Adelaide Festival

Beached whale “appears” on Adelaide’s Glenelg beach

Crowds are gathering on Glenelg beach, following a whale appearing on the shore shore overnight.

Article updated (previous version focused on the mysterious purpose of the installation) 

In an inspiring display of art and environmental advocacy, a life-size, hyperreal sperm whale has beached itself on the shores of Glenelg (Pathawilyangga) Beach as part of the Adelaide Festival, unravelling the mystery that has captivated hundreds since the early hours of Saturday morning.

Many beachgoers flooded their social media at the sight of the large art installation, which sent media outlets into a frenzy with many people thinking it was the real deal.

However, many can breathe a sigh of relief as it is a creation by non other than Belgium-based The Captain Boomer Collective with the idea to spark a message about the environment and climate change.

The Captain Boomer Collective, under the leadership of Bart Van Peel since its inception in 2008, has been known for its innovative theatre pieces that blur the boundaries between reality and fiction. With Whale’s appearances in major cities like London, Paris, Warsaw, and Madrid, and various smaller locales across Europe, its arrival in Australia marks a significant first.

“The beaching of a whale has always been a solemn event, serving as a gigantic metaphor for the disruption of our ecological system. It evokes a sense of disturbance in people’s bond with nature, ” Bart said. “This is our first ever visit to Australia, and we are thrilled to debut Whale on the beautiful shores of Glenelg Beach in Adelaide.”

Echoing Bart’s sentiments, Ruth Mackenzie, the Artistic Director of Adelaide Festival, highlighted the impactful nature of the exhibit.
“This is art with purpose. With our understanding of the effects of climate change on the planet, this theatre piece is a powerful tool to drive the message home. We hope it sparks discussions within our communities about the impacts of climate change,” she said.

The involvement of Australian actors, who will be portraying scientists alongside the Captain Boomer team on the beach, adds another layer of interaction and realism to the experience, further emphasizing the urgency of the environmental message being conveyed.

The exhibit was brought to life by CDM:Studio in Western Australia, marking a collaborative effort that underscores the global nature of the environmental challenges it seeks to highlight.

Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels praised the initiative, stating, “Whale is a testament to the Festival’s commitment to bringing thought-provoking works into public spaces. Urgent and evocative, it prompts reflection on our environmental impact and the imperative to act.”

The exhibition, which is free to the public, is set to grace Glenelg beach from Saturday, 9 March, until Monday, 11 March, offering an extensive opportunity for the community to engage with the piece. The initiative is supported by the City of Holdfast Bay, reinforcing the local commitment to fostering environmental awareness and action.

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