Perth is providing the backdrop to one of the nation's biggest festivals of 2015 - the Perth International Arts Festival. Taking place from February 13 through to March 7, the event provides plenty of culture, artistic merit and fun for audiences of all ages. If you're planning on heading to the area this summer and are considering what events in Perth you want to experience, be sure to add this to your list. Here's our pick of the best highlights.
Head to His Majesty's Theatre between 13-15 February to catch this Australian exclusive, which features the Mark Morris Dance Group dancing to the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The acclaimed dance company has never before visited Perth and will no doubt be keen to showcase its exciting and enthralling work that is playful, energetic and inventive. The stunning showcase sees 18 dancers joined by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra for performances that range from traditional balletic moves to fresh and modern.
The Perth Writers Festival is a popular addition to the overall art festival, featuring an array of writers coming together to discuss their craft. Hear Bob Brown discuss his time with the Greens or join in on the Style Makers conversation, where the editorial creativity of visually stunning magazines is identified and celebrated. There's also a Family Day which offers entertainment and interactive activities suitable for guests of all ages, and a Succinctly Told section which sees four short fiction writers talking to Laurie Steed about concise writing.
"The Perth International Arts Festival gets underway this February, and there are plenty of vibrant, innovative and interactive things to see and do."
This is another Australian exclusive, where Anthony Minghella's Olivier Award-winning Madama Butterfly is performed on our shores for the very first time. The show has achieved wide acclaim and is Minghella's only opera production, following on from his direction of films such as The Talented Mr Ripley and The English Patient. Expect to see beautiful cinematic images mixed in with traditional Japanese theatre. Learn the story of Butterfly, a young Japanese girl who becomes swept up in a romance with an American naval officer, and discover what happens when devotion and betrayal enter into their relationship.
From 17-21 February the circus is coming to town. Circa is an internationally acclaimed local ensemble who last performed in Perth with Opus, and the group is back to put on the moving showcase that is Beyond. There's a fusion of music and circus on display here, with the trapeze and Chinese pole being utilised alongside giant rabbit heads and Rubik's cubes. Music includes everything from ballads to electronica, and the multiple-stage setup means you'll truly feel swept up in another world.
Whether you're coming for the weekend or for the duration of the festival, you'll want to stay close to the heart of the city in holiday accommodation that is comfortable and well-appointed. Mantra on Hay is one such option, located on the east side of Perth's CBD. You'll be impressed with the range of room options here, with everything from hotel suites to three-bedroom apartments on offer, in addition to plenty of facilities to enhance your stay. Sip on a cool drink or two at the licenced bar on site as you wind down from your day of art and culture, or work up a sweat at the gym to help burn off those holiday calories. There's also room service for those times when you just want to sit back, watch some TV and dine on something delicious.
Conveniently located on the eastern side of Perth's CBD, it's the perfect. place to soak up the buzzing... Read More »
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