ZOOTV
8 – 25 August 2021
SAVED, created by performer, composer, music director and instrument maker Graeme Leak (The Spaghetti Western Orchestra), is a meditative, musical journey through the mundanity of everyday life. Part of the 2021 Made in Scotland showcase, SAVED finds beauty in the little moments of life, elegantly crafted through instruments onto which Leak has lovingly bestowed a new lease of life.
This multi-layered, retro-mechanical performance is built around two rescued 1970s home organs turned inside out, their internal spinning speakers exposed for us to see as well as hear. Saved from the scrapheap, Leak invites us into the world of these instruments through his meticulous, balletic performance, where each movement, note and pause is considered.
In our highly digital world, SAVED reminds us that beauty is found within the analog moments, from the sound of a glass rolling against a plate, to simple, everyday conversations. Leak weaves moments of musical joy from nearly 20 rescued, found and lovingly crafted instruments: including a ‘string can’ bass guitar – made from reclaimed hardwood, an oil-can and a cello string; a musically modified kitchen whisk; and a collection of AM radios.
SAVED is the first show to be produced by new production company Scissor Kick, which champions artists to make observant, transformative and unsettling work. Launched in June 2021, Scissor Kick produces live experiences, nationally and internationally, while providing general management services to independent artists.
Creator and performer of SAVED, Graeme Leak, said: “1970s home organs were once a huge purchase, akin to a new car or kitchen, and are now often being sold for pennies, given or thrown away. I paid £7 and £2 respectively for the organs in SAVED and was determined to give them a new musical future. The music evolved organically from rescued items, ordinary objects, and mundane moments of daily conversation. I have assembled all these things to create SAVED and I can’t wait to share it with you. I hope you enjoy the show.”
Producer and Founder of Scissor Kick, Stephanie Katie Hunter, said: “I am delighted to be launching Scissor Kick with the world premiere of SAVED. Working with Graeme Leak – with his eclectic career and generous nature – encapsulates exactly what it is I love about producing which is getting to collaborate with world class artists with big visions and curious minds.
Scissor Kick strives to provide audiences with innovative and thought provoking productions all while supporting artists to share their valuable knowledge and experience with a sector that needs to move with the times. SAVED is a delightfully playful show which, despite it not being intended, speaks to the universal experience of the pandemic – being stuck in one place, finding the joy in the everyday, yet always looking forward. This sentiment acts as the foundation of Scissor Kick. It’s time to break down walls, look forward, and make noise.”
