Participant: Karakashyan & Artists
Name of the Project: INSERT COIN / PLAYER ONE
What’s the heart of your project?
At its core, INSERT COIN / PLAYER ONE is about exploring the intersection of identity, empathy, and ethics in a gamified digital world. Through the lens of immersive dance and theater, the project delves into how the online personas we encounter shape our communication and behaviors in real life. It aims to blur the line between spectator and participant, offering audiences an interactive experience that mirrors the complexities and contradictions of our digital age. By combining dance, video games, and immersive storytelling, we aim to create a space for reflection on how technology impacts our humanity.
What’s something you’re really proud of achieving so far (with your project inside Collab 4 HySUST CCI)?
One of our proudest achievements has been successfully adapting our vision of INSERT COIN / PLAYER ONE to explore hybrid formats, integrating live performance with technologies like motion capture and immersive storytelling. Working within Collab 4 HySUST CCI, we’ve taken significant strides in bringing the project’s immersive and digital concept to life. Through the project we began the process of collaboration with game designers and digital art studios, which has allowed us to expand our creative scope, translating our existing work in theatre and dance to a hybrid model that aims to resonate deeply with both physical and digital audiences.
Where do you see your project heading next?
In the next year INSERT COIN / PLAYER ONE will continue to evolve into a fully realized live performance in co-production with One Dance Festival and a VR experience, extending the life of the live performance and enabling global audiences to engage with its themes of digital identity and empathy. We envision the project touring both traditional performance venues and immersive technology showcases, fostering dialogue around the impact of online behaviors. AdAdditionally, we plan to develop companion workshops and educational materials aimed at younger audiences, encouraging critical engagement with digital culture.
What do you think is the most valuable thing that the Collab 4 HySUST CCI project has brought to you?
The most valuable aspect of the Collab 4 HySUST CCI project has been the sustained and long-term mentorship of Carla Delfos. Her guidance has fundamentally expanded our understanding of how our dance company needs to evolve to amplify its impact. Participating in this project has challenged us to think more broadly about audience engagement and the long-term significance of our work, positioning us to make a meaningful impact in the near future.
From your experience participating in the Collab 4 HySUST CCI project, what advice would you give to organizations similar to yours?
Our advice to similar organizations is to embrace collaboration across disciplines and technologies. Programs like Collab 4 HySUST CCI demonstrate the immense potential of interdisciplinary partnerships, offering practical tools for pushing creative boundaries. Be open to experimentation, even if it takes your work into unfamiliar territory.
Would you like to add something?
We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunities provided by the Collab 4 HySUST CCI project and excited to share the next phases of INSERT COIN / PLAYER ONE. This journey has reinforced the importance of hybrid formats in shaping the future of cultural projects. As we continue to expand into immersive technologies, we hope to inspire other creators to reimagine the possibilities of their work in the digital age. Stay tuned for updates on our physical premiere, VR adaptation and upcoming performances.