KOPERGIETERY researches, develops and realises the potential of innovative technologies within different parts of the house: our creations, the theatre workshops and the schools and audiences work. We bundle all this under the term ‘The Media Lab’. From innovative projects to permanent installations, The Medialab offers children and young people tools to understand technology by creating themselves. To get a grip on the lightning-fast development of technology and impact on society, we take matters into our own hands and learn by making.
The Medialab works at the interface between technology, media and science on the one hand and the performing arts on the other. We do this both online and offline.
PROJECTS 2024-2025
- This season, we will organise two Virtual Reality screenings within ‘cineRabot VR’. VR as a technology has been around for a long time, but has only emerged in recent years as an affordable and accessible technology. It is a new form of storytelling that raises many questions. Is VR becoming the replacement for cinema? Or perhaps theatre? Is it anti-social or can it be very connecting? Together with the audience, we will tackle this research playfully, together with XR artist Lucas Dewulf.
Autumn 2024 will host the screening and framing of ‘The Imaginary Friend’ (10+) by Steye Hallema & Studio Biarritz. Spring 2025 will be followed by a screening for 14+.
- In addition, the creation of ‘Code ♥’ and the associated research around artificial intelligence and generative imaging will take centre stage in the Medialab. The research is twofold: in addition to the creation of the performance, we will hold a parallel research project with Nerdlab where we will look for the future of humanity. More info can be found on the Nerdlab website
WHAT DOES THE MEDIALAB INCLUDE
- FESTIVAL DIGITAL
Since 2016, we have organised this biennial festival in which we invite (inter)national companies, show results of research within the theatre workshops and offer workshops. All activities during the festival revolve around art and technology, media and science.
- MEDIATAFEL
When visiting KOPERGIETERY, you can consult our Media Table for the latest videos of performances and workshops. You can also consult our archive or take a look at the creation process of a theatre performance. We also organise workshops.
- PROJECTS
We organise and support projects that challenge and further the Medialab's philosophy. Sometimes we do this together with partner organisations, sometimes a project arises internally. A selection of some projects:
*Radiant Resonance, together with Nerdlab and Ghent EYC ihkvv Lichtfestival (2024)
*All the screen's a stage, together with z-arts (UK), Young at Art (UK) and Nerdlab (2022-2023)
*Digital Moves, together with Cultuurcentrum Brugge (2021)
*LOS DE GROND OP, together with De Conventie (2020)
*The Moon Whisperers for the Light Festival (2018)
*As the crow flies, together with Imaginate (UK) (2016)
- Lectures and master classes for professionals on Medialab's ever-changing visions, experiences, methodologies and future perspectives.
- ATELIERS
Every year, we organise a media studio track within the Theatre Workshops: one studio group gets the opportunity to work - within the overall studio theme - with media, technology and innovative applications.
- KIOSK
On the online inspiration platform KIOSK you will find, for each KOPERGIETERY creation, background information, inspiring assignments, interviews with the creators and assignments or games you can explore at home or in the classroom. KIOSK is accessible to everyone.
- INNOVATION WITHIN STAGE CREATIONS
Within KOPERGIETERY's creations, we are always looking for ways to apply innovative theatre techniques. Sometimes technology takes centre stage, as e.g. in the performance PRESS Play (2022, playField co-production.) or sometimes we use a social phenomenon linked to technology as a source of inspiration and starting point, as e.g. in Code ♥ (2025).
FESTIVAL DIGITAL over the years:
CONTACT
Ilja Van Autreve, coordinator Medialab
ilja@kopergietery.be
0032 9 266 11 44