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Interactive theatre show to measure audience empathy at New Wolsey

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An innovative theatre production that measures audience empathy in real-time is coming to the New Wolsey Theatre this January. The Paper Birds Theatre Company's 'Feel Me' uses mobile technology to track how viewers respond to stories of displacement and acceptance.

Why it matters: This production blends theatre and technology, allowing researchers to gather real-time data about how audiences connect emotionally with performances.

The big picture: Working with academics from Essex University, the theatre company uses audiences' mobile phones to measure empathy levels during and after the show. The data is then shared live as part of the performance.

The Paper Birds Theatre Company's 'Feel Me'
The innovative production is coming to the New Wolsey Theatre this JanuaryWill Green

By the numbers:

  • 72% of previous audiences said they would likely show more empathy in future

  • 81% reported the show made them reflect on the world today

  • Two performances scheduled for 28 and 29 January 2025

How it works: Audiences use their phones to anonymously share their emotional responses at different moments during the show. The interactive elements are woven into the performance, which combines live theatre, film, projection and dance.

Behind the scenes: The production features a creative team of emerging artists under 30, including:

  • Shanice Sewell as Assistant Director

  • Imogen Melhuish as Designer

  • Fraser Owen leading Sound & Music Design

  • Cast members Rebecca Callow, Klara Kaliger and Elinor Solly

The show was initially devised and performed by Lil McGibbon, Daz Scott and Kiren Virdee before the current cast took over.

The Paper Birds Theatre Company's 'Feel Me'
Audiences use their phones to anonymously share their emotional responses at different moments during the showWill Green

Development: As a co-production with the New Wolsey Theatre, the show arrives in Ipswich as the culmination of its UK Autumn/Winter tour. During its development, five Youth Creative Councils, including members from the New Wolsey Youth Theatre aged 13-25, helped shape the production. Some council members brought personal experiences of forced displacement to the creative process.

The bottom line: The production marks a new approach to measuring theatre's impact on audiences, combining traditional storytelling with innovative data collection to understand and potentially increase empathy in viewers.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Man charged after St Helen's Street assault leaves victim in hospital

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An argument in Ipswich town centre escalated into an assault that left one man in hospital on Tuesday. Police are now seeking dashcam footage as they build their case.

Why it matters: The incident occurred in a busy area of Ipswich's town centre, with police now seeking public assistance to gather additional evidence as they build their case.

The details: Keith McKenzie, 48, of Bond Street, has been charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm.

  • The assault took place at approximately 21:45 on Tuesday near the junction of St Helen's Street and Bond Street

  • A man in his 30s sustained arm injuries following an argument with an unknown assailant

  • The victim walked to Tavern Street to seek help before being taken to hospital

  • He has since been discharged

What's next: McKenzie appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday, 6 February and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 6 March.

How to help: Detectives want to hear from anyone who was driving in the area between 21:35 and 21:50 on Tuesday with dashcam footage that might have captured the altercation.

The bottom line: Anyone with information should contact South CID at Suffolk Police, quoting reference 37/6562/25, via:

  • Website: suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

  • Phone: 101

  • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 (anonymously)

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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