Humanities and tech collides in new production

Humanity and technology collide in new Arts House production Melbourne theatre company Chamber Made is readying to perform their new production SYSTEM_ERROR at the Arts House in the North Melbourne Town Hall.

SYSTEM_ERROR explores the increasingly dependent relationship between people and technology while contemplating the imperfections of humanity.

Chamber Made artistic director and performance-maker Tamara Saulwick, whose career in the theatre spans more than 20 years, said the production explored the relationship between bodies and technology.

“In the work, we are exploring a fascination with the inherent failings in all systems, whether they be biological or technological,” Ms Saulwick said.

SYSTEM_ERROR is centred around a custom-made technical system designed by contemporary dance-maker, composer and instrument designer Alisdair Macindoe.

The system functions as a live mixing circuit, with hundreds of metres of electrically conductive tape placed across the performance floor.

In the show, performers act as conductors through touch to trigger a soundscape and data visuals on a large projection screen.

“Since a young age, I have always enjoyed creating new systems for communication and expression by deconstructing musical instruments and electronic devices. The sound design for this project is a continuation of that compulsion,” Mr Macindoe said.

Arts House artistic director, Emily Sexton, said SYSTEM_ERROR was a fusion of art forms.

“For many years, Chamber Made has nurtured this very exciting pairing that builds on their extraordinary knowledge and practice. This beautiful tactile instrument seems like it has trapped two people inside a computer network as they contemplate memory, connection, relationships and mortality,” Ms Sexton said.

The production runs from the July 7 to 11 at the Arts House in the North Melbourne Town Hall. The show will start at 7.30pm on Wednesday to Saturday, while the Sunday performance will begin at 5pm.

As part of its Salons series, Chamber Made will also host a discussion about SYSTEM_ERROR at Arts House on June 30. The artists will speak on the collaborative process of creating the work, including a demonstration of the instrument, projections and technology •

For more information:

artshouse.com.au