The Incredible Hulls, for an orchestra of boats and community musicians
First performed in 2005 across Tasmania in Hobart, Devonport and Launceston
Revised and re-mounted in Mandurah, Western Australia, 2013
Semaphore conducting of graphic score
The musical gestures include, amongst other things, stone-plopping, water-pouring, sail-rustling, hull-hitting, engine-revving and oar-splashing. There are parts for drummers and a concert band. The piece is conducted from a tower using semaphore flags and foot operated flashing lights. The drums and the band play their music while the boat players play on cue, in time with the flashing beat. The audience join in at certain moments, rustling then bursting paper bags and whacking the water with pool noodles in the finale. It’s a controlled, chaotic cacophony and it’s hull-arious!
Explore more… short videos of both Hobart and Mandurah performances
Some preparation and development of the work plus excerpts from 2005 performances in Hobart, Devonport and Launceston,
Excerpts from the 2013 performance of the Incredible Hulls, at the Stretch Arts Festival, Mandurah, Western Australia.
Image Gallery
Mandurah 2013 photos ©Hazel Palmer
