An experimental work at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in central London, The Misery Portal was created and performed by British/Algerian dance and performance artist, Samir Kennedy. Setting the scene for the piece, show designer Simon Vincenzi called on Alex Czechowski at Ace Vintage Systems for the use of vintage Martin Audio modular loudspeaker stacks.
Vincenzi is a London-based theatre director, choreographer and designer who has created a huge body of work over the past 20 years. He had searched the internet extensively before coming across the Ace Vintage Systems website, which provided him with inspiration for the show as well as meetinghis requirements. Ace was then approached by lighting designer and production manager Marty Langthorne, who confirmed that ‘Simon was set on using Martin Audio for the vintage look of the speakers.’
Czechowski designed the sound system around eight Martin Audio 215 Mk3 bass bins and three MH212 ‘Philishaves’ per side, together with top boxes. Amplification for this totally analogue system was provided by the equally iconic BGW Grand Touring amplifiers.
Working with Czechowski on this project was sound engineer Dave Callanan. ‘It was great to show the capabilities of the iconic Martin Audio Philishave, together with the Martin Audio 215 Mk3 bass bin, the best bass bin ever designed by the great Dave Martin,’ Czechowski says.
‘Our week at the ICA was a research and development period for this new performance piece, The Misery Portal, an opera of sorts where a lone performer sings melancholic songs from an ancient time, grappling with feelings of grief, loss and inner turmoil,’ says Langthorne. ‘The performer’s outline is barely visible in this dark and hazy portal, slowly dancing their way through this state of mind. The sound world is full and held with tension as the speakers pulse out the hugely varied composition throughout the piece.
‘Working with vintage Martin Audio speaker stacks and Alex’s incredible expertise was a huge part of this performance and allowed the sound world that Samir created to be heard in its full potential through speakers that you know have had a history.’
‘It was a pleasure showing Simon, Marty and Samir, among others, my system design. We all enjoyed listening to the dynamic combination of power and clarity from the system in the theatre space at the ICA,’ Czechowski adds. ‘Thanks to everybody involved including staff from the ICA, and Emma from Edwin Shirley Trucking.’
It is fitting that the event coincides with manufacturer’s 50th anniversary.
