Have you ever arrived late to a church service only to be ushered into the 'overflow' hall to watch the action on a video screen?
Did you leave feeling unsatisfied? Did you really get as much out of the event as those who sat in the main building?
It seems that London's National Theatre thinks that a telecast is almost as good as the real thing.
This weekend, the National Theatre simulcast their production of Phèdre to 68 cinemas in Britain, 20 in Europe, and several others around the world, including the Dendy Quays in Sydney.
Live telecast is the key
The key, according to Nicholas Hytner, director of the National Theatre, is to make sure that it is broadcast live.
Why is showing it ‘live’ so important to the ensuring the cinema-screen watchers share in the atmosphere of a theatre?
A recent review in The Economist explains that "Mr Hytner decided that the cinema audience must feel that it is in a theatre watching a performance that is ephemeral, happening now, and then gone for ever."
To improve the experience, the producers have utilised the best of technology. They have used multiple cameras, and are projecting high-definition video. The presentation also includes additional 'extras' such as interviews and documentary features.
"It's never the same unless you're there at the game", they say.
However live broadcasts do work well in sport. Many people experience sport from the comfort of their lounge room chair, enjoying the best seats in the house for the best price at the ground. Yet, others still brave the elements to watch from the ground.
On Sunday night I watched a telecast of last week's Hillsong Conference from the comfort of my lounge room.
I experienced Louie Giglio's passion and energy, and could clearly understand his message. I sat in the best seat in the house, but I'm still confident that those who attended would have had a fuller experience of the event.
Yet, I would have felt more connected with the event if the telecast was live, not delayed by two days. About the only 'live' events that can cope with a delayed transmission are royal weddings and funerals (including MJ!) and Olympic opening and closing ceremonies.
According to Dominic Steele, the new church building for Annandale Anglican Church will be wired for this kind of live streaming over the web or wherever.
Maybe the London National Theatre, Hillsong and Wide World of Sports have something to teach them and us about the possibilities and pitfalls of this kind of technology.
I have long been critical of telecasting church. There is something special about occupying the same physical space, enjoying the face-to-face of fellowship.
Yet, maybe there's a place for a live telecast?
