Following a week including a heatwave, wind warnings, bushfires and a thunderstorm, thankfully the skies weren’t literally electric and we were blessed with perfect weather for this outdoor Adelaide Fringe event.
The crowd made their way into Pakapakanthi/Victoria Park and the atmosphere was indeed electric. At the risk of too many electric puns, this reviewer will refrain from inducing groans and move onto the main subject. Drones. Excitedly, drones are back in Adelaide following the successful and award-winning show, Sky Song.
The multi sensory light, sound and drone event, included a spectacular 500 drones being launched over one hundred metres into the night sky woven with First Nations language and traditional songs. Entry to the event was possible 3 hours before the live music began, which allowed plenty of time to gain a perfect viewing position, enjoy a picnic or purchase food, and to soak up the atmosphere. Set in the beautiful and peaceful Adelaide Parklands, the surrounds was more than a backdrop to the event, but an integral part of it. With storytelling involving connections to country, the language and songs took on a deeper meaning.
The light show moved through a range of images and stories reflecting traditional aspects relating to country, through to contemporary imagery including a spectacular drone animation of a very snazzy pair of high heeled dancing sandals. This imagery was overlayed with a pumping soundtrack and accompanied by colourful laser beams. I could have been in a top nightclub dancing the night away. This frenetic energy was balanced across the show by slower and moodier pieces, creating an evocative and entrancing mix.
Along with the creatively and precisely choreographed drones, the aforementioned music was specially made by the Electric Fields duo Zaachariaha Fielding and Michael Ross, with Zaachariaha’s paintings also inspiring many of the drone animations in the sky. Combined, these elements created a powerful statement and an unforgettable event. The hush over the audience as the lights, sounds and drones began filling the air, was testament to that, as was the excitement in the air and the carnival atmosphere beforehand. An event that will be talked about and remembered for a long time to come.
A word of congratulations and acknowledgement to the many collaborators involved: Electric Fields, Gluttony, Adelaide Fringe, Drone Sky Shows, Novatech, AEDA and the APY Collective.