Shakespeare in VR: Virtual reality ‘Hamlet’ puts you in the center of the action [column]
This was possible through virtual reality. Google, working with Commonwealth Shakespeare Co., created an hourlong VR version of “Hamlet.” “Hamlet 360: Thy Father’s Spirit” brings the tragedy written in early 1600s into the 21st century. It left me dizzy, literally and figuratively, and excited about the potential to bring more art alive.
This Boston-based Shakespeare group tried something new, complicated and pricey ($500,000) as a big way to grow.
“This allows us to scale that mission to the world and truly democratize Shakespeare and theater,” Steven Maler, the director of the film and the founding artistic company, told The New York Times.
WGBH, a PBS member station in Boston, shared the video for free on its YouTube page last month. With a cheap VR headset, you can be immersed in the world of “Hamlet.” It’s a world that VR pioneer Nonny de la Pena calls a visceral empathy generator.
See the full story here: https://lancasteronline.com/features/shakespeare-in-vr-virtual-reality-hamlet-puts-you-in-the/article_3b90ae4e-3634-11e9-a911-ab80ce82ea66.html