False-Identities and Cyber-Bullying in channel troy

What makes the internet so attractive to youngsters? How authentic are online identities? What dangers are lurking in the world wide web? What are the advantages of a global network?
The theatre play channel troy, developed within the framework of the EU Project Virtual Stages Against Violence; deals with all of these questions.

"channel troy: the super real-web-life-show!" is an engaging and energetic play on the numerous communication channels of the internet and on the media manipulation of private und personal information. The realities and world-views of online-media consumers are shaped and molded by chitchat and gossip. The play channel troy demonstrates the very mechanisms that produce this sensationalized reality.

“Of course I gotta be on facebook. All my friends are there. How else should I communicate with them? I can hide my whole life there. On facebook I am someone.”

What is virtual? – What is real?
In channel troy, life becomes virtual, and events online become real. What follows are hard truths and uncomfortable questions. This piece explores the concepts of privacy and mercy.
Online, the characters in channel troy are strong, self confident and competent. They are part of a community where they can enjoy security and trust. Their virtual lives seem uncomplicated and, to a large extent, much easier than real life. Here they can chat comfortably, flirt and arrange to meet up. Online, no-one is alone.

Yet the innocent simplicity of little white lies quickly turns into an intriguing and turbulent game, blurring the distinction between the real and the virtual, until finally, nobody can trust anybody else.

Was that not bad enough, the presenter of TV hit channel troy, with the help of her investigative online correspondent, tries to uncover this web of lies by using manipulative media to confront users with the hard-hitting issues from their own private lives.


EU project Virtual Stages Against Violence

Considering that the internet has increasingly become the main source of information and communication, it can be a source of the following risks, especially for young people:

• distorted messages
• false identities
• violent representations of reality


The EU project Virtual Stages Against Violence (VSAV) as well as the theater play channel troy tackle these risks faced by young people when using new media and technologies. Despite the risks, our intention is to not demonize new technologies. Instead our idea is to develop tools to properly use new technologies, to help young people enjoy and benefit its positive potential for their growth and daily life.

When?
10. March | 8pm
14. March | 10am
15. March | 10am and 12am
16. March | 10am (fully booked)
22. March | 8pm
24. March | 8pm

Where?
DasWERK, WERKerei
Neulerchenfelderstraße 6-81160 Vienna

To register for one of the shows please send an e-mail to channeltroy@gmail.com