CONCEPT
Recombinant was the third interdisciplinary, site specific project, developed by Arnold Schalks for foundation Bühne de BovenLucht as part of the cultural manifestation 'September in Rotterdam 2000'. Recombinant was situated in a former factory for packing materials on the Keileweg 26 in Rotterdam, now in use as a studio building for visual artists. The stairwell and the elevatorshaft, which formed the setting of Recombinant, reflected an industrial past which was 'quoted' in the performance. The factory for packing materials was temporarily turned into a music factory.
The base of Recombinant consisted of a group of eight classically educated musicians, who were experienced in the performance of medieval as well as classical and contemporary repertoire. With this versatile potential, eleven different mixed ensembles could be formed. Altogether, these ensembles were able to embrace a musical period of 700 years.
The programme worked with time leaps. Starting point for Recombinant was not the 'obedient' chronology of the programme, but the optical and auditory dynamics of the changing ensembles and the performed pieces. The intentional achronological succession of compositions from remote style periods with their specific sound ideals, produced stylistic contrasts. Changes in the setting and the illumination intensified this experience.
For each piece, a new configuration of musicians was needed. However, not all the members of the ensemble were replaced each time. At least one of the musicians served as a link between the successive ensembles.
The rhythm of the performance was largely determined by the meticulous schedule of the movements of the relieving musicians, appearing on- and disappearing from stage. The instruments, the scene components and the performing artists were moved onto, and removed from the stage, by means of a rigid distribution system of tackle blocks, levers and railwaytracks (musical shunting yard). Two shunters: Arnold Schalks and Stefan Groß, dressed in overalls operated the system. The cold mechanical way in which the ensembles were formed was in sharp contrast with the personal character of the performed pieces. The machinelike assembly of set components referred to the specific history of the building: a former factory.
Floor plan and top view of the Recombinant shunting yard with the monorail system.
With respect to the spatial limitations on site and the required scene changes, the size and the handling of the instruments were relevant criteria.
The visual artists Jozef van Rossum and Arnold Schalks were responsible for the design and production of the set, the requisites and the technical facilities.
Recombinant had its première on Saturday, September 23 at 19.00 h. The twelve performances were attended by 232 persons. The duration of Recombinant was 125 minutes, intermission included.
Arnold Schalks
Click here to download the English edition of the 'RECOMBINANT-paper' in pdf format. / File size: 2,4 MB / © 2000, Rotterdam, Arnold Schalks.
