A Performance Of Sound for an Immersive Theatre

This essay delves into the liminal and unpredictable realm of sound and acoustic perception in contemporary works, with a focus on the theatrical sphere. Through the analysis of Ryoji Ikeda’s works, including Dataverse, Superposition, and Music for Percussion, this study examines the role of sound composition as a directorial practice. By exploring the intersection of sound, technology, and the human experience, this research aims to uncover the ways in which sound can influence the stage setting, its processes of creation and reception, and the au- dience’s perception of space and time. Drawing on philosophical debates on sound and perception, this essay argues that sound is a powerful tool that can immerse the listener, engage their sensory sphere, and create a “weather world” of dynamic and polymorphous experience. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to the on- going discussion on the ontology of sound and its implications for theatrical prac- tices, encouraging a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between sound, body, and space in 21st-century theatre.