Reviewed by: Play & Go Adelaide
Review by Claire Davill | 18 February 2024
Sleep’s Hill Tunnel has been converted into an incredible Fringe Venue for the 2024 season. From the moment you enter the cool, dark tunnel environment – and what a welcome environment this is during an Adelaide summer’s day – you’ll be immersed in a series of installments that relate to the tunnel’s history from the old steam train railway connecting Adelaide to Melbourne, to a flourishing mushroom farm. Historical photos and film are projected onto the tunnel’s walls, screens with animations pondering the world beneath your feet surround you, and time lapse footage of fungi enchants from projections on the ceiling. Each installation is separated by a series of curtain light traps, allowing you to fully enjoy each installation before proceeding to the next one. You’ll see giant glowing mushrooms with a whimsical, fantastical glowing backdrop, and find yourself walking (or running, or dancing) through a tunnel of mirrors, changing lights and music. Finally, you’ll experience footage emerging from the tunnel into the leafy foothills and soaring above the southern suburbs. You are free to walk through the installations at your own pace, and after viewing the final installation you’ll need to walk back through the installations to exit the way you came in. This gives you the chance to view everything from multiple perspectives.