Fringe goers looking to escape the noise and chaos of Mad March can experience a moment of mindful reflection at the South Australian premiere of ‘Tectonic’.
Presented by Melbourne musician and artist Angellis Taliuu, ‘Tectonic’ combines a soundtrack of soft, ambient music with stunning visuals and subtle aromatherapy to create a unique, multi-sensory experience designed to calm the body and mind.
Over the course of an hour, audiences sit silently in the dark, watching as a never-ending array of images are projected onto a screen at the front of the room – each accompanied by a complementary soundtrack of musical scores and sound effects. Some images are breathtakingly cinematic in nature such as the long sweeping shots of sprawling mountains, raging rivers and waterfalls and lush green forests. Accompanied by the gentle sounds of rain, deep sweeping drum beats, booming thunder and heavenly choir voices, these images transport the audience from the hustle and bustle of the city to places of serene solitude.
Other images are nondescript in nature such as seemingly random shapes and pulsating lights, which blur into each other in quick succession. At first, these images can be hard to focus on as there is little to capture or hold attention, but as each seamlessly blends into the next, this reviewer eventually finds her mind wandering. Suddenly, images of celestial-inspired beings and mythical creatures begin to appear before my eyes but whether these images are genuinely part of the show or created by my imagination remains to be seen.
Multiple speakers placed throughout the room envelop the audience in a wave of sound that appears to come from everywhere and nowhere, simultaneously. The hauntingly beautiful choir-like sounds give the show an eerie, ethereal feel at times; while the rhythmic drumming can be felt reverberating in your bones.
As someone who has never gotten the hang of meditation and mindfulness, this experience feels strange to begin with as I struggle to relax and quieten my mind. As the show continues, I feel my body getting heavier and my eyelids seem to close on their own, as though I am being pulled into a deep sleep. Sadly, for this reviewer, that relaxation turns to restlessness as the show seems to drag. When the lights finally come on, my mind feels foggy, as though I am struggling to regain consciousness – my limbs feel heavy and clumsy and I leave the show feeling more exhausted than relaxed.
All this being said, those with a deep appreciation for – and experience with – mindfulness and meditation, will likely find ‘Tectonic’ a positive experience.