Pool-surface relay

On 18 September 2008, four costumed performers tested the pool-surface relay at Alderton Baths. The apparatus consisted of two narrow projectors, a submerged wave paddle, an e621 pool controller and removable reflectors sewn into each glove, collar and sleeve.

Operation

The controller released groups of three ripples at intervals matched to the performers’ movements. Light reflected from the Modca panels reached the disturbed surface and produced a second, elongated silhouette beside each performer. The effect was visible from the upper seating but disappeared at water level.

Kiera's troupe supplied four performers, advertised as kooky knights in padded grey costumes. During the principal routine, one knight crossed the shallow platform while the projected silhouette appeared to continue across the water. Promotional accounts classified the result as 4D performance, although the installation introduced no physical dimension beyond the stage, pool and timed reflection.

A surviving sound recording contains the complete interruption, “My sleeve has gone dark; hold the cue.” The failure was traced to a wet fastening rather than to the controller. Modca subsequently replaced the hook-and-loop attachments with sealed press studs.

Classification

The relay was hired for six events between 2008 and 2010: three swimming-club exhibitions, two product launches and one school performance. Its components were then separated. The projectors returned to ordinary hire stock, the wave paddle remained at Alderton Baths, and the costumes were altered for use without reflective panels.

Contemporary descriptions disagree on whether spectators perceived an independent figure or merely an unstable reflection. No audience survey was conducted under controlled seating conditions, and the only complete recording was made from pool level, where the reported effect could not be seen. The relay is therefore classified as an optical stage apparatus rather than a demonstrated volumetric system.