DRAGONS
Animations On Line magazine
"... a wonderful and inspiring show that deserves to be seen throughout the country and beyond."
Dorothy Max Prior
‘"Robots and androids always get bad press in pop culture;
they're evil or want to take over the world.
Elsie just wants to forget all this bad noise;
born to dance… she likes to strut her funky stuff."
A large-scale animatronic dragon: Elsie is sculpted from formed steel, found objects and surplus technology. Hand crafted flowing curves create her organic feel, provoking a contrast to the industrial recycled components. Set on a stage space with a surrounding safety barrier, although static in placement she moves extensively: from flapping, folding wings to a snapping mouth, craning neck, dancing feet and flicking tail. Capable at present of 36 distinct body movements; the combinations of which present a myriad of possibilities…
Elsie’s’ environment comprises 30 plus operable effects including: smoke, light, sound and fire; components that help to define the Dragon's Lair. She has a DMX propane gas fire system, ‘spitting’ fire as any self-respecting dragon should, and this combines with a MIDI controlled flame system running down her spine, lighting her from the front and sides. She of course, breathes Smoke…
She is played on a Midi piano. Each note; creating a movement or operating an effect. This system allows the piano to store good movements on a computer for play back when needed. The operator can improvise live over these saved sequences making each performance unique. It also helps to solve the problem of not enough fingers for all the possible functions!
Elsie Dragon is 7m in length; with a 6m wing span.
Elsie dragon has been seen at:
Glastonbury UK
Robodock NL
Fuji Rock JP
Berlin Lacht GER
Boomtown UK
Fusion GER
...and many, many, more places
What’s On Magazine
This is a bold and innovative work, filled with marvels- and it is every bit as difficult to classify as it is accessible to audiences of all ages. Do go and see it. Jaspre Bark
DRAGON DANCING