︎
Bold Visual Narrative

Bold is the creative practice of Leon Butler. We are interested in telling stories and exploring new ways of look at and using technology to help us tell those stories.

email: leon[at]bold.ie


︎

Emperor 101

Created by Leon Butler, Jo Mangan, Peter Power & Tom Swift

Emperor 101 in association with Once Off Productions and The Digital Hub — a unique experience that mixes VR with live performance.




As part of Dublin Theatre Festival, Emperor 101 took place at The Digital Hub from October 4th – October 10th 2021.

SxSW Austin, Texas, March 2022.

Boca de Lupo, The Fishbowl, Vancouver, April 2023

In the blink of an eye, a family tragedy turns the world upside down. As they pick themselves up again, the survivors try to rebuild the story of their lives through faith, fear and conspiracy. There is no reality, only narrative.




Using Virtual Reality headsets, the audience is immersed in an alternate digital world that reflects the mind of a conspiracy theorist. With live performance and extraordinary visuals, the play riffs on influences from ancient mythology to Alice in Wonderland – and asks if rejection of the ‘mainstream’ is a product of fear, or the ultimate act of self-empowerment in a complex world?




Cast & Creative Team

Directed by Jo Mangan
Script: Tom Swift
Design: Leon Butler & Peter Power
VR Production: Camille Donegan
Cast: Caitríona Ni Mhurchu and Karl Quinn
Immersive Media Studio: RETìníZE
Produced by Once Off Productions
SxSW and Boca del Lupo, Vancouver Produced by Performance Corporation