This summer, the cavernous Turbine Hall at Tate Modern will be transformed into a realm of myth and music. Turner Prize-nominated artist Monster Chetwynd is set to unveil Thunder, Crackle and Magic, a new, large-scale theatrical installation that invites audiences to step not just into an exhibition, but into the heart of an opera.
Drawing inspiration from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 1791 opera The Magic Flute, filtered through the lens of Ingmar Bergman’s iconic 1975 film adaptation, Chetwynd has crafted a participatory world of collective storytelling. Visitors will not be passive observers. Instead, they are encouraged to become part of the performance, moving between the vibrant, fantastical sets and the intriguing world behind the scenes. The experience begins with a clip from Bergman’s film before a curtain parts, inviting you onto the stage to play a role in the unfolding narrative.
The installation is structured across three distinct stages, each presenting a challenge from the opera’s quest. On “Dragon Island,” participants must use their wits to charm a dragon. In the “Wild Animal Forest,” they are called upon to animate handmade puppets, creating a chorus of sounds and movements. Finally, in “Tested by The Elements,” visitors will navigate the primal forces of fire and water. Throughout the space, wicker dens offer moments of repose, where one can relax on cushions and watch more excerpts from Bergman’s cinematic masterpiece.
Known for her joyful, mischievous, and often chaotic performances, Chetwynd’s work consistently blurs the line between artist, performer, and audience. Thunder, Crackle and Magic is a continuation of her practice, which weaves together references from folk culture, art history, and television, all brought to life with her signature handmade costumes, props, and sets crafted from readily available materials. For those wishing to delve deeper into her unique vision, Chetwynd’s installation A Tax Haven Run By Women (2010–1) is also on view in Tate Modern’s free collection displays.
This ambitious commission is the latest chapter in the UNIQLO Tate Play series, a celebrated program that offers free, artist-led creative activities for families and visitors of all ages. “Monster Chetwynd’s playful and humorous commission offers a wild experience for all visitors… foregrounding participation, performance and play,” says Karin Hindsbo, Director of Tate Modern. She notes that the program allows the museum to “work with a range of fantastic artists to enable our visitors to co-create works of art.” Since its launch in 2021, UNIQLO Tate Play has engaged over 652,000 people with projects by major international artists, and its success has ensured its continuation until at least 2029.
Monster Chetwynd: Thunder, Crackle and Magic will be at Tate Modern from July 19 to August 25, 2025.
