Atomic 5.1

Atomic 5.1
Performance (20 min)

Le Fresnoy: Studio National des Arts Contemporains
9 Juin, 2010 - 20h, 21h

“Strobos” means whirlwind in ancient Greek and scope and comes from “skopeïn”, which means to observe. The 5 stroboscopic lamps (Martin Atomic 3000’s) used in the performance are placed in a circular formation making reference to this etymology. By placing the lights at different angles, but aiming at a same object or direction, a change of position (or a movement) is perceived even when there is no real movement. It is the opposite of the stroboscopic effect in which a movement caught in a flash of light seems still or frozen. This arrangement and the choreographic research play with real movement (the dancer who moves) and fictional movements (the alternating light and the angle of light). The sound produced by the lamps, amplified and modulated, becomes a subtle musical score.

The performer, caught in this whirling light, resembles an animated figure, recalling the first animated films, but also current 3-D imagery - the angled light produces an unexpected sensation of depth. The set-up is a sort of ‘live-image making machine’, using a simple technology, intimately linked to the history of cinema.

Concept, performance & light programming: Ula Sickle / Concept & sound design: Yann Leguay / Pure data: Jean-Marie Boyer / Dramaturgy : Shila Anaraki / Body double: Ramona Nagabczynska, Elisabeth Schilling & Artémise Ploegaerts / Technical assistance : Marc Defrise / Production: Le Fresnoy / Residencies: Teatr Nowy (Warsaw), WorkSpaceBrussels & Les Brigittines (Brussels) / With the support of Les Brigittines & Teatr Nowy