For Media

THE BREATH OF THE VOLCANO

2 years ago

GROUPE F (FRANCE)

Upper Field, Auckland Domain
WORLD PREMIERE - THREE NIGHTS ONLY
The world-renowned pyrotechnic performance maestros, Groupe F, have created a brilliant new show especially for Auckland and Auckland Arts Festival 2013 - The Breath of the Volcano. For three magical nights from 7 - 9 March, the Auckland Domain and Museum will be the backdrop for this spectacular world premiere from the artists who create miracles with projection, fire and light.
At Auckland Arts Festival 2007, Groupe F treated the audience to an event of such glittery splendour and awesome proportions that the show remains etched in many New Zealanders' memories. Now, they return with a new production inspired by the volcanic hills of the Auckland Isthmus and the wondrous Auckland landscape. The Breath of the Volcano draws on symbols of the land, sea and air, and explores the meeting of man and the natural environment, in a performance that showcases light in all its brilliant forms. Fire mastery, large scale projection, LED-lit costumes and superlative fireworks will provide the whole family with endless wonder and excitement.
Founded in 1990 by pyrotechnics visionary Christophe Berthonneau, Groupe F is a collective of some of the world's most masterful pyrotechnic artists, widely acknowledged for their spectacular open-air performances at some of the world's largest festivals, and their jaw-dropping pyrotechnic displays. They have lit up the Eiffel Tower, the Stade de France for the Football World Cup, the London Eye and the Palace of Versailles. They've been a sparkling presence at momentous celebrations around the globe, from the opening of the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, to the Barcelona Olympics.  The Company is currently artist-in-residence at Avignon Festival.
The Company undertakes extensive research when creating location and event-specific works like The Breath of the Volcano. This Auckland Arts Festival world premiere showcases an entirely original soundscape, composed and created by prolific American electro-acoustic composer Scott Gibbons, from in-person recordings at places like Rangitoto, Piha and the Auckland Harbour.
The Breath of the Volcano is open to people of all ages, and families with children are welcome. It is an outdoor performance, so audiences are encouraged to arrive early, bring a picnic rug to the Domain's Upper Field, and enjoy the pre-show entertainment from 8pm. The story will be played out with projections against the western side of the Auckland Museum, which makes this large scale production an intimate experience.
Transport recommendations will be available closer to the time on www.aaf.co.nz.
www.aaf.co.nz
What we create are small miracles in large dimensions: mastering fire, walking on water, flying through the air, assisting in the big bang.  - Christophe Berthonneau, Groupe F Artistic Director
Scott Gibbons' music... feels as if it is happening inside your own head. - The Guardian
SEASON DETAILS
Show The Breath of the Volcano
Where Auckland Domain, Upper Field
When Thursday  7 March - Saturday  9 March
Gates open 6.45pm, show starts 9pm
Duration 55mins
Getting there and away For information on travel and transport options to the Auckland Domain check:
www.aaf.co.nz
Price General Admission $28 / Gate Sales $33; General Admission Child ( 14 and under)  $10; General Admission Child (4 and under) Free
Outdoor performance. Limited capacity of 20,000 per night - book early
Bookings Book at THE EDGE: www.buytickets.co.nz / 09 357 3355 / 0800 289 842
Group bookings: groups@the-edge.co.nz / 09 357 3354
Ticketmaster outlets: www.ticketmaster.co.nz / 09 970 9700 / 0800 289 842
Information www.aaf.co.nz
Social Media Facebook: facebook.com/Aklfestival
Twitter: @Aklfestival
Video www.groupef.com
Media enquiries Siobhan Waterhouse, Publicist
P: +64 (0)9 374 0317 | M: +64 (0) 22 126  4149 | E: siobhan.waterhouse@aucklandfestival.co.nz
Sponsored by Classic Hits
With support from the Embassy of France, New Zealand and Auckland Museum

 

Thursday 7 March - Saturday 9 March, 2013

Upper Field, Auckland Domain

 

WORLD PREMIERE - THREE NIGHTS ONLY

 

The world-renowned pyrotechnic performance maestros, Groupe F, have created a brilliant new show especially for Auckland and Auckland Arts Festival 2013 - The Breath of the Volcano. For three magical nights from 7 - 9 March, the Auckland Domain and Museum will be the backdrop for this spectacular world premiere from the artists who create miracles with projection, fire and light.

 

At Auckland Arts Festival 2007, Groupe F treated the audience to an event of such glittery splendour and awesome proportions that the show remains etched in many New Zealanders' memories. Now, they return with a new production inspired by the volcanic hills of the Auckland Isthmus and the wondrous Auckland landscape. The Breath of the Volcano draws on symbols of the land, sea and air, and explores the meeting of man and the natural environment, in a performance that showcases light in all its brilliant forms. Fire mastery, large scale projection, LED-lit costumes and superlative fireworks will provide the whole family with endless wonder and excitement.

 

Founded in 1990 by pyrotechnics visionary Christophe Berthonneau, Groupe F is a collective of some of the world's most masterful pyrotechnic artists, widely acknowledged for their spectacular open-air performances at some of the world's largest festivals, and their jaw-dropping pyrotechnic displays. They have lit up the Eiffel Tower, the Stade de France for the Football World Cup, the London Eye and the Palace of Versailles. They've been a sparkling presence at momentous celebrations around the globe, from the opening of the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, to the Barcelona Olympics.  The Company is currently artist-in-residence at Avignon Festival.

 

The Company undertakes extensive research when creating location and event-specific works like The Breath of the Volcano. This Auckland Arts Festival world premiere showcases an entirely original soundscape, composed and created by prolific American electro-acoustic composer Scott Gibbons, from in-person recordings at places like Rangitoto, Piha and the Auckland Harbour.

 

The Breath of the Volcano is open to people of all ages, and families with children are welcome. It is an outdoor performance, so audiences are encouraged to arrive early, bring a picnic rug to the Domain's Upper Field, and enjoy the pre-show entertainment from 8pm. The story will be played out with projections against the western side of the Auckland Museum, which makes this large scale production an intimate experience.

 

Transport recommendations will be available closer to the time on www.aaf.co.nz.

 

www.aaf.co.nz

 

What we create are small miracles in large dimensions: mastering fire, walking on water, flying through the air, assisting in the big bang. - Christophe Berthonneau, Groupe F Artistic Director

 

Scott Gibbons' music... feels as if it is happening inside your own head. - The Guardian

 

SEASON DETAILS

 

Show The Breath of the Volcano

Where Auckland Domain, Upper Field

When Thursday  7 March - Saturday  9 March

Gates open 6.45pm, show starts 9pm

Duration 55mins

Getting there and away For information on travel and transport options to the Auckland Domain check:

 

www.aaf.co.nz

 

Price General Admission $28 / Gate Sales $33; General Admission Child ( 14 and under)  $10; General Admission Child (4 and under) Free

Outdoor performance. Limited capacity of 20,000 per night - book early

Bookings Book at THE EDGE: www.buytickets.co.nz / 09 357 3355 / 0800 289 842

Group bookings: groups@the-edge.co.nz / 09 357 3354

Ticketmaster outlets: www.ticketmaster.co.nz / 09 970 9700 / 0800 289 842

Information www.aaf.co.nz

Social Media Facebook: facebook.com/Aklfestival

Twitter: @Aklfestival

Video www.groupef.com

Media enquiries Siobhan Waterhouse, Publicist P: +64 (0)9 374 0317 | M: +64 (0) 22 126  4149 | E: siobhan.waterhouse@aucklandfestival.co.nz

 

Sponsored by Classic Hits

With support from the Embassy of France, New Zealand and Auckland Museum