A house in the hand

Immersive augmented reality opera. Walk around the artists and sets.

Dive into the heart of opera with "A house in the hand" (Une maison dans la main), an innovative 360° operatic performance that transforms your living space into a stage.

About the project Stemming from the "OpéRA de poche" research-creation project, this application uses volumetric capture technology to renew the form and distribution of lyric art. Using your device's camera, summon the performers as well as immersive virtual sets into your own environment. Unlike a traditional video recording, this format allows you to physically move, choose your point of view, and walk around the artists and within the sets themselves, thereby mitigating the loss of presence often associated with screen-based works.

Synopsis : Near a river, the water is rising and houses are disappearing year after year. A house in the hand tells the story of a girl who sets out to rescue her father from the family home. The father doesn't want to leave; he's determined to die in his house, to disappear with his memories. Through this story, sung by a baritone and a soprano, the whole house and its memory come to life, one last time, before being swallowed up forever.

Technical Requirements: Internet Connection: The first launch of the work requires downloading a large volume of additional data. A stable and fast Wi-Fi connection is highly recommended before starting the experience. Hardware Requirements: This work requires intensive 3D rendering calculations. It has been developed and optimized for high-end mobile devices. The experience may be impaired or incompatible on older generation devices. Storage Space: The application requires significant storage on the device to host the volumetric data and high-fidelity spatialized audio once downloaded. Viewing Conditions: For optimal deployment of the augmented reality, it is recommended to use the application in a well-lit room with a clear floor space.

Credits An interdisciplinary co-creation developed with the participation of the Canada Research Chair in Opera Creation and the Opéra de Montréal.