Maud Clavier

Ubiquity

UBIQUITY
A groundbreaking exploration of collective bodies through VR and choreography

UBIQUITY is a hybrid creation that merges virtual and live performance to explore our interdependence with technology and the potential for reinventing collective experiences. The project invites participants into an immersive ceremony that intertwines choreography, participative storytelling, and cutting-edge virtual reality. Through a dynamic interplay of real-world and virtual spaces, UBIQUITY envisions new ways to connect, celebrate, and co-create in a technology-driven world.

The project originated from Chimères, a program initiated in 2018 by the French Ministry of Culture. Chimères focuses on research and experimentation with hybrid forms of contemporary creation. UBIQUITY benefited from this program’s support, including residencies hosted by Théâtre Nouvelle Génération – CDN de Lyon and Le Lieu Unique – Scène Nationale de Nantes, along with partnerships with Espace des Arts – Scène Nationale de Chalon-sur-Saône and the Centre National de la Danse in Pantin.

My Role
As co-artist and creative technologist for the VR side, I contributed to the project’s immersive experience by:

  • Envisioning a free-roaming experience with live interactions, where participants explore movement guided by triggered cues.
  • Designing the virtual environments to complement and enhance the physical choreography and storytelling.
  • Integrating immersive technologies to ensure seamless transitions between real-world performances and VR interactions.
  • Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to fuse choreography, multimedia, and participative storytelling into a cohesive narrative.

Highlights

  • A dual experience alternating between physical performances and VR episodes, designed to evoke movement and emotional connection.
  • A carnivalesque ritual blending traditional rites with a hybrid, inclusive twist focused on collective transformation.
  • A VR dance concept introducing new movement typologies inspired by interactions between dancers and VR-equipped participants.
  • A multicultural collaboration reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its creators across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Credits
Project: UBIQUITY
Format: Hybrid performance and virtual experience
Duration: 90 minutes, including 3 VR episodes of 15 minutes each

Supported By:

  • Chimères Program, initiated by the French Ministry of Culture (DGCA)
  • Théâtre Nouvelle Génération – CDN de Lyon
  • Le Lieu Unique – Scène Nationale de Nantes
  • Espace des Arts – Scène Nationale de Chalon-sur-Saône
  • Centre National de la Danse – Pantin

Core Team:

  • Concept and Artistic Direction: Isabelle Jonniaux, Emmanuelle Raynaut, Maud Clavier
  • Choreography: Thierry Thieu Niang
  • Music and Live DJ: Thomas Turine
  • Scenography: Élodie Dauguet
  • Costume Design: Alexandra Sebbag

Outcome
UBIQUITY offers audiences a transformative journey that fosters connections across physical and virtual realms. By merging VR and live choreography, the project creates an inclusive, participatory celebration that reimagines collective storytelling. It stands as a joyful, liberatory ritual for the digital age.