In her first year as Artistic Director of the Perth International Arts Festival, Shelagh Magadza has brought together a diverse range of offerings for the 2008 programme. On my initial flick through the festival guide there were even more events that I oohed and aahed over than I had in 2007. That said, I took a punt on many events last year and was rewarded, so I urge you to take a risk on the offerings this year!
Sure to sell out will be the Australian premier theatre show, Don’t Look Back by Dreamthinkspeak and directed by Tristan Sharps, Feb. 9-24. The public will have the opportunity to access the wonderful Old Treasury Building in what is, according to Ms Magadza, a ‘journey through a world of memory, desire and loss in one of the most original theatre pieces you will ever see’.
The Writers Festival, on the weekend of February 23-24, moves back to UWA for 2008. The move is timely, as it had outgrown its environment at the Perth Concert Hall. Some of the highlights include the New York literary phenomenon of urban storytelling The Moth, The Chaser Files with Julian Morrow and Dominic Knight and events with authors, such as Colin Thubron, Naomi Wolf, Don Watson, Cullen Murphy, Michael Gawnda.
For those foodies amongst us who love the written word and salivate over cookbooks, there are couple more Writers Festival events to get tickets for before they sell out. At the Parisian Afternoon Tea on Feb 24, Clotilde Dusoulier and Stephen Downes will discuss their love of French food with Verity James; while Dinner with Greg and Lucy Malouf (of Mo Mo’s restaurant fame) on Feb 21 will include a five-course degustation dinner as well as a conversation with the Maloufs about their travels through the Anatolian Peninsula.
This year the Beck’s Verandah has been replaced by the Beck’s Music Box – a new venue on the Esplanade which will feature live music, jazz, cabaret and comedy. Some of the line up includes Sonic Youth (Feb 23), Scientists Feb 13), Nouvelle Vague (Feb 26), Feist (Feb 27), and the sexy Meow Meow (Feb 11-12). Not only does it overlook the Swan River, it’s also handily close to the new train station. Beyond the box, musician Rufus Wainwright will dazzle at the Perth Concert Hall on Feb. 9 and prove why he is adored by gay men the world over.
Part of Ms Magadza’s vision for the festival is to engage audiences with Australia’s unique Indigenous cultures. In this vein, murundak: The Black Arm Band will deliver a powerful concert at the Fremantle Arts Centre on Feb 23.
Spanning four decades of inspirational Australian anthems from the most significant names in Indigenous music history, it includes as special guests our very own Della Rae Morrison, Jessie Lloyd and the John Butler Trio.
Dullsville, it ain’t!
The festival will run from February 8 to March 2. For more info, visit www.perthfestival.com.au or pick up the festival 08 guide.
