Urban legends, show dogs and fabulous fashion shows – our top five unmissable picks for Brisbane Festival
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re all over the fact that Brisbane Festival is returning to our city from September 3–25 for three weeks of electrifying entertainment. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the absolute feast of fabulous events on offer then continue reading, as we’ve rounded up five of our favourite shows that have to be seen to be believed – including First Nations fashion parades, fierce femme tradies and fiery circus performances.
Demolition – September 4–11
First Nations Fashion: Walking in Two Worlds – Sunday September 5
With spring on the horizon and a whole lot of new trends about to drop, we can’t wait for what will be Brisbane Festival’s most stylish event – First Nations Fashion: Walking In Two Worlds. This runway spectacular will showcase a stellar selection of contemporary garments and textiles by First Nations designers. The looks will be worn by 20 local models, who will catwalk a platform created by multicultural Australian artist, Grace Lillian Lee. This vibrant exhibition promises to give event goers a delicious dose of Indigenous fashion, dance, film and live music – and it might even give you some inspo for your wardrobe too!
Auntie’s Fiafia Night – September 8–11
Roll up, roll up, as we are about to enter a circus extravaganza full of Pacific song and dance thanks to celebrated circus company Casus Circus. Taking over South Bank Piazza from September 8, Auntie’s Fiafia Night (directed by circus performer extraordinaire Natano Fa’anana) combines gravity-defying acrobatic feats with traditional slap-and-fire dances, chants and ancient urban-legend tales. Set to transport your senses to islands afar, this unforgettable experience will be set to an oceanic score inspired by Pasifika roots – and there may even be a Haka performance or two. Rally up your friends and family, this is one event you don’t want to miss.
Let’s Be Friends Furever – September 16–25
A room full of cute dogs might be your idea of heaven, but this is actually the adorable scene you’ll be met with at Let’s Be Friends Furever, which is taking over Brisbane Powerhouse for a limited time from September 16. Designed for lovers of four-legged mates, this super-cute show is a crowd-sourced homage to all things canine. Film and real-life theatrics will meld at this pop-up dog-park, where you’ll be invited to witness canines and their companions in all shapes and sizes – from tiny terriers to giant great danes. One thing that they will all have in common? They are all very good boys.
RED – September 8–12
If watching people test their body to the limits in the name of art is something that piques your interest then RED is the show for you. Tens of thousands of years ago, a genetic mutation gave rise to red hair in humans. Now, like many, they are endangered. Dancenorth uses the plight of its dancers as an allegory for a contracting world, and this thrilling theatrical showcase sees air slowly emptying from a large transparent inflatable structure, ultimately sealing its inhabitants in preserved isolation. Epic and intimate, RED illuminates the universal challenge of our survival.
You can jump in to the 2021 Brisbane Festival program and purchase tickets to events here.
Please note: In case Ms Rona pays Brisbane a visit and events can’t go ahead, Brisbane Festival will do quick and easy refunds for everyone. So, grab your tickets and dive into the Festival – it’s going to be a blast!
This article was written in partnership with our friends at Brisbane Festival.
To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.