M Pavilion
6:04 am (dawn) til 11:11… but you may come and go as you please
Free
This one of the first projects that I’ve been working on in my new role at the Australian Art Orchestra. As someone who has never taken part in any kind of remembrance day activities, curating this event has been a challenging project to get my head around, but I think in the end we’re going to create something really beautiful. I’d love to see you there…
Over five hours, emerging out of dawn on the centenary of Armistice Day, ‘Aftermath’ creates a slowly shifting sonic landscape which offers a space for reflection on the true nature of war, loss and conflict. ‘Aftermath’ will employ an orchestra of ‘remembering machines’: old turntables, Revox reel-to-reel players, and tape players which will sound and fragment archival recordings, alongside live performance by co-curators Peter Knight (trumpet), Aviva Endean (clarinets) and collaborators Tilman Robinson (electronics) and Georgie Darvidis (voice).
On the centenary of Armistice Day, we reflect not only on the aftermath of the First World War but also on the cost and consequences of all conflicts. While war has massive political, geographical and social consequences, it also alters the lives of almost everyone it touches, from those who served to loved ones left behind, its ripples can continue to affect people for generations. ‘Aftermath’ creates a space to contemplate the true nature of war, loss, and conflict, and the nature of collective memory.
You, the audience, are invited to contribute to the event by folding white paper poppies as a symbol of peace and remembrance, and to pen your words in the petals of the poppies as an offering to the evolving soundscape.
‘Aftermath’ will conclude with the traditional Armistice Day minute’s silence at 11am followed by a smoking ceremony led by representatives of the Boon Wurrung Foundation. You’re welcome to remain for as long or as short time as they wish, and to come and go as you please.
Co-curated by: Aviva Endean: clarinets/turntables and Peter Knight: trumpet/tape loops/turntables. Together with: Tilman Robinson: electronics/turntables, Georgie Darvidis: voice/turntables, Jem Savage: System design/production, Jaeden Williams: Smoking ceremony