I don’t intend to post frequently about wonderful things associated with a particular location, but sometimes a performance or place is too special not to mention. One of these is Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre in Glasgow, Scotland.
Sharmanka is like nothing I’ve ever seen. It has relatives, such as glockenspiel clocks with moving figures and animated Christmas displays in shopping malls, but it is distinctly different from them. A small space, Sharmanka is filled with “kinemats” — moving sculptures of wooden figures and cast-off objects. During the 45-minute show that I attended, the audience first moved between nine different kinemats and then settled in front of a collection of sculptures called “Merry-Go-World” for the remainder of the show.
All of the kinetic sculptures in the theater are the work of Russian-born Eduard Bersudsky. Bersudsky’s creations are filled with fantastical creatures. Birds, mice, bears, dogs, humans and other beings push levers and turn wheels, ringing bells. Occasionally they do other things, such as typing or riding a bicycle. All of this is accompanied by music.
The sculptures come to life bit by bit. Each time one is activated, a part of it is illuminated and begins to move. Once viewers have had a chance to watch that piece in action, it stops, and another part of the sculpture starts up. After individual bits of the kinemat have been highlighted, the audience sees it operate as a whole. I found that this allowed me to absorb the entire work and appreciate Bersudsky’s genius.
If you have the opportunity to go to Glasgow, Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre is a must-see. Tickets are very affordable; the 45-minute show costs £6, and the 70-minute show is £8. There are concessions (discounts) for children, students and retirees. You must pay cash. Sculptures also go on tour; tour dates are listed on the theater’s website.
For those who can’t visit the theater (probably most of my readers), you can see some of the sculptures in motion on Sharmanka’s Vimeo and YouTube channels. Take some time out this week and enjoy the bizarre beauty of Bersudsky’s kinemats.