Speculative Realities: Embedding Science Fiction Fantasy and Horror Themes in Interactive Drama (Adapting Literature to Interactive Drama)/ Journal of Interactive Drama

Abstract

Unlike traditional theatre or roleplay the interactive drama scenario can take fictional elements and present them in a way that is much more affectively powerful for participants especially with the blur between the roles of audience and performer. With this in mind it is possible to teach critical thinking as well as open communication and understanding through the use of scenarios that explore unusual circumstances. Appropriations of literary material such as themes related to science fiction fantasy and horror can be quite effective in this regard. I will be examining interactive drama from a communicative standpoint specifically scenarios that incorporate literary fantastic themes and how one adapts literary works from the broad genres of “Literature of the Fantastic” to interactive drama as playable scenarios. Particular attention is paid to the use of adapted literature to interactive drama for educational purposes.