5K sweeper more images

5K Pursuit opera award winning interactive opera, Channel 4 television, 1992 A site-specific installation first televised by channel 4 in 1991 and subsequently winning many international awards for innovation in the arts. The first ever non-linear dramatic work to utilise interactive computer systems as an interface beteween sport (pursuit track cycling) and art. In enabled the creation of hypertext as libretto and a reactive music score that instantaneously responds in tempo and compositional elements to the endeavours of the cyclists. The cycle racing is for real and the winners and losers control the final plot. ‘…as the bikes cross sound and laser beams zigzagged across the circuit, they trigger off the computer driven score … from which the songers and musicians improvise … the audience see the music being created as it happens … The work is about the collective power struggle between two conflicting team philosophies - corporatised unit, drawn by incentive; and the nationalistic corps driven by passion/fear’ Press reviews: ‘Weird and wonderful’ - The Guardian ‘The first real attempt to bridge the cultural chasms’ - Time Out ‘A rather wonderful combination of competitive cycling, science and opera’ - The Observer Awards include: Opera Screen ’91: highly recommended British Film Institute Awards ’92: nominated ‘Innovations’ US Golden gate Awards ’92: Innovation in Art Award INPUT ’93: represented UK TV entry for ‘cutting edge arts’

images statements biography