If you’re like me, you’ve been chomping at this bit to break out into the spring weather with a collection of new and exciting activities, which makes it the perfect time for Arts Centre Melbourne’s yearly International Arts Festival to hit the season. Following themes of self-discovery, adventure, and place, this year’s festival features a collection of musical and dance performances, art exhibits, workshops, and visual installations, that promise to astound and inspire all audience members looking for that creative jolt.
Featuring a one of a kind musical program from some of the top local and global contemporary artists, this year’s festival is a one-stop shop for anyone hoping to gain a new sense of strong live performance.
Choosing from a line-up that features an incredible array of diverse talent, audience members will be able to have a selection of performances that range from pop-punk royalty Matt Johnson and his band THE THE, to the intricate stylings of composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and his ongoing collaboration with electronic artist Alva Noto, which cannot be missed. The range doesn’t stop there, this year’s program also features performances from Nils Frahm, The Go-Betweens, Ana Moura, to name a few.
If you are looking for a selection of powerful visual dance and choreographed performances, look no further than the reimagined Middle Eastern classic dance-opera, Layla and Majnun, which promises to be a striking tale of lovers lost. For an extension of visual performances that range from physical to virtual, audiences will be able to find an occasion for every mood, from Lexicon, a wondrous circus arts performance, to Vox Motus’ Flight, featuring mini figures regaling a tale of survival, to the virtual reality depicted in Frogman, that promises a coming-of-age story not to be missed.
As for this year’s artistic installations, the festival will include new and fantastical works from artists such as, Polly Borland, Eva Rothschild, and Steven Rhall. This year will also see the return of Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney, whose new exhibit 1000 Doors promises to be an exciting and mystical place which will allow your imagination to run rampant. If you’re also hoping to add a sense of wonder to your night, the Fire Gardens installation in the Royal Botanical Gardens will add a sense of magic to everyone’s perfect Melbourne experience.
The Melbourne International Arts Festival will be held at and around the Arts Centre Melbourne and Royal Botanical Gardens from October 3-21, 2018. For more information on the event, program and tickets, please visit https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
