Taking Stock (Friday)
A Transcendental Tiny Restaurant Experience
“Although cultures in all corners of the world have imported and adapted the sauna, many of the traditional customs have not survived the journey”.
– Wikipedia, s.v “Sauna” (accessed 11 April, 2024)
Taking Stock is a transcendental broth-powered sauna experience created by interdisciplinary artist Bethany J. Fellows in collaboration with James Paul. Be guided through a multi-sensory meditation while sipping on an umami broth in this custom-built installation. Rest, rejuvenate and contemplate the horror of existence as Narrm slips into the depths of winter.
Powered through conventional cooking and kitchen equipment, induction stovetops heat large pots of simmering broth specially prepared for the event. Designed for only eight people at a time, engage your senses in this sonic, visual and visceral experience like no other.
Taking Stock is also showing on Saturday 25 May.
Time: 5pm – 10pm (multiple sessions)
Duration: 15 minutes
Location: MPavilion Parkville
University Square
Grattan St, Parkville VIC 3010
Access information
- MPavilion Parkville is level, step-free venue. Access to the venue is via a mixed-surface path consisting of lawn and a section of gravel. Accessible bathrooms are located in an adjacent building.
- There will be a strong smell of broth, some music and flashing lights throughout the experience, and you can leave at any time.
- A visual story for MPavilion Parkville is currently in development and will be available soon.
- MPavilion Parkville transport and parking(.pdf)
- MPavilion Parkville transport and parking(.docx)
- MPavilion visual story (.docx)
- MPavilion visual story (.pdf)
Other event info
- Ages 18+
- A cup of vegetarian and gluten free broth will be provided as part of the experience. Due to the experimental nature of this event and the limited resources on site, we are unable to offer alternative menu items. Please include any allergies/dietaries when purchasing a ticket.
- This event has a strictly limited capacity. Information on what to bring and wear will go out after booking.
- Please note this is a sauna experience in which the heat can raise your skin temperature and cause heavy sweating. Each session will last for approximately 15 minutes. If you are pregnant, claustrophobic or concerned about excess heat, please reach out to nextwave@nextwave.org.au before booking tickets.
- Due to the intimate nature of this event, no latecomers will be admitted.
Illustration by Bethany J. Fellows
Supported by
Bethany J. Fellows
Bethany J. Fellows (born Tucson, Arizona 1983) is a Melbourne/Narrm-based artist and set and costume designer for theatre. Bethany holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Newcastle (2004) majoring in screen printing and a Bachelor of Fine Art with Honours from Monash University (2010) in live art and participatory practices. They studied at the Victorian College of the Arts under the Masters of Design for Performance program (2017–2018).
Taking a sabbatical from art to pursue a highly stressful collaborative theatre practice, this is Bethany’s first public presentation of art work since 'The Hobart Urban Illumination Project' (2011). Over a period of four weeks over winter, Bethany drove a modified Toyota Landcruiser through suburban Hobart, bathing houses in light and sound in an effort to help mitigate Seasonal Affective Disorder caused by the shadow of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Throughout the season Bethany would cook a high Vitamin D breakfast-in-bed for those who requested. Their work often engages with public space utilising food and humour.