StellarScape: An Immersive Multimedia Performance Inspired by the Life of a Star

Abstract

StellarScape is an immersive multimedia performance synthesizing music, science, visual art, and technology. The performance includes live musicians, sensors, electronic music, and dance, all collaborating through interactive cinematography. The result combines kinesthetic and acoustic sensing with astrophysical simulations of star formation in real time. This convergence research collaboration is catalyzed by the union of concepts at the confluence of astronomy, humanity, artistic expression through music and dance, and sociotechnical experience. This article summarizes the authors’ motivation for undertaking the project, the interdisciplinary collaboration required to execute it, the authors’ goals for the audience experience, early results of the first performances, and ways the piece can be delivered in the future for entertainment, outreach, and education.