Wave Fields, April 6–7
In a nutshell – this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to sleep overnight on the beach in a blanket of sound. Yes, you read that right – a blanket.of.sound. Wondering what the heck a blanket of sound is? Well, it’s created by internationally renowned artist Lawrence English, which merges music, environmental records and live sound to invite audiences to experience the ways in which sound drifts in and out of our dreams – and how surrounding atmospheres interrupt and augment our sleep. Yep, we’re intrigued. This immersive experience will begin with delicious food and drink, before Lawrence English (akin to Mr Sandman … bring me a dream, bung bung bung bung), works his magic and slips you into a state of sleep under the stars, only to be woken by the sunrise the next morning. Guys, this next-level beach sleepover will be such an incredible experience. Wave Fields will be held at Mick Shamburg Park at Burleigh Heads on Friday April 6 and Saturday April 7.
Quiet By Nature, April 5–8
Fancy a night-time paddle through Currumbin Estuary? Ohh, this one is giving us all of the feels! Quiet By Nature is a moon-lit kayaking tour, where (following a safety briefing!) audiences are instructed to keep their eyes and ears on the lookout for ‘wild’ life and, um, unusual sounds. Local talents Alicia Min Harvie, Ashleigh White and Viviane Frehner are the creative minds behind this (very) immersive and hands-on experience. We’ve got one word of advice – don’t disturb the creatures. The shows run for around one hour, and are held nightly from April 5–8.
TIDE, April 8–10
We first saw this performance at Bleach* Festival in 2015 – when the ridiculously talented team from the Gold Coast’s own contemporary dance company The Farm, remained on the Currumbin Estuary sand bar for 48 hours at the mercy of the tide and the weather (as you do). This year, Joshua Thompson and Gavin Webber will tackle this post-apocalyptic-style performance for a massive 49 hours – that’s without food and supplies, relying only on the compassion of the community. TIDE is a wholly interactive performance, with the set resembling an office – complete with a desk, chair and standing lamp. Despite the tide, the show goes on … for a whole 49 hours. It kicks off (in the water) at the Currumbin Estuary on Sunday April 8 and runs until April 10.
Intimate Space, April 4–7
The Hilton in Surfers Paradise will be the stage for Relentless Dance Theatre’s Intimate Space – we’re told to expect an evocative dance performance where nothing will be as it seems. Audience members will be taken on a journey throughout the hotel, from the bar to the luxury rooms and even the laundry and back-of-house areas. An alluring soundscape will pave the way – expect everything from a cheeky duet to a wild and very physical explosion in the linen room. It’s said to explore themes of visibility, authority and self-worth, so get set for a thought-provoking performance in a very unique location. Intimate Space will be performed five times daily from April 4–7.
The Ninth Wave, April 5–7
This is another performance from the team at The Farm, so you know it’s going to be a banger! The Ninth Wave, held on Surfers Paradise beach, is an apocalyptic narrative that starts with scenes of a champagne-fuelled party where fools ignore warnings that the end of the world is coming. Heightened by an original score by Ben Ely (Regurgitator), the story of The Ninth Waves develops as a journey of consequences and young hope with the party to end all parties. The Ninth Wave is being held nightly on Surfers Paradise beach (Clifford Street entrance) from April 5–7.
