A database of production credits for the whole period will be supported by production photographs, 3D models of designs and video interviews with the participating actors, directors and designers. The aim of these two new projects will be then to focus on the aspects of multimedia technology which might prove the most useful in support of theatre research. Theatre research has been limited severely by the limited ephemera which has been available to represent performance. I would like to encourage a new approach to the archiving of theatrical materials. Multimedia technology allows for access to the bulky and delicate research materials which previously have been unavailable or which have had limited access, like costumes, sets, costume designs, programmes and props.
Digital video opens the possibility of real time and recorded contact with the creators of theatre.
In the long run as theatres take up digital means of creation themselves it will be increasingly easy to make those materials available to a wider audience. A digital promptbook used by a professional theatre could be copied and distributed to universities and theatre schools. The quantity and quality of material available to study theatre may well increase exponentially over the coming years. It is for this reason that it is important to take a long hard look at the intellectual frameworks which we are putting in place to deal with this information. While I would not want the Lear CD to be seen as definitive or representative in any way I also accept the responsibility which comes with working in a new area.