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Left - Emilie Zoey Baker. Photos - Andrew Watson

Elemental is almost beyond definition. It’s an exploration of quantum physics and modern cosmology through video art, music, poetry and live performance. Yes, quantum physics. It explores four key theories of modern astro-physics about the universe and how it began, and is a collaboration between poets, musicians, sound and video artists and world renowned science writer John Gribbin.

Elemental is set at the Melbourne Planetarium, so imagine, if you will, reclining back in your space seat (ok, they’re not really space seats, but they are pretty cool), watching 360 degree video animation in surround sound while some of Melbourne’s best performance poets whisper astronomical wonders in your ears.

In the foyer prior to the show, the audience, while being served Kool Mints by space chicks (ok, this I didn’t make up, there really were women in 1960s space suits handing out Kool Mints), is given a taste of what to expect by a scientist of dubious credentials who asserts that it is poets who have always sought to eliminate the darkness.

And suddenly you’re thrust back in your space seat with a million stars coming at you in a dizzying blur, wishing you hadn’t eaten so many mints. You’re taken on a ride from The Theory of Everything, which I now know is String Theory (sort of), to Revelations of Divine Life where you can “watch the Universe Jesusing into a letterbox”, to Dark Matter, which apparently existed before there was any big bang, and M Theory. Some of it is mind-bending and some of it is sort of what you already know but with a poetical chaser.

As a performance venue, the possibilities the planetarium provides are immense, and I did find myself wishing it was utilized more as a space for live performance. The live performing that was included in the second half was highly innovative stuff and there was certainly an appetite for more. Seeing the poets perform in the space would have added much to the dimensions of the whole piece. The poets bring a beauty and mysticism to the cosmos, their words washing over you like showers of falling stars in the night sky: “Dark matter woke up the day that light slept into consciousness”; “Einstein showed us that the Universe is as bendy as a fishnet”.

Elemental is sold out, which is a wonderful affirmation that people are interested in mixed-media, and in poetry and science. And of course, those of you lucky enough to have procured a ticket also get to eat free Kool Mints handed to you by funky space chicks in space boots (clearly this had a lasting effect on me). If you haven’t got a ticket and this appeals (and why the hell wouldn’t it?), best you start bribing anyone lucky enough to have one.


Alicia Sometimes in association with Melbourne International Arts Festival presents
Elemental
Writen by Sean M Whelan, Emilie Zoey Baker, Paul Mitchell & Alicia Sometimes

Venue: Melbourne Planetarium, Museum Victoria, Scienceworks | 2 Booker Street, Spotswood
When: Sun 11, Thu 15, Sun 18 & Thu 22 Oct at 7:30pm | (Performance on Thu 22 Oct is followed by a Q&A Session)
Duration: 1hr 30min with interval
Tickets: Full $30 / Group (8+) $27 / Concession $22.50
Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 136 166 www.melbournefestival.com.au

Visit: www.elementalplanetarium.com