Mysteries of Botanica - Silent Disco at Whangārei

🌿 Mysteries of Botanica brings an immersive music and visual experience to ArtBeat 2025, illustrating the interconnectedness of life and nature through poetic narratives and a Pacifika health & wellbeing lens.

Through 'Silent Disco Headphones,' Mark Wallis (DJ Poppa Soul) takes you on a journey through four original tracks with poetic narratives inspired by nature's elements - Earth, Air, Water, and Fire - and Te Whare Tapa Whā.

Event Details:

• Date: 25-26 April 2025
• Times: Multiple 30-minute shows from 6:00 PM to 8:45 PM both evenings
• Venue: Botanica Whangarei, First Avenue, Avenues, Whangārei
• Admission: $5.00
• Duration: 30 minutes per show
• Bookings: Essential - limited spaces available

🎧 Meet the Artist: Having recently retired from a long career in mental health services, coupled with his long-standing passion for music, Mark Wallis (DJ Poppa Soul) has seen how music and dance can positively impact our mental health. "We hope this interpretive audio visual experience enables and inspires greater consciousness and enhanced wellbeing."

Experience the Healing Power of Music in Whangārei

Silent disco experiences have become increasingly popular in New Zealand's arts scene, offering a unique way to connect with music and creative expression. Unlike traditional performances, silent discos allow participants to be fully immersed in the soundscape through wireless headphones, creating an intimate and personal experience.

This event at Botanica Whangarei combines several powerful elements:

• Music as Therapy: Research has shown that music can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall wellbeing - themes that DJ Poppa Soul explores through his carefully crafted tracks.
• Te Whare Tapa Whā: This holistic health model developed by Sir Mason Durie incorporates four dimensions of wellbeing - physical, spiritual, family, and mental health - which are reflected in the musical journey.
• Connection to Nature: The botanical setting enhances the thematic elements of earth, air, water, and fire, creating a multi-sensory experience that celebrates our connection to the natural world.

🌊 🔥 The combination of Pacifika perspectives and environmental themes makes this event uniquely Kiwi, reflecting New Zealand's cultural landscape and our deep connection to the natural environment. The intimate 30-minute format allows participants to fully engage with the artistic experience without overwhelming the senses.

While suitable for most ages, the contemplative nature of the experience may be best appreciated by adults and older youth who can engage with the deeper themes of wellbeing and environmental interconnectedness.

As part of ArtBeat 2025, this event showcases how local artists are using innovative approaches to explore important themes through accessible art forms. Silent disco technology democratizes the experience, allowing each participant to adjust their own volume levels while remaining connected to the collective experience.