Sneak Peek at DF21
This month, Darwin Festival lets a few cats out of the proverbial bag with a sneaky snippet of the 2021 Festival program.
Artistic Director Felix Preval says he’s especially excited about two of the shows included in this month’s early release.
“We’re so excited to get this year’s early program announcement out, including the two biggest commissions in Darwin Festival’s history – BuÅgul and The Pulse,” he says.
BuÅgul officially kicks off festivities, transforming George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens into a meeting place under the stars to celebrate the music and culture of Gurrumul and the people of North East Arnhem Land. In a live performance by YolÅu dancers, songmen and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, it’s sure to be a magical experience, a fitting start to another wonderful Festival.
The Pulse by Australian circus company Gravity & Other Myths promises an impressive spectacle. Bear witness as a shimmering mass of 30 acrobats and 30 choir members unite and divide, becoming spectacular systems and organisms of muscle, bone and voice.
After delivering DF20 – the first major arts festival in the country during the pandemic, seasoned with local flavour – the Festival team has been busy behind the scenes to bring a full program in 2021, despite the pandemic still being so prominent in our day-to-day lives.
“We were super lucky have a Festival in 2020 – maybe the first in the world! And honestly, the effects of COVID are still being felt by festivals around the country, so we’re crossing fingers but pushing forward with optimism at the same time,” Preval says.
“The staff at DF HQ have been working tirelessly, and we can’t wait to bring this years’ massive program to the good people of Darwin in August!”
Our tip? Book early… The Festival is getting quite the reputation for being a sell-out!
WHEN EARLY RELEASE REVEALED THU 6 MAY
INFO darwinfestival.org.au
Photo: Header & Thumbnail - Jacob Nash
