“ACCESS POINT” – 2020: DIGITAL THEATER IN THE PANDEMIC CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the phenomenon of digital theatre, that is a theatre created via digital technologies. Digital theatre needs to be distinguished from a “traditional” one, and a broadcast theatre, using digital technologies (online broadcasting). Digital theater, which had been developing even before the 2020 pandemic, flourished during the lockdown period, when theatres found themselves in a situation of forced isolation. The article analyzes examples of Russian and foreign performances, in particular, those been included in the program of the “Access Point” (“Tochka dostupa”) festival, which took place online in 2020. Digital theatre is created in particular formats via digital means and tools; it can use cross-platform instant messengers and videoconferencing software such as “Whatsapp” and “Zoom”, mailing and calling services, audio recordings; Minecraft, Sims and other creative media; augmented reality technologies.