# Adelaide Festival’s Whale: Real life or Art?

**Latest News** — On Your Markus  
**Published:** 9 March 2024  
**Author:** Markus Hamence  
**Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/latest-news/adelaide-festivals-whale-real-life-or-art/

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A life-size, hyperreal sperm whale has beached itself on the shores of Glenelg (Pathawilyangga) Beach, delivering a powerful statement about the environment and climate change as a part of Adelaide Festival.

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Since 6am this morning, *Whale* has drawn hundreds of spectators to Glenelg Beach, eager to catch a glimpse. Created by Belgium-based group The Captain Boomer Collective, led by artist Bart Van Peel, this theatre piece blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Since 2008, Captain Boomer Collective’s *Whale *has made appearances in major cities including London, Paris, Warsaw and Madrid as well as smaller cities and villages across Europe. This is the first time *Whale* has been to Australia.

**Artistic Director of Captain Boomer Collective Bart van Peel** said: “The beaching of a whale has always been a solemn event, serving as a gigantic metaphor for the disruption of our ecological system. It evokes a sense of disturbance in people’s bond with nature. This is our first ever visit to Australia and we are thrilled to debut *Whale* on the beautiful shores of Glenelg Beach in Adelaide.”

**Artistic Director of Adelaide Festival** **Ruth Mackenzie** said: “This is art with purpose. With our understanding of the effects of climate change on the planet, this theatre piece is a powerful tool to drive the message home. We hope it sparks discussions within our communities about the impacts of climate.”

**Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels** said: “*Whale* is a testament to the Festival’s commitment to bringing thought-provoking works into public spaces. Urgent and evocative, it prompts reflection on our environmental impact and the imperative to act.”

*Whale* will remain on Glenelg beach from Saturday 9 March until Monday 11 March. Australian actors playing scientists will join the Captain Boomer team on the beach*. Whale *was created by CDM:Studio in Western Australia. 

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**FREE event at Glenelg (Pathawilyangga) Beach, Kaurna Country**

Sat 9 March 6am-9pm **| **Sun 10 March 10am-9pm **| **Mon 11 March 10am-6pm 

**The Captain Boomer Collective **was founded in 2008 and is based in Antwerp, Belgium. The company creates completely location-based shows that explore the boundaries between reality and fiction.

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