What’s on in Perth & WA

During September and October, the SunSmart 2019 Bloom Festival showcases an interesting and varied array of events through most of the 19 towns in South West.

Great Southern Treasures showcases the smaller places that thrive on the commitment and inspiration of the communities that choose to live, work and play there. Experience this celebration of country life, whether you are exploring the area for the first time or as a local enjoying your own backyard and the incredible flora of the region.

Join us in Spring and let us share our patch of paradise with you, a truly Great Southern experience and we know you’ll have a blooming good time.

The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.”

And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” It’s The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical.

Now with sold out productions in London, on Broadway, North America, Melbourne and Sydney, The Book of Mormon has truly become an international sensation.

See more info at: https://www.crownperth.com.au/entertainment/crown-theatre/the-book-of-mormon

Palace presents the Lavazza Italian Film Festival, see the best new Italian films and digitally restored classics screening nationally this September to October. With lots of Australian Premieres, the Lavazza Italian Film Festival is the  destination for the best contemporary Italian cinema – on the big screen! The program includes special events, Q&As, panel discussions, special guests, parties and so much more. Viva il cinema!

The Opening Night selection, THE CHAMPION, is a beautifully balanced blend of the spectacular and intimate, delivering a moral lesson that is both identifiable and strikingly moving the film is set in the glossy world of professional, millionaire footballers.

Two Special Presentations within the festival include THE VICE OF HOPE; a powerful, award-winning film about a woman striving to escape a live of vice and criminality and LORO; the director's cut of one of the most talked-about opening night films in the festival's 20 year history.

The festival is excited to host the world premiere for PROMISED featuring WAAPA graduates Daniel Berini and Antoinette Iesue alongside Tina Arena and Paul Mercurio. Directed by Nick Condi, this is a romantic drama that is certain to hit home.

The Closing Night selection is the Australian premiere of Ron Howard's highly anticipated biopic PAVAROTTI; an access-all-areas documentary that looks back at the life, relationships and the remarkable performing career of the world's most famous tenor.

The festival also features new Italian cinema, comedies, films on art and a retrospective showcase of three of our favourite films from the festival's 20 year history.

Find out more at www.italianfilmfestival.com.au.

CATCH! is an action-packed, interactive adventure for little ones, their families and their friends, that uses balls, racquets and all things sporty to tell a story about a young girl learning how to play, make friends and overcoming her nervous fears about sport. Circus, theatre and puppetry meet in this high energy, playful and imaginative take on our love of sport. The performers jump, roll, bounce and throw as they learn to look before they leap, whilst having a ball!

Tickets on sale soon. 

About the Company:

AWESOME Arts is a not-for-profit contemporary arts company for young people. AWESOME aims to engage with young people under 12 through exciting, inspiring, accessible and challenging arts activities and programs. Based in the Perth Cultural Centre, AWESOME presents the annual AWESOME Festival, the Creative Challenge and other Special Programs.

About the AWESOME Festival:

AWESOME Arts Australia presents the annual: AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things. The Festival includes a spectacular array of events from theatre to dance, early childhood activities, music, film and hands-on crafts. We offer fun, layered programming for children aged 0-12 and their families.

The 2019 AWESOME Festival will take place on the following dates:

General Public:

5 – 11 October – Perth Cultural Centre
12 & 13 October – UWA

School Excursions:

15 – 18 October – Perth Cultural Centre 

Education:

AWESOME Arts offer a fantastic tour and excursion program exclusively for schools every year during the first week of Term 4. There is always a variety of school programs which include teaching resources and class room activities associated with the Festival program and WA curriculum linked. If you are a teacher you can email [email protected] to receive a copy of our teachers handbook.

ASD Guide:

AWESOME Arts continues to partner with DADAA (Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts Australia) to deliver special navigational guides linked to our Festival program. We develop the ASD guide each year in order to help families make the most of their AWESOME experience.
 

Written by: Simon Stephens
Director: Andrew Lewis
Performed by: 3rd Year Acting students

What's the price of mega-fame and limitless money? Rock star Paul is on the final week of his sold-out world tour – and on the verge of cracking up. He's made a Faustian pact with fame, shifting from capricious arrogance to destructive venom as his life spirals out of control. From the Olivier Award-winning writer of the West End hit, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, comes this funny, sad and compelling satire of fame, celebrity and stardom in the 21st century.

Join us for a post-show discussion on Tuesday, 15 October 2019.

Performance dates
11th Oct 7:30pm,  12th Oct 2:00pm,  12th Oct 7:30pm,  14th Oct 7:30pm,  15th Oct 7:30pm,  16th Oct 7:30pm, 17th Oct 7:30pm

Ticketing information
$32 - Full
$26 - Concession/Friends

Bookings open
10th Sep - Friends
17th Sep - Public

Photo by Jon Green

Based on the Novel by: Tracy Farr
Stage adaptation and Directed by: Andrew Hale
Performed by: 2nd Year Acting students

Iris's family – her ex-husband with his new wife and baby; her son, and her best friend's daughter – gather to pack up their holiday house. They are there for one last time, one last weekend, and one last party – but in the course of this weekend, their connections will be affirmed, and their frailties and secrets revealed. Adapted from Tracy Farr's novel and directed by local actor/writer/director Andrew Hale, The Hope Fault is a story about familial connections and fault lines, and why the debris of a well-lived life matters.

WAAPA in conjunction with the Minderoo Foundation and Fremantle Press proudly presents the premiere of this riveting new Western Australian play.

Join us for a post-show discussion on Wednesday, 16 October 2019.

Performance dates

11th Oct 7:30pm,  12th Oct 2:00pm,  12th Oct 7:30pm,  14th Oct 7:30pm,  15th Oct 7:30pm,  16th Oct 7:30pm,  17th Oct 7:30pm

Ticketing information
$32 - Full
$26 - Concession/Friends

Bookings open
10th Sep - Friends
17th Sep - Public

Photo by Jon Green

Carmel Cider opens their orchard to the public to enjoy the beauty of the 'white blossom'.

Enjoy the day in the orchard or in the packing shed drinking and sampling Carmel Cider's award winning ciders and apple juice.  The weekends will be full of festivities with opportunities to take amazing photos, enjoy a picnic and follow 'Carmel's Neverland' Trail - an activity for the family. 

Live Music from 1pm - 4pm, food trucks, giftware stalls, fresh produce, local wine and Carmel Cider's pop-up bar should keep all entertained for hours on end. 

A Blossum Long Table Lunch in the Orchard might tempt you - more details refer to https://bit.ly/2mFVxHP

General Admission is $5 per person, $15 for a family of 4 (Children 5 and under are FREE)

Enjoy a day filled with live music, steins and lots of fun! Elmar’s Oktoberfest is the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy Germany’s biggest festival in the Swan Valley’s largest BIERGARTEN. Dress up in your finest Lederhosen and Dirndl for plenty of amusement and games, including stein holding, Bratwurst eating, tug-o-war, plus some more exciting good old-fashioned games! The beer will be flowing and BBQ sizzling, with delicious German goodies.

Sat 12th & 19th Oct - 18+

Sun 13th Oct - FAMILY Fun Day!

With the flow of jazz, the soul of blues, the energy of electro and the power of funk, Ice Land: A Hip h’Opera uses the language of hip hop to tackle a tough issue currently affecting our society – the plague of methamphetamine use.

Meth has torn apart many areas of our community without prejudice towards gender, age, race, class, income status or religion. Yirra Yaakin has gathered powerful testimonials from users, carers, family members and many others to piece together a full-length contemporary theatre performance using hip hop as the key musical and philosophical drive. Join us as we explore the journey of Ice addiction in all its states, including happiness, invincibility and clarity, through to despair, fear, psychosis and, ultimately, the breakdown of our communities – their ruin.

Alongside a team that boasts some of Western Australia’s best artists, including Australian hip hop kings Downsyde, WA hip hop queen Layla, multi-disciplinary performer, musician and singer Moana Mayatrix of MOANA, and solo hip hop maestro TROOTH, we explore a very timely subject and ultimately ask the question: if meth use continues to escalate within our communities, what is going to happen to our society as a whole?

This production contains coarse language, drug references and adult themes. It is recommended for patrons aged 16+.

tiny revolutions is a public residency based project that responds to the current global feeling of helplessness by offering a creative response to some of the world’s major challenges.

Members of the public are invited to submit a large issue that causes them concern, and then select a playful tactic with which to respond to the challenge.

The Millennium Project has identified 15 global challenges for humanity, and we have a variety of different ways to respond and bring attention to each one.

The general public can then take part in a THINK tank session to brainstorm ways to respond to the challenges, or sign up to join an elite tactical art response unit to DO some of the actions the think tank generates.

Tackling big challenges starts with tiny revolutions.

Founded in 1998 and based here in Perth, pvi collective is a tactical media art group who create agitational participatory artworks intent on the creative disruption of everyday life. They aim to make their audiences into activists.

Untitled (Uura) presents work made over a two-year period of exploration as he worked with new materials and processes of making, finding new forms through which to tell stories and record language. This period of practice marks a departure from his first medium of film and presents a series of carved sculptures and site-specific installations and paintings. Untitled (Uura) explores the artists self and how language, knowledge and persistent memories dwell within and re-surface across generations.

Producing stories in Martu Wangka dialect for his community and younger generations is fundamental to Taylor’s practice. He has a collective approach to filmmaking often working with collaborators and finding opportunities for younger generations and community members to build skills and discover their own practices and methods of storytelling. His films have been shown at The National 2019: New Australian Art at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney alongside collaborator Ishmael Marika, and The Sydney Film Festival 2019 with film making partner Nathan Mewett.

Curtis Taylor asserts narratives of cultural and personal identity, creating immersive spaces occupied by language and ritual that explore the edges of life and death.

Unfolding Acts celebrates a cross-cultural relationship and provides an opportunity to examine the social, cultural, and historical fabric of two cities and the personal and collective experiences of their residents. Untitled (Uura) explores the artist’s self and how language, knowledge and persistent memories dwell within and re-surface across generations.

On this exciting night, PICA will serve some special green tea and some nibbles catered by La Veen as we welcome the public to join us for a Welcome to Country and live performance from Taiwanese artist Dondon Houwn and his artistic team. There will also be a key note address made by PICA Director Amy Barrett Lennard, and Director of the Taipei Fine Arts Museum Lin Ping.

Come and enjoy this brand-new event on the Ascot Racing Carnival calendar, we will be hosting Perth's largest Beer Hall with plenty of German food, lagers, complimentary steins, beverages and entertainment, you and your mates are set to have a great day out. 

It's serious spielzeit at Ascot Racecourse.

Meet the Artists: Morning Tea | 11am – 12pm
A morning tea is a great way to start a weekend, but the best way is to join one at PICA with some incredible exhibition artists. Help us welcome artists and celebrate the opening weekend with tea and cake kindly catered by La Veen.

Welcome to Balardong: Storytelling | 12pm – 2pm

A storytelling session with Audrey Narkle Nettle and Tracey Kickett sharing their experiences growing up in and around Western Australia’s oldest inland town, from childhood anecdotes and memories of family to everyday acts of resilience in the York township and on the reserve.

Artist Floor Talks | 2pm – 4pm

Art through the voice of the Artist! At the end of the day PICA delivers a comprehensive lineup of exhibition artists ready to share deep insights to their work. These incredible artists include Chou Yu Cheng*, Jao Chai-En*, Pilar Mata Dupont, and local artist Sharyn Egan.

*Bilingual Mandarin Chinese and English Format

"I came up with the festival as a joke back in 2017, but people went nuts for the concept sop I've decided to put it on for real with the help of the good folks at Perth Mess Hall" says festival creator Ronan Freeburn.

The Goon and Nugz Festival is no joke, however, with eight of Perth's best food trucks dishing out the nuggets along with a crazy amount of dipping sauces. There will also be a range of special chicken nugget inspired dishes on the menu.

A pop up goon bar will be serving your favourite guilty pleasures, where you can also redeem your five free tasting tokens. Vegetarian and non-chicken nugget menu options available along with a selection of craft beer and non-alcoholic beverages. 

DJ's NDORSE and Pierce Ericson will be dropping bangers all night - not nuggets, and there's so much more to do like ping pong, games, and even a nugget eating competition.

The four musicians of French ensemble Nevermind – combining flute, violin, viola da gamba and harpsichord – met and founded their group while they were students in Paris. A breath of fresh air in today’s classical music scene, they are rewriting the rule-book on period-instrument concerts with a thoroughly engaging mix of virtuoso expertise and unpretentious charm. Delighting audiences across Europe in prestigious festivals and concert series and making their Australian debut with Musica Viva, Nevermind is disarmingly relaxed and unpretentious and thoroughly dedicated to the universal appeal of good music. 

When people come together as one friendships bloom, connections form, and change begins. This year, Mental Health Foundation Australia presents the Wellness Walk for Mental Health as part of National Mental Health Month 2019.

This is the perfect opportunity to meet good people in a good environment and move together for a great cause.

The walk takes place on Sunday the 20th of October from 10:30am – 12:30pm, at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, where great company is guaranteed.

About Mental Health Foundation Australia

Founded in 1930, the Mental Health Foundation Australia is one of the oldest mental health associations in the country. Working towards a better understanding of the importance of mental wellbeing, the Foundation seeks to educate the community about treatments available for mental illness, to initiate mental health research and to remove stigmas associated with mental illnesses. 

Funds raised through the Kings Park Wellness Walk will go towards supporting these aims. 

Flying through the Showground, Color Runners will be immersed in a pigment wonderland when they are doused head-to-toe in clouds of color at dedicated Color Zones at each kilometre. The ‘Happiest 5k on the Planet™’ will also feature the Bubble Zone, a pink and purple color-clash at the 7-Eleven Super Zone, and a dream-land Foam Zone by Vöost.

DJ Tally will ensure the fun doesn’t stop after the run, as they host the ultimate post-race party with giant color throws creating rainbow skies, disco beats and peace signs aplenty at the fun-filled Finish Festival.

The Color Run Australia encourages participants to raise funds and awareness for official Charity Partner, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, who are committed to bringing fun, joy and laughter to sick kids and their families all over Australia.

With no winners or official finish times, The Color Run is perfect for everyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes!

Australia’s inaugural indoor arena climb, the MSWA Arena Ascent is a unique stair-climbing challenge at one of WA’s premier venues, RAC Arena.

Coming up on Sunday, 20 October the event is open to people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities. With six course options to choose from – including the Mini Ascent and Extreme Ascent – there really is something for everyone!

There will also be a whole range of exciting entertainment in the bowl of the Arena for the Family Festival! You’ll be able to listen to inspiring sounds thanks to DJ G-Martin, get perfectly styled at the Glitter Bar, play giant games such as Jenga and Twister and challenge yourself on the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle courses.

Plus, by getting involved you'll also be helping to make even more life changing differences to the thousands of Western Australians living with all neurological conditions.

Visit https://arenaascent.org.au/ and rise to the challenge for MSWA!

With 70+ companies from regions across our extraordinary state, you have the chance to talk to winemakers and producers and taste our beautiful states produce you may not normally have access to.

You can try from over 45 wineries and 300 wines, buy wine by the glass to enjoy on the picnic blankets or order your favourites to take home for later.

Throughout the day you can listen to live indi music, sit in on a wine and food pairing session or wine appreciation seminar and buy some local produce and delicious tapas from Perth’s best foodies.

Or for something special you can upgrade and indulgence yourself in the Club Lounge! Its an exciting and exclusive lounge retreat with wine and food included.

A jam-packed program of stimulating performances and events in 2019 showcases the immense talent of UWA’s young emerging artists and their mentors, the celebrated alumni, and nationally and internationally recognised guest artists.

From masterclasses and workshops to intimate chamber performances and large- scale collaborations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, so come along to be inspired and entertained.

Frontier Touring and Arena Touring are ecstatic to announce the return of the Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight, to Australia & New Zealand in February 2020. The seven-time Grammy Award winner boasts over 50 years of experience on stage and in songwriting, film and television, spanning pop, gospel and RnB, and continues to deliver show-stopping performances around the globe.

The soul star along with her nine-piece band will begin in Perth on Tuesday 4 February at the Crown Theatre, followed by performances in Sydney at the Star Event Centre on Thursday 6 February, Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on Saturday 8 February and at the QPAC Concert Hall in Brisbane on Tuesday 11 February. She will then venture across the pond to perform at the Civic Theatre in Auckland on Thursday 13 February and Christchurch’s Town Hall on Saturday 15 February. These will be Ms Knight’s first Australia and New Zealand shows in over 20 years!

FRONTIER MEMBERS PRE-SALE
Runs 24 hours from — Wed 16 Oct (2pm AEDT)
or ends earlier if pre-sale allocation exhausted
Sign up — frontiertouring.com/signup

GENERAL PUBLIC ON-SALE
Begins — Fri 18 Oct (2pm AEDT)

Award-winning director Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film) will be speaking about the making of his documentary 2040 in the Judith Cottier Theatre at Perth College in Mt Lawley on Tuesday 22 October.

Structured as a visual letter to his young daughter, his latest film looks at what the future could be in 2040 if the best solutions already available to improve the planet were embraced today.  The documentary will be shown as part of the event.

Two sessions are available to book and the event is suitable for all ages:

• 345pm - Afternoon session (Damon speaks after the screening of 2040)
• 615pm - Evening session (Damon speaks prior to a screening of 2040)

Tickets from $5 to cover a light supper/afternoon tea. To book visit:  https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=529675 or https://www.perthcollege.wa.edu.au/whats-on/events/

This interest expanded into a collection strategy she referred to as ‘the artist and her work’ – Lady Cruthers would collect an artist’s work in addition to a self-portrait, with the two works often hung side by side in the family home. Now housed at the University of Western Australia, the Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art holds over 100 self-portraits, many collected as a result of this strategy.

The Artist and Her Work utilises this unusual juxtaposition to showcase the breadth and depth of women’s art practice, replicating the dense and vibrant hanging style of the collection’s original domestic context.

Pairs of works will be exchanged throughout the exhibition period to create a dynamic collection showcase that will reward repeated viewing.