AAP Entertainment

Melting stages urge climate change action

By AAP Newswire

Jan 14, 2022

Vicki Van Hout performs on an iceberg suspended above Sydney Harbour. — Vicki Van Hout performs on a 2.7-tonne iceberg suspended above Sydney Harbour. -AAP Image

Watching ice melt is not most people's first idea of art - or even entertainment - but suspended 2.7-tonne chunks of frozen water dripping into Sydney Harbour this weekend have higher hopes than mere artistic expression.

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Three aerialists will spend the weekend scrambling around the thawing ice in a bid to prompt action on climate change.

Vicki Van Hout, Jenni Large and Isabel Estrella will perform rotating shifts from January 14 to January 16 on top of the disappearing stage in Thaw - a new work from Sydney's Legs On The Wall physical theatre company presented as part of the 2022 Sydney Festival.

Legs On The Wall artistic director Joshua Thomson said the work is "an artful statement on climate change and our shared sense of urgency for action".

"Art can be an amazing way for audiences to experience and engage with real issues and we're hoping that people come away from Thaw with an increased desire to take action against climate change," Mr Thomson said.

"This show is a moment for us to explore things on a deeper level and encourage people to think about the part they can play in bringing about positive change."

Attendees will be given their own small ice cubes which melt away to reveal personalised calls to action with suggestions on what individuals can do to combat climate change.

The work will be livestreamed on Saturday from 10am to 8.30pm as part of the Festival's At Home digital program.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press