With its ridiculously sunny climate, pristine beaches and seemingly never-ending string of new bar and restaurant openings around town there's no better summer escape than Perth. Better yet, the legendary Perth Festival 2023 kicks off next February and promises to be more show-stopping than ever with an unbelievable lineup of music, art, dance and culture, highlighting stories of traditional custodians across Noongar Boodjar with some pretty damn fantastic local and international talent.
To kick-start your planning, we’ve rounded up seven of our favourite acts and events worth travelling for.
Djoondal
Pinar’s Tree, Lake Joondalup
10—12 February
This free event spanning three days will open the 2023 season to celebrate the Perth Festival's theme of Dinda (stars). Brought to us by a team of visionary artists led by Ian Moopa Wilkes, the immersive show brings together the ancient storytelling of the Noongar people with extraordinary cutting-edge technology. Audiences are also invited to arrive early to picnic before soaking in the sites of the lake and surrounds before the cosmos alight.
Bikutsi 3000
Studio Underground
14 February
Another hot ticket is Bikutsi 3000’s mind-blowing experience reimagining Africa through the driving force of artist, musician and activist Blick Bassy. This urban-afro-futuristic dance show will bring together movement, video, stunning costumes and an innovative, original music score in a feminist tale of power and resistance. Sure to be a sellout this season, but be sure to get your hands on tickets here for an explosion of energy and imagination.
Equations Of A Falling Body
Studio Underground
21—26 February
Commissioned by the Perth Festival, this world premiere by Laura Boynes explores the wild unpredictability of the modern world. Crafted and live-conducted by Boynes, the show uses real-time choreography to create conundrums between three of Perth’s most virtuosic physical performers in moving, sometimes bleak and profound ways. This mesmerising performance will stay with you long after the curtains close, leaving you reflective, hopeful and questioning this chaotic digital age we live in.
Bon Iver
Red Hill Auditorium
26 February
After ten years, the globally adored band are finally returning to Perth for a night under the stars, led by the dulcet tones of Justin Vernon. The show will serve up mesmerising, otherworldly vocals—with a track named after Perth itself on the setlist—immersive sound and stunning lighting displays in the wilderness of the beautiful Red Hill Auditorium. While tickets to the show have already been snapped up—join the waitlist here to be the first to know about any more ticket releases.
Bjork’s Cornucopia
Langley Park
3, 6, 9 and 12 March
When New York Magazine titles something 'one of the most incredible displays of lights and sounds ever to grace a stage, you know you're in for something incredible. Bjork Cornucopia will see the iconic pop legend host an Australian-exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime performance at a purpose-built pavilion in Langley Park. Promising to be a 'cyber sonic Garden of Eden', the visually spectacular landscape of lush colours, futuristic screens, and wild images of nature will come alive alongside her unique vocal and accompanying choirs of flutes and voices.
Kronos Quartet
Various Venues
4 March
With fifty years of collective musical wizardry under their belt, the Kronos Quartet have been known to break the boundaries of what string quartets can really do, dazzling audiences all over the world with their fearless spirit and exploration reimagining the string quartet experience. Teaming up with Noongar composer and language revivalist Maatakitji, those young and old will be entranced with the spellbinding performances of these San Fransisco legends.
Wonderbox
Middar Room, State Theatre
4—5 March
In addition to attracting a slew of international visitors, Perth Festival has also become renowned for its celebration and empowerment of local independent acts climbing their way into the WA arts scene. Sensorium Theatre—Australia’s only theatre company that specifically designs shows for young audiences with a disability—will showcase their latest masterpiece, Wonderbox, which invites children to roll the dice and set out on an exhilarating pathway into the unknown. This multi-sensory wonderland of large-scale projections and strange tiny delights is the perfect way to help educate your little ones in a fun and unique way.
With a slew of incredible acts, artists and literature on show, the Perth Festival is not to be missed. Level up your summer, pack your bags, make your way to the West Coast, and book your tickets, stat.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Perth Festival and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Santiago Felipe