Pulley Piece Research

Hand operated chain-reaction contraptions (aka Rube Goldberg machines) as scenography for dance.

I am currently gathering support to develop a new choreography.

My research explores the Rube Goldberg machine as a choreographic and scenographic device. Named after their creator, cartoonist Rube Goldberg, these machines are chain-reaction contraptions designed to perform simple tasks in overly complicated ways. Taking the theatrical essence of these machines - anticipation, surprise, climax and anticlimax - I am designing a few simple mechanisms to make an experimental, choreographic performance, using minimal materials (pulleys, fabric, lights and mirrors) which can be operated by the performer to transform the space.
I’m curious about the original, fictional qualities of the cartoon machines: fantastical, inefficient and at risk of over-egging their own joke, they turn something easy into something difficult. I enjoy the contradiction in how these cartoons suggest clarity and transparency, by showing their workings, but in doing so they actually obfuscate and confuse.

Currently in early stages of research, this project is an exploration of how mechanical systems, objects and live sound can be in intimate relationship with the human body.

Please get in touch if you’d like to support this new research.

3 min extract from early research, October 2024

Video stills from early research: