Porto, Portugal. EU-funded researchers are using emerging technologies to create new, immersive experiences and explore new possibilities for live performance. A demonstration in September 2025 at Porto’s Coliseum theatre combined AI, motion sensors and VR streaming.
AI-driven performance and VR transmission
The performance, titled Re-embodied Machine, featured a dancer wearing motion sensors whose movements triggered responsive lights and sound as he performed on stage.
More than 300 people watched in person, while 200 online viewers followed in real time through VR streaming. Online audiences saw an avatar mirroring the performance within a 3D reconstruction of the theatre.
Feedback and outlook from project leaders
Dr Vassilis Katsouros, director of the Institute for Language and Speech Processing at IT research and innovation organisation ATHENA in Athens, Greece, said the results were encouraging.
“We received enthusiastic comments from the live audience and even from people who tried the VR,” he said. “Although there were limitations, and it wasn’t a perfect replica of the physical performance, we achieved a VR transmission in a real setting with spectators. The technology is now there to start finding the right ingredients.”
PREMIERE initiative and participating organisations
Re-embodied Machine marked the culmination of a three-year EU-funded initiative called PREMIERE, led by Katsouros and involving cultural and research organisations in Cyprus, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Participants included technology research centres, theatre and dance companies, performance venues, arts universities and archives.
The team examined how technologies such as AI and VR can interact with the performing arts, developing tools to support these interactions and expand remote access to performances.
Testing technology in real settings
Katsouros said the project assessed how these technologies perform in real-life conditions. “The PREMIERE project explored very interesting use cases where we could see how these technologies are performing in real life,” he said.
How do you think VR streaming could change the way you watch live performances?