Hatched: Breaking through the Silence
January 22 – February 21, 2021
Hatch Memorial Shell, Boston
To mark the 20th Anniversary of the Esplanade Association’s successful public-private partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Esplanade Association (EA) presented “Hatched: Breaking through the Silence,” a four week illumination and sound experience to provide a family-friendly and physically-distant celebration at the famed Hatch Memorial Shell.
The work is an original 15-minute visual and sound installation led by Boston-based creative Maria Finkelmeier of MF Dynamics and is shaped specifically for the 80-year-old amphitheater itself.
The projection-mapped visuals for Hatched celebrated the many sounds that Hatch Memorial Shell performers have expressed over the facility’s impressive musical history.
The work featured geometric shapes of musical instruments as kaleidoscope pieces, human hands magically clapping on the surface itself, and colorful animations accentuating the Shell’s Art Deco form – all set to new music composed by Finkelmeier and recorded by local musicians.
Featuring a team of predominantly female-identifying artists and directors, Hatched brought to light a balanced pedestal, an opportunity for underrepresented communities to “break through” and share their skills, vision, and voice.
Powered by Epson laser projectors, “Hatched” brought vibrant color and form to the inner surface of the Hatch Shell. With custom-built weather housing for the projectors, the experience presented a rare opportunity to experience projection mapping in the winter months, bringing joy no matter the New England winter weather.
Artistic Director & Composer: Maria Finkelmeier
Projectionist & Video Editor: Pamela Hersch
Project Manager: Jane Long
Fabrication Specialist: Karim Badwan
Green Screen Videography: Raber Umphenour and Zy Baer of Cinematics Film Studio
Musicians: Maria Finkelmeier, Steph Davis, Ashleigh Gordon, Francesca McNeeley, Rachel Panitch, and Brittany Karlson
Studio Intern: Katie Medrano-Escobar
Commissioning Body: The Esplanade Association
Project Partners: Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation, LuminArtz
Projector Sponsor: Epson America, Inc.