Brisbane's LGBTI+ community is coming together for an electric explosion of queer arts and culture at the 2017 MELT Festival at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
The newly released artistic lineup includes an exciting array of local, interstate and international actors, singers, dancers, photographers, illustrators, comedians and even circus artists.
Brisbane Powerhouse artistic director Kris Stewart believes the festival, which launched in 2015, brings the topics of LGBTI+ rights and equality closer to home, creating a time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of the community.
'A Night At The Musicals'
"Brisbane's LGBTI+ voice is loud and clear in the Melt showcase," he says.
The two past festivals have seen MELT grow at a fast rate in a seemingly short amount of time, with 2015's inaugural festival drawing in impressive crowds and featuring artists such as ex-Olympian-turned-cabaret-master Matthew Mitcham, comedian Adam Richard and singer Brendan Maclean.
This year, even more art-lovers joined the ranks, and next year is shaping up to be another fabulous year of queer arts celebrated in the best way possible.
'Boys of Sondheim'
MELT will be premiering five new productions in 2017.
The city's musical soul will be displayed in musical theatre acts, such as 'RENT' and 'A Night At The Musicals', as well as punk cinematic production 'Hedwig 15', comedic Kylie cabaret 'On A Night Like This: The Erin Minogue Experience', 'An Evening With Amanda Palmer', circus performance 'Quiver' and a Brisbane Powerhouse original production called 'Boys of Sondheim.'
Kris Stewart created, directed and produced his first musical production 'Boys of Sondheim'. The show encapsulates the intimacy, secrecy and masculinity created by one of the 20th century's most significant gay artists, Stephen Sondheim.
'On A Night Like This: The Erin Minogue Experience'
The showcase will also involve provocative discussions and performance pieces, including 'MELT Talks featuring Steven Oliver and Georgie Stone', 'I Am My Own Wife', 'Pani: High Heels in Low Place' and 'The MELT Beauty Pageant'.
The festival is presenting a range of free exhibitions, such as the mesmerising digital art projections 'QueerTech.io' and 'Virtual Drag', as well as cinematic, performance-based and artists works including 'Cake Face', 'Queer Comics', and MELT's Portrait Prize.
'An Evening With Amanda Palmer' - Image © Shervin Lainez
MELT extends the invitation to all genders, sexual orientations, ages, ethnicities, abilities and artistic interests who wish to celebrate love and Brisbane's diverse LGBTI+ community.
