A precise reconstruction of Heron’s mobile automatic theatre that presents the myth of Dionysus.
1st scene: The vehicle moves automatically to another programmed position, doing compilations of rectilinear
and circular movements.
2nd scene: Fire is lit on the altar in front of Dionysus. Water gushes forth from his holy staff (thyrsus) and wine
from his cup is poured onto the small panther.
3rd scene: The place around the four columns of the base is crowned with flowers. The sound of drums and cymbals are heard while the six Bacches move dancing around the temple.
4th scene: The musical instruments stop and Dionysus turns to the other side of the temple. The winged Nike (Victory), who is on the roof, turns with him.
5th scene: Fire is lit on the other altar of the temple and from Dionysus’ thyrsus water gushes forth again and from his cup wine is poured onto the small panther.
6th scene: The sound of drums and cymbals is heard again while the six Bacches move backwards dancing around the temple.
7th scene: The musical instruments stop and the mobile vehicle moves automatically to its initial position by moving backwards, doing compilations of rectilinear and circular movements.
All of these are accomplished automatically by the movement of tens of metres — wisely timed (=programmed) — threads that are pulled from the force of a lead weight, which falls at a steady pace in a clepsydra with millet.
With the clockwise, the releasing and the counter-clockwise winding of the threads around shafts and
reels, the following is accomplished: a) the forward movement (rectilinear or circular) of the automaton and the
clockwise turns of the mechanisms, b) stillness and c) the backward movement (rectilinear or circular) of the automaton and the counter-clockwise turns of the mechanisms. To start the performance, the rope from the front side of the base needs only to be pulled.
SCALE 1:1