Cross-artform performance using networked interfaces: Last Man to Die’s Vital LMTD

Abstract

In 2009 the cross artform group, Last Man to Die, presented a series of performances using new interfaces and networked performance to integrate the three artforms of its members (actor, Hanna Cormick, visual artist, Benjamin Forster and percussionist, Charles Martin). This paper explains our artistic motivations and design for a computer vision surface and networked heartbeat sensor as well as the experience of mounting our first major work, Vital LMTD.