Today the Brisbane Powerhouse launched the 2012 World theatre Festival season.
Today the Brisbane Powerhouse launched the 2012 World theatre Festival season. Along with the best independent theatre from Italy, Belarus, India, United States, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia, the World Theatre Festival 2012 will also present forums, masterclasses and a new Festival Lounge with free live music and Wi Fi, at the Brisbane Powerhouse from 16 – 26 February 2012. Festival Artistic Director Andrew Ross says, “The World Theatre Festival is about featuring the best new independent theatre on stage, and making connections between local and international artists”. The festival presents a well-rounded program to suit everyone’s interests, according to Ross. “Technology enthusiasts will love Il Pixel Rosso’s And the Birds Fell from the Sky – where two audience members wear video goggles and MP3 players and experience a completely different universe”, says Ross. The New Zealand’s Pacific Institute of Performing Arts graduates will present the dramatic musical Where We Once Belonged, showcasing Pacific singing and dancing. India’s Abhinaya Theatre Company will collaborate with Brisbane band Topology to present Ibsen reimagined in The Lady from The Sea (pictured), and the Rude Mechanics from Texas, US. who bring the most dangerous approach to acting back from the 70s in The Method Gun. Home-grown Brisbane Indie troupe The Escapists will present Elephant Gun – an inventive and clever play using puppets, dance and projections and Team Mess presents an interactive show This Is It! , a show where the audience take on the role as the press at a movie launch – complete with probing questions. The World Theatre Festival 2012 will also present Scratch – six new works in development by Australian artists where audiences can see how theatre comes to life. Audiences are also encouraged to take part in the In Conversation discussion series and industry masterclasses including video goggle adventures, devising new work and revisiting classics. The new Festival Lounge which will be open all hours with free live music, will be the perfect place to relax between shows, discuss what you’ve just seen or meet with friends during the festival. Brisbane Powerhouse is Brisbane City Council’s leading arts performance venue helping to deliver a vibrant and creative city. World Theatre Festival is supported by Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland and Events Queensland.