Kid's Country

Imagine, if they could talk, what would Colac Otway Shire landmarks would have to say? As you make your way around Colac Otway Shire, you’ll be able to listen to the inner thoughts of some of our most beloved landmarks. If you can, listen through headphones so you can enjoy the binaural sound design experience. The Object Monologues - Colac is a new work by Barking Spider Visual Theatre. We acknowledge the Gulidjan and Gadubanud peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of this land. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and thank any Gulidjan and Gadubanud people listening today. This project has been Proudly supported by Colac Otway Shire and Vic Health.

Imagine, if they could talk, what would Geelong's landmarks have to say? As you make your way around Geelong, you’ll be able to listen to the inner thoughts of some of our most beloved landmarks. If you can, listen through headphones so you can enjoy the binaural sound design experience. The Object Monologues - Geelong is a new work by Barking Spider Visual Theatre and presented in partnership with Creative Geelong. We acknowledge the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of this land. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and thank any Wadawurrung people listening today. For deaf/hard of hearing accessible scripts, please email us at: contact(at)barkingspidertheatre.com.au This project has been supported by the City of Greater Geelong through the Arts & Culture Arts Industry Commissions. The Object Monologues is a geolocated audio experience where the personality, idiosyncrasies, passions, loves and losses of landmarks and significant public objects are brought to life. Created site-specifically, the character of each landmark object is crafted from historical research and blended with a whimsical twist. We hope you find joy in delight as you wander, listen and imagine. Creative Team: Writer & Director - Penelope Bartlau Sound Design - Vicki Hallett Photographer - Sarah Walker Producer - Luisa La Fornara for Creative Geelong and Barking Spider Visual Theatre This project has been supported by the City of Greater Geelong through the Arts & Culture Arts Industry Commissions.

test run

This is a sound story describing a curious dog playing in this park where she brings her human for a walk. Please put on your headphones on a sunny morning to immerse yourself in this two-minute soundtrack.

I aim to create a soundscape that depicts an experience of reality using a relatable concept that involves the inability to simply “shut off” your mind and fully relax in a calming environment. The sight I have selected is Port Melbourne beach as a backdrop for my soundscape to take place, associating the beach with relaxation and tranquillity- an escape from everyday life. However, despite being in a relaxing space, the stress of life is constant, and our thoughts may hinder our ability to fully appreciate the environment’s peacefulness. The intended experience is for the listener to attempt to focus on the calming sounds that are already existing at Port Melbourne Beach, while harsh elements are gradually introduced making it harder and harder to focus on the existing environment. The audience is eventually unable to relax due to the build-up of newly formed sounds that are not present in their surroundings. They cannot see these elements, but they are there with them. As the sounds continue to compile and add to the soundscape, they mirror the consistent thoughts that infinitely accumulate in the headspace. The mind is going a mile a minute, unable to slow down or shut off. One thought adds to another until it becomes almost impossible to relax, despite the calm surroundings of the beach environment.

My concept for this soundscape design is to make Bulk Park more relaxing but also inviting through the use of natural sound materials for residents, workers and visitors. As a resident in Docklands myself, I'm very familiar with the space. I believe that listening to natural sound can boost mood and decrease stress, therefore mainly sounds from the nature will be used in the sound walk. After reading Elizabeth Millard's scholarly article "Why The Sounds Of Nature Are So Good For Health And Well-being" I became more confident with this concept. I also used various sounds of water to reflect the original wetland environment that existed here before the creation of Victoria Harbour. Buluk park has been designed as an everyday green space and a key destination for special events. The space provides 3 play space zone: Sensory play, Water play and Adventure play. By combining different natural sound materials I will design a rich continuous journey of diverse sensory experience.

A changed experience

Going through the city, passing through busy traffic, waling without destination, lost in the modern world, full of anxiety and nervous, when everything getting out of order, all the things restart with belling of church in the distance, away from all the noise and chaos, finally comes to the deep realization of heart.

The music of the exhibition, the sound of my guitar playing, the sound of bells, birds chirping, and the sound of boiling water and rain combined to create a comforting sound.