When you think of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Ugly Duckling” and Aesop’s “The Tortoise and the Hare,” EL wire technology and a group of puppets usually isn’t what comes to mind–but it’s exactly what CORBiAN Visual Arts and Dance is using to bring to life two children’s classic literary tales in our Children’s Theater series.
The show’s creators, Ian Carney and Corbin Popp , met while dancing in Twyla Tharp’s Broadway show Movin’ Out. Becoming fast friends through their mutual love of art, theater and technology, Corbin showed Ian a product called EL wire and their creative partnership took off.
EL wire is electroluminescent wire powered by batteries and is used mostly to illuminate walkways, signs and instrument panels on cars. Copper, when placed in the middle of the EL wire, conducts electricity, letting it travel from one place to another. Phosphor surrounds the copper wire and glows when electricity runs through the wire. A colored plastic tube is used to surround the phosphor and copper, completing the EL wire. When the EL wire is attached to a power source (like a battery) the wire glows. A battery pack that powers the EL wires is hidden on each creature during the show, which allows the puppets to glow.
Along with EL wire technology, The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and The Hare will utilize dancers, music, and other lighting visuals to bring the stories to life. Interested in seeing what the EL wire technology looks like? Check out a preview of the The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and The Hare here.
–Carly
Tags: Children's Theater Series, Cleveland, CORBiAN Visual Arts and Dance, EL wire, PlayhouseSquare, The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and The Hare
