Brisbane is set to come alive with the return of the Brisbane Festival from 31 August to 21 September, showcasing more than 1000 performances across the city.
Kicking off with Riverfire on 31 August, the festival lineup includes world premieres, Australian exclusives, Queensland commissions and local spotlights.
Artistic director Louise Bezzina said she looked forward to welcoming the world to Brisbane.
“Brisbane Festival believes in the transformative power of the arts to unite, inspire and empower and my fifth Festival program is a creative celebration of this power on both a global and local scale,” she said.
Festival Highlights and Program
A highlight is Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show, making its Australian premiere at the South Bank Piazza. The show features a collaboration with Queensland Indigenous designer Grace Lillian Lee.
Grace said the opportunity to meet and work with Jean Paul Gaultier was unbelievable.
“I grew up in Gimuy (Cairns) which is a small place, and to have access to one of history’s leading designers and changemakers is truly surreal for me,” she said.
Another returning favourite is Lightscape at the City Botanic Gardens, where visitors can journey through illuminated tree canopies and larger-than-life floral displays complemented with choreographed soundscapes.
The festival’s theatrical program includes Grimm, Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s latest adaptation at QPAC, which reimagines fairy tales like Snow White, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. Also premiering is Trent Dalton’s Love Stories, inspired by his personal experiences and the tales of love he gathered while stationed with his typewriter on a Brisbane city street.
Director Sam Strong said he was thrilled to bring another Trent Dalton work to the stage.
“Love Stories the show will be filled with everything that people adore about the book (and Trent’s work) – beautifully specific Brisbane stories that speak universal truths, undeniably unforgettable people, and stories that sometimes break our hearts but always fill them,” Mr Strong said.
The festival culminates with a stunning finale from 19-21 September at South Bank Festival Gardens and Queen’s Wharf, where audiences can witness a 3D multi colour display of 400 drones animating the First Nations story of The Rainbow Serpent.
For the full program and to purchase tickets, visit the Brisbane Festival Website.
Brisbane Festival
- 31 August – 21 September
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