Half-virtual, to be more precise.

Tomorrow, May 7, at the City Theater of Vicenza, Italy, born from colaboration of The Orchestra del Teatro Olimpico, The Teatro Sociale di Rovigo and The Teatro del Giglio di Lucca, will take place the first representation of Verdi's Rigoletto featuring - virtual reality.

In this unique mise-en-scene, all the scenery for the opera is done in virtual 3D graphics and will be projected on the stage. According to Maestro Giancarlo De Lorenzo, artistic director at the theater of Vicenza, the motivation for such an artistic and innovational leap was offering the spectator something new. A new experience, which will, he says, be emotionally stronger, given the fact everything will perfectly adapt to the music.

More than pure static virtual scenery, already seen before, this spectacular creation under the direction of Dieter Kaegi from Austria will offer an animated and interactive 3D environment, rich with special effects and operated in real time. Video preview here.

What else do you need to revive the interest for the most complete of all the Arts?

[ via Il Giornale di Vicenza ]