Brisbane Festival 2024 starts at the end of this month and runs through September. Read on to discover the 11 exciting shows with links to France and the Francophonie at Brisbane Festival 2024.
BRIEFS FACTORY – on The Art Boat!
World-class local legends Briefs Factory have curated The Art Boat for Brisbane Festival 2024. With resident artists Fez Faanana, Mark Winmill, and Brett Rosengreen, together with special guests from among Brief’s friends and artists across the festival, you will be immersed in an extravaganza that includes burlesque, the drama and defiance of drag and the addictive and attention-grabbing power of circus.
They’ve just returned from a Canadian season with a Quebecois drag artist and have helped develop the New Caledonian burlesque scene.
An all new, all star cast of contortionists, acrobats and dancers hosted by Bon Bon’s frontman, Mario Queen of the Circus. The show is the brainchild of former Cirque du Soleil Assistant Creative Director Ash Jacks (McCready) and Choreographer Julieann Nugent.
We interviewed Mario, Queen of the Circus, in 2022 ahead of the show’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival season. Read our review of the show here.
Fairy tales are reimaged with profound intensity. Snow White, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood emerge from the shadows as the truth of their stories is revealed.
So many of the fairy tales from our childhood were popularised by the Brothers Grimm but as we revealed earlier this year, some of those stories actually came from French writer Charles Perrault.
Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show
The theatrical spectacle based on the life and creations of fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier is making its Australian debut exclusively at Brisbane Festival 2024.
Read our interview with the show’s Associate Director Fanny Coindet here
Jean Paul Gaultier: Freak & Chic
A screening of the documentary about the production Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show (which is also making coming to Brisbane Festival).
This film made its Australian debut at the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2019.
An intoxicating mix of cabaret, circus, acrobatics and ecstatic, heart-pounding live music, enthralling stage effects, and more.
It stars Frenchman Mikael Bres on the Chinese Pole, and performing beatboxing, who we interviewed ahead of the Adelaide Fringe season at the beginning of the year, where it made its debut. Read our review here.
Brisbane’s City Botanic gardens are transformed with breathtaking illuminations in this globally renowned, multisensory phenomenon of light, colour and sound.
French company Tilt is one of the companies involved in this immersive after-dark journey through the City Botanic gardens. Read our interview with Tilt ahead of their Illuminate Adelaide season here.
French-Australian songwriter and performer Pauline Maudy (who you may know from the group MZAZA) will present songs inspired by human resilience which have been crafted in collaboration with internationally renowned composer Robert Davidosn. These soulful songs are brought to life by Black Square String Quartet.
Merrick Watts: An Idiot’s Guide to Wine – Volume Two
Volume One sold out at Brisbane Festival 2022. Volume Two has Australian comedian and wine expert Merrick Watts showcasing different grape varietals from wonderful wine makers with new jokes, stories and food pairings to match. The show incudes 6 wine tastings.
Read our review of Volume One from its Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2023 season.
So Much Myself: Piano Portraits
Virtuoso pianist Sonya Lifschitz and composer Robert Davidson bring an audiovisual epic which weaves solo piano, video, archival audio, and narrative in a complex, interconnecting tapestry of stories celebrating discovery. Among the voices are those of Marie Curie and Nina Sione.
We interviewed Sonya Lifschitz ahead of Adelaide Festival 2022’s season and reviewed the show here.
The Dream Weaver: Guardians of Grace
Multicultural artist Grace Lillian Lee collaborated with Jean Paul Gaultier on a sculptural couture costume for Fashion Freak Show.
This free exhibition will showcase eight ethereal Shields and Armours each evoking Grace’s totem, Koysemer (moth) in this homage to lineage.
KEY INFO FOR BRISBANE FESTIVAL 2024
WHAT: Brisbane Festival 2024
WHERE: Various venues across Brisbane
WHEN: 29 August to 21 September (some shows, such as Lightscape, extend beyond these dates)
HOW: Purchase your tickets via the show links above.
HOW MUCH: Ticket prices depend on the event and ticket type chosen. Some experiences such as The Dream Weaver: Guardians of Grace are free to enter.
Which shows are you planning to see at Brisbane Festival 2024?
