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This trans-historical essay collection explores spectacular analogue performance technologies from Ancient Greece to before the Second World War in a study that is the first of its kind. From Heron of Alexandria's mechanical theatres to the fin de siecle theatre phone, from ancient mechanical elephants to early modern automata, from Enlightenment electrical experiments to Victorian spectral illusions, this volume offers an original examination of the precursors of contemporary digital performance. Featuring essays by contributors including Johannes Birringer, Odai Johnson, Kate Newey and Richard Beacham amongst others, the volume is the first book to offer key insights on analogue precursors to contemporary digital performance. Review: 'These explorations of intriguing oddities of performance history, interspersed by 46 illustrations, covers projects ranging from Richard Beacham's minutely re-created Roman-era toy theatre with mechanized movable parts to Michael Chemers's ongoing work with robots whose artificial intelligences lack (to date) what is understood as empathy... Recommended [for] graduate students, researchers, faculty, technical students, professionals, general readers.' - CHOICE

Stage design. Scenography --- Theaters --- Technology and the arts --- Théâtres --- Technologie et arts --- Special effects --- History --- Effets spéciaux --- Histoire --- Théâtres --- Effets spéciaux