Instead of Many Islands, Let Us Be a Mighty River
The Hermes Experiment in the Conservatory

A collaboration between The Hermes Experiment and five international sound artists, this immersive concert-installation responds to the climate emergency.
Through live, semi-improvised performance, musicians from The Hermes Experiment will interact with sonic essays and interventions by Monthati Masebe (South Africa), Kathy Hinde (UK), Sandeep Bhagwati (India/Germany), Bint Mbareh (Palestine) and Martha Hincapié Charry (Colombia), each sharing their perspective on the climate crisis. Under the musical direction of Sandeep Bhagwati, these perspectives, symbolized as 'islands,' are connected into a unified call for action, the 'mighty river.'
The project is contextualized by panel discussions that bring together the perspectives of activists and researchers with those of the artists. Designed for the Barbican Conservatory, the installation uses the entire space, immersing the audience in a collaborative sound world that brings together diverse calls for climate justice.
Presented by the Barbican
The Hermes Experiment are grateful to the Marchus Trust for supporting this project
Performers
Ticket prices
Patrons get first access to Priority Booking with no booking fees added.
Corporate Members enjoy discounted ticket prices for this performance.
2 tickets max per booking. Subject to availability.
Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Panel Discussions
Two panel discussions available for free to ticket-holders. Speakers to be announced.
Ticket-holders of performance 1 and 2:
1.15pm-2pm, Garden Room
Ticket-holders of performances 2 and 3:
3.45pm-4.30pm, Garden Room
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Conservatory
Location
The Barbican Conservatory is located on Level 3, if you’re coming from inside the main Barbican building.
From the Barbican highwalks, follow signs to the ‘Barbican Centre’. Walking from Barbican tube station, you’ll see a steps with ‘Art Gallery’ above them, these will lead you up to the Sculpture Court where you'll see a sign for the Conservatory.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
The Conservatory is on the gallery floor (level 3), reached via the main lifts. Access Automatic glass doors (120cm wide) lead outside from the gallery floor and continue down a ramp (1:12). The Conservatory is on your right, entered through double doors (135cm wide). The Sculpture Court is on your left, up three steps or via a ramp.
Mobility
Limited access for wheelchair users and people with restricted mobility due to steps in some areas.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.