Immersive technologies and theatre for decolonising heritage sites

This talk presents Mariza's latest project discussing the fusion between Mixed Reality (MR) and Immersive Heritage Performance (IHP).

Speaker: Dr Mariza Dima, Brunel University London

This talk presents Mariza's latest project discussing the fusion between Mixed Reality (MR) and Immersive Heritage Performance (IHP) in order to reframe troubled and uncomfortable histories that serve to challenge hegemonic power structures and decolonise heritage sites. Through the presentation of two distinct experiences in UK and US heritage sites, Mariza will describe the creation process, including the orchestration of the virtual components, interaction opportunities, script, acting, archival material, and oral histories. She will also outline methods for prototyping and R&D within the widely interdisciplinary research team and discuss the impact of such projects in the digital design, heritage and theatre sectors moving towards innovative tools and strategies to engage 21st century museum audiences.

Mariza is a Reader in Games Design. She specialises in User Experience and User Interface design for developing meaningful and engaging interactions, particularly using mobile, AR and haptic technologies. She has worked between academia and the creative industries as an interaction designer and creative technologist in R&D projects combining engineering and design approaches grounded on theoretical contexts of narrative, affective dramaturgy, and audience/player engagement. Mariza’s work has been published and exhibited widely in leading academic conferences such as SIGGRAPH Asia, CHI, HCI International, British HCI, NordiCHI.

Moderator: Dr Pantea Foroudi (Senior Lecturer in marketing, Brunel University London)