Thaw

Overview

A nearly three-tonne block of ice will be suspended above Sydney Harbour slowly melting over the course of the day as part of Sydney Festival's free arts program. On this huge block of water? A series of performance artists utilising it as a temporary stage before it disappears.

Thaw will take place above the harbour over three days between Friday, January 14 and Sunday, January 16. Each day at 10am, a new block of ice will be suspended and the performers will ascend into the sky accompanied by a score from Alaskan composer Matthew Burtner. Come 8.30pm each night, the performance comes to an end when the last piece of ice returns to water.

Making powerful statements on climate change and sustainability, Thaw has been created by local theatre and arts company Legs on the Wall in collaboration with Sydney Opera House. Each performance is free to view from Circular Quay for the duration of the day, however to witness the thrilling conclusion, its recommend you head over around 7.30pm. You can also view it via live stream as part of the Sydney Festival's digital program.

Alongside the set of performances will be a pair of free talks from climate leaders and community members presenting a series of ten-minute speeches adressing climate change and how was can take action against it.

Images: Shane Rozario. Image courtesy of the artists and Mona Foma.