Explore the streets of Melbourne on your bicycle, with a smartphone on your handlebars and a narrator for guidance. Ride aimlessly around in the evening, with no particular destination, in Rider Spoke, an immersive piece of theatre that invites you to be a co-author of the story. In 2007, Rider Spoke premiered with a sold-out season at the Barbican in London. Since then, it has taken over 22 cities around the world, and is coming to Melbourne straight from Adelaide Fringe Festival. This experience is coming to ACMI for a limited season, from March 2 to 6.
Rider Spoke at ACMI
This experience was created by UK-based interactive art team Blast Theory. In Rider Spoke, you’ll cycle alone around the city, think about the people in your life, and share them with strangers that you’ll never meet. There will be a narrator who will guide you through this experience, as well as a delicate score to help you lose yourself in the moment.
Keep one earphone in to listen to the experience, and one earphone out to stay in tune with your surroundings. With a smartphone mounted to the handlebars, a voice in the app will ask you one question at a time. They will start gently to ease you into it, and then gradually become more personal. Find the perfect place to answer the question, make the recording, and then, your voice will stay in that spot for other riders to discover later.
As you ride, check out the app and see the names of other riders, find their hiding spots, and listen to their past recordings. Weave your way through the city, and let the voices of others lead you to unfamiliar and secret places.
Moving around the city
To take part in Rider Spoke, it’s best to bring your own bike and helmet. You will be provided with a smartphone and handlebar mount for the experience.
However, to keep this event accessible, you can also participate on foot, or with a wheelchair, mobility scooter or alternative cycle.
Key info:
When: Wednesday March 2 to Sunday March 6
Time: 5pm to 8pm. Slots are available every 15 minutes.
Duration: This experience lasts 60 minutes.
Where: Meet at the Flinders Street entrance at ACMI in Fed Square
Cost: $25
For more information, click here.