JOHN
LUO
1. EXPERIENCE & 3D
2. BRANDING & DESIGN
The Theater
Virtual Reality | Game Design | Performance | Digital Fashion
A VR interactive theatre play project, blends traditional Chinese theatre aesthetics with modern machinery design, showcasing the mix of modern peroformance and advanced mocap technology and experimental VR interactive methods, to explore themes of individualism and collectivism.
The Theater is an immersive VR experience that bridges performance and interaction through advanced AI motion capture and finger-tracking technology, allowing controller-free engagement. The work presents two contrasting virtual worlds: one embodying Eastern collectivism and the other Western individualism. Each world unfolds as a living stage, offering performances that players can actively participate in, shaping their experiences through movement and gesture. By immersing the audience in these dual narratives, the piece invites reflection on the interplay between personal identity and communal belonging, exploring how these cultural philosophies influence our roles and relationships in society.
The accompanying 3D short film, titled "Shan Gui", serves as a visual and thematic showcase for the VR project. This film reimagines the Mountain Spirit from Qu Yuan’s poem as an androgynous figure, merging traditional Chinese theatre visuals with modern machinery design. Created using Unreal Engine 5, the short film highlights our artistic and technical vision, demonstrating the potential of digital animation and interactive storytelling. It also introduces viewers to the narrative’s core themes of isolation, longing, and cultural influence.
Credits:
Creative Director:
John Luo
Co-Director & Choregrapher:
Yingru Huang
Narration Consultant:
Lois He
Game Developer: John Luo
Alan Ren Tech & 3D Artist:
John Luo
Kano
Ram Yi
Fashion Designer:
Maggie
Yoyo Shang Motion Capture Performer:
Yingru Huang
Tanya
Wisdom
Music:
Chien Tai
Alexia
Yingru Huang Special Thanks:
Press & Rewards:
The accompanying 3D short film, titled "Shan Gui", serves as a visual and thematic showcase for the VR project. This film reimagines the Mountain Spirit from Qu Yuan’s poem as an androgynous figure, merging traditional Chinese theatre visuals with modern machinery design. Created using Unreal Engine 5, the short film highlights our artistic and technical vision, demonstrating the potential of digital animation and interactive storytelling. It also introduces viewers to the narrative’s core themes of isolation, longing, and cultural influence.
Credits:
Alan Ren
Kano
Ram Yi
Yoyo Shang
Tanya
Wisdom
Alexia
Yingru Huang
Press & Rewards:
- SeeMe Gallery, Bridging Divides, New York
- MetroCAF 2024 Festival, New York