The Brisbane Festival is here, with hundreds of events tempting locals and visitors to enjoy spring in the city.
Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina said the excitement had been building over the past few days, with the culmination of years of work coming to life, as the events begin this week.
Ms Bezzina said she recently found herself “immersed in the magic unfolding at South Bank’s Festival Garden”.
“The South Bank Piazza has undergone a remarkable transformation—no longer the space we once knew, but now a grand theatre ready to host Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show, an Australian exclusive that will captivate us all,” she said.
“I was also fortunate enough to witness a full run of Love Stories, and it is nothing short of spectacular – funny, deeply moving, and a testament to the incredible talent involved.”
Ms Bezzina said at the Brisbane Powerhouse the set build for the award-winning sci-fi masterpiece Volcano was in full swing and The Stores building was morphing into a stunning gallery space, showcasing the work of Grace Lillian Lee.
“And Lightscape. It’s even more beautiful than I imagined. The contributions from Queensland First Nations artists are truly the soul of the trail.”
Some highlights of the Festival are:
Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show: August 30 to September 15, South Bank
An explosive combination of both a musical revue and fashion show, the production depicts the sensational life of Jean Paul Gaultier through a theatrical spectacle that is equal parts eccentric, scandalous, provocative, exuberant, and hilarious.
The Freak Show explores the journey of the fashion genius as the times and styles change. Hard to define, but easy to love, the Freak Show has elements of theatre, fashion, cabaret, dance and circus As part of the event, Jean Paul Gaultier has designed hundreds of new outfits that will feature alongside some of his most iconic creations on the Brisbane runway.
The event will be a celebration of fashion, couture, and attitude. The show features a playlist fit for a grand party with disco, funk, pop, rock, punk and more.
Lightscape: August 29 to October 12, Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens
This globally renowned, multisensory phenomenon of light, colour and sound showcases Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens in a new light, with breathtaking installations created by acclaimed local and international artists.
Running throughout Brisbane Festival, Lightscape invites audiences to wander beneath towering tree canopies illuminated in colour, stroll beneath larger-than-life flowers, alongside shining neon roots, and through dynamic glowing tunnels.
Briefs Factory – on The Art Boat: August 30 to September 21, Brisbane River
Against the stunning backdrop of the ever-expanding city skyline, journey along the iconic Brisbane River as you are immersed in a world of art, music, and performance. Throughout Brisbane Festival, the Art Boat’s crew will make sure your journey is filled with DJ sets, drag, burlesque, circus, and party vibes.
Riverfire: August 31, Brisbane River
The centrepiece of Brisbane Festival, Riverfire is ready to light up the night sky once again.
Meeanjin Songlinez: September 1, South Bank
A celebration of the extraordinary talent of Queensland’s First Nations musicians. Immerse yourself in the union of contemporary and traditional music.
Volcano: August 30 – September 14, Brisbane Powerhouse
The multi-award-winning Volcano invites audiences into a voyeuristic journey played out across four performances full of surprise and intrigue. A serialised live performance miniseries spanning four 45-minute episodes, Volcano crosses the boundaries of experimental theatre, contemporary dance and psychological sci-fi thriller.
Meet Your Maker: August 31 – September 7, Brisbane Powerhouse
A high-octane, pop-fuelled debut premiere following an Indigenous pop artist through a world where Indigenous pop culture is the norm.
Straight From The Strait: August 28 – 31, QPAC Playhouse
A Torres Strait Island Musical reverberating with the power of song, a harmonious fusion of traditional music and contemporary melodies.
Be Iconic: September 1, South Bank Piazza
Join our fashionistas as they swagger, glide, stomp, crawl, or dance down the transformed Piazza runway.
GRIMM: August 31 – October 6, Cremorne Theatre
Step into a world where fairytales are reimagined with a profound intensity. Be warned, these bedtime stories may cause nightmares.
Limbo – The Return: August 29 – September 21, The West End Electric
An award-winning and intoxicating mix of cabaret, circus, acrobatics and ecstatic, heart-pounding live music, enthralling stage effects, and more.
Big Sculpture Artists Workshop: August 31 , Brisbane Powerhouse
Join one of the Big Sculpture artists, Toby Cedar, in a seated movement workshop. Learn song and dance with Toby as they tell a story about trading throughout Zenadth Kes in their canoes.
