The Second Death of Caspar Helendale
“Even though this isn't death in any traditional sense, the music and the setting trigger unexpected responses, and it's hard to know how far the audience is experiencing a piece of art and how far they are bearing witness to what they see as a kind of suicide.” Wired
The Second Death of Caspar Helendale was performed at the Royal Opera House as part of their Firsts09 season, “showcasing some of the most diverse and genre-defying artists in the UK today.” Caspar was a live performance piece that built on the notion of virtual graveyards and online remembrance. Curry and Pinchbeck invited residents and guests on a quest to draw attention to abandoned identities, joining Caspar Helendale on his last days of existence in Second Life. This culminated in Caspar presiding at his own funeral, relinquishing his second life and joining the ranks of unwanted avatars. A specially built mausoleum remains in Second Life: this space hosts the Book of the Dead, which records the thoughts and final musings of Caspar and a specially composed requiem for the departed.
Commissioned by Exeter Phoenix and Arts Council England Performed at Exeter Phoenix 2008 and the Royal Opera House 2009. Visit the Second Life performance site
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