Bob Boilen
Photo Credit: Bob Boilen
Synclavier II Composer: Laser Dance; Light Suite (Laser Dance performed without Laser)
Bob Boilen is a self-taught musician who began working with analog synthesizers in 1979. He built a Serge Modular Synthesizer in 1980, which was incorporated into various types of performances, including theater, dance, rock, and improvisation. In 1981, he was invited to work on the Synclavier II, the most advanced digital synthesizer available at the time. He has created compositions for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and the Impossible Theatre in Baltimore, and composed music for several dance companies in the Washington, D.C. area. Tiny Desk Unit was the psychedelic dance band he played with in Washington, DC from 1979 to 1981.
Original Performance on June 6, 1985
1985 – Four-part evening-length space odyssey (Part I: Departure; Part II: Quest; Part III: Domain; Part IV: Rites/Skylight/and Departure) of choreography that takes place inside a large-scale installation of argon laser beams created by Rockne Krebs and Synclavier II music by Bob Boilen. Laser beams originating from upstage center project toward 50 mirrors placed in the Lisner Auditorium walls and on stage. When the beams are interrupted (by the human body or stilts), the visual grid of beams is altered on stage and above the audience in the house. The interrupted light beams also triggered sounds, part of the sound installation and score by Bob Boilen, which features the Synclavier II electronic instrument. This riveting score generously enhances the choreography by Maida Withers.
“The space odyssey was one of several works that reveal my curiosity about man/woman on planet earth, but more about life in ‘the universe.’ Laser is a myth of sorts, where dancers appear from somewhere and occupy the ‘installation,’ then exit. The FDA spent almost 6 hours on the day of performance approving the laser installation. It was essential to ensure that no beams would impact the dancers’ eyes or the audience. As dancers, we covered our bodies with costumes and shoes, and we wore protective goggles. This was an extraordinary “mythic” existence.” Maida Withers
Performing in laser beams is a challenge. The beams need darkness or an atmosphere in the air that allows the laser beam to be seen. This created difficulties in taking photos and video of the production.
Rockne Krebs, Maida Withers, Bob Boilen, Collaborators for Laser Dance