The Harvey Bott ROBOTT™ Opera Revisited is a two-day workshop and participatory performance Saturday, December 16th & Sunday, December 17th at the Orange Show World Headquarters, 2334 Gulf Terminal Drive, Houston, TX 77023. The workshop and performance brings together sculpture, drama, conservation, and robotics in a tribute to one of Houston’s most beloved and longstanding visionary artists. Inspired by H.J. “Harvey” Bott’s groundbreaking experiments with remote-controlled art robots in the late 1970's and early ‘80s, this program comprises:
- The restoration of one of the original Ro-Botts
- A workshop of guided robot assembly and decoration geared for both kids and adults
- The collaborative development and rehearsal of a script
- A concluding public performance with projected video and live musical accompaniment.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE & CURRICULUM
Saturday, December 16th - 10am-5pm
Sunday, December 17th - 10am-4pm / 4pm-5pm Performance
Participants will be introduced to electronics and electronic components and sensors; Arduino programming; sound recording and manipulation; sculpting with found objects; and the creation and implementation of a group performance in front of an audience. Workshop and performance take place at the Orange Show World Headquarters, 2334 Gulf Terminal Drive, Houston, TX 77023.
Matt Fries will facilitate the Robott build; T. Lavois Thiebaud will lead the opera choreography; Anthony Barilla will provide musical accompaniment for the live show.
PUBLIC PERFORMANCE
The multimedia performance on the evening of Sunday, December 17th from 4-5pm is the culmination of the workshop and a chance for participants to show off their robots to friends, family, and the Houston community. Public performance is free to attend.
Students please complete the application below to be considered as a student participant in the workshop and performance. Ten students will be selected and notified via email with additional information for participation.