Perth Festival artistic director, Shelagh Magadza, on enjoying both the city and this year’s festival.
The first place I take visitors is…
For a walk along the Swan River – for perspectives of the city, birdlife and, maybe, dolphins.
One of my favourite hidden secrets is…
The Mundaring Weir Hotel. It has a wonderful eccentric charm and is set in bushland.
Performances that will blow people away are…
Antony and the Johnsons with the WA Orchestra (February 5-6) will be an amazing live-music experience; Life And Fate by Maly Drama Theatre of St Petersburg (February 17-23), Russia’s leading theatre company; and Neil Armfield’s Peter Grimes (February 9, 11, 13), a stunning opera.
One of the best new talents is…
Rupert Goold, a young English director known for his daring staging. Six Characters In Search Of An Author is a clever contemporary take on a theatre classic.
The best innovation this year is…
Live music with film in the Astor Theatre – from sublime early music to full-throttle rock.
For free entertainment…
Try the Perth Writers Festival (February 26-March 1). Hear authors talk about their work and the most interesting issues of our time. Or explore the visual arts program around the city.
Kids are going to love...
Les Sept Planches de la Ruse (February 6-12), which turns a childhood game into a production using circus skills and Chinese acrobats.
Later on…
Wind down at the Brisbane Hotel, Highgate. Beck’s Music Box is the best summer music venue in Perth.
Perth International Arts Festival
February 5-March 1.
www.perthfestival.com.au
Photography Frances Andrijich
Source Qantas The Australian Way February 2010