Collapse - Spinning Waikiki Beach

Collapse (suddenly falling down)
Performed at the UCDavis Mondavi Center for Performing Arts in October and November 2007

This scene features dancer Christina Chen manipulating tripod LiDAR scans of Waikiki Beach using an optical motion capture system. The initial motion of the scene was preprogrammed, but after a brief pause, motion switched to live manipulation. Christina has two reflective markers in her hands and as soon as the motion capture system identifies them, she can change the view of the scan, including rotating it.

Two people are at the center of the initial LiDAR view. They were only imaged from one side, and one person moved during the scan offsetting her lower body from her upper body. They are the center of rotation for Christina's manipulation.

The two people speaking are an anthropologist (Victor Toman) and a normal guy (David Orzechowicz), representing two cultures that come into contact but are not communicating.

The data on the screen in the upper left was projected in 3D using linear polarization to separate right and left eye views. Audience members were given polarized glasses to wear. The 3D scene is continued with 2D projection on the boxes to the right and below the 3D screen.

Ed Gaible wrote the script, Michael Neff (UCDavis) provided the motion capture equipment and expertise, Oliver Kreylos (UCDavis) wrote the visualization software, and Gerald Bawden (USGS) provided the LiDAR data. The software and LiDAR data are used to evaluate environmental change and hazards. In this case, repeated scans of Waikiki beach will allow calibration of erosion patterns and rates.

Choreographed by Della Davidson
Performed by Sideshow Physical Theater

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• modern
• dance
• theater
• performance
• lidar
• 3d
• visualization
• science
• environment
• environmental
• problems