The Pearl is a multi-modal computer interface initially conceived as an interactive prop for a multi-artistic theatrical performance. It was designed for use in a theatrical production created by composer David Coubes and percussionist Krystina Marcoux. The production is an adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel The Pearl, and was created for two performers — a dancer and a percussionist. As the centre of the plot the Pearl becomes almost a third character in its own right, a fact which led to the desire for an interactive prop which could respond appropriately over the course of the show. In addition, as the show is conceived as a multi-artistic production in which both the main performers act, dance, and perform music, it made sense that the Pearl would also be able to fulfill a multi-functional role.

The Pearl was first used in Lyon, France in March 2015 and has been presented at the New Interfaces for Musical Expression conference and the symposium Learning and Teaching Music in the Twenty-First Century. The instrument design was crowd-funded, and also supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
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Ian Hattwick: instrument design
Krystina Marcoux: percussion
Bryan Eliason: dance
David Coubes: composition