their lives.
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