THE FIFTH ELEMENT
Location: Vertiport Chicago: 1339 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60608 
Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021 

A year and a half after the world shut down from the pandemic, we tasked ourselves with delivering one of the first large-scale live events post-COVID. We searched for a venue that would offer the comfort of an indoor venue while providing the confidence that an outdoor space would give our audience to gather in person. At Vertiport Chicago, we discovered much more than a perfect venue—we found a collaborative partner. The space provided the tallest clear heights of any year and the large hangar door allowed for open air while also revealing a tarmac that we transformed into a canvas for intimate installations. As an unexpected bonus, the venue allowed guests to step away from the party for a helicopter tour of the Chicago skyline. Inside the hanger, a circular stage placed in the center of the room was accompanied by large scrim banners hovering above. The scrim panels were meticulously mapped with projections by Liviu Pasare, creating a cohesive animation above the crowd. You may have noticed the ephemeral whale swimming over your head throughout the night. Stepping outside, guests were welcomed into four installations, each a shrine to an element: Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire. Brandin Hurley designed the “Earth Tent,” where guests could transform rocks into crystals. Ellie Terrell designed the “Water Tent,” where people found serenity and reflection. Judy Suh and Eddie Yang designed the “Wind Tent” with an interactive projection wall where attendees could dance and play with their shadows. Central to the outdoor space was Charlie Otto, wearing a tall dress projecting flames while he played guitar. The evening’s spectacle moment reunited guests with characters adorned with helmets designed as candles of melting wax. The performers came together, assembling the “Fire Choir,” to deliver a moment of community, song and light.