Dance to a new beat!

Using objects such as teacups and hoses, using bubbles and water, the Japanese group The Original Tempo is here in Singapore performing their offbeat audio-visual spectacle that is Shut Up, Play!.

 

In part a musical, a theatre play, and also a kaleidoscope of sound and colour, the musical medley of the unlikeliest sounds  and their zany performance is set to wow audiences here.

Fifo speaks to the group about its origins and the strangest object they've ever played on!

 

1. How did the group form? Is there an interesting story behind its birth?

 

The Original Tempo started with the musical direction in a straight-up play. There was a band named "Original Tempo" in that story. A band popped out and work by themselves known as "The Original Tempo".

 

At that time 4 yellow raincoated people play a drum set at the same time or play techo music by radio-cassette recorders which are recorded several independent tracks respectively.

2. What do you hope to achieve with audience members with what you guys do?

 

Sharing the joy of discovering something new.  We create a story by editing several pieces of ideas to a stream. A girl wanders off and plays with yellow raincoated people without words...

 

This is the same perspective as audiences. We create plots on how naturally can audiences be interested in our performance.

3. Each of the group members have interesting and diverse backgrounds and training. How does each of these contribute to the final product on stage?

 

We teach our technique to each other. We are all teachers and also
students and even directors, you know. Actors will play music, Musicians will dance, and so on.
 

4. Finally, what's the strangest object you've ever played "music" on? And anything you haven't tried with before but would love to?

 

We played a bike once. It has 5 musical scales, did you know that?

And we would love to play live music on visual effects itself. We have
not found out how, though.

 

The Original Tempo plays at the Esplanade Recital Studio June 12 to 14, 8pm. Tickets from Sistic.