he collaboration of the percussive genius of Matthias Schack-Arnott and renowned choreographer Lucy Guerin has resulted in the Melbourne Fringe Festival production of Pendulum, staged at the open-air space of Shed 21 in Docklands, under the Bolte Bridge.
Matthias’s sound design and pendulum design by Rob Larsen are the stars of this installation. The 39 pendulums which illuminate and give off acoustic sounds, are of varying sizes and create an organic field of swinging suspensions. This unique concept is mesmerizing and calming for the audience.
Lucy Guerin’s intriguing choreography sees dancers, Deanne Butterworth, Tra Mi Dinh, Alice Dixon, Stephanie Halyburton, Helen Herbertson, Amber McCartney and Caitlin Mewett, move in unison and create a steady rhythm by catching, releasing and pushing the pendulums at will.
Costume designer, Harriet Oxley, has dressed the troupe in practical gold tracksuits which blend seamlessly with the pendulums. Lighting designer, Bosco Shaw, is at his best in this installation.
Haunting bell chimes and sound effects enthral throughout this production. The pendulum’s natural metronomic motion is the focus and can become hypnotic.
At times the dancers seemed to be controlling the motion, but also the pendulums seemed to control the dancers. This inimitable production continued until October 23.

Review by Lyn Hurst