From Bowie To Ballet, These Are The Perth Festival Events The Urban List Are Actually Going To
Perth Festival is back to shake up your summer with art, theatre, film and music, in all the places you least expect it. From office towers to town halls to late-night, high-octane music performances at the iconic East Perth Power Station, it’s all on the table, so prepare to see a side of Perth you haven’t experienced before as creativity descends on the city.
As always, the program is packed. We’re talking 108 events on the lineup, but these are the ones the Urban List team have their eyes on.
Music
What’s TINA Got To Do With It at The Embassy
Image credit: Perth Festival | Supplied
Because she’s simply the best, catch this night-long cabaret-spectacular tribute to Tina Turner and her discography that defined a generation. Sequins are optional, but suggested, screaming-singing along to Nutbush City Limits is required. Expect a lotta glam, a lotta heart, and some seriously great vocals.
Where: The Embassy at Perth Town Hall
When: Saturday 28 February
Rebel Rebel at East Perth Power Station
Image credit: Perth Festival | Supplied
Bowie set to a symphony orchestra? I’m sold. The Perth Symphony Orchestra, alongside some vocalists, presents Rebel Rebel, a one-night-only symphonic celebration of David Bowie, in a genre-blending display the likes of which you’ve never seen before. Plus, violinists in Ziggy Stardust mullets.
Where: East Perth Power Station
When: Friday 13 February
Film
Nouvelle Vague at Somerville Auditorium
Image credit: Perth Festival | Supplied
Paris, summer of ‘59. Moody cafes, curling plumes of cigarette smoke, and the golden age of sexy French cinema. Lotterywest Films returns to the open-air Somerville Auditorium this year, with an incredible lineup for film buffs, and kicking off the season is Nouvelle Vague, a love letter to French New Wave cinema from Oscar-nommed director Richard Linklater. Bring a blanket, a bottle, and someone who appreciates subtitles and a slow burn.
Where: Somerville Auditorium
When: Monday 24-Sunday 30 November
Sentimental Value at Somerville Auditorium
Image credit: Perth Festival | Supplied
Director Joachim Trier has an uncanny knack for breaking hearts in the most beautiful way, so come to this one prepared to sob. Starring Stellan Skarsgard and Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value is a quiet meditation on family, memory and love. The film nabbed the Cannes Grand Prix, and is said to stay with you long after the credits roll. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
Where: Somerville Auditorium
When: Monday 8-Sunday 14 December
Dance
Ballet At The Quarry: Incandescence at Quarry Ampitheatre
Image credit: Perth Festival | Supplied
Summer in Perth just isn’t complete without a night under the stars at Quarry Amphitheatre. Incandescence brings four world premiere works that fuse classical elegance with cutting-edge choreography. Pack a picnic, grab a bottle of wine, and settle in for the dreamiest evening imaginable.
Where: Quarry Ampitheatre
When: Friday 6-Saturday 28 February
U>N>I>T>E>D by Chunky Move at Heath Ledger Theatre
Image credit: Perth Festival | Supplied
Part ritual, part cinematic battle, U>N>I>T>E>D is a whole new way to experience dance. Six performers in sculptural, motocross-inspired costumes move like otherworldly beings (a feat in itself) in an exploration of machine mysticism and the wild possibilities of the future. Expect relentless movement, fierce sound and futuristic visuals.
Where: Heath Ledger Theatre
When: Thursday 19-Monday 22 February
Theatre
LACRIMA at Heath Ledger Theatre
Image credit: Perth Festival | Supplied
Part theatre production, part scathing expose on the world of haute couture, slip into the velvet-lined drama of LACRIMA. The show unravels the glamorous and secretive world of haute couture, through a prestigious Parisian fashion house commissioned to craft a wedding dress for a British royal princess. A multi-media explosion of theatrical drama and cinematic thrills, come for the haute couture, stay for the high stakes.
Where: Heath Ledger Theatre
When: Friday 6-Tuesday 10 February
Meow Meow’s The Red Shoes at His Majesty’s Theatre
Image credit: Perth Festival | Supplied
Think you know The Red Shoes? Think again. This riotous re-imagining of the Hans Christian Andersen classic from cabaret provocateur Meow Meow asks: what if the girl cursed to dance forever could never start? From singing swans to bold show-girls, this song-and-dance spectacular has it all, and is the perfect escapist watch.
Where: His Majesty’s Theatre
When: Thursday 26 February-Sunday 1 March
Food
Casa Musica at East Perth Power Station
Image credit: Perth Festival | Supplied
You really can’t beat street eats under the stars in the summer in Perth, especially when it’s set to the backdrop of seriously good beats. Casa Musica descends on the East Perth Power Station in February for musical sundowners. Expect live sets, DJs, and golden hour ambience, perfect for soaking up Pereth’s beautiful riverside with a picnic.
Where: East Perth Power Station
When: Friday 6 February-Sunday 1 March
Main image credit: Perth Festival | Supplied