The Masonic Hall on North terrace in Adelaide is an imposing building, that has a sense of curiosity to most people. For the 2024 season of the Adelaide Fringe, the Electric Dreams collective have bought together a selection of visual treats. Entrance to the shows are via the front entrance into the basement, where a time warp bar serves drinks and has tables and chairs scattered to wait to enter the various shows.
In the Great Hall, at the rear of the building, a massive dome has been constructed. The audience lay on bean bags on the floor to fully immerse themselves in the performance. There are also chairs set up around the outside for those that find this too daunting.
Different shows screen at various times during the afternoon and evening and last around 40 minutes. “The Dark Side of the Moon” plays in full with mesmerising visuals. Holst’s “The Planets 360” takes us across the solar system with the Gustav Holst’s opus. “Coral – Rekindling Venus” is a fascinating trip to the depths of the oceans as we watch tendrils, bioluminescence and amoeba survive in this harsh environment. At the other end of trippy, with more legs than any other movie, “XYZZY” is a psychedelic video game-like trip. Imagine the view in “2001: Space Odyssey” from the POV of the starship. There are nine different shows to choose from.
The VR experience that has tongues wagging is In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats. Taking it back to the 80’s rave scene in England, the response has been outstanding.
One of the other shows in the basement of the Masonic Hall worth catching is “FoxDog Studios: Robo Bingo”. Each audience member logs into the internal wifi that’s been set up for the show. The presenters have a nerdy look about them, tan safari suits and sandals with white socks. The stage reminds one of those web war game events. Despite starting out in a relatively benign Bingo manner, it’s not long before chaos takes over. Different players are given tasks on their phones, gifts, things to hold…. The video screen becomes a giant game with audience members in “control.” It’s impossible not to laugh. If you hate Bingo this is the perfect show for you.
There are also audio plays from Dutch Kills Theater, the team behind TEMPING. “AFOOT:Adelaide” is a whisper walk on demand that you download to the phone and walk around listening to the plays via your headset.
Next time you’re venturing down North Terrace as part of the Adelaide Fringe, check out the offerings above. Capacity is limited so many shows sell out quickly, so it’s worth booking in advance.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Robo Bingo: 16-17, 19, 21-24, 26, 28-29 Feb, 1-2, 4, 6-9, 11, 13-16 Mar at 8:30PM, 18, 25 Feb, 3, 10, 17 Mar at 3:30PM, 13 Mar at 1PM – tickets HERE
In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats: 16-19, 21-26, 28-29 Feb, 1-4, 6-17 Mar at Various Times – tickets HERE
The Dome Experience 360 degree immersion: 16-19, 21-26, 28-29 Feb, 1, 4, 6-8, 9-11, 13-17 Mar at Various Times – tickets HERE
