In the mesmerizing theater dance piece, "And the Tapestry was the World," conceived and brought to life by Bruno Poncheron and Aaron Snyder, a unique exploration of lights as a source of sound takes center stage. Through the integration of light theremins and innovative technology, this groundbreaking performance weaves together the realms of light, sound, and movement. Join us in the behind-the-scenes journey of how custom-built light theremins, adapted with audio output capabilities, became integral to the artistic vision of the production.

Lights, Sound, and the Light Theremin:

The concept of controlling lights via a light theremin emerged as a pivotal element within "And the Tapestry was the World." The artists procured light theremin kits, which traditionally control pitch and volume through brightness. However, for this piece, a modification was required to extract the audio output through a 1/4" jack, allowing the signal to be further manipulated and integrated into the performance. This adjustment enabled the theremins to serve as more than just instruments of sound, but as conduits for triggering events and parameters of the light installation.

Customization and Integration:

As the artist's vision took shape, the task of building the modified light theremin kits fell into place. Following the customer's design request, the kits were meticulously assembled with the alteration of an addtional 1/4" jack output instead of the speaker box provided. This adaptation allowed for greater flexibility in integrating the audio signal into PureData, a visual programming language for multimedia synthesis and interaction. Utilizing prebuilt functions within PureData, the frequency and strength of the audio signal could be extracted, providing dynamic parameters to control the events and elements of the light installation.

Custom Cases and 3D Printing:

To seamlessly incorporate the modified light theremins into the production's setup, custom cases were designed and 3D printed. These tailor-made enclosures ensured practicality and ease of use for the performers, moving beyond the realm of raw circuit boards and embracing a more refined aesthetic. The custom cases were carefully crafted to integrate with the overall artistic vision and provided a cohesive visual experience that enhanced the impact of the light theremins within the performance space.

Embracing Redundancy for Future Possibilities:

While the audio functionality of the light theremins may seem redundant for the specific needs of "And the Tapestry was the World," this intentional decision allowed the theremins to transcend their immediate purpose. By retaining their ability to function as traditional theremins in the future, the artists opened doors to explore further artistic endeavors and expand the creative possibilities for their work.

Conclusion:

"And the Tapestry was the World" encapsulates the awe-inspiring fusion of lights, sound, and movement. Through the careful customization and integration of modified light theremins, Bruno Poncheron and Aaron Snyder transformed their artistic vision into a breathtaking reality. The marriage of technology and artistic expression allowed for the manipulation of light and sound in a harmonious dance, captivating audiences with its ethereal beauty. By pushing the boundaries of traditional performance elements, this groundbreaking piece not only mesmerizes viewers but also paves the way for future exploration at the intersection of technology and art.