Perth International Arts Festival opens Friday 11th February

The 55th Perth International Arts Festival opens in the city on Friday 11th February, with a performance by German open air theatre group Pan.Optikum of their work Transition, a explosive blend of street theatre and pyrotechnics. Over the three and a half weeks of the festival, more than 800 performers from Australia and abroad will perform in a wide ranging program that encompasses music, theatre, writing and visual art, in a diverse array of events.

Highlights of the festival include Australia’s first all-indigenous musical, Waltzing the Wilarra, starring Trevor Jamieson, Kelton Pell, Ursula Yovich and the much-loved Ernie Dingo making his return to the stage for first time in almost 20 years; the entertaining The Red Shoes, Kneehigh Theatre’s twisted take on Hans Christian Andersen’s cautionary fairytale reminding us to be careful what we wish for; and a dazzling live music program that features everything from jazz and chamber music to the delicate sounds of Iceland’s Amiina and the plaintive voice of Canada’s Martha Wainwright.

There’s also a writers’ festival, a fantastic visual art program, films, events for kids, theatre and much more. “From the timeless beauty of ancient art forms to the world premieres of new Australian work, it is a program that reflects our unique place in the world and the cultures within it,” says Artistic Director Shelagh Magadza, who is completing the last of four years as the Festival’s director.

Also in February, Roxy Music will be performing at the 26th edition of Leeuwin Estate’s annual concert on 19th and 20th of February. Held alfresco in the picturesque grounds of Leeuwin Estate, the annual concert at Leeuwin has become an internationally renowned experience featuring an eclectic mix of the world’s finest musicians.

For bookings and information on the International Arts Festival, see perthfestival.com.au.

The Leeuwin Annual Concert is sold out.