Locus Solus is a new adaptation of Raymond Roussel’s 1919 novel of the same name. We have been working on research and development at the Pervasive Media Studio (Watershed) in Bristol on a combined digital theatre production. Our collaborators include Nicolo Carpignoli, Roy Williams, Kinicho and Pervasive Media Studio

The project was due to be developed in March & April 2020 for R&D testing across the UK, but due to Covid-19 it has been remotely managed with test bed audiences during May & June 2020. We built ‘Locus Solus’ (Solitary Place) in the online gaming platform Roblox, so that visitors can explore the fantastical world and its associated stories.

On 5 and 19 June 2020 we ran live test events of Locus Solus with actors Suzann McLean and Oliver Alvin Wilson, and comedian Simon Munnery. They voiced their avatars ‘Mdm_Narrator’; ‘Olivay’; and ‘The Rotting Head of Danton’ interacting with a live audience, with original music by Sandy Nuttgens.

The test event on 19 June 2020 also featured new writing from playwright Roy Williams.

We are currently expanding on this research and working towards a large scale touring project to include digital and real time audiences; live performance; music; and mixed reality.

We would like to thank Pervasive Media Studio and Arts Council England for their support and an individual thank you to Luke Emery for hosting out residency so beautifully.