The Orbitar is a new multimedia musical instrument rooted in the ancient art of poi spinning. It is comprised of three components: The Satellites, sound and light generating musical instruments modeled after traditional poi, The Controllers, gloves and a headset which shape the sound and light parameters, and The Console, the receiver for the data coming from The Satellites and The Controllers, which ultimately creates the final audio output. The Orbitar is a powerful new invention for creating live audio and visual compositions drawing upon 1) the act of play, an important tool for sculpting the brain and reconciling cognitive difficulties, 2) the creation of audio compositions through corporeality and voice, a connection to ritualistic tradition and an important tool for priming the auditory cortex to more efficiently process information, and 3) the use of non-habitual movement and multiple senses, an important tool for relating to the outside world and breaking mechanical tendencies.
Abstract
Current News
The latest Media-N journal, CAA Conference Edition 2011, is now in print! Featuring an article on The Orbitar.
Reviews
"The Orbitar offers a focused play based on physics and physical body motion. Body is the true perceiving tool for this physics and our body also defines this physics with language and our current understanding of science. We have no other way of knowing or perceiving this phenomenon other than through our bodies. Furthermore, we can only articulate the phenomenon of planets, rotation, motion and spinning with our language and the physics that our bodies have created through its perceptions. It is appropriate then, that these physics also shape our world, our understanding and our being through our concentration on them. This toy/device/instrument and its accompanying play/practice enables our being and understanding of our universe and our place in the universe."
- Bryan Saner, [ performance artist at Goat Island Performance Group and Saner Productions, Associate Artistic Director at Mordine and Company Dance Theater, Professor]
"The Orbitar is a canny hybrid of invention and artwork. The use of the traditional model of poi spinning combined with contemporary technological innovations of sensors and triggers makes the Orbitar a truly unique object and process."
- Jenny Magnus, [Co-founder, co-Artistic Director of The Curious Theatre Branch, co-curator of The Rhinoceros Theater Festival, co-founder of The Curious School, Playwright, Actress, Professor]