BBC Learning has created a virtual reality experience around Ireland's 1916 Easter Rising, to be displayed at the National Theatre
Easter Rising: Voice of a Rebel commemorates the centenary year of the infamous conflict in Dublin where hundreds died as the people of Ireland wrestled for independence from Britain. BBC Learning worked together with Crossover Labs and VRTOV to provide the immersive experience on an Oculus Rift headset.
An animated film portrays the true story of 19 year-old Willie McNeive (voiced by Game Of Thrones' Liam Cunningham) who took part in the uprising on the side of the rebels, and whose written account was lost for 30 years before it was rediscovered. The material was used to help the cast and crew of the play The Plough and the Stars which depicts the lives of a small community living in Dublin around the time of the conflict.
Easter Rising: Voice of a Rebel follows the National Theatre's first virtual reality exhibit, enter wonder.land. The experience was created to accompany wonder.land, a National Theatre musical composed by Damon Albarn, Moira Buffini and Rufus Norris and inspired by the literary classic Alice in Wonderland. Over 90,000 people went to visit enter wonder.land, which featured an immersive music video and an augmented reality magic mirror.
Michael Tuft, Executive Producer, BBC Learning, said: “VR is still an emerging medium, but it's got huge potential as an immersive experience to inform, educate and entertain our audience. This piece shows how it can be used to tell compelling and complex stories. As audiences visit the National Theatre to try Easter Rising we hope they will be transported to another world just as they are when they watch great theatre.”
The installation is available free to visitors from today until 22 October.
