Jonathan Hayter creator and performer is the creative force behind figure of speech. I produce live work, and often sub-contract to artists from other disciplines to realise my vision. I work with video artists, animators, dancers and musicians among others to translate my ideas into unusual atmospheric perfomance.....
Influences
Film , too many to mention - the concept of the Dalang from balinese shadow puppetry tradition where the puppeteer invokes the characters of the Gods and Goddesses much like a traditional shaman... Visual art, the lives and work of many visual artists are an inspiration , as with any creative work - it takes you on a journey into exploring your own language and myth making...
Sounds Like
A broad arena of influences -from pop , rock to stravinskyand tavener among many others- ambient? , dunno really...?
FIGURE OF SPEECH - is a visual shadow puppet multimedia outfit that produces work with original music and sound scores from musicians. In the past I have worked with musicians that include Mark Osborne and James Hollingsworth - solo performer and Singer with the band Jebo. If you are a musician looking to write music for far- out Shadow puppet performances then Figure of Speech are for you!
CHECK MY `VIDEOS` FOR AN ARCHIVE RECORD OF LIVE WORK AS FIGURE OF SPEECH;
I have recently uploaded here, footage from the `Moontime` original performance at the Bath Fringe - it can be seen in 8 parts on `my videos` section of this site. It contains the original live music of Mark osborne - specially composed for the live event . I aplogise for the poor sound quality , and some of the less than `quality` video presentation - but iit is what it is a `live `performance unedited in front of an enthusiastic audience in Bath`s Green park station - a glass roof - I think we were the first performers ever to put a show on there? I wonder why - the acoustics were terrible!!!
..APOLLO.. -As part of the ..Moontime.. project Figure of speech is developing a new performance piece with C sinclair http://www. musicv2. com/featured_media. php?a=1064 . The performance will be ready for 2009..s 40th Anniversary of the Apollo moonlandings in July 1969 the project is in its very erly stages but you can get updates on how it develops over the coming months here with exclusive rehearsal footage online; http://www. myspace. com/rumoon you can view more here; http://www. myspace. com/rumoon
was wondering whether you are planning any performances here in London otherwise, would it be possible for me to come to bristol and shadow you for a bit?
Hope that your summer starts nicely Knowing that you like our music I thought I'd let you know that we have uploaded 4 new songs in our player, feel free to come listen... They are from our second CD which is now released and should be available in fine record stores close to you
Thanks for asking! I am impressed by your work. Its is very inspiring. Great music too. I am just beginning to work with shadows, they are truly magical.
Really like the stuff you have on here. Not sure how it would fit into the show, but if you could send us some material, you never know (address on our profile)
Thanks so much for the add request, good to have you with us.
You can hear the show via bbc.co.uk/bristol : listen live or listen again for 7 days after broadcast.
Hope you enjoy the show. Let us know via myspace or email us bristoluncovered@bbc.co.uk
Looks great, will hopefully be there as we are planning to see loads of the fest providing work doesnt get in the way! Our show in the Paupers Pit is on Sat 28th, various times! love the colours and effects that you are achieving in your shadow puppetry pics.
Yeah, would be good to try an create music for visual works, an there's some very deep atmospheres on your page..yeah, we might well have some music you could use..i'll see what i can find..