Supersense 2017

If you’re into contemporary performing arts, then Supersense is for you.

Created by Arts Centre Melbourne and wandering entertainer, Sophia Brous, Supersense is an assault on the feels. The 3-day “festival as theatre” is dedicated to “exploring the many planes of perspectives of ecstatic experience”.

“Wondrous, hilarious and magnificent” – The Age

If you’re like me, after reading that you immediately channelled the thinking face emoji. However, after a little more research, I’ve found out that “exploring the many planes of perspectives of ecstatic experience” is modern hippyish for – be happy and get spiritual and watch happy people sing, dance and flutter about the city.

“A life-changing experience” – The AU Review

It’s actually a rather pleasant thought (thinking face emoji has been replaced with less sceptical emoji with Bowie-esque lightning bolt across face).

“Supersense’s success had less to do with the pleasures of individual performance than the festival’s overall curation and concept. I wouldn’t have changed a thing” – Resident Advisor

The 3-day festival is held in a variety of Arts Centre Melbourne’s underground walkways, venues and performance spaces. This year’s eclectic program boasts the likes of Nazoranai, Lullaby Movement, the music of Alice Coltrane performed by the Sai Anantam Ashram Singers and Overground (a festival within a festival).

In addition to those listed, we recommend you go see:

Kimbra

This Kiwi producer, musician and performer is one talented kid. You probably know her as that chick that absolutely killed it on, ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’, the Grammy Award-winning duet with Gotye.

At Supersense, Kimbra will be performing re-imaginings of past material, as well as debuting new tunes.

Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso UFO

What a name. AMT&TMPU, a tripped out crew of musicians, dancers, artists, farmers, channellers, ex-yakuza, mermaid researchers and professional vagrants, will be gracing the Aussie shores for the first time. Get ready for anything.

Pussy Riot Theatre

A Russian feminist protest punk band that had the balls (for lack of a better word) to stick it to the man… and in Russia, “the man” is Putin. That’s damn courageous. Pussy Riot Theatre is production of band member, Maria Alyokhina’s forthcoming book, Riot Days.

Get weird.

Supersense will run from August 18-2.

words by niall roeder