Holodeck Masquing: Early Modern Genre Meets Star Trek

Abstract

Suggests that the past 10 years have seen masques performed regularly, and for more general audiences, on episodes of the "Star Trek" spinoff series "Next Generation," "Deep Space 9," and "Voyager." Notes that characters on these shows enjoy access to a sophisticated form of interactive entertainment based on computer-generated holograms. Explains that holodeck scenarios vary from training programs to mysteries to Shakespeare's "Henry V." Indicates that episodes frequently hinge on the holodeck subplots; in some cases, the lines are blurred between holodeck fantasy and "Star Trek" "reality," foregrounding the subplot. States that in both performance and purpose, holodeck play closely resembles the masque genre. Includes notes and works cited.