Believe it or not, we managed to find some time over the Christmas break (in between fam time and the beach) to peruse the Fringe World and Perth Festival programs to circle the shows we are most eager to see this season. Whether we were at the beach, in a café or chilling by the pool, there was no better time to sit back and get our festival dates together. As always, there’s a lot to choose from. Read on to find out our faves…
The Magic Flute
20 – 23 February | His Majesty’s Theatre
Blending animated film and live action in a glorious kaleidoscope of Weimar cabaret, German expressionism, silent movie aesthetics and dark humour, this stunning production from a powerhouse team including Barrie Kosky has been rapturously received by audiences and critics from around the world, and we can’t wait to see it. More info>
Giselle
28 Feb – 2 March | His Majesty’s Theatre
South African choreographer Dada Masilo’s reinterpretation of this emblematic piece of classical ballet is bold, brazen, searing and electrifying. From the original ballet, Dada Masilo retains the story, which she approaches through a feminist lens, and adds her own twist. More info>
Swan Lake
14 – 17 February | Heath Ledger Theatre
Michael Keegan-Dolan has put an Irish twist on this contemporary take on Swan Lake. There are no pointe shoes, palaces, tutus or Tchaikovsky. The work, set in modern Ireland interweaves drama, dance, and live music. Winner of Best Production at the Irish Times Theatre Awards, Swan lake challenges you to abandon your expectations of a sedate ballet classic. More info>
MicroMove
12 – 16 February | The Blue Room Theatre
It’s always exciting to see new work by some of our favourite WA dancers. This year’s MicroMove suite of works is curated by dancer and choreographer Laura Boynes, and for that reason alone we’ve already booked our tickets!
More info>
One Infinity
7 – 10 February | His Majesty’s Theatre
As Performing Lines continues to deepen its relationship with East Asian artists and presenters, One Infinity shows us the exciting possibilities and impact that cross-cultural collaboration has on artists, presenters and audiences alike. In this highly immersive work from Townsville’s Dance North, music and movement produce hypnotic and meditative rituals, influenced by ancient Chinese traditions.
More info>
Sunset
7 – 17 February | Sunset Heritage Precinct
This site specific dance-theatre collaboration between STRUT and UK company Punchdrunk’s co-Director, Maxine Doyle, promises to transform the former Sunset Heritage Precinct into a mysterious world that is both intimate and visceral. Having seen Sleep No More also by Punchdrunk in New York last year, we are sure Sunset will deliver a thrilling performance and a unique experience for WA audiences.
More info>
Micromove by Laura Boynes
One Infinity by Beijing Dance Theater & Dancenorth Australia
Sunset by STRUT Dance
REST presented by WAYTCO and directed by James Berlyn
The Nature of Why by The British Paraorchestra
Worktable by Kate McIntosh
Rest
23 Jan – 10 Feb | East Perth Cemeteries
We’re always up for new one-on-one shows created by James Berlyn, especially when they take place in the most unusual of places. This new work by WA Youth Theatre Company sold out three weeks before its premiere. If you’re desperate to see it, email info@waytco.com to be on the waiting list….we heard there might be a possible season extension. More info>
The Nature of Why
21 – 23 February | Heath Ledger Theatre
Working with Sensorium Theatre for the past seven years has shown us time and again how much more joyous theatre becomes when it is personal and inclusive, offering all audience members a chance to participate. It’s exciting to see this reflected on the main stage, with a collaboration between the world’s only large-scale ensemble of professional disabled musicians, the British Paraorchestra, and Perth Symphony Orchestra. Come and play with us!
More info>
Worktable
20 – 23 February | His Majesty’s Theatre
Building something – check
Breaking something – check
No consequences – check
100% playfulness – check
Where can we sign up?
Right here!
Gatz
1 – 3 March | Octagon Theatre
They say life is a marathon not a sprint, so brace yourself for Gatz which brings us an 8-hour marathon of The Great Gatsby. At Performing Lines WA, we often work outside of traditional text-based theatre, but this has glitz, glamour and a little bit of insanity…and it’s by Elevator Repair Service! In 2017, The Gabriels tested our endurance. We’ve had some time to recover and are ready for round two. Bring it on Gatz!
More info>
Gatz by Elevator Repair Service
The Talk by Mish Grigor
Free Admission by Ursula Martinez
The Talk
18 – 25 January | PICA
Sex, religion and politics are topics to avoid with your family, right? Not on Mish Grigor’s (post, Aphids) watch. Bring up the ‘S’ word at family dinner and watch things get awkward. Get ready for a ‘birds and the bees’ talk like no other.
More info>
Free Admission
14 – 18 February | Studio Underground
In a time when everything is viewed through a filter, what does it mean to bare yourself? Exploring the dualities of our existence, Free Admission sheds hilarious insight on the things that make us human using Ursula Martinez’s unique style of positive self-depreciation.
More info>
Feminah
18 – 26 Jan | The Blue Room Theatre
Named as an artist to watch in our 2018 industry poll, Charlotte Otton is tackling is self-censorship head on. If the system is stacked against you, don’t fight it…why not just burn the whole goddamn thing to the ground?
More info>>
Let Me Finish
12 – 17 February | Circus Theatre @ Fringe Central
If, like us, you missed the most talked-about show of 2018, you’re in luck because they’re back for another season!
More info>
Le Nor
13 – 24 February | PICA
Perth’s most prolific theatre-makers are at it again. Le Nor promises to dazzle with its stellar cast featuring all the Hunters and special guest, Jo Morris. If you liked The Second Woman, here is your chance to witness another show that blurs the lines between film and theatre.
More info>
Feminah by Charlotte Otton
Let Me Finish by Emily Stokoe and Charlotte Otton
Le Nor by The Last Great Hunt
