Latest news with #immersiveexperience
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Mail & Guardian
Structures of the forgotten: An installation of song, soil and spirit
Gebedswolke, The Prayer Clouds, by Igshaan Adams. (Photo supplied) Installation art has always fascinated me. The idea of an artwork that you can touch, interact with, and even walk in and out of, takes the meaning of the word 'immersive' to a whole new level. Which is why I'm excited when I hear there's a new exhibition at the Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation. Structures doesn't disappoint. This latest exhibition is an exploration of the factors — historical, cultural, racial, spatial — that inform the way people shape and create the environments they call home. The works were created by a selection of artists and architects from Algeria to Angola, France to Iran, India to Tunisia, Switzerland to Brazil and, of course, right here in South Africa. The variety among them is astounding, running the gamut from an ancient Algerian city recreated with 300kg of cooked couscous on a wooden table to a series of 'prayer clouds', made of beads, wire, thread, linoleum, fabric, twine and cotton, reflecting the hopes of the residents of a small Cape Town community. But the one that most caught my attention was simply titled Dinokana — named after a village in North West, rebuilt after the Bahurutshe were dispersed during the Mfecane. Dinokana. (Photo supplied) The installation was produced by the Johannesburg-based interdisciplinary artist collaborative Madeyoulook, led by Molemo Moiloa and Nare Mokgotho. They've been working together for 16 years and their practice centres around knowledge creation, particularly knowledge that emerges from the rhythms and routines of black urban life in South Africa. As Moiloa said during the media preview I attended on the eve of the exhibition's official opening: 'We make our work from this place and for this place. So, it's really an incredible gift to be able to share it here.' The installation was originally commissioned by the department of sport, arts and culture for last year's South African Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, titled Quiet Ground, curated by Portia Malatjie and managed by Makgati Molebatsi. It speaks to a rich but largely forgotten history. The previous home of the Bahurutshe, Kaditshwene, was at one point in the late 1800s larger than Cape Town. This heritage is mostly hidden away on private farms or lost in archives. But through Madeyoulook's installation, it's finding a second life. Dinokana is the second in a series of installations, building on their earlier work, Mafolofolo, first exhibited in 2022 at the 15th edition of Documenta, a contemporary art fair that takes place in Kassel, Germany every five years. 'That work was really informed by research we've been doing since 2017 in the northern part of Mpumalanga, around a historic group called Bakoni,' says Moiloa. 'And we were really interested in Bakoni because, in a way, they no longer exist, having been subsumed into other groups, particularly Bapedi, but one of the things that is left of them is the stone ruins of their villages, which cover about 100km of the Mpumalanga escarpment, but that are not very well-known to South Africans.' 'This is the kind of structure and architecture that litters the landscape but it's also a really interesting kind of memory of these people who had this really deep relationship to land.' As Moiloa traced the history of the Bakoni — successful agriculturalists who developed technologies like terracing and who were displaced repeatedly over time — the deeper narrative began to crystallise. South Africa is a country where, three decades after apartheid, land ownership remains grossly unequal. Dinokana confronted me with the reality of how so many African tribes used to live in thriving, self-sustaining kingdoms but, through the cycles of dispersion and disruption caused by events such as Mfecane, colonialism, and apartheid — episodes of plunder and oppression that tore apart communities — these kingdoms were left in ruin or simply decayed until they were only a shadow of their former selves. The installation becomes a potent meditation on both the violence of separation from the land and the ambiguity of what return means. The question is not simply about restitution but reconstruction — how does humanity rebuild itself through, and with, nature and land? The Dinokana installation brings these questions to life through three complementary components: the soundscape, the landscape and the rainscape. The first is the most immersive. It's essential, I think, that anyone visiting the installation stays for the full 20-minute duration. The soundscape is built around archival recordings of women in Dinokana from the 1950s, singing rain and harvest songs. These songs were revisited by contemporary musicians but not without difficulty. 'They struggled to reinterpret the songs in large part because the syncopation was so complex,' Moiloa explained. 'A lot of these songs would have been sung while physically working and yet they were too complex for professional musicians to find their way through.' While I was there, I closed my eyes and let the sounds wash over me, imagining what life must have been like for the Bakoni people at the pinnacle of their time in history. The sounds of tribal songs and chants were especially entrancing for me and made me think about how singing is such an important aspect of rural life. 'But Dinokana is also interesting because today it is sand,' says Moiloa. 'It's a really dry, dusty place, but when you go into the archives, you learn that at some point it was growing so much food that it was exporting to Kimberley, to the mines. 'And so there comes this question of, 'Hey, if this was growing so much food how is it so dry now?'' Moiloa asked. 'And the question there is around relationships to water.' A key part of the rainscape is the resurrection plant, a stalky miracle of nature that appears dead during the dry season, only to unfurl and flourish when rain comes. Moiloa gestures to it as a symbol: 'Even if you take a little stalk and you put it in a cup of water, then in three days it goes green, and the leaves kind of reopen. We are interested in this plant as a kind of reference to, again, this question of cycles of care and dying and regrowth.' Then there's the storm. The entire composition of the sound installation mirrors the life of a Johannesburg thunderstorm. 'You'll notice it starts off kind of slow, grows into a bit of a crescendo, comes down and then grows up again into a crescendo,' Moiloa said, 'the way thunderstorms often do here.' 'You'll get a bit of a warning shot, a little bit of rain that tells you to go before the huge storm,' she says. The installation's structure references the architectural ingenuity of the Bakoni and Bahurutshe, particularly their water-channelling technologies. This indigenous infrastructure, so tied to climate, landscape and spiritual practice, is at the heart of Dinokana's quiet urgency. Dinokana resists didacticism. Its message is carried not in slogans, but in song. It allows you to feel what was lost, to imagine what could be rebuilt. The installation quietly honours another historical episode that's not well known: Dinokana was one of the first places where pass laws were tested on women, sparking massive rural protests. 'There are images of military planes flying over groups of women who are protesting,' Moiloa noted. 'It's this sort of battle between women and a state that happens in the rural areas at this time.' As I interacted with the space I couldn't help but think about humanity's relationship to nature, about how the Bahurutshe interacted with the land that they worked to produce food in Dinokana, the songs they would sing while working as a prayer for good harvest and also the songs they would sing to call for rain to water their crops and help them grow. The significance of rain in societies dependent on agriculture is not foreign to me. In Setswana the word 'pula' means rain. It's also the name of the national currency in Botswana. Even as the country's economy has become less agriculturally based, rain is still regarded as a blessing — although the recent downpours that caused floods in the capital Gaborone and other towns might have been considered too much of a good thing! A popular celebratory expression used in different contexts from school graduations and job promotions to marriages and the birth of children is to exclaim, 'Pula, Motswana! Pula!' In Botswana, just as in Dinokana, the rain was never just rain. It was the return of life. It was the rekindling of memory. And it was a promise of the potential of tomorrow. Marks of Home by Rebecca Potterton. (Photo supplied) Structures runs until 15 November at the Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation.
CNA
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Back to the Future: Travel back in time at 'Rewind.Remix.Replay: SG Edition'
CNA938 Rewind Play In 'Made in SG', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the founders, curators & creators of the immersive music and pop culture experience: 'Rewind, Replay, Remix: SG Edition' now happening at GastroBeats, one of Singapore's largest food and music festivals. Andrea Poh and Ng Yong Thong, co-founders of AJX Collective – a Made in SG creative incubator for immersive experiences – describe what it's like going through 'Rewind, Replay, Remix: SG Edition', comprising three zones that celebrate the songs that shaped generations of Singaporeans - from the 1950s until today, even beyond. CNA938 Rewind - Love our Planet - EC Environmental Film Festival 2025 I n 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro finds out where film fans can go to attend the Singapore Environment Council or SEC Environmental Film Festival, a three-day screening event that seeks to engage individuals and communities to become stewards of the planet. Organised by SEC in partnership with the Singapore Film Society, SEC's Executive Director Cheang Kok Chung, will highlight the chosen films: 'Savages', 'A Crack in the Mountain' and 'Future Council'. All will be screened at Golden Village Suntec City. Cheang will also reveal where proceeds from the ticket sales will go and why all movie ticket sales are eligible for tax rebates. 17 mins CNA938 Rewind - Bhumi — A Bold, New & Inclusive Dance-Theatre Production In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro finds out more about an inclusive dance-theatre production, 'Bhumi', staged by Maya Dance Theatre and the Diverse Abilities Dance Collective (DADC). 'Bhumi' is performed by artists with disabilities from Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia - featuring original choreography, poetry, and music. Kavitha, Jiaying and Shahrin - the various creatives involved in 'Bhumi' - will explain why it's more than just a performance; it is a call to action, and a moving celebration of difference, courage, and connection. 29 mins CNA938 Rewind - Back to the Future: Travel back in time at ' SG Edition' In 'Made in SG', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the founders, curators & creators of the immersive music and pop culture experience: 'Rewind, Replay, Remix: SG Edition' now happening at GastroBeats, one of Singapore's largest food and music festivals. Andrea Poh and Ng Yong Thong, co-founders of AJX Collective – a Made in SG creative incubator for immersive experiences – describe what it's like going through 'Rewind, Replay, Remix: SG Edition', comprising three zones that celebrate the songs that shaped generations of Singaporeans - from the 1950s until today, even beyond. 34 mins CNA938 Rewind - More innovation and collaboration needed to sustain Singapore's farm businesses Singapore has actively worked to increase agricultural production and create a safety net for our nation in the event of a food supply chain disruption. But, high local produce costs for consumers have led farmers to look at new ways to appeal to buyers and ensure business survival. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak with Grace Lim, CEO, Urban Farming Partners. She runs GroGrace, a local urban farm that cultivates 14 varieties of vegetables. 12 mins
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Fresh Family Experiences for 2025 at Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa
Exciting new facilities and immersive experiences enhance this award-winning beachfront retreat for every generation. DA NANG, Vietnam, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With a reputation for meaningful family getaways, Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa continues to raise the bar with new, thoughtfully designed offerings in 2025. Spanning 49 acres of tropical gardens and 700 meters of pristine beach, the resort was recently named to Travel + Leisure's 2025 T+L 500 list of the best hotels in the world, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for multigenerational travelers seeking both relaxation and enrichment. In 2025, the resort introduces two signature experiences crafted especially for families. Launched this year, The Little Farm offers children a chance to slow down and connect with nature in a safe, engaging environment. Featuring friendly animals such as rabbits and goats, this gentle outdoor experience encourages empathy, wonder, and hands-on learning, creating cherished memories for young explorers and their families. Also new is the latest chapter of Le Petit Chef. Titled In the Footsteps of Marco Polo, this immersive 3D dining journey blend storytelling, flavors, and captivating animation, offering an unforgettable multi-sensory adventure for guests of all ages. Adding to the lineup of family-friendly facilities, the newly introduced Two Twin Beds with Garden room offers exclusive outdoor space just steps from the pool and beach, a perfect combination of relaxation and easy resort access. These additions enhance a vibrant array of activities, joy, and discovery. Camp Hyatt remains a standout feature, boasting one of Southeast Asia's largest kids' zones with indoor and outdoor play areas, a dedicated children's pool, and a full-day program of creative and active learning to keep little ones engaged throughout their stay. Families can also enjoy lively moments together at Vive Océane - Beach Club & Restaurant, where French Mediterranean-inspired beachfront dining and monthly themed parties create festive, memorable occasions. For active bonding, The Sports Lounge offers squash courts, a golf 3D simulator, and coaching sessions in golf and tennis, blending fun with skill-building. The resort's extensive recreational program caters to all ages and interests, encouraging guests to explore, play, and unwind. With five outdoor pools and direct access to the beach, guests can paddleboard, bodyboard, kayak, or simply relax while soaking in the stunning coastline of Da Nang. Meanwhile, parents can retreat to VIE Spa, which offers family-friendly treatments and serene spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the resort, families can deepen their connection with Vietnam's rich cultural heritage through day trips to nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary. From 31 May to 12 July, the Danang International Fireworks Festival 2025, lights up the sky with dazzling displays just a short drive from the resort, offering magical moments for the entire family to treasure. Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa invites families to create lasting memories in the heart of central Vietnam. For more information, visit or contact View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa
Geek Culture
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
Paramount Plans Immersive 'Top Gun' Danger Zone Experience In Las Vegas
Great balls of fire! Do you feel the need… the need for an immersive experience in the Danger Zone? Paramount Global and Advent Allen Entertainment have joined forces to transform Tom Cruise's legendary Top Gun franchise into a heart-pounding, immersive attraction on the Las Vegas Strip. Slated to launch in the summer of 2028, Top Gun Las Vegas (working title) promises to bring the thrill of high-speed aviation, daring maneuvers, and cinematic storytelling to life at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower. Fans will be able to step into the exhilarating world of Top Gun , as seen in both films ( Top Gun – 1986 and Top Gun: Maverick – 2022), embarking on pulse-pounding missions via cutting-edge fighter jet simulators and state-of-the-art thrill ride systems. The experience will apparently push the boundaries of immersive technology, blending breathtaking visuals with the intense action that has defined the film franchise. After their high-flying adventure, guests can kick back at Top Gun: Maverick 's Hard Deck, a reimagined bar and restaurant featuring live piano sing-alongs to 'Great Balls of Fire', good food, and killer drinks. Top Gun (1986) Top Gun: Maverick (2022) Pam Kaufman, President and CEO of International Markets, Global Consumer Products and Experiences at Paramount, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, 'This innovative venture marks a new milestone for Top Gun and expands Paramount's portfolio of immersive entertainment. We are committed to delivering authentic, mind-blowing experiences for fans, and Mark Advent and Bill Allen are the perfect team to make this destination soar.' Co-founder of Advent Allen Entertainment and creator of the famed New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Mark Advent, echoed this excitement: 'We're proud to unite with Paramount to bring this action-packed epic to life. We are pulling out all the stops to create an experience that embodies teamwork, excellence, speed, and the thrill of flying.' With its pulse-racing attractions, cinematic spectacle, and vibrant social atmosphere, Top Gun Las Vegas is set to be the ultimate destination for fans and adventure-seekers alike. In fact, Paramount and Advent Allen Entertainment are already exploring expansion opportunities for future locations throughout the U.S. and beyond. Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home's centre-piece. Las Vegas Paramount Global Top Gun Top Gun: Maverick
Thrill Geek
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
‘Top Gun' Experience Coming To Las Vegas
Paramount Global and Advent Allen Entertainment — led by entertainment visionary Mark Advent and hospitality pioneer A. William 'Bill' Allen III — today announced a partnership that will transform the iconic Top Gun movie franchise into one of the most adrenaline-charged, immersive experiences ever to hit the Las Vegas Strip. Located on an undeveloped site at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, this high-octane destination is set to ignite passions and forge unforgettable memories in one spectacular location. Scheduled to launch summer of 2028, Top Gun Las Vegas (working title) will be a revolutionary fusion of daring rides and cinematic storytelling. This bold new venture will seamlessly combine breathtaking visuals, high-energy entertainment, and the legendary spirit of Top Gun, complete with fighter jet simulators and more. Adding to the fun, guests will embark on a pulse-pounding mission using state-of-the-art thrill ride systems and immersive technology that will redefine the meaning of adventure, then kick back at the reimagined Top Gun: Maverick's Hard Deck bar and restaurant featuring live piano singalongs. Located in Las Vegas—the entertainment capital of the world—this gravity-defying experience promises to captivate and thrill like never before. The sky's the limit, with plans already being explored for future locations across the U.S. and around the globe. 'This innovative venture marks a new milestone for Top Gun and expands Paramount's portfolio of immersive entertainment,' said Pam Kaufman , President and CEO of International Markets, Global Consumer Products and Experiences at Paramount. 'Paramount is committed to delivering authentic, mind-blowing experiences for fans, and Mark Advent and Bill Allen are the perfect team to make this destination soar.' 'The Top Gun films are one of the most emotionally charged stories of our time,' said Mark Advent, co-founder of Advent Allen Entertainment and creator of the legendary New York New York Hotel & Casino. 'We're proud to unite with Paramount to bring this timeless, action-packed epic to life—delivering experiences that embody teamwork, excellence, the exhilaration of speed and the thrill of flying. We are pulling out all the stops and looking forward to bringing Top Gun to even higher heights on the Strip and beyond!' Bill Allen added, 'Working alongside the Paramount team has been incredible. We're thrilled to launch this unprecedented adventure—an experience that will redefine thrills, storytelling, and dining. Get ready—because this is one mission you won't want to miss!' Loaded with great food, killer drinks, and nonstop energy, this Top Gun adventure will be the ultimate spot to unwind, soak up the thrill, and embrace the good times. Strap in, rev up the engines for high-flying excitement, heart-racing action, and family-friendly fun. An action classic beloved by global audiences, the Top Gun franchise stars Tom Cruise as aviator Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, a daring flyer who first trains at the Navy's prestigious fighter weapons school, and 30 years later, returns to train a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission, the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen. After the original film cemented itself in pop culture, the follow-up, Top Gun: Maverick, was a box office smash, grossing $1.49 billion worldwide. Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83
