A Different Kind Of Theatre

A publicity-shy Russian artist is behind a series of stunning, slightly sinister mechanical marvels

IN an unassuming studio on Glasgow’s Trongate sits an intriguing, beguiling and mesmerising series of machines – or kinemats. This is the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, created from recycled scrap and magical odds and ends by artist Eduard Bersudsky, and brought into the public eye by director Tatyana Jakovskaya.

The collection began in St Petersburg in 1990 and is now housed permanently in a studio on the Trongate.

Sharmanka means “barrel organ” and in a way that is what the contraptions are – but far more complicated and far more appealing.

Featuring hundreds of intricately carved figures, bells and recycled objects, the kinemats perform an incredible choreography to haunting music and lighting. Each piece tells its own story, be it funny or tragic.

The machinery Eduard has combined includes cogs, Singer sewing machine parts, typewriters, wheel chains, musical instruments and agricultural equipment, and the sculptures’ synchronicity with light and sound make for an astounding display.

With so many working parts, one would think a full-time mechanic would have to be on hand. Not so.

“There’s often some wear and tear that we have to fix,” says Sharmanka’s light and sound engineer Sergey Jakovsky, “but astonishingly these machines have worked with very few serious complications for over three decades now. I am also the main maintenance mechanic here but over the years we have trained other technicians to help look after Eduard’s creations.

“The collection is invaluable. We sell some of the works and sometimes take on commissions, but the cost is determined on individual projects requirements.

“There are many wonderful mechanical artists around the world and there are plenty of extremely talented wood carvers. But we have not come across anyone that combines these two art forms in the way that Eduard does. His work and the way Sharmanka presents them is absolutely unique.”

The theatre presents four afternoon performances plus two evening shows. I took in the afternoon “promenade” showing, where you wander round enjoying the performances of Eduard’s work. Some are quite macabre, but in the nicest possible sense. And their names are as intriguing as their contents – Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, The Battleship Of The Revolution and Time Of Rats. The latter is a concoction of wooden rats and pulleys. Quite amazing!

“Carved figures and pieces of scrap perform music” incredible choreography to haunting