From an island at the end of the earth comes an experimental homage to the 1924 René Clair short film Entr'acte, originally created for Erik Satie’s Dadaist ballet Relâche.

Relâche: The Last Dance on Earth was devised by Second Echo Ensemble (SEE), a Tasmanian arts organisation committed to radical equity, diversity and visibility. The film was initially created as part of a performance work and blends absurdist themes with a bold exploration of life, mortality, and chaos. Shot on black-and-white 16mm film and hand-processed, this experimental work captures the spirit of early cinema, reimagined through the lens of contemporary Dadaism.

The 18-minute film follows a man who strikes a deal with Death to gain more time, setting off on a surreal journey through life’s riotous spectacle - its joys, chaos and wars. In a desperate attempt to outrun fate, he confronts mortality, while the filmmaker voyeuristically attempts to escape it. Relâche embraces the absurd, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. The film becomes a meditation on both the futility and beauty of resisting the inevitable, touching on themes of death, rebirth, and the endless cycle of existence.

Second Echo Ensemble, based in Nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania, is known for creating and presenting performances that challenge assumptions, amplify diverse voices, and foster human connection through radical collaboration. Founded in 2005, SEE works with artists of all abilities, pushing boundaries and celebrating creativity in every form. This film was collaboratively developed by SEE’s artists, incorporating their unique perspectives, skills, and insights, resulting in a groundbreaking and inclusive work.

In the making of Relâche: The Last Dance on Earth, I sought to create a work that embraces the tension between chaos and clarity, where meaning is found not in perfection, but in disruption.

This film is a journey through the absurd, an exploration of mortality, and a celebration of the unpredictable nature of life. Shot on black-and-white 16mm film and hand-processed, Relâche is both an homage to early cinema and a radical reimagining of the Dadaist spirit.

Every frame is an invitation to question the status quo, to dismantle the boundaries between performance, audience, and reality. It’s not about understanding - it’s about experiencing. Relâche is a visual symphony where life and death collide, offering a momentary glimpse into the beauty of impermanence. This is art in motion - unpredictable, messy and alive.

The privilege of collaborating with the artists of Second Echo Ensemble is integral to my creative practice. Every day, I work alongside them as peers, sharing in the artistic process and contributing to the development of works that challenge assumptions and embrace diverse perspectives.

Their lived experiences and unique artistic voices shape and inform every aspect of this film, ensuring that it is both authentic and collaborative. This ongoing partnership emphasises equality, respect, and the importance of creating art that is truly inclusive and representative of the diverse narratives we seek to amplify.

Cinematographer: Ursula Woods

Executive Producer: Sandi Sissel ASC

Director and Producer: Kelly Drummond Cawthon

Media Artist: K. Verell

Writer and editor: Jack Thomas Cawthon

Best Art Film, Bridges International Art Festival, Greece 2025

Finalist, International Film Festival Rivoli, Italy 2025

Official Selection, Depth of Field International Film Festival, Online 2025

Nominee, Toronto Women Film Festival, 2025