Wheels of Life

There are no human performers in this performance. Instead, Eduard Bersudsky’s creations, or "kinetic sculptures," are the ticking, ringing, spinning and whirring stars of the show. This is a delightful exploration of our perceptions of live theatre, as well as a beautiful exhibition of craftsmanship.

Somewhere, someone unseen presses buttons, switching the automata on and off while someone else operates the excellent lighting and sound that project eerie shadows onto the walls. At some point in time these "kinetic sculptures" were made by the human hands of Bersudsky, and yet there is no apparent need for human intervention in the performance. Who needs the messy, unpredictable chaos of actors?

Seated in an auditorium armed with a pair of binoculars, the audience watches as, one-by-one, the sculptures move into life, each accompanied by a folk song, a classical medley or merely haunting sound effects. Each has a meaning or communicates an emotion, for example the ‘Crusader’, the automaton with swinging arms and forthright motions anounces, "what a joy to march in a crowd, to be part of something, whatever the cause, whatever the banners."

Other sculptures include an interpretation of the battleship Aurora and of 'The Master and Margarita,' always adding interesting hidden wheels within wheels. This production, apart from being aesthetically marvellous, comments on ideas of order and anarchy, and many of the creations also have intensely personal dedications from the artist. Anyone making it to Theatre Workshop in Stockbridge will be enchanted.

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