Fire Gardens

Fire Gardens is everything you would hope.  It is one of those unique and rare experiences that can be enjoyed with a group of people or as a pensive individual in a crowd.  It is a unifying, nourishing, transcendent, personal journey.

My plus one and I wandered, happily intrigued, from sunset for at least 90 enjoyable minutes.  

Set in Melbourne’s exquisite Botanic Gardens, all four elements are combined – Earth, Water, Air and finally, satisfyingly, Fire.  This last element brought to us by French artists Compagnie Carabosse, who are ever present amongst the installation tending and managing the multifarious flames. 

In Greek Mythology Titan - Prometheus brought mankind the gift of fire and therefore the opportunity to develop the skill of working with metal.  This could explain the whimsical little, seemingly incongruous, mechanical metal bike riders that line the entrance paths to this magnificent installation.

Several, instituted pergolas house individual musicians playing ephemeral and ethereal music reminiscent of Klezmer using instruments such as cello, guitar and clarinet (I think).  This adds a sublime European sensitivity and wistful, emotional depth to the experience.

More satisfying and less transient than fireworks, and yet, still evanescent, each aspect of the installation offers an opportunity for individual interpretation by the immersed audience.

It is unlikely that any two evenings will be the same due to climactic variations.  I could easily be enticed back if there were any tickets to be had. This event is sold out and there is a waiting list.  If you have purchased tickets – don’t miss it.

Suzanne Sandow