Vespers
Vespers reimagines Walyalup’s waters with a drifting chorus.
On the horizon, a small fleet of couta sailing boats assembles – calling out to the bilya (river), the wardan (ocean), while community gathers along the shoreline. Vespers is a sound, music and performance piece, carried across the river and sea.
An expanded presentation of its 2021 premiere, Vespers, reunites composer Rachael Dease and sound designer Tim Collins with Perth’s community of couta boat custodians and sailors. Over three weekends, these vessels become a floating choir, offering a sonic procession shaped by light, weather and water.
Live-mixed from the shoreline and from aboard the vessels, Vespers unfolds in real time. Boats drift downstream at sunrise and sunset—at once performers, dancers, and orchestra. With three new shows created for each location alongside local community choirs, Dease’s powerful new work is amplified across the water.
Vespers is created for the community, an offering of quietude and connection in uncertain times.
Date, Time and Location
Waylen Bay, Applecross (below goolugatup heathcote reserve)
Sat 15 Nov, 6.15pm
John Tonkin Reserve, East Fremantle
Sat 22 Nov, 6.15pm
Manjaree (Bathers Beach)
Sat 29 Nov & Sun 30 Nov, 7am
Entry
Free
audio-described performance
Sat 15 Nov, 6pm
Image Credit
1. Photo: Rachael Dease, 2021; 2. Photo: DUNCAN WRIGHT; 3. PHOTO: DUNCAN WRIGHT
Rachael Dease’s artistic practice encompasses art music, dance and theatre scoring, installation and songwriting, often with an emphasis on community and connection. While her own music projects have garnered international critical acclaim and multiple awards, Dease is a quintessential and in-demand collaborator – creating large and small scale works across many genres. Classically trained, with a knowledge of sound design and production, she creates music and sound that supports, enhances, elevates, and extends.
Tim Collins is a multifaceted professional in the entertainment industry, working as a sound designer, composer, musician, technician, and tour manager. Since 2001, he has built a diverse career spanning theatre, festivals, concerts, studio production, musical theatre, and live broadcast, with extensive experience in both performance and production logistics. Tim has also contributed to arts education as a mentor and lecturer at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and Curtin University. His recent composition and sound design credits include Hoods (Barking Gecko Arts) and The Pool (Black Swan State Theatre Company). In 2022, he was awarded the Performing Arts WA Award for Outstanding Sound Design for his work on Cicada (Barking Gecko Theatre).
Waylen Bay, Applecross
The Strand,
Applecross
John Tonkin Reserve, East Fremantle
RIVERSIDE DRIVE,
EAST Fremantle
Manjaree (Bathers Beach Precinct)
Bathers Beach,
Fremantle
Duration: 45 minutes
WAYLEN BAY, APPLECROSS: Visit the dedicated Event Page here for more information.
JOHN TONKIN RESERVE, EAST FREMANTLE
Event Information:
The recommended viewing area is an outdoor beach and grassed area. As this work occurs around sunset, we recommend bringing warm clothes, water, a rug to sit on.
Food and beverages will not be available at this event but you are welcome to BYO picnic.
There is limited shelter available at this location. In the event of inclement weather certain this event may be delayed or cancelled. Please follow Fremantle Biennale on social media for up-to-date information.
Latecomers: Latecomers will be admitted but may miss out!
BATHER BEACH, FREMANTLE
Event Information: This event takes place outdoors at the Manjaree Precinct, next to the J Shed at Bathers Beach, Fremantle. The recommended viewing area is the beach area at Bathers Beach from Kidogo through to the J Shed.
We recommend bringing water and a rug to sit on.
Breakfast snacks will be available at our Community Kitchen from Teeter Bakery and Duck Duck Bruce from 8am.
You are welcome to BYO coffee and breakfast picnic.
There is limited shelter available at this location. In the event of inclement weather certain this event may be delayed or cancelled. Please follow Fremantle Biennale on social media for up-to-date information.
WAYLEN BAY, APPLECROSS: Visit the dedicated Event Page for more information.
JOHN TONKIN RESERVE, EAST FREMANTLE
Parking: Parking can be located at: Zephyr Car Park
Town of East Fremantle, Public Car Park No 4
Public Transport: Take the Fremantle Line to Fremantle Station. From here you can catch the 148 bus (approx. 20 minutes) or walk (50 minutes)
BATHERS BEACH, FREMANTLE
Parking:
Round House Car Park
Marine Terrace Car Park 2
45 Mews Rd Parking
Esplanade Car Park
Public Transport: Bathers Beach is a 10-minute walk from Fremantle Train Station, the final stop on the Fremantle line. Several CAT and local bus routes also stop nearby.
WAYLEN BAY, APPLECROSS: Visit the dedicated Event Page for more information.
JOHN TONKIN RESERVE, EAST FREMANTLE
The event area is accessed along a pedestrian footpath and boardwalk, or via a grassed area.
A large part of the viewing area is located on the beach area with soft sand. However, a accessible viewing area will be set up at the Boardwalk. Signage and our Event Staff will be available to point this out.
Accessible parking is located at the Zephyr Car Park, which is 150m from the event area.
An accessible portable toilets will be available at the event site.
BATHERS BEACH, FREMANTLE
While viewing location is located on the beach, Vespers can also be viewed along the boardwalk at Bathers Beach in front of Kidogo Art House. Accessible viewing locations will be marked and Event Staff on site to point out the locations. w
The nearest accessible toilets can be located at Esplanade Park Public Toilets and Arthur Head Public Toilets. The nearest ACROD parking can be located at Marine Terrace Car Park and Little High Street Parking.
