BM Grant LOI Questions
1. Art Installation Title*
working title “Carnivale Infernale”
2. Project Summary*
Carnivale Infernale is an interactive stage/sculpture designed to awe and inspire. Bands, burlesque/boylesque, sideshow, fire artists, suspension aerialist, and more can perform in an environment like no other where the stage lines are obliterated and we are lost on another world.
3. What is the philosophy of your piece?*
Hell is a carnival show, gorging on the spoils of fools. Hell always seemed like a silly concept, but if it did exist, it’s where the best parties would be, decadent and overwhelming. We intend to create an immersive world inspiring multidisciplinary arts performance drawing from a diverse community of arts practitioners. We will integrate participants from our own community to dress as their favorite demon and devil to extend the stage and blur the lines between players and participants. We will curate the space with a variety of arts performances including; bands, sideshow and burlesque performers starting with a standard stage and expanding out into a unique plateau of sights and sounds that will ensnare the passer by.
4. Please share a brief physical description of the piece – what will it look like? How will it be interactive? Paint us a picture of its physical manifestation and its interactivity.*
Drawing from over 14 years of immersive and interactive circus inspired event experience with our annual Theatre Bizarre masquerade, Carnivale Infernale will be realized through a George Melies inspired film set built using the aesthetic of a layered, pop-up book presenting elements of a seedy, road-side, carnival attraction. The set, much like a paper toy theatre on a grand scale, is meant to alter the participant’s perspective leaving the viewer feeling like that of a child, the architect of your fantasy. The immersive environment will present custom created figures as part of the set (like a carnival photo op), that also have the features of a life-size shadow puppet, resulting in all participants, together, bringing the scene to life. Musical instruments will be provided to encourage bands to perform, or, even form impromptu. Performances of choreographed routines from aerialist and acrobats suspended by silks, lyra, or flesh are all possible. We would extend the invitation for performers of every stripe to come and revel in the storybook playground we will create. This playground can grow through different phases of this project. These could include the world’s tallest, Flame-Throwing Hi-Striker, a Roller Coaster, and a massive, interactive fire-breathing totem, all brought together with a cohesive aesthetic.
5. How does this art installation fit our mission?*
At it’s very core this installation is about collaboration and artistic expression, building community through co-creation. We will work in collaboration with the crew of the Touchy Duchess (League of Troubled Souls, Chicago) and Speedcult (The Roaster Coaster, Detroit), to create a much larger piece, far greater than the sum of its parts. While each part can stand on its own, combining our efforts will leverage our unique skill sets into a beautiful space that will engage, connect and encourage participation. Theatre Bizarre has a 14 year history of transforming environments and creating performance spaces where artist flourish and spectators are captivated. Many of the performers, cast, crew, and artists working behind the scenes at Theatre Bizarre are long time Burning Man participants and are a community of doers, creating art that not only inspires but motivates people to take part. In preparation for Burning Man, it is our intention to debut several pieces at Lakes of Fire, the Great Lakes Regional Burn and / or at other Great Lakes Burning Man events providing the collaborative group a test-run format guaranteeing our success before officially presenting in the desert. Post-Burning Man, some pieces may find new life at the annual Theatre Bizarre event in Detroit and could be transported to other regionals to tour. One thing is certain, its life will not end at the Playa.
6. Where do you see your art project being experienced? At the annual Burning Man event, in other locations, or both?*
Both
7. Is this an existing artwork, or a proposed concept?*
Proposed Concept
Early Concept Sketches
Existing Stage Structure
The steel frame stage and suspension rig that was constructed by Speedcult Detroit for use at Theatre Bizarre will be the base foundation for the facade artwork surrounding it.
The stage was constructed with trusses latched on to the side rails to create 20’x14′ base platform.
The front truss is shown with steel panel below that features multiple attachment points that can be used for any purpose. Standard holes are made for 3000 lbs loop bolts. The very front of the truss has a metal bracket that allows attaching any art piece that can be fastened to metal with screws. The rig is shown with black rope that was used during the show for suspension.
The stage can be assembled outside or inside a building. As shown here, there are no attachment points to any wall or ceiling of the building. The whole structure just stands there solid because of its weight. The front beam is being suspended only from one edge of the front box truss and it’s stable due to cantilever design and bolt strength.
Source: http://www.cyfar.com/stage/stage.html
The Mephist-O-Meter
This is the worlds largest Flame throwing High Striker constructed for use at Theatre Bizarre. The high Striker has been transported for use at the Henry Ford Museum for Maker Faire Detroit and the DIY Art Festival in Ferndale Michigan.
The tower is comprised of 4 sections covered with 19 flame throwers that are triggered by the height of the carriage as it travels up and down after each strike of the hammer.
Here is the base being installed on a steel leveling plate in the parking lot of the Henry Ford Museum
Artist and engineer of the High Striker Grant Johnston
Here is the High Striker with the Mephist-O-Meter artwork created by John Dunivant at Theatre Bizarre.
THE GREATEST MASQUERADE ON EARTH