Contemporary dance group Chunky Move has a reputation for producing stunning technology aided performances

The Team

Artistic Director, Gideon Obarzanek, first met German real-time interactive software engineer, Frieder Weiss, at the Monaco Dance Forum at the end of 2004 and discussed the use of a data projector for lighting a moving body. One year later they were developing the relationship between a moving body and motion graphics using an infrared camera tracking system.

Edinburgh Fringe Fest - Aug 08

Key issues such as mortality, human relationships and desire are central themes in Australia’s ground breading multimedia performance group, Mortal Engine, which received its European premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year.

Technology interacts with the performers in the form of magnificent lasers, strobe lighting, audio and video projections which respond to the dancers movements, creating an ever-shifting, shimmering world of illusion.

How does it work?

The stage is a white floor panel framed by a black surround which repositions itself between horizontal and upright. The shapes created by the lights and way they interact with the dancers bodies, are then recorded electronically and projected as pixel graphics refracted across the moving stage.

One of the key elements of this collaboration is the interaction between different kinds of people, offering skills, from different backgrounds. Who would have thought that the collusion between Dancers, Composers, Sound/Lighting Technicians, Costume Designer, Artistic Director and Software Engineer could result in such an innovative and exciting performance?

It just goes to show that the more you open your mind to new ventures and avoid limiting yourself to the pre-conceived role of IT functionality, the more possibilities will be open to you. Fresh thinking comes from exposure to lots of different ideas.

Key Facts

•    This performance was only made possible through recent    advancements in technology.

•    Software used: Eyecon (Motion sensing); Kalypso (not yet published); OSC (Open Sound Control).

•    In addition to developing the above software, Frieder Weiss makes systems for industrial quality inspection systems, also based on camera tracking.