Playopolis

In this episode of Playopolis we hear from urban designer Quentin Stevens about his concept of the ludic city. He has been studying urban play in Melbourne before and during the pandemic, and is interested in the ways in which the city is being reshaped and reimagined. In the second half of the program, we travel back to Japan with research and artist Hugh Davies, to continue exploring the pre-history of the hit augmented reality game Pokémon Go. He takes us back to the practice of shrine pilgrimage in feudal Japan, connecting it with the super popular ‘stamp rallies’ that happen across the national rail network.

In this episode of Playopolis, we’ll hear a conversation with McKenzie Wark as she resituates the Situationist International, talks about living in New York in 2020, and speculates on how seeds for other ways of life may rise from modern ruin. McKenzie Wark is known for her writings on media theory, critical theory, new media, and the Situationist International. Her recent books include Capital is Dead and Reverse Cowgirl. Following that is the story of the rise and fall of Jafflechutes. In 2014, on the windiest Autumn day in twenty years, Jafflechutes launched itself into the world... and promptly got stuck in a tree. We talk to the co-founders of this world first 'float-down pop up' eatery about what works, and what really doesn't, in the world of parachutable food.

In this episode of Playopolis, we explore aspects of language, and how words and language allow us to shape the world around us. How do our worlds differ based on the language that we use? And how do they connect and intersect?   In part one we speak with La Trobe University academic and Lingthusiasm podcast host Dr Lauren Gawne, and RMIT University academic and language researcher Dr Kerry Mullan to find out how to read a city by decoding the traces of language and culture that we find when exploring and observing our streets and laneways. In part two, we explore Melbourne's 'untranslatable' words with 64 Ways of Being language researcher Rachael Vorwerk. For the past year, Rachael has been interviewing Melbourne's diverse communities about words that can only be translated to English through story. She asks the question:  Can a simple word shape how we experience the world? Playopolis is produced by 64 Ways of Being on the lands of the Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation.    64 Ways of Being is a free augmented reality app that allows players to see Melbourne through new eyes.  Coming in late 2020. Find out more at 64waysofbeing.com Episode credits: Host: Troy Innocent Research & Production: Angelina Crutchfield, Adam Grant, Rachael Vorwerk, Jason Le & Troy Innocent Theme music by Huw Parkinson Promo host: Dewani Shebubakar