Natalie Bochenski February 12, 2013
The fourth World Theatre Festival at the Brisbane Powerhouse runs from February 13 to 24, and takes in productions, masterclasses, music, film presentations and conversations.
This festival was the last project helmed by Andrew Ross, the former artistic director who finished up at the Powerhouse in December. His aim was to provoke discussion among theatre-goers.
Each ticket you purchase puts you in the running to win a grand art adventure in Paris, courtesy of the Powerhouse, Korean Air and brisbanetimes.com.au, so make sure you take the opportunity to see inventive and dynamic work from around the globe.
Here’s a country-by-country rundown of the program.
A Doll House. A modern interpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s realistic masterpiece, staged by Pan Pan Theatre. February 13 to 17, Powerhouse Theatre.
I Heart Alice Heart I. Writer, performer and director of young Irish company HotForTheatre Amy Conroy humorously explores two women’s journey as their relationship is brought out of the closet. February 20 to 24, Visy Theatre.
Gob Squad’s Kitchen (You’ve Never Had It So Good). The German/British collective known as “Gob Squad” reconstructs Andy Warhol’s films live onstage to reflect on the nature of authenticity in a modern world. February 20 to 24, Powerhouse Theatre.
Chicks on Speed. Electrocrash pioneers Melissa Logan and Alex Murray will give a lecture on their instruments and quest to blur the lines between art, fashion and music; before powering up the festival lounge with a 90 minute set. Saturday 23 Feb, Turbine Studio 3:30pm; Festival Lounge 10pm.
Parah. This Australian premiere is performed in Bahasa with English subtitles, but is nevertheless a funny and provocative look at racial history and identity in Malaysia. February 13 to 17, Visy Theatre.
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit. A unique experience, this play is read aloud by a different performer every night, who is not given the script until they take the stage. It was writer Nassim Soleimanpour’s way of reaching out to the world while under a travel ban in Iran for refusing to perform military service. February 14 to 24, Turbine Studio.
The Last Supper. An inventive production from the Belgian/UK collective Reckless Sleepers, this work shows the final moments of the famous and not-so-famous – from Marilyn Monroe and Beethoven to prisoners on death row. February 20 to 24, Turbine Platform.
The Economist. Produced by Melbourne’s MKA: Theatre of New Writing, this is the first play written in response to the 2011 massacre in Norway by Anders Brievek. Inspired by his journal, it’s a disturbing but entertaining portrait of the human psyche at its worst. February 13 to 17.
Ever wondered about the process of creating a new stage work? The World Theatre Festival allows you to contribute to the artistic process by attending works-in-progress. Check out the following Scratch Series productions for just $10 each – and stay around for a feedback session afterwards.
Horrendo’s Cruise. Brisbane’s Imaginary Theatre tells tales of pirates and politeness, suitable for kids aged 6 to 12 and their families. February 15 to 17, Stores Studio.
Nature/Nurture. Robert Davidson and Topology. A contemplation of what leading thinkers had to say about this particular conundrum, with recorded voices mixed with spoken and sung reflections. February 16 to 17, Graffiti Room.
Song: The Story of a Girl, a Bird and a Teapot. Waiata Telfer. This Brisbane artist explores her indigenous heritage through text, movement and sound. February 15 to 17, Stores Room.
Over the Fence. Brisbane’s Contact Inc brings a conversational tone to this performance, using live interviews and photo montages to explore what makes friends and memories. February 22 to 24, Stores Room.
Oedipus Schmoedipus. An ambitious collection of death scenes from 200 plays from Sydney group Post. February 22 to 24, Rooftop Terrace.
Game Show. Melbourne’s Aphids group will put the host in the hot seat and give the audience to chance to win all of their belongings. February 22 to 24, Turbine Platform and Graffiti Room.
For a full program, visit the Brisbane Powerhouse website.