We aim to converge some of our recent experiences of video and animation work, while developing some new techniques that have been so far constrained by various project limitations. We hope that due to various changes in our circumstances and beneficial improvements to our company that project limitations will become a thing of the past.

This production will take a classic black box situation and utilise film and video projection onto introduced surfaces and screens, be they wood, gauze, smoke, glass or actors. Creating a three-dimensional world out of two-dimensional mediums, avoiding the cliché of the screen.

A single figure is shadowed by two invisible beings who converse, puppeteer, play music and manipulate the objects of the stage.

In a world bordered so abruptly by the invisible, a man could go quite mad…but then again, perhaps he’d be able to see the light that much more clearly.

Projection and new-media has been a company line for over twelve years, before it was readily accessible and popular. This show will be a vehicle to explore both new developments and realise old dreams. We have pioneered various techniques over the last few years with shows such as The OTHER SIDE and its precursor, the Herald Angel award winning THE COMIC.

We have developed successful collaborations with Tartan Chameleon, HYPOTHETICALLY MURDERED, a dance/theatre/projection show and a site specific multimedia, music and dance piece entitled THE SECRET HOUSE at Duff House. We aim to use this experience to improve and explore the possibilities of different media, continually pushing the limits of live and interactive video projection with theatre. Short of a full large scale theatre set able to be climbed upon, STATE OF THE ART is our desirable next step to explore, devise and develop new techniques, as well as give us time to examine the future that lies ahead.

The theme of the show will be to examine art as a state, a place, a country, and by default a building or an organisation versus art as a state of mind, of being. The debate is between structure and creativity. Consequentially art is seen as being ‘ in a state ‘ ( ie. of disarray) as well as similarly being seen at the cutting edge of technology, fashion and media. At one with and at the same time neglected and worshipped - albeit in another guise.

We have received development funding from the Highland Producers Fund 2003/4 and aim to develop and explore in depth this project early next year, to coincide with the opening of our new premises/ rehearsal space. These premises will enable us to rehearse and produce work in ways that were unavailable to us in the past. We envisage a more concentrated and focused method of production, which will benefit our company, and in turn, the wider community.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for STATE OF THE ART, to enable us to proceed with applications for future funding for this production.

The final project will hope to have an extended lifetime, that is, it will go into company repertoire.

It will be designed for middle scale theatre spaces, although, owing to the nature of technique, will be adaptable.

Contact: john@artsinmotion.co.uk

or phone 01349 832842