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FTW: Melbourne Festival 2012

Juliana Mare

Wed Oct 10 2012

FTW-Feat-Img-MelbFest

THE biggest arts and cultural event of the year is back from October 11 – 27.  Juliana Mare tells you what’s on – from Korean documentaries to the “child-version” of Big Brother. We’re also giving away tickets to “Fault Lines” –  a choreographed tribute to those who survived the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

Melbourne Festival 2012 will feature plenty of internationally produced performances ranging from musical comedies to film screenings to classical music and dance productions. We’ve put together a list of international events we thought might pique the interest of our readers.

Art matters…on film (Various)

For anyone who’s a film junkie, ACMI and Greater Union City Cinema are hosting, for the first time in the history of the Festival, a program of films about art and artists from different countries across the globe. Curated by Richard Moore (former MIFF director), this program features over 20 films from USA, England, South Korea, Netherlands and Iceland. Ranging from feature films about the life of pop art icon Andy Warhol (pictured), self-made documentaries of Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-duk and a recording of one of the last dances by renowned choreographer Merce Cunningham. This program has covered all bases in the arts field.

We’re Gonna Die (USA)

October 24 – 27, 8:30pm

Since forming her own production company in 2003, Korean born Young Jean Lee has written and directed nine shows that have seen her recognised by the New York Times as “one of the most adventurous new playwrights to emerge”. Her latest work, “We’re Gonna Die” is a satirical fusion of cabaret, pop concert and autobiography that moves through all the ups and downs of life, with a constant reminder that we’re all going to die, but in a celebratory, “you only live once” kind of way.

Till Dawn Sunday (USA/Korea)

October 17, 7:30pm

While Korean-born Hahn-Bin may look like he has all the right flare and exuberance to be the next contemporary pop prodigy, he’s actually a classical violinist who’s been playing since he was five. At age 12, he performed at the prestigious Grammy Awards, making his international debut. His performances don’t quite fit the mould of classic music though, as they’re as theatrical – thanks to his eccentric style – as they are musical. Hahn-Bin is performing at the Melbourne Festival with pianist and fellow Julliard attendee, Or Matias.

Before Your Very Eyes (Various)

October 24 – 27,  7:30pm

Performed by children but intended for an adult audience, this performance was described by The Sunday Times as “Big Brother directed by Andy Warhol.” Each child actor, either from Germany, UK or Belgium performs inside a room made from one-way mirrors, unable to see out. As they take the audience on a journey of their personal hopes and dreams, they get ‘older’ progressing decade by decade until adolescence thwarts their plans. It’s a bittersweet insight into how easily life sometimes passes us by.

Dance Territories (Switzerland/Australia)

October 24 – 27, 8:00pm

With the tagline “What is the most that can be achieved with the least?”, this dance performance features two Australian artists (Matthew Day and Sandra Parker) and two renowned Swiss dancers (Cindy Van Acker and Perrine Valli), premiering at the Melbourne Festival. All four dancers share a passion for a minimalist, contemporary choreography and exude a sense of grace, elegance and precision in their dancing. Dance Territories is a union of two different cultures of dance which features four solo acts by these acclaimed dancers, one of which – Van Acker – is debuting in Australia at the Festival.

Ourselves (Various)

October  11– November 25

Premiering at The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, this exhibition features over 20 international artists and artworks, working across all mediums from installation, film, video and document. “Ourselves” is an in-depth look at the new global understanding of ‘the self.’ Revolving around the idea of inter-subjectivity, works in the gallery explore alter-egos, avatars, masks and mirrors in order to present the concept of there being more than one self. It’s an eye-opening exhibition that will surely get your brain ticking, curated by Juliana Engberg.

Fault Lines

May 12, 2008 was the day when an earthquake, measuring 8.5 on the Richter scale hit Wenchuan County in the Sichuan provice of central China. Over 69,000 people lost their lives, hundreds of thousands were injured and millions became displaced as the city turned to rubble.

‘Fault Lines’ is a choreographed tribute to those who survived and are working to move on with their lives. It’s a piece inspired by their reaction to a devastating event, performed by members of the Leshan Song and Dance Troupe – many of whom witnessed the disaster firsthand and in some of the worst hit areas. This heartfelt and emotional show features dancers discovering what’s left in the aftermath of the earthquake and learning to rebuild not only their personal lives, but also their communities.

Choreographed by Christchurch born Sara Brodie, this performance is running from October 11 – 13 at the Malthouse Theatre.

Meld Magazine has 3 x Double Passes to giveaway for the Fault Lines show on October 11 at 2pm. To enter simply leave a comment below. 

The competition is only open to those living, studying, or working in Victoria. The winner will be chosen through a random draw and notified via email.

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