Extra: Willie Williams

Video design in modern theater and live performance serves as a tool for emotional connection rather than mere spectacle. Willie Williams, a veteran designer known for his work with U2 and David Bowie, explains how video elements in the National Theatre’s production *Inter Alia* function both scenically—blending seamlessly with physical sets—and psychologically. A notable innovation involves creating "unseen" digital content, such as disturbing laptop visuals and AI-generated Snapchat comments, specifically to provoke authentic reactions from lead actor Rosamund Pike. While the scale of technology has shifted from early 90s multimedia tours to the massive LED screens of the Las Vegas Sphere, the core objective remains helping the audience lose themselves in the narrative. Success is measured not by the audience noticing the technical production, but by their visceral response to the performance, ensuring the technology supports rather than competes with the human element on stage.