The line-up of performances at the Judith Wright Centre for the first half of 2016 have been revealed.
Kicking off in mid-Jan, the Queensland Youth Shake Fest presents 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Enjoy a multi-arts production of the original romantic comedy – complete with drama, witchcraft, passion and donkeys, performed by the rising star young actors and dancers of the state.
Next up is Flickerfest 2016, Australia's largest homegrown and international short film festival. For the 25th year running, catch the Academy Award accredited and BAFTA recognised Short Film Festival at the Judy. Travelling on its 50-stop nationwide tour, the festival is at the Judy from the 11-13 February.
Later on in the month, the internationally acclaimed Casus Circus presents their pioneering acrobatic performance, 'Knee Deep'. Now in it's fourth year, the act features four performers pushing their bodies to the limit, in intimate embraces and punishing feats of strength and agility. The strange act is on from the 18-20 February.
Come February, the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) will stop in for a few shows at the Judy. An unusual outdoor event 'Five Short Blasts' will be set up in small quiet boats, with an ambient radio broadcast blending with the sights and sounds of the river. Later that day, 'Fly By Night' combines dance, physical theatre, sound play and visual art to take theatregoers on an unusual journey. That night, 'The Inaugural Dance Affair' invites you to get up and dance, with a local MC and a foot-tapping live band.
Kaleidoscope
Come mid-May, singer-songwriter Wes Carr will present 'Here Comes The Sun'; a distinctly Australian reinterpretation of the songs of George Harrison, featuring hits such as 'What is Life', 'My Sweet Lord', and 'Something'. Wes has followed in his idol's footsteps by taking up transcendental meditation, a practice he credits with helping his depression.
Also coming up later in the year is Flipside Circus' 'Kaleidoscope' a whimsical and colourful glimpse inside the mind of a child with Asperger's Syndrome. Jenny Wynter will invite viewers to find their inner viking in her improvised one-woman stand up comedy rock-opera 'Viking Mama'. The Kupka's Piano team will return, with their weird and wonderful interpretations of classical pieces. And Bradley McCaw will present the seductive virtuosity of his woo-worthy cabaret performance.
There's plenty to come once the silly season silences, so stay tuned for a festive year of diverse performance at the Judy.The Judith Wright Centre's 2016 season begins with 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', 21-22 January.
– written by Justin Smareglia
