Templum Terrarium (re-adapting the spectacle in imperial debris) does not seek to tell a new story or follow a linear narrative. Instead, it positions us centrally, inside ancient ruins, where the past, present and future intertwine, re-adapting the spectacle from its past and offering a contemporary interpretation within a post-colonial framework.
Recordings of the atmosphere while filming — infrasonic frequencies, seismic vibrations, electromagnetic interference and radiation — captures the resonances of ancient sound and combines with contemporary acoustics on-site at the Caerleon Amphitheatre, constructed in 75 AD. The composition blends field recordings with studio instrumentation processed via reel-to-reel tape loops, incorporating contemporary technological innovations of common, ancient Roman instruments, such as the panpipes and organ. These processes re-compose and re-imagine the spectacles of the past, forging a musical connection between the location of the imperial age of the Roman Empire in Britain and its ruins in a contemporary post-colonial society. Offering new perspectives on the Imperial legacies through a reflective sonic-counterpoint, the film subverts violent traditions that thrived on this site two thousand years ago.
Archaeology is often linked to the notion of ‘muteness’; the idea that without expert interpretation, objects and their contexts are considered 'silent'. This belief, rooted in colonial ideologies, is in direct contrast to the soundscape which speculates while never arriving at a given moment, constantly rupturing and turning.
Field recordings at Caerleon Amphitheatre recorded by Hannan Jones across the year of 2024. Using the Geofón LOM, SOMA Laboratory Ether V2, and Roland 6-channel handheld field recorder R-26, and C-series contact microphones. Studio composition recorded with Yamaha Reface YC Electric Combo Organ (electric), plastic panpipes recorded and processed through reel-to-reel tape loops at Green Door Studios, Glasgow.
Director | Cyfarwyddwr: Hannan Jones
Cinematography | Sinematograffi: Dee Iskrzynska, Hannan Jones, and Daniel Hughes
Editing | Golygu: Daniel Hughes and Hannan Jones
Sound Design and Composition | Dylunio a Chyfansoddi Sain: Hannan Jones
Instrumental Sound Engineer | Peiriannydd Sain Offerynnol: Ronan Fay, Green Door Studio
Field Recording | Recordio Maes: Hannan Jones
Poem and spoken word | Barddoniaeth a llefaru: Tellural Memoria by | gan Dr Nat Raha
Colourist | Lliwydd: Daniel Hughes
16mm B&W Hand Processing | Prosesu â Llaw Du a Gwyn 16mm: James Holcombe
16mm Colour Processing | Prosesu Lliw 16mm: Kodak Film Lab, Pinewood Studios, London | Labordy Ffilm Kodak, Stiwdios Pinewood, Llundain
Location | Lleoliad: Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre Amffitheatr Rufeinig Caerllion
