The Allure of Virtual Reality: Immersive Theatre Meets Gatsby's World
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Chapter 1: A Journey into the Past
This morning brought an unexpected delight. To set the scene, let me take you back to the very beginning. During my time at university, I enrolled in a virtual reality course as part of my degree program. As part of my assessment, I was tasked with writing an article complemented by a 360-degree video.
Initially, I approached this futuristic concept with skepticism, and my enthusiasm for the class was minimal. However, over the past few months, a newfound excitement began to take root in me as I contemplated the idea of producing a virtual reality film.
Last week, I received a pleasant surprise: my instructor informed me that my article had been submitted to an online magazine named Newsworthy. I learned that it would be published today, complete with my 360 videos. I'm thrilled to share it here on Medium!
Section 1.1: The Immersive Experience
The article centers around an immersive theatre performance of The Great Gatsby that David and I attended at the Wonderland Bar in Sydney. It was an extraordinary and unforgettable experience, leaving us both with vivid, personal memories.
My article discusses the production itself, the surge in popularity of immersive performances in recent years, and the entrepreneurial minds behind Viral Ventures, a hospitality startup. I focused on the inspiring journey of co-founders Aden Levin and James Farrell, whose innovative ideas truly captivated me. The piece also delves into our personal experiences within their venues and explores the role of virtual reality technology.
Subsection 1.1.1: An Anecdote from the Night
During the original writing process, I interviewed David to capture his thoughts. Curious about his favorite moment from that evening, he shared an amusing exchange with Ms. Baker:
"Ms. Baker floated over, cocktail in hand. 'What do you do, Nick?' she inquired. 'I'm a banker,' I replied. 'Oh, does that mean you like fiddling with other people's things?' she teased. 'Why, yes, actually,' I responded. 'Well, come find me later; you can fiddle with my things,' she winked."
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy that I had missed this interaction while I was in the bathroom!
We shared a hearty laugh over it.
Section 1.2: Accessing the Experience
Here’s where you can view the videos and read the magazine article:
360: Explore the Gatsby immersive 'mansion'
A push to introduce immersive theatre to Sydney coincided, on January 1, 2021, with the classic novel The Great Gatsby…
www.newsworthy.org.au
Chapter 2: Why The Great Gatsby?
The Great Gatsby remains one of my all-time favorite novels. I encountered it over a decade ago, and while the details may have faded, the essence of the story still ignites a spark within me. The mere mention of its title evokes feelings of hope, desire, and the ambition to create a dream.
I chose to include an image of the iconic green light in this post, representing my aspirations and the yearning for a fulfilling life. It reminds me of my first experiences with love—not in seeking an obsessive partner, but in my desire to build a life filled with passion and excitement. Regardless of the challenges I faced, I vowed never to lose hope or allow doubt to discourage me.
This is the secret I've uncovered today.
Chapter 3: The Secrets Behind My Creativity
Curious about what lies beneath my words?