Interactive Smartphone Theater Production ‘SELF’ Turns China’s Addiction to Social Media on its Head
Stockholm/Shanghai (PRWEB) July 02, 2014 -- Swedish designer brand LELO heralds the success of ‘SELF’, a multimedia theater production staged in Shanghai, China that is driving wide-spread debate on how human connections can thrive in a world overtaken with technology.
The brainchild of Australian/South African director Michael Beets and sponsored by LELO, ‘SELF’ marks the first ever transmedia production to stage in the People’s Republic, where audience-members were uniquely required to use their own smartphones during the play as part of the performance itself.
Since the last showing earlier this month, ‘SELF’ has prompted strong reactions from Chinese netizens and audience members in a country that officially stands as the world’s most active social media base:
• The ‘experiment’ has struck a chord given the high-usage of internet throughout China, with the average time spent on social media clocking in at around 1 hour daily compared to approximately 39 minutes/day among North Americans
• 90% of Chinese internet users have at least one social media account, compared to 67% in the US
• ‘SELF’ has been heralded in local press as a strong example of how theater can play a part in social discussion on the role technology plays in daily life
LELO’s endorsement comes as part of their UnDesign Award 2014, which challenges creatives to explore new ways of building connections in all their forms. The concept is further explained in a video-interview with Michael Beets that is being shared by LELO as inspiration for UnDesign Award entrants, with this further fuelling discussion on the role it plays in Chinese society today.
Described by the director himself, “SELF is ‘a one-woman show about trust, friendship and betrayal on an online platform called ‘Social’. It is the first ever smartphone-complemented theater presentation to ever take place in China, with audience members’ devices playing an integral part in the story.”
After downloading an app specially made for the production, the viewers’ device becomes a supporting actor in the play by streaming video, images and audio that the female lead interacts with on stage.
Of the theater production and its connection to LELO’s UnDesign Award, LELO Global Marketing Manager Steve Thomson said; “By using media and technology not as a distraction, but as a means to add a whole new level of depth, Michael’s play ‘SELF’ encapsulates the inspiration behind the 2014 LELO UnDesign Awards, which seeks to embolden connections between individuals with technology as a tool and not a barrier. “
Director of ‘SELF’ Michael Beets said; “‘SELF’ is a theater production that challenges people to rethink their connections with people. It was also a fascinating creative experiment, and the fact so many people are talking about it, whether good or bad, is the most satisfying aspect of all. It’s an honor to see ‘SELF’ promoted as part of the 2014 UnDesign Awards, and I am looking forward to seeing how creatives worldwide propose to bring people together in similarly non-traditional ways.”
Entry to the LELO UnDesign Award is open until August 1st 2014, while everyone is free to sign up as a judge via http://www.lelo.com/award.
Note to Editors: All media inquiries can be directed to pr(at)lelo(dot)com
LELO is the world's leading designer brand for intimate lifestyle products. On launching in 2003, LELO transformed the look, feel and function of how personal massagers were perceived, and now applies the same commitment to quality and innovation through bedroom accessories, soy massage candles and a premium line of silk intimate apparel. LELOi AB is the Swedish company behind LELO, where offices extend from Stockholm to San Jose, from Sydney to Shanghai.
PR, LELO, http://www.lelo.com, +1 (877) 872-5356, [email protected]
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