Stecaks are the medieval monumental gravestones, typical for the Western Balkan region and protected by UNESCO. The monuments as well as their decorations for decades are obtaining the special attention of scientists and heritage experts, but somehow among the wider audience the real meaning of the symbols and their significance remain without the interest or often is used for pseudo-science speculations. Through the Creative Europe StecakLand project, the team introduced the theater audience to these symbols through a performance displaying the physical reality of the stage and the virtual reality of an imagined land where the symbols "live". This is one of the very few theater performances using VR technology and the first one that uses it as part of scenography and aiming interaction between the actors and the audience. In this presentation, the authors will elaborate on the production process, technology challenges, and deeply emotional reactions of the audience. Further, we will present the work of an interdisciplinary team of historians, archaeologists, playwrights, visual artists, set and make-up designers, VR and theater directors, music and sound designers, actors, and VR developers on creating a unique experience for the theater audience. The main value of the project is that this concept can be replicated in other case studies, connecting the historical information with public perception and reception through state-of-the-art digital technology.

First Author: Selma Rizvic

Co-Authors: Bojan Mijatovic, Jelena Andjelkovic - Grasar

Keywords:
digital heritage
theater performance
virtual reality
immersive experience
interactive digital storytelling