[Air-L] Introduction

[Maeva Veerapen]

Hi everyone,

I am conducting my PhD research in Second Life on the subject of
performance cultures in this new environment. The main research questions
guiding my research are:
1) Do performances in ‘Second Life’ differ from the established forms of
‘First Life’ ones and if so, how?
2) What does this new medium, ‘Second Life’, offer that creates the
possibility of making performances that would otherwise be impossible to
produce in ‘First Life’?
3) Are performances produced within the ‘bleedthrough’ and if so how does
dynamic support the work?
4) How is each individual performance within ‘Second Life’ influenced by
the broader socio-political economical context within which it is
produced?
5) How is Second Life a new performance genre and/ or new medium for
performance?

I have just started a bit more than two months ago. I am using
ethnography as my research method and doing participant observation,
surveys and interviews.

I am also looking into the possibilities of running a component of a
conference within SL and would appreciate any experiences other people
have had doing similar projects.

Regards,

-- 
Maeva VEERAPEN BPA (Hons)

PhD Student
Centre of Drama and Theatre Studies
School of English, Communications and Performance Studies
Arts Faculty
Monash University