Melbourne International Arts Festival is almost upon us for another year and they’ve loaded up another stellar selection of music and arts extravaganzas for their 2018 incarnation. With commemorations to The Go-Betweens, another disconcerting wild maze from the House of Mirrors guys as well as The The’s first Australian show in 30 years, this is one not to be missed.
If you’re not already chomping at the bit, here’s our guide to all the best shows and events awaiting for Melbourne Festival 2018.
16 Lovers Lane
In 1988, The Go-Betweens released 16 Lovers Lane, their sixth studio album and their first purely Australian release in a number of years following their stint in London. It mirrored a band revitalised and full of verve after years of international voyaging had worn them down. For this, a recreation of one of Australia’s most literary albums of all time, three of the bands original members will be joined by the likes of Dan Kelly, Danny Widdicombe, Luke Peacock and more, for a special performance.
1000 Doors
The masterminds behind Melbourne Festival’s 2017 hit House of Mirrors are back with their next thrilling instalment. For 1000 Doors, an endless series of doors, screens, portraits and gateways give way to the many in-between spaces humanity has invented to fill the void. Every punters enter at the same door, but no two visitors will leave the same way they entered.
The The
We have post-punk royalty amongst us in the form of The The. Not amiable to the search engine, it’s their incongruous name that’s attracted only the most erudite punkers. Lucky there are a few, because The The blazed a trail to become one of the most successful English punk outfits in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Their last Melbourne show was in 1989, I wouldn’t be waiting around for another.
My Name is Jimi
For Melbourne Festival 2018, Queensland Theatre will bring My Name is Jimi to the Arts Centre, welcoming Jimi Bani (Mabo, The Straits, Redfern Now) himself to the stage to tell his incredible family story. This show brings together everything from music, stand up, dance and storytelling with a quintessential Australian slant that’s unmatched.
Nils Frahm
Revered Berlin composer Nils Frahmis peerless, in genre and accomplishment. There’s no just way of pigeonholing the European virtuoso, as his music bridges categorisation; it transcends genre and must be seen to be believed. Check out his new album, All Melody, if you haven’t already had a taste.
A Ghost in My Suitcase
Barking Gecko Theatre bring us the world premiere of A Ghost in My Suitcase. Arriving in China with the intention of scattering her mother’s ashes, 12-year-old Celeste’s wildest fantasies come true as she is thrust into a terrifying world of magic and adventure. Based on Gabrielle Wang’s thrilling book of the same name, the winner of the 2009 Aurealis Award for Best Children’s Novel.
