Viral
We live in a world dominated by social media but have you ever wondered what’s the true cost of it all? As society attempts to keep up with this rapidly changing and thrilling new world of social media and viral videos, how do we define our social responsibilities? Viral is a new work by Shock Therapy Productions and is inspired by a number of true events. The play melds physical theatre, verbatim-style text, AV projections and political theatre as it explores the role of social media and technology and how it impacts the way we record, communicate and think about events of racism, abuse, violence and harassment in the community. If past Shock Therapy Productions are anything to go by (and we’re pretty sure they are), Viral will be thoroughly entertaining, deeply unsettling and brilliantly thought-provoking. Viral runs from September 1 to 10.

Glitter Festival
Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural Glitter Festival in 2015, it’s back baby and it’s bigger and better with four incredible days of theatre, cabaret, comedy, dance, film and visual arts from October 6–9. Test your knowledge at Glitter Queer-T Trivia Night at Fixx Café at QT Gold Coast, don a fabulous frock and fascinator for the Glitter Raceday, enjoy a super sexy night at Brown Sugar or catch a live performance from Anthony Callea, better yet, do all of the above! The festival is all inclusive so whether you identify with being straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, A-sexual, pansexual or other, Glitter Festival has something for you.

Comedy in the Basement
What better way to celebrate the beginning of the weekend than with a hefty dose of live comedy? The Basement at The Arts Centre Gold Coast is a haven dedicated to laughter – every Friday night (and other nights too), the best in the funny biz take to the stage to set the scene for a raucous evening. There’s an ever-rotating list of local, national and international talent and this month is an absolute cracker with the likes of Daniel Connell, Tom Siegert, Chris Radburn, Linsday Webb, Matt Okine and the insanely talented The Umbilical Brothers. Our eyes are watering just thinking about it!

Dirtsong
Set against a backdrop of stunning moving images and text, Dirtsong features a collection of songs performed in 11 different Aboriginal languages by some of Australia’s most extraordinary performers. The performers form part of Black Arm Band – a collective of renowned Indigenous singers, musicians, performers and actors from across Australia who are dedicated to showcasing and celebrating contemporary Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, culture, experience and identity. Dirtsong takes audiences on a powerful musical journey through Australia’s cultural heartland and it’s coming to The Arts Centre Gold Coast on Friday September 16. This is definitely one for the calendar.

Pasifika Festival
Pasifika celebrates the brilliant diversity of the pacific people and this year, it’s moved to a new and exciting home at Evandale Parklands. For over six years, the festival has been bringing the community together in one place to experience and share the cultures of the pacific so come along and enjoy a community of First Nations, cultural arts, crafts, dance and food. Bring a fala (mat) to bask under the cityscape whilst listening to the unique talents of Royal Family and Ardijah. Pasifika Festival is on Saturday September 17 and entry is free!