Sori and Ari live by the Piri River (피리리버), one of the many rivers that criss-cross through Korea.
By day, they play on its banks, hiding in the tall grass, chasing fish and discovering submerged treasures. By night, they watch the moon reflected on its silvery surface.
In the quiet of the evening, Sori practices the Piri – a traditional Korean wind instrument.
As Sori plays, Ari nestles in beside her and drifts into magical sleep. Filled with the songs her sister plays, Ari’s dreams take her on wild adventures, far beyond her small neighbourhood.
But what happens when Ari’s dreams become bigger and bigger, and she wants to stay in these far-away places? Will she leave Piri River and her sister behind - and how will she find her way home?
Inspired by the lives of the collaborating artists, and their own relationships with their sisters who grew up in remote parts of Korea and Australia, ‘Sound & Water’ is a story about the enduring strength of family love and growing up to become your own person.
Bringing Youbi Lee’s rich shadow worlds and Sooji Kim’s sonic mastery into the innovative form of Threshold’s immersive experiences, ‘Sound & Water’ is a story of how you can chart your own journey, while still holding tight to your family song.
“Working with Threshold consistently delivers strong return on investment, particularly in the way it extends our education reach to schools and engagement with families who may not otherwise engage with live performance or attend our venues. The model complements traditional programming and supports key organisational priorities around education, access, learning, and sustainability.”
How will ‘Sound & Water’ be delivered?
Sound & Water will be developed across the next 2 years, premiering in early 2028 in 3 different ways which can be programmed together or individually.
A digital experience for families - a form which Threshold have established through their works ‘Mountain Goat Mountain’ and ‘The Flying Canoe’
An immersive and hybrid experience, with live performers to be presented in arts centres and theatres
And a culturally expanded digital version for schools.
We are looking to travel to Korea in 2027 to record the audio that will form the basis for the immersive soundscape on which the story will flow.
We would love to hear from partners in Australia and Korea who might be able to support this development - and are interested in being updated as we prepare this beautiful story for presentation.
Interested in supporting the development or presentation of ‘Sound & Water’?
Please email Tahli Corin at info@thethreshold.com.au
Creative Team
-
Youbi Lee
-
Sooji Kim
-
Tahli Corin