In this new performance by Marcus Whale, forces beyond human control inhabit a solo performer. As a soundscape of haunted vibrations expands, a grotesque dance of hunger and transformation unfolds.

Desire is a form of possession, commanding the body from within. Do we resist its embrace, or allow it to compel us wherever it must? Drawing on film tropes of the monster queer, this electronic opera for one is a magical summoning – a longing for communion with the invisible, where the performer’s body moves, and is moved by sound.

Possession celebrates the high drama and craft of opera via a solo performer inhabited by forces beyond human control. Aural feedback manifests physically and disembodied sounds hum, howl and screech. An unseen force slowly takes charge of the body. As this soundscape of haunted vibrations expands, a grotesque dance of hunger and transformation unfolds.

Possession is a compelling glimpse of the unimaginable; macabre and triumphant at once. It brings together the diverse talents of multi-disciplinary artists Marcus Whale, Matt Adey for House of Vnholy, Justin Shoulder and Megan Hanson to conjure a theatrical vision of erotic desire with the power to change both body and mind. Give in to its urge.

Dates and Times

Thursday 14 July, 8PM
Friday 15 July, 8PM
Saturday 16 July, 8PM

Runtime 60 minutes

Accessibility

Brunswick Mechanics is a wheelchair accessible venue.
Wheelchair and Pram Accessible
Assistance Animals welcome

Companion and Carer Card holders qualify for concession priced tickets. Companion Card holders also receive a complimentary ticket for their companion.

Possession is a live sound-based work with corresponding dance performance throughout. The work is split into three acts and includes a a combination of dialogue, lyrical, and non-lyrical sound.

We also welcome suggestions for how we can continue to improve our experience for people with disability. Please reach out if you have specific access enquiries via ticketing@nextwave.orgu.au

Performance Warnings

Please be advised that the second act includes twenty minutes of loud, sudden, and harsh sounds.

Ear plugs will be available on-site – Just ask at the bar.

This event also includes hazing but no strobes.

Getting to Brunswick Mechanics

We’re gathering at Next Wave’s home at Brunswick Mechanics, located at 270 Sydney Road in Brunswick. You can read about public transport and getting to our venue here.

Need anything else? Please reach out via ticketing@nextwave.org.au

Possession was developed with the support of Next Wave through Kickstart, and was supported by the Robert Salzer Foundation, Liquid Architecture and the City of Melbourne through Arts House.

Artist Bio

Marcus Whale lives and works on Gadigal land. His work across music, performance and writing focuses on the blurry intersection between desire and religion, often with reference to the poetics of memory and ghostliness. These works often stage encounters between camp performance styles and the heightened drama of traditional mythology, scripture and liturgy.