Discotrope: The Secret Nightlife of Solar Cells at HM157

http://discotrope.org

Do solar cells have a nightlife? According to Amy Alexander and Annina Rüst, solar cells aren’t just for making green energy anymore. On Saturday, June 16, solar-powered nightlife comes to Lincoln Heights, where HM157 will host Alexander and Rüst’s “Discotrope: The secret nightlife of solar cells” - an audiovisual performance that resembles a nightclub light show. 

At the heart of the show is the Discotrope, a disco ball where mirrors have been replaced with solar cells. (Discotrope’s low-tech gadgetry is reminiscent of early motion picture technologies like the zoetrope, after which it is named.) When Alexander and Rüst project videos of dancers onto the Discotrope, the cells produce electricity, causing the ball to rotate at varying speeds. But the cells do more than just power the ball - they also reflect the videos projected onto them. The reflections form a kaleidoscopic, rotating circular projection that encompasses walls and large screens around the space - as well as whatever people, trees, furniture or other objects lie in its path. The Lincoln Heights show will take place in the outdoor courtyard of HM157, a Victorian-era mansion that’s become a popular venue for alternative art and music events.

Discotrope’s projected visuals depict the history of “people dancing at cameras" - from Hollywood to YouTube. Audiences can dance with the "stars" or just chill out and enjoy solar cinema under the moon.

Discotrope will also be performing at the opening reception for Hollywood Fringe on 6/13.
More info on both shows: http://discotrope.org/?p=920