Sydney Festival Releases First Wave Of Shows For 2018

Sydney's pre-eminent summer event, Sydney Festival, today announces the first three performances of its 2018 program; Aquasonic, an underwater concert and visual performance; RIOT, a variety show with an all-star Irish cast; and The Town Hall Affair, by the world-renowned New York-based theatre companyThe Wooster Group playing their first ever Sydney show. All three performances are Australian premieres and exclusives to Sydney Festival.

Now in its 42nd year, Sydney Festival takes place from 6-28 January 2018, to once again turn the entire city into a cultural hub.

The Town Hall Affair is a theatrical reimagining of the classic 1971 documentary Town Bloody Hall by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker, which captured a raucous debate between author Norman Mailer and leading feminists including Jill Johnston and Germaine Greer - played by internationally renowned film and TV actor Maura Tierney. The debate may have taken place more than 45 years ago, but its themes remain relevant. Directed by Elizabeth LeCompte, co-founder of acclaimed experimental theatre troupe The Wooster Group, the play combines live performance of real-life dialogue from the debate with video footage from the documentary, both inhabiting the original film and derailing it.

RIOT is an acclaimed Irish variety show that melds high art and trash culture in a disorderly cocktail of partying and politics. It contains an all-star cast including famed drag queen and activist Panti Bliss, comedic acrobat dance sensations Lords of Strut, and former Riverdance leads Up & Over It amongst others.

Aquasonic is an ethereal underwater concert performed by five musicians submerged in aquariums.
Playing custom-made instruments and singing in an invented style reminiscent of Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser, the result is a musical performance that both looks and sounds haunting and otherworldly. Avant-garde ensemble Between Music spent years researching the possibilities of sub-aquatic musical performance, conducting experiments with scientists, deep sea divers and master craftspeople to develop entirely new instruments that can be played underwater.

Sydney Festival Director, Wesley Enoch says
"Sydney Festival is Sydney's cultural New Year's resolution. We set the cultural agenda for the year ahead and bring you some of the wildest cultural adventures you're ever likely to see. Sydneysiders embrace seeing the wonderful and the weird, the adventurous and the thoughtful. From exciting underwater music, to the true Irish sense of a 'political party' and one of the most renowned experimental theatre companies in the world.

"These three international hit shows are just a taste of what we have in store for you. Come enjoy the beauty of Sydney in summer!"

Listings information:
Aquasonic
Genre: Music
Where: Carriageworks
When: 6-9 January, see website for timings
Price: $59-$69
Link: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/info/aquasonic

The Town Hall Affair - The Wooster Group
Genre: Theatre
Where: Sydney Opera House, Drama Theatre
When: 7-13 January, 8pm, no performance Monday
Price: $86-$96
Link: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/info/the-town-hall-affair

RIOT
Genre: Theatre/Cabaret
Where: Meriton Festival Village
When: 5-28 January, see website for timings
Price: $70-$80
Link: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/info/riot

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