The Cultch | Vancouver East Cultural Centre
2009-2010: 35th Anniversary Season: Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Music

Evalyn Parry's SPIN
Starring the Bicycle as Muse, Musical Instrument and Instrument of Social Change

   

 

"Part theatre, part musical gig, part spoken word poetry and part documentary ... whatever it is, it is brilliant" - Toronto Star

Through a series of songs played live on a vintage bicycle, SPIN recounts a theatrical cycle of stories about women, cycling and liberation. Inspired in part by the incredible true tale of Annie Londonderry – the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle in 1894 – Parry spins a web of stories which travel from 19th century women’s emancipation to 21st century consumer culture, peeling back layers of history to ultimately reveal a profoundly contemporary and personal heart to her investigation.

Parry’s "co-star", a vintage bicycle, is suspended in a mechanic’s stand on stage. Backed by her unusual and highly accomplished band, the bike is played by percussionist Brad Hart who, using brushes on the fenders, bows on the spokes and drum sticks on a variety of tuned bells, conjures an astonishing array of sounds with this "iron horse”. SPIN is staged by award-winning director Ruth Madoc-Jones with video and production design by acclaimed designer Beth Kates, and sound design concepts by Anna Friz.

Around the web:
Evalyn Parry's official website