MIT: Exploring Extended Reality in Historic Operas

In this episode of the podcast, Joshua Higgison, a technical instructor at MIT Theatre Arts, shares his groundbreaking approach to using XR technology in opera. He recounts his experience with virtual reality during a Wagner opera excerpt at the Bayreuth Festival, where the audience's enthusiastic response made up for the initial technical challenges. The discussion then moves to his exciting upcoming project: incorporating augmented reality into a full-scale performance of Parsifal at Bayreuth, which will involve 330 headsets to elevate the audience's experience. Higgison addresses the logistical hurdles of introducing AR in a historic opera venue, the potential for both success and controversy, and his passion for creating transformative artistic experiences. The hosts also weigh in on how XR technology could enhance various aspects of life.