Embodying Information
Data is historically considered a tool for analytic support through visual interpretation, overlooking the potential of embodied representations. We explore dance and theater as paths to creating new understandings of information and bringing people together around data to increase collective empowerment and engagement. Our “embodying information” approach is based on our initial “data moves” explorations with Victoria Palacin and Rosalie Norris. “Data dance” workshops investigate how somatic invitations might engage professionals and novices alike in formal and affective modes of understanding and interpreting information through movement. “Data theatre” workshops leverage participatory theater to investigate how people relate to data when asked to perform some story they find in it. These parallel approaches are centered around the idea of creating embodied invitations that build on existing practices in their respective domains - dance and theatre. We aim to move beyond traditional flat visualizations and leverage experiential modes of understanding to build new modes of representation that empower individuals and communities.
Recent Related Blog Posts
- Designing Data Theatre - Learnings From Experts
- What does Data Theatre Look Like? — Lessons from Our First Workshops
- Data Skits - Learning From Participatory Theatre
- Talk - The Physical Life of Data?
- What happens when we dance out data?
Collaborators
- Laura Perovich - Assistant Professor, Art + Design, Northeastern University
- Victoria Palacin - Post-doc, University of Helsinki
- Ilya Vidrin - Postdoctoral Associate, Theatre, Northeastern University
- Nicole Zizzi - Masters student, Architecture, Northeastern University
- Jesse Hinson - Associate Teaching Professor, Theatre, Northeastern University
- Amanda Brea - Student, Business Administration & Theatre, Northeastern University
Supporters
This work has been supported by funds from the Northeastern University Cluster Seed Grant and the Co-Lab for Data Impact.
