Projection Mapping the Rite of Spring

A radical new version of one of the 20th century’s most controversial and acclaimed dance classics will soon be reaching a wider audience, thanks to a collaboration between choreographer Seeta Patel and filmmaker Wayne Sables.

This reinterpretation of Stravinsky’s revolutionary 1913 Rite of Spring takes the South Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam — with it's intricate footwork, dynamic movements and expressive prowess — creating a new vision of the piece that originally caused a first night riot at its Paris premier.

Bharatanatyam is the oldest classical dance tradition in India and is the state form of Tamil Nadu. Seeta Patel, started her journey in this field at the age of 10 and by the age of 23 had transitioned into a full time professional dancer, ultimately becoming artistic director of her own Bristol-based company.

Award-winning filmmaker and multi media specialist Wayne Sables has filmed the whole Rite of Spring — which has been in conjunction with Spin Arts — as part of a project that will see the work become part of a major projection mapping project.

Wayne is a specialist in Project Mapping, the digital technique that can turn anything (from cars to buildings and natural landmarks) into display spaces with the use of projected images, films and digital content.

Speaking about this, Wayne said: “This is one of the most complex projection mapping commissions I have worked on and also one of the most exciting."

“Although we have filmed in a theatre, the film adaptation will be projection mapped onto large scale pubic buildings, utilising multiple surfaces to create a totally immersive experience that places the viewer at the heart of Seeta’s incredible reinterpretation.

“Seeta’s vision is an exhilarating blend of Western classical music and Indian classical dance and the projection mapping process will add an extra layer of excitement and bring dance to an even wider audience.”