The Northern Territory’s biggest cultural celebration, Darwin Festival, has announced a jam-packed program of performances, exhibitions and events to take place in August 2016 (Thursday 4 August to Sunday 21 August), under Darwin’s tropical skies.
Locals and visitors to the Top End will experience some of the most exciting and talked about local artists and performers as well as national favourites and handpicked international talents. There’s a world of choice including: one of Australia’s biggest names in comedy, Peter Helliar in One Hot Mess; Broken, a play by acclaimed literary local Mary Anne Butler; Nocturnes by one of Australia’s most celebrated pianists Tamara-Anne Cislowska, and a country blues snapshot of the life of Broome’s own Stephen Pigram.
Festival goers are also in for a treat with WRAP: The Wicked Random Arts Party, a huge arts extravaganza of pop-up performances, experimentation, creation, music and party.
Reflecting the heritage and respecting the diversity of Australia’s northern-most shores, this exciting program is multi-disciplinary, encompassing and embracing all art forms including theatre, music, cabaret, art, conversation, dance, comedy and family fun.
Artistic Director Andrew Ross said, “Australia’s North was a coastline of international trade for centuries before Captain Cook was born. This Festival is a vibrant reflection of our international home, from the Philippines to Ireland and especially from right here. During the Festival you can relish the very best the world has to offer. It’s fun, it’s reflective, it’s familiar and it’s surprising; it’s about being here in Darwin together at this moment in time.”
The Hon Gary Higgins MLA Minister for Arts and Museums said, “The Darwin Festival celebrates the vibrant NT arts sector and the creativity of our community as well as raising the profile of Darwin and the NT as a distinctive cultural destination in Northern Australia. The Government is committed to creating a confident culture, and a safe, prosperous community. Artistic showcases such as Darwin Festival are all part of the bigger picture plan.”
“With more than 150 acts across 18 days, including a significant national showcase of contemporary Indigenous visual arts and music on the opening weekend, Darwin is a very exciting place to be for artists, locals, visitors, friends and families from 4-21 August,” he said.
SPECIAL EVENTS
A highlight in the Northern Territory’s social calendar for visitors and locals alike, the Santos Opening Night Concert is back for another year. The free family event welcomes in this year’s Festival with Australian sweetheart Sarah Blasko and Manmoyi’s garageless-garage band Nabarlek on Thursday 4 August at The Amphitheatre.
Another unmissable event is a new work entitled Gobyerno (Filipino for ‘government’) from Filipino performance company Sipat Lawin Ensemble. In this participatory theatre experience, audiences are invited to reconceive social institutions, create hypothetical alternatives and ponder an ideal government. Gobyerno runs from Tuesday 16 – Friday 19 August. Gobyerno is brought to Darwin Festival through the support of The Australian ASEAN Council and Play King Australia.
The WRAP (The Wicked Random Arts Party) is a night jam packed with the unexpected and the unusual, seeing the Festival out with a bang on Saturday 20 August. The WRAP is a gathering of pop-up, wild and wonderful artistic performances, multimedia instillations and music fronted by multisensory masters Client Liaison, Slum Sociable and Veronique Serret, to name a few. Taking over a corner of the city, The WRAP is a journey through the unexpected that will have revellers raving until next year’s festival.
MUSIC
Legendary Midnight Oil front man Peter Garrett hits the stage with all-star band The Alter Egos, performing songs from his debut solo album, A Version of Now. Supported by the Territory’s latest singing sensation Gawurra, Garrett rocks The Amphitheatre on Sunday 7 August. Acclaimed classical pianist and ARIA award winner, Tamara-Anna Cislowska will perform three intimate and exquisite recitals of rare and familiar works from composers Field, Chopin, Tchaikowsky and more. Australia’s own, Tamara plays with an innate sensitivity that has taken her to the world’s most prestigious concert halls and finest orchestras. She’s captivating audiences Wednesday 17 August – Sunday 21 August at the Studio, Darwin Entertainment Centre, and will be joined onstage by special guests at each performance.
As usual, Darwin Festival boasts an eclectic line-up of diverse Australian and international acts. The Lighthouse is proudly hosting To the Mountains, which sees the talent of Timor Leste’s Ego Lemos’ folk inspired soul combine with the Tiwi Islands’ B2M’s R’n’B enthused grooves. Both acts are renowned as ambassadors within their respective communities and the collective brings some of their communities’ biggest societal issues to light, driving positive change in an evening of educating entertainment. The not to be missed collaboration will be held on Sunday 14 August.
Eight-piece extravaganza, Black Jesus Experience is an eclectic blend of traditional African and contemporary music that is sure to have you dancing. Defying everything you thought you knew about the realms of funk to the conventions of hip-hop, Black Jesus Experience is bringing the power and beauty of Africa across two massive nights at The Lighthouse, Friday 12 and Saturday 13 August.
Some of the other electric acts igniting The Lighthouse are glitter-grunge Brisbane darlings Moses Gunn Collective, and Melbourne’s cult indie-dance outfit Northeast Party House. Psychedelic sister-act Stonefield are also hitting the stage and Perth’s Methyl Ethel promise to take punters on an audio-visual journey into pop-experimentalism. From across the seas, Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds bring psychedelic swamp beats and bass straight from New Orleans while Australia’s hottest hip hop artists L-Fresh the Lion & Sampa the Great bring their own mix of culture and astounding lyricism to create an onstage performance that’s sure to pack a punch.
Late night party goers have the welcome addition of Club Awi. Darwin’s hottest music venue, Happy Yess hosts dance parties every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm, celebrating Darwin’s vibrant electronic dance scene. ‘Awi’ is Tiwi for ‘everyone’, and true to its word, Club Awi will see visiting artists, local performers and festival goers come together to create party magic.
The Rails will again transform into the Festival Lounge, formulating a silky smooth sonic pleasure ground for over 18s. Friday nights of the Festival feature the best of local and international jazz, folk and experimental sounds. The masked masters of polyphonic saxophone sounds, Prophets lights up the Lounge along with jazz songstress Hetty Kate and folk-rocker Darren Hanlon. Watch the powers of local and international musical masters combine, for spontaneous music-making Saturdays and the Festival’s closing Sunday. Jam Sessions host an eclectic mix of acts for unique, musically diverse, one time only Darwin Festival creations.
THEATRE
Set in the heart of the NT’s desert country, Mary Anne Butler’s Broken wrestles with matters of chance, choice, hope and fate. A haunting story of resilience and survival sees three strangers’ lives intertwine through a chance encounter. The only play to receive Australia’s richest literary prize (The Victorian Prize for Literature), Broken offers audiences a devastatingly fresh look at our national identity and is playing Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 August at Brown’s Mart Theatre.
Dead Centre, one of Ireland’s most exciting theatre companies is premiering Lippy on Australian shores at Darwin Festival. Inspired by a real life harrowing mystery of four women who chose to take their own lives, Lippy taunts audiences with our ultimate lack of insight into the lives of others. The award-winning work explores real-life mortal mystery and disconcerting ideas, while pushing the boundaries of theatre. Having captivated audiences world-wide, Lippy is playing at the Playhouse, Darwin Entertainment Centre Friday 5 – Sunday 7 August.
Terrapin Puppet Theatre’s world premiere of You and Me and the Space Between will enchant children and adults alike. The story depicts an adventurous girl who dreams of a world beyond learnt conventions. The tale unfolds onstage with a musician and illustrator bringing the narrated story to life, creating an enchanting and unique theatrical experience for audiences. Be charmed Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 August at the Studio, Darwin Entertainment Centre
FAMILY
Darwin Festival has a family program brimming with activities to excite and engage the little ones. emBARK! is a free event bursting with fun and wacky performances, designed specifically for art-enthusiast mini humans. The mini festival hosts an array of storytelling sessions, theatre games and art workshops. Featuring local celebrities, guest artists and entertainers, all sessions place emphasis on creativity, education and fun. emBARK! runs from 5pm–7pm Tuesdays – Thursdays in the Festival’s final two weeks at Festival Park.
The master ‘maker-upper’ Polarbear (aka Steve Camden) is inviting youngsters to explore the craft of storytelling. Mouth Open, Story Jump Out brings international assassins, secret codes and dog-eating boa constrictors to life through jokes, stories and adventures. Children can discover the world of storytelling in the Harbour Room, Christ Church Cathedral, on Saturday 13 August.
Polyglot Theatre’s latest work, Ants is inviting children aged 2-12 years to an interactive and participatory experience. Three giant ants, hundreds of massive breadcrumbs and curious children come together to explore our relationship with nature and the environment. Find Ants Friday 19 August at Festival Park.
Festival favourite, People’s Choice Teddy Bear’s Picnic, is back for an action packed affair filled with music, magic, food and much more. Darwin’s most fun family day out is emceed by Natalie Pellegrino and takes place at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, on Sunday 7 August. Bring the family, a picnic and your favourite furry friend – you’re sure for a big surprise.
COMEDY
One of Australia’s biggest household names, Peter Helliar, is coming to Darwin with his brand new show One Hot Mess. Australians all over the country fell in love with him on the small screen, but it’s through his stand-up that we get to know the man behind the distinct self-deprecating humour. One Hot Mess will be playing The Lighthouse on Friday 5 – Saturday 6 August.
Anne Edmonds burst onto the comedy scene in 2010 as a national finalist in RAW Comedy. ‘Eddo’s’ utterly distinctive off-kilter style has made her a hit with comics, critics and fans alike. Get set for a night chock-full of laughs when she makes her Darwin debut with That’s Eddotainment on Friday 5 – Saturday 6 August at Happy Yess.
Nervous Breakthrough brings to life the caustic wit and anti-establishment style of ex-heavy metal drummer turned comedian Steve Hughes. After two years recovering from a nervous breakdown, a broken heart, a car crash, a stint in rehab and a particularly bad reaction to tofu, Hughes figured he could get at least a few laughs for the turmoil in his life. The confronting and thought-provoking performer is playing at The Lighthouse, Tuesday 16 – Wednesday 17 August.
CABERET AND CIRCUS
Sarah Ward’s divine and deluded alter ego Yana Alana is infamous for her nude, rude and lewd performances. The outlandish and slightly unhinged first lady of cabaret is bringing her all female band, Tha Paranas, and eccentric wardrobe to Darwin to sing other people’s tunes. Performing songs from the likes of Nina Simone, Tom Waits, Shirley Bassey and Joy Division, Covered takes to The Lighthouse stage Friday 19 – Sunday 21 August.
The Birds is the latest gothic, erotic, airborne night of vaudeville from Finucane & Smith, the glamazons behind Glory Box and Caravan Burlesque. The Birds is Edgar Allan Poe meets late-night Paris in this plumage-shaking poetic seduction of dark torch songs, devil dance and gothic queens. Audiences can fly into the unknown at The Lighthouse on Wednesday 10 – Saturday 13 August.
The absurd Australian larrikins at Circus Oz bring to Darwin their latest show, TWENTYSIXTEEN at the Playhouse, Darwin Entertainment Centre, on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 August. A jaw-dropping, death-defying, daredevil show for all ages, TWENTYSIXTEEN showcases incredible skill and hilarious mayhem backed by fabulous live music.
WORDS & IDEAS
This year’s Words & Ideas program features experts from around the world, leading thought-provoking discussions on issues we face as a global entity. Sunday at CDU welcomes former member of the Irish Foreign Service, Richard O’Brien to share his reflections and expertise in promoting cross-cultural discussion and understanding through some of the world’s political and religious hotspots. The Australian Arts Festival Programming hosts a panel of art luminary experts, tackling the big issues in arts centre and festival programming. South East Asian political expert Bridget Welsh delves into the political ins and outs of our closest neighbour’s democratic systems, leading her discussion, South East Asia’s New Strongmen (and Women): A Democratic Contraction? Sunday at CDU sessions run between 1-5pm Sunday 14 August at Charles Darwin University.
The masters behind Darwin’s favourite storytelling events, SPUN, has locals delving into all things WILD. Storytellers relay wild nights, wild weather, wild discoveries and wild careers. This wild ride will have audiences spinning with stories from their own backyard. Get set to be SPUN: WILD at The Lighthouse, Sunday 14 August.
VISUAL ARTS
The 10th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) showcases the future of vibrant and evolving Indigenous art and allows festival goers an immersive experience from some of Australia’s most remote regions to urban communities. DAAF offers an extensive program featuring a lively panel discussion, art, fashion and dance. DAAF runs from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 August at Darwin Convention Centre.
Held at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA) is Australia’s longest running and most prestigious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art award, opening on Saturday 6 August with an exhibition and with associated programs running until the end of the month. The awards are celebrated with an opening night on Friday 5 August featuring live music and performances on the MAGNT lawns. Based on the French idea of exhibiting works rejected by the jury of official awards, Salon16 showcases NATSIAA contenders who produce incredible work but just missed the cut for the prestigious award. Salon16 is a bold exhibit of contemporary indigenous art and runs in conjunction with the NATSIAAs.
Darwin Festival proudly supports a range of local galleries and exhibition openings including Waiting for Water, an exhibition examining three artists’ relationships with water and drought, and John Dahlsen’s Echoes, engaging audiences on important social and environmental issues. These and many other exhibitions will be showcased throughout the Festival.
DANCE
Dance fans will be whisked away with Landed. Guest choreographer Gary Lang and local dance institution Tracks Dance have created an interactive work, which takes audiences on a guided tour of the Gurambai Walking Trail through movement and music. Landed will be performed across Friday 5 – Sunday 7 and Friday 12 – Sunday 14 August.
Following up from last year’s raved production Cry Jailolo, Indonesian dancer Rianto returns with his latest work Medium. Known internationally for combining tradition and contemporary Indonesian dance that explodes with strength, agility and grace, Medium is Rianto’s call for freedom and is sure to take the dance world by storm. This spectacular world premiere takes place at Brown’s Mart Theatre from Friday 5 – Sunday 7 August.
FOOD
Past. Present. Feast. is a culinary experience that pays homage to the art of dining, local produce and classic recipes with a modern twist. Melbourne’s rising stars and the team behind cult supper club Scraps Kitchen, Sacha Rust and Jasmine Wakely, trek north to create and curate a truly exceptional dining experience matching its historical surrounds, held Tuesday 16 – Thursday 18 August at Town Hall Ruins.
Tickets to the full program of cabaret, theatre, comedy, dance, visual arts, words and ideas, music and family fun that Darwinites and visitors alike swarm to witness each year, are on sale now at www.darwinfestival.org.au
