Photos and review: Brendan Delavere
A first and a final show. The first time Heilung have brought their ritual to the state of Queensland, and the final show of this mammoth tour across the continent. At one point it seemed unlikely that this show would go ahead, as the heavens gave way, drenching Brisbane in thunder, lighting, and hail. The Gods were not happy.
Gates were kept locked at Riverstage and patrons were directed to seek shelter. With time ticking away, the storm pushed east, the rain easing enough to forge ahead with the ritual.
With news that gates were open, Eivor took to the stage almost immediately for a shortened opening set, frustrating for most (myself included) who were stuck in the mile long line that snaked through Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens.
The pattering of rain continued, face paint and intricate makeup running down faces, flower crowns looking swampy, but the packed out amphitheatre didn’t appear to care. A hush falls across the crowd as the opening ceremony begins. The respect given from the audiences on this tour is always striking, with no one yelling out or interrupting, it’s humbling to witness.
If you, dear reader, have read our review of the Sydney show, you would know what happens next, as the warriors descend upon the stage, striking fear into the hearts of all. Drumming, the drums that never cease, the drums that a thousand years ago would instill a chill down the spine of any who heard them coming in the mist. It is booming, it is brash, it is a sight to behold.
But it is gorgeous.
Asja is a melancholy slow burn, the warriors form a circle, clapping in time. The rain soaked crowd clap in time as well. Lightning streaks across the sky, now miles away, too far to hear the thunder over the clapping of the warriors. The natural amphitheatre of the Riverstage is the perfect venue for this. Tenet; the crowd stand in silence as Faust binds one of the warriors with rope, her arms tethered to her spear, defiant in his face as he pulls the rope hard around her neck. This tale of death and rebirth, as Maria releases her from her binding, told in so many languages.
Ending, as they do every night, with Hamrer Hippyer, Heilung and audience as one, dancing, free flowing and free thought, a rain dance to appease the old gods.
This performance is healing, beautiful, inspiring, it’s of another world, another time.
Thank you.