SPIN

Created and Performed by evalyn parry
Directed by Ruth Madoc-Jones

Innovative, award-winning Toronto artist evalyn parry takes her audience on an uncommon theatrical and musical journey in SPIN, her tour-de-force performance celebrating the Bicycle as muse, musical instrument and agent of social change. Inspired in part by the incredible true tale of Annie Londonderry – the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle in 1894 – parry spins a web of stories which travel from 19th century women’s emancipation to 21st century consumer culture, peeling back layers of history to ultimately reveal a profoundly contemporary and personal heart to her performance.

parry’s “co-star” is a vintage bicycle: suspended in a mechanic’s stand on stage and connected to a variety of electronic effects pedals, the bike is played – from fenders to spokes to bells – by percussionist Brad Hart, conjuring an astonishing and unique sonic accompaniment to parry’s songs and monologues. Projections by award-winning designer Beth Kates add a captivating visual layer to SPIN, which sold out the run of its premiere in Toronto in 2011.

“part theatre, part musical gig, part spoken word poetry and part documentary … whatever it is, it is brilliant” –Toronto Star