Brisbane is a hotpot of activity right now. There is the annual BIGSOUND conference and related events that just wrapped up in Fortitude Valley. In addition to this, Kanye West will be entertaining the masses on Monday and we even threw a little birthday party in the Black Bear Lodge last night.
But outlasting all those events is Brisbane Festival. This melding of music, theatre, dance, comedy and so much more has been running so far since the 6th September and will roll on until the 27th. We thought we’d ask a few questions of the Artistic Director of Brisbane Festival, Noel Staunton regarding the festival.
When it comes to “getting something across the line”, sometimes the biggest challenge can be the greatest reward… In that regard, what are you most proud of within this year’s program?
I am incredibly proud of the entire program this year, but the standout would of course have to be The Perfect American. Brisbane will be only the third city in the world to stage Philip Glass’s newest operatic sensation and it is a real coup for the festival. Behind the scenes, the biggest challenge lies in converting the QPAC Concert Hall into a Lyric Theatre – our technical team is certainly being put through its paces. But it will all pay off when audiences get to witness the dark, seductive and elegant work.
What do you think will surprise people about the program the most?
The diversity of the program means people can stick with what they know and love or they can venture into new artistic territory, like independent theatre or Bollywood music gigs. And with 73 productions at the Festival this year, there is bound to be some hidden gems that crop up as unexpected festival favourites, which is half the fun.
What are YOU most excited to see and why?
Monkey…Journey to the West. Fans of the cult classic TV show Monkey Magic are sure to agree with me on this one. The new stage adaptation of the classic tale is making its world premiere at Brisbane Festival and promises a supercharged production of kapow martial arts, a cloud-dwelling Buddha and tales of the supernatural.
What do you hope people take away from their experiences at Brisbane Festival 2014?
Brisbane Festival is all about experiencing something new. I hope for people to be moved by performances and to spark debate around what they see at the festival. I would say people should walk away with a smile on their face and a sense they have seen some of the best artists in the world.
And, other than the shows already mentioned, tell us three others not to be missed
1. Black Diggers
2. Circus Oz: But Wait… There’s More
3. Exxopolis
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Brisbane Festival is currently running now until the 27th September. For more info head to www.brisbanefestival.com.au
