Etta Ermini Dance Theatre ~ Fixed Wheel

I was commissioned to compose music and create sound design for a piece of physical dance theatre by Etta Ermini.

After initial discussions about the concept I made the decision to use only sounds recorded from bicycle parts. The chainwheel, forks, frames, wheels, brake levers and spokes became percussion, bells, gongs and were struck or bowed to create a library of samples and loops for placing into Sony Acid. You can listen to the individual cues here

Fixed Wheel is a 30 minute Physical Theatre piece for two male performers and a bicycle. It depicts the joys and pitfalls of the life and love of a geeky bike freak and his alter ego. The movement material is explosive and, at times, quirky. Dialogues are witty and acerbic. The acrobatic use of the prop, a bright blue BMX bicycle, heightens the tense atmosphere. This playful look at loss and longing aims to connect to the personal experiences of the audience. Be safe, wear a helmet!

Reviews: ‘Fixed Wheel’ is an exhilarating piece, with a wonderful mix of Ballet, Boyz and Bikes! Fast-paced, playful and touching, it proved a decided crowd-pleaser to dance-fans, theatre-goers and new audiences alike. Recommended!
Jasmine Cullingford, The Blue Elephant Theatre
Length: 30 minutes
Choreography: Etta Ermini
Performers: Ian Garside, Luis Frontana
Sound Design: Yan White

Performances:

•   Fixed Wheel 2009: Sogni VZW Festival, Ghent, Belguim in May
•   Fixed Wheel 2008: Big Dance, Scoop, London (7th of  July)
•   Fixed Wheel 2008: Cloud Dance Festival, London (6th of July)
•   Fixed Wheel 2008: Atelier Festival, Baia Mare, Romania (16th of June)
•   Fixed Wheel 2008: The Blue Elephant Theatre in April
•   Fixed Wheel 2008: as part of Artscene festival in Ghent, Belgium in April