Dark Matter was developed over a twelve month period, springing from group discussion, artistic experimentation and research. Dark Matter is the outcome of a solely collaborative development period. It was staged at the Atrium at Federation Square over the course of five nights where live musicians, live performance, animation and film came together to completely transform this iconic space in Melbourne.

Dark Matter endeavoured to show its audience a philosophical desire of reality through the perception of a fictional young male artist. Inanimate objects such as desks were infested with organic matter, such as crystals and mountains, as the fictional character attempted to connect to a transcendental existence, freed from oppressive structures, spaces and systems. The aim of this show was to enable the audience to escape these everyday systems and to connect or become aware of an immanent reality. Spill Collective constructed four installations dispersed around the Atrium, as well as animated images and film on a digital widescreen. At set times during the evening, performers interacted with the installations to the beat of live music. Heavy lighting and concentrated sound, as well as a combination of differing art forms and rigorous physical performance attempted to invade and have an affective experience upon the audience.

aaa

A written excerpt of what each night entailed for the audience:

Tuesday Night:

His body is reduced to muscle and bone becoming the universes fragile puppet. His light tears free from its corporal shackles as the Dark watches on, calling the Light towards it. The Light has difficulty navigating its attachment to the body and its desire for the dark, though it enters into the Darkness.



Wednesday Night:
Dark’s presence makes the air grow thick and Light finds it hard to move. A struggle between the two forces begins to grow. Light moves in breaths up and down as it tries to free itself within the space. Darkness draws itself towards the Light and reveals its face, the source of its power. Light rises before it.
Featuring Robbie Avenaim live

Thursday Night:

Dark and Light perform for each other. The Dark reveals its vulnerable core to the light during the ritual. At this opportunity the Light gathers strength, allowing it to move closer to the Dark, so close they almost touch but this enrages the Dark who forces Light downwards and the air grows thick again.

Featuring Robbie Avenaim live



Friday Night:

Dark and Light prepare for their union. They move softly and slowly and smoke builds up around them as the air thins allowing their free movement in the space. As their movements progress they become unified and more comfortable in each others presence.

Featuring “Remedios the Beauty” by Oren Ambarchi

Saturday Night:

Light and Dark move together sharing their energies. Light brings movement, speed, and a fresh power to the space; it is fearless in its physical expression. The Dark brings softness, meditative focus and a vulnerable stillness. Their dance finally brings stability to the space and provides endless possibilities for those inhabiting it. This is the moment of the young artist’s arrival; the unity of Light and Dark marks a balance within himself and a new sense of freedom.

Featuring Andre Peach and Nic Tammens live




Contributing Artists: Allison Wiltshire, Andre Peach, Chloe Boreham, Christina Sheils, Ella Harvey, Oliver Hunter
Campbell Hynam-Smith, Dale Acochran, Cecily Hearn, Hannah French, Luke Fraser, Megan Twycross, Nic Tammens, Pip Edwards, Rachel Torrance, Rafaella McDonald, Sarah Martinus, Sophia Constantine

Produced by Molly Whelan

Proudly sponsored by:

Video credits: Oliver Hunter, Christina Sheils. Music by Qua.