Transcending Borders with Site Specificity : A Global Case Study in Transcultural Digital Engagement

Abstract: Despite our digitally interconnected world, media representations of people and cultures are often harmfully biased or narrow. This makes it difficult for viewersto understand the conditions, feelings, and struggles of others, not only on a global scale, but also within local contexts. This study explores whether or not digital engagement of a site-specific performance piece is transculturally effective. To evaluate this, a theater piece created and performed in Johannesburg, South Africa, and digitally disseminated to a global audience is used as a case study. The study analyzes the perspective of three response groups: (1) the “Makers”, those who were involved in the creation and meaning-making process of the performance, (2) local audience members (both live and as digital viewers), and (3) a digital global audience. Comparing the results from these groups allowed me to understand what meanings/themes transcend culture and which are dependent on cultural context, based upon the differences in response groups. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersection between site-specific theater, digital technologies, and cultural identity. What I found was that although some symbols and themes were universal, overall, the global audience reported a different experience than the local audience, and my data suggest that the site-specific work did not translate well to the transcultural audience. Additionally, the intentions of the performance by content makers were often not congruent with the received and reported meanings. These results make it clear that the transcultural communication of site-specific works may require additional efforts to make the content accessible, relatable, and understandable to global audiences who will view the works outside of their original cultural context.