The Harvey Bott ROBOTT™ Opera Revisited is a two-day workshop and participatory performance December 16-17, 2023 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 16 - 10am-5pm
Sunday, December 17 - 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 Sunday, December 17 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.
WORKSHOP FEES
$300 per participant. Lunch and snacks will be included on both days. Participants will receive a kit containing everything needed to assemble a fully operational (and completely unique) remote controlled robot.
PLEASE NOTE: A SEPARATE FORM AND PAYMENT IS NEEDED FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT