Umbrella performance prop used in the Sydney Olympic Games Opening Ceremony
Object No. 2001/84/44
Designed by Eamon D'Arcy, this was one of many ceremonial umbrellas to appear in the Opening Ceremony for the Sydney Olympic Games. Carried in the 'Arrivals' segment, it was part of a suite of Asian-inspired props that celebrated Australia's Asian population. As symbols of unity, the umbrellas were apt additions to the Opening Ceremony. Prop makers, Gustavo Balboa, Charles Gillespie and Jamie Gill, tested several umbrella prototypes before selecting three designs - the lencon, lotus and lily pad, popular foliage of Asia. Their yellow tones were reminiscent of the yellow Olympic ring - a symbol of the Asian continent. Made from aluminium poles and polyethylene foam, the lightweight umbrellas were held aloft throughout the segment. Described by the NSW premier Bob Carr as 'the greatest spectacle Australia has produced', the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games took place at Stadium Australia, Homebush Bay on Friday 15 September 2000. Though the ceremony featured anthems, speeches, oaths, flags, pop singers and a marching band, its daring conceptual sequences ('Deep Sea Dreaming', 'Awakening', 'Nature', 'Tin Symphony', 'Arrivals' and 'Eternity') will be remembered as the major imaginative works. Each segment commenced without interruption, following on from the last to form an overall narrative. The purpose was to project a national image to a worldwide audience, to form the world's vision of Australian culture. This image embraced tolerance, social progress, multiculturalism and reconciliation, as well as nature, history and creativity. Designed to stimulate emotional responses from the audience, these segments delivered a refreshing mixture of youth, naivety and larrikinism. Directed by Lex Marinos, the 'Arrivals' segment looked at Australia's history of migration. A joyful and powerful celebration of multiculturalism, it comprised floats representing five continents with costumed dancers symbolising new arrivals. These represented all the cultures, races, creeds and religions that are now part of the Australian nation. The groups cascaded into the arena in the order Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Oceania - the five regions that are symbolised by the Olympic rings. Huge masks and spectacular costumes were displayed within those groups. The costumes were designed by Jenny Kee (Africa and Americas), Lisa Ho (Asia), Peter Morrissey (Oceania) and Norma Moriceau (Europe). The climax saw the arrivals join together to form a giant human mosaic. Then they dispersed, leaving behind a large crowd of 2000 children, symbolising Australia's hope for a future of tolerance and understanding.
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Summary
Object Statement
Lotus flower umbrella, theatrical prop, aluminium tubing/polyethylene foam, designed by Eamon D'Arcy, made by Gustavo Balboa, Charles Gillespie and Jamie Gill, at the Ceremonies workshop, used in the 'Arrivals' segment of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, Sydney 2000
Physical Description
Lotus flower umbrella, theatrical prop, aluminium tubing/polyethylene foam, designed by Eamon D'Arcy, made by Gustavo Balboa, Charles Gillespie and Jamie Gill, at the Ceremonies workshop, used in the 'Arrivals' segment of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, Sydney 2000 The flower is made from a plywood disc with polyethylene foam cut and glued into the shape of petals. The petals have been painted white and yellow and sprayed with glitter. The stamen in the center of the flower has been created using conical shaped pieces of foam and plastic yellow beads The flower can be mounted on an aluminium pole.
PRODUCTION
Notes
Designed by Eamon D'Arcy, this was one of many ceremonial umbrellas to appear in the Opening Ceremony for the Sydney Olympic Games. D'Arcy developed several umbrella prototypes before selecting the three final designs - the lencon, lotus and lily pad, popular foliage of Asia. Made; Gustavo Balboa and Charles Gillespie manufactured the umbrellas at the Ceremonies Workshop while scenic painter, Jamie Gill, applied the yellow details. The umbrellas were made from aluminium tubing and polyethylene foam - lightweight materials that could be held aloft comfortably throughout the segment. Gustavo Balboa and Charles Gillespie manufactured the umbrellas at the Ceremonies Workshop while scenic painter, Jamie Gill, applied the yellow details. The umbrellas were made from aluminium tubing and polyethylene foam - lightweight materials that could be held aloft comfortably throughout the segment.
HISTORY
Notes
This prop was carried by a performer on the 'Asia' float - part of the 'Arrivals' segment in the Opening Ceremony for the Sydney Olympic Games. The ceremony was held at Stadium Australia, Sydney Olympic Park, on 15 September 2000. Made for and owned by the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, and donated to the Powerhouse Museum after the Games. Made for and owned by the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, and donated to the Powerhouse Museum after the Games.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Part of the Sydney 2000 Games Collection. Gift of the New South Wales Government, 2001
Acquisition Date
5 October 2001
Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.
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