chogm 2011 festival brochure
DESCRIPTION
Brochure containing the festival info during CHOGMTRANSCRIPT
23 – 30 Octobercommonwealthfestival.com
Hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase Western Australia to the world.
And what better way for the Western Australian community to celebrate CHOGM 2011 than with our own arts and cultural festival — the Commonwealth Festival – a State Government initiative.
The eight-day program will o� er an array of family friendly events celebrating the people and culture of the Commonwealth.
The State Government is proud to be supporting the Festival through Lotterywest and the Department of Culture and the Arts.
I hope that you enjoy the diverse and colourful events on o� er in and around the city and the Perth Cultural Centre.
The Hon Colin Barnett MLAPremier
Welcome to a celebration set during one of the most exciting weeks in Perth’s history.
In this program you will find many things that reflect our unique place in the world and our community, with over 70 free activities to enjoy.
The Festival is a time during which we can celebrate being home to one of the most ancient cultures in the world through the art of Aboriginal Australia.
Alongside this sits a vibrant, contemporary society made up of the journeys of people from across the world. The voices of artists open our hearts to the stories that connect us all.
Make sure you are part of this special moment, create new friendships and help shape an unforgettable experience for visitors to our city.
Shelagh MagadzaArtistic Director
PartnersFunding Partners Media Partner
Department of Culture and the Arts
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Welcome to Country
Ngalluk jurapiny wanju nunnuk
ngallah Noongar Boodja
Nitjah ngallah moorts Boodja
koorah koorah
Nitjah ngallah karllah Boodja
koorah waanginy gaany ngallah
jurapiny moort ngallah boodja
Koorah waanginy kedala,
Ngallah yaakingy ngallak Noongar
Nyitiyang
Ngallak, Ngallak-a gaany
We are pleased to welcome you to our Noongar country
This is our ancestors’ land from the dreamtime
This is our homeland of history
And as one we are proud people of our land
Through history till today, we stand togetherblack and white
We are, we are one
Written by Noongar Elders and Ngallak Koort Boodja Group members Doolan-Leisha Eatts, Yuraleen Dorothy Winmar and Frederick Joseph Pickett.
The Noongar people are the traditional owners of the land of South West of Australia. The Noongar people have a strong living Culture and are the largest single Aboriginal cultural group in Australia. The Noongar people share a common ancestral language, law, spirituality and a deep connection with their traditional lands.
Ng
alla
k B
oo
dja
Can
vas
Ng
allu
k B
oo
dja
Can
vas.
Ng
allu
k B
oo
dja
Can
vas.
Ng
alla
k B
oo
dja
Can
vas
Ng
allu
k B
oo
dja
Can
vas.
Ng
alla
k B
oo
dja
Can
vas
Ng
alla
k B
oo
dja
Can
vas
Ng
allu
k B
oo
dja
Can
vas.
Ng
alla
k B
oo
dja
Can
vas
Opening Celebration
Stra
ng
e Fr
uit
ph
oto
by
Joh
n L
loyd
Fill
ing
ham
.
Perth, Australia’s city of light, welcomes the world with a free, family friendly, musical and light-filled evening.
Strange Fruit, one of Australia’s iconic physical theatre companies, begins the evening with a mesmerising performance of Ringing the Changes. Part ritual, part spectacle and part soundscape, performers sway above the crowd playing a set of beautiful bells.
Hundreds of percussionists from around Perth then join in a joyful community celebration, performing Drumming the Light, a work by Australian composer Graeme Leak, specially commissioned for the Festival.
International drumming sensation Zakir Hussain brings his Masters of Percussion performance to the stage to complete the evening. A classical tabla virtuoso of the highest order, Zakir is a national treasure in his country, India, and has achieved worldwide acclaim. For this performance he is joined by the dancing drummers of Manipur, whose acrobatic choreography creates an energetic percussion finale.
Light and fireworks illuminate Supreme Court Gardens as the evening’s musical journey concludes, a symbol of new beginnings and hope.
WhenSunday 23 October, 6:30pm to 8pm (no interval)
WhereSupreme Court Gardens, cnr St Georges Tce and Riverside Dr, Perth
CostFree
This event is alcohol free. Non-alcoholic beverages and a variety of Indian food will be on sale. There will be space for you to set up a picnic blanket; please don’t bring any glass items. The weather could get cold so come prepared.
Visit commonwealthfestival.com for information to assist in getting to the event, including parking facilities and public transport.
Ph
oto
of Z
akir
Hu
ssai
n.
WhenSunday 30 October, 3pm to 7pm
WhereSir James Mitchell Park, South Perth Foreshore
CostFree
This event is alcohol free. Beverages and food will be on sale. There will be space for you to set up a picnic blanket; please don’t bring any glass items. Check the weather report and come prepared.
Parking will be available on Sir James Mitchell Park with a donation of $5 to the Rotary Club of South Perth.
Visit commonwealthfestival.com for information to assist in getting to the event, including public transport.
Bring your family to the Festival’s closing event, a free concert set against the backdrop of Perth’s cityscape.concert set against the backdrop of Perth’s cityscape.
This fun afternoon of Australian and international music completes the Festival’s celebration of the people and cultures of the Commonwealth.
Look for the flags of visual artist Angus Watt. Displaying images of power, beauty and grace, the flags transform the park for our final celebration.
Stay until 7pm for the fireworks finale as we bid the Festival farewell.
Commonwealth Festival Finale
The Bombay Royale (Australia)
This newly formed Melbourne ensemble plays surf, disco and funk tunes from 1960s and 1970s Bollywood. Think surfadelic Hindi and bizarre and mysterious music of vintage Indian cinema. The Bombay Royale show is all about exotic locations, cocktails, karate and the almighty power of the funk.
Capercaillie (Scotland)
From its home and roots in Argyll in the Scottish Highlands, Capercaillie has become a major force in bringing Celtic music to the world stage. Fusing Gaelic culture and contemporary sound, this multi-award winning group has notched up over a million sales world-wide. Combining the mesmerising voice of Karen Matheson and electrifying genius of their instrumentals, Capercaillie’s performances are always memorable.
Dan Sultan (Australia)With a star that’s been swiftly rising since the release of their second and highly acclaimed album Get Out While You Can, Dan Sultan and his band’s powerhouse performances are guaranteed to make you move. Don’t miss this multi-ARIA award winning act, an electrifying romp through rockabilly, blues, country, soul and rock n roll.
Ringo Madlingozi (South Africa)A phenomenon in the South African music industry, Ringo Madlingozi brings his energetic Afro-pop to Perth for the first time. Achieving double platinum sales in his home country, Ringo’s unique sound is an upbeat blend of rock n roll, jazz and the traditional Indigenous South African sounds of mbaqanga and maskandi.
Gala Concert
The West Australian Symphony Orchestra joins conductor Brad Cohen and award-winning soloists from the Commonwealth for this Gala Concert.
The concert features two talented young soloists, both winners of the prestigious Royal Overseas League Competition. Australian composer Graeme Koehne’s Inflight Entertainment is given its Western Inflight Entertainment is given its Western Inflight EntertainmentAustralian premiere by Amy Dickson, while Yelian He brings his special artistry to Haydn’s much-loved Cello Concerto.
Joining these stellar young performers is South African diva Pauline Malefane, fresh from her starring role in The Magic Flute at the Melbourne Festival. Pauline has toured international stages with ground-breaking interpretations of opera classics from an African perspective. Strongly based in the African tradition of song, Pauline is known for her remarkable injection of soulfulness into Western classical repertoire.
This is a rare opportunity to hear some of the Commonwealth’s most exciting musicians in a journey of musical favourites and new discoveries.
ProgramJONATHAN DOVE Airport Scenes (Australian premiere)
MOZART Mi tradi quell’alma ingrata from Don Giovanni
African traditional
HAYDN Cello Concerto no.2
JAMES LEDGER Indian Pacific
GRAEME KOEHNE Inflight Entertainment (WA premiere) Inflight Entertainment (WA premiere) Inflight Entertainment
BERNSTEIN Somewhere from West Side Story
WhenTuesday 25 October, 7:30pm to 9:30pm (including interval)
WherePerth Concert Hall, 5 St Georges Tce, Perth
Price A Reserve $65
B Reserve $55
Concession $50 (B Reserve only)
BookingsSee the BOCS Ticketing website bocsticketing.com.au or phone 9484 1133
People’s Space
The heart of the Festival and a tradition of previous Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM), the People’s Space is where you can be part of the CHOGM experience and explore what it means to be a member of the Commonwealth community.
Enlivening the Perth Cultural Centre for four days during the Festival, there are activities to entertain children and adults alike.
If you are short of time to sample the Festival, then the People’s Space is where you can access live music, markets, multicultural food, displays by Commonwealth organisations, exhibitions, street theatre and films, all in one central location.
There are extra activities to be part of on the public holiday on Friday 28 October, starting with a live Friday 28 October, starting with a live Friday 28 Octoberbroadcast of the opening of CHOGM on the Perth Cultural Centre LED Screen from 8am.
WhenWednesday 26 to Saturday 29 October, 11am to 8pm daily
WherePerth Cultural Centre, James St, Northbridge
Visit commonwealthfestival.com for the Festival Calendar and information to assist in getting to the Perth Cultural Centre including parking facilities and public transport.
Free travel is available on the entire Transperth metropolitan network on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October.
Ph
oto
co
urt
esy
of E
PR
A.
Royal Commonwealth Society Photographic Awards Exhibition A showpiece of the Festival is this stunning outdoor exhibition of more than 40 large-scale images from the Royal Commonwealth Society Photographic Awards. This is an insightful view of the world through the eyes of young emerging photographers from across the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth Community StageCome and experience our vibrant and diverse community with performances by some of Perth’s best bands and cultural groups. Hear the fantastic multi-award winner Grace Barbé Afro Kreol (Seychelles), the inspirational Burundi Peace Choir (Burundi), the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra, Goodnight Tiger and dub crossover Indian duo Balvinder and Gurpreet Singh, among many others. Visit commonwealthfestival.comfor the daily program.
Kids at the FestivalMost Festival events are family friendly with a range of free activities specifically for kids in the People’s Space. Visitors can make artistic creations, hear stories from across the world, have fun with international street theatre and enjoy free outdoor films. On the public holiday Friday 28 October there will be extra activities for kids in the People’s Space. Visit commonwealthfestival.com more information.
Speakers’ CornerSpeakers’ Corner opening: Wednesday 26 October, 11am
Get involved: Visit commonwealthfestival.com for the daily program of speakers and to request a timeslot and have your say. Hear vocal members of the public speaking about colourful, controversial and thought-provoking issues from our community and hot topics from around the Commonwealth. The opening of the Corner will be a big event with special guest speakers including the Black Queen of the Kimberley, Mary G!
People’s Space
2010
SE
NIO
R G
OLD
AW
AR
D W
INN
ER
Mad
hab
i Das
B
hat
tach
aryy
a ©
Co
mm
on
wea
lth P
ho
tog
rap
hic
Aw
ard
s.
Ph
oto
co
urt
esy
of E
PR
A.
Gra
cé B
arb
e A
fro
Kre
ol.
Mar
y G
.
Collision CourseCollision Course by CM Film Productions Perth in association with Australian Dance Theatre, features 48 super-slow-motion collisions between dancers, boxers, martial artists, gymnasts, football players and street culture enthusiasts. See this extraordinary study of bodies in motion projected on the Art Gallery of WA wall each evening.
Our Extraordinary EnvironmentWestern Australia is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet; more new species are found in WA per year than in the entire European continent. Environmental designers Syrinx have created an outdoor exhibit of plants, images and materials from three bio zones of WA to showcase our biodiversity and the environmental issues that a� ect us all.
Charlie’s ArtmobileNoongar artist Charles (Jdudin) Riley has turned the humble Ford Falcon station wagon into an incredible piece of art. Every interior surface, including the engine, has been painted with bright and colourful motifs, animals and dreamtime imagery, creating an original version of this Aussie icon.
Eating the ArchivesWhen: Friday 28 October, 12pm
Witness history come alive as celebrated WA chef Hadleigh Troy of Restaurant Amusé interprets and reinvents menus from past State occasions for 20 lucky Western Australians who will (quite literally) eat the archives! This public event is hosted by the State Records O� ice of WA in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Food. Visit commonwealthfestival.com to find out how you can be part of this historic event.
Tou
rism
Wes
tern
Au
stra
lia, b
oab
tree
s at
su
nse
t.
Ph
oto
gra
ph
er F
ran
ces
An
drij
ich
.P
ho
tog
rap
her
Wen
dy
Slee
.
Ph
oto
co
urt
esy
of C
M F
ilms.
Street Theatre
Chipolatas (UK)Gentlemen of the Road The ‘Beastie Boys of street theatre’ return to Perth with a high energy performance of physical feats with live squeezebox and breakbeats. Don’t miss these three musical clowns in a fresh theatrical package referencing folk culture worldwide. Suitable for young, old and all those who love to be alive.
WhenWednesday 26 October, 12:15pmThursday 27 October, 2:30pmFriday 28 October, 12:30pm and 5:30pmSaturday 29 October, 12:30pm and 5pm
WherePeople’s Space
The age-old tradition of street performance comes alive at the Commonwealth Festival. From larrikin Australians to international comedians, the program of street theatre is a treat for all ages.
Ph
oto
of C
hip
ola
tas.
Pinstripe Circus (Australia)Ayers Rock Surf Lifesaving ClubAcrobatics, slapstick comedy, juggling, hula-hooping and audience interaction combine in a light-hearted tale of dashing heroes, diabolical villains and charming damsels. Paying tribute to that great Aussie icon, the surf lifesaver, the show celebrates Australians’ love of sun, sand and surf.
When Wednesday 26 October, 4pm
Thursday 27 October, 4pm
Friday 28 October, 4pm
Saturday 29 October, 2pm
WherePeople’s Space
Earthplay (South Africa)Man up a TreeWhat in the world is going on? Everything is changing, and now there is a man up a tree. What’s he doing there? Why won’t he climb down? Come and find out what all of this means in a humorous piece of theatre exploring environmental issues of climate change, re-greening and biodiversity. Created and performed by Ellis Pearson and Loyiso MacDonald.
WhenWednesday 26 October, 1:30pm
Thursday 27 October, 1pm
Friday 28 October, 11am and 2pm
Saturday 29 October, 11am and 3:30pm
WherePeople’s Space
Extraordinary Stories From the British Museum The Western Australian Museum and the British Museum have partnered to bring a collection of rare artefacts to Australia for the first time, to celebrate CHOGM 2011.
The exhibition includes objects rarely lent to other museums and which represent many of the 53 Commonwealth countries. The exhibition tells extraordinary stories about who we are and where we’ve come from, taking visitors on a journey spanning 1.8 million years.
When Tuesday 25 October to Sunday 5 February 2012, 9:30am to 5pmOpen until 8pm on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October
WhereWA Museum, Perth Cultural Centre, James St, Northbridge
CostEntry by donation
Find out more at commonwealthfestival.com
From the British Museum
Qu
een
ch
ess
pie
ce fr
om
Th
e Le
wis
Ch
ess
Sets
, 12t
h C
entu
ry C
E
© T
rust
ees
of t
he
Brit
ish
Mu
seu
m.
Extraordinary Stories From the British Museum
Yiwarra Kuju: The Canning Stock Route
Take an epic journey along the Canning Stock Route through the eyes of some of Australia’s leading contemporary Aboriginal artists.
Yiwarra Kuju explores Western Australia’s remote desert region through Dreaming stories, painting, sculpture, cultural artefacts, film, photography and award-winning multimedia.
This landmark exhibition is supported by a rich public events program, which includes interpretive tours by Aboriginal curators and filmmakers and outdoor projections of short films and photography. This is a special Festival exhibit open to the public in November.
This exhibition was developed by the National Museum This exhibition was developed by the National Museum of Australia in partnership with FORM.of Australia in partnership with FORM.
When Wednesday 2 to Sunday 27 November Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 11am to 5pm
WherePerth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Pavilion 6, 21 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth
CostFree
Find out more at commonwealthfesival.com
National Collecting Institutions Touring & Outreach Program
Ab
orig
inal
cu
rato
rs w
ork
with
the
Can
nin
g S
tock
Ro
ute
co
llect
ion
. Ph
oto
by
Ro
ss S
wan
bo
rou
gh
, 20
08
. FO
RM
Can
nin
g S
tock
Ro
ute
Pro
ject
.
Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards
Princely Treasures: European Masterpieces 1600 — 1800 from the Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum, London has one of the greatest collections of European decorative art of the 17th and 18th centuries, from the miniature to the monumental. More than 90 masterpieces from this magnificent collection have been selected for this exhibition, including painting and sculpture, ceramics and glass, metalwork and furniture, textiles and dress, prints and drawings to present a series of themes encapsulating important aspects of courtly life in Europe.
When Saturday 24 September 2011 to Monday 9 January 2012, 10am to 5pm (Closed Tuesdays)
Friday nights open until 9pm Wednesday and Thursday night open late until 8pm during the Festival
Guided tours run daily at 12pm, 2pm and Friday evenings at 6pm (free with exhibition ticket)
WhereArt Gallery of Western Australia, Perth Cultural Centre, James St, Northbridge
CostAdults $20
Concession $16
Children (5 -16 years) $12
Children under five free
Family (two adults and two children) $50
Find out more at commonwealthfestival.com
This national award is the richest Indigenous arts prize in the country, celebrating the breadth, diversity and excellence of art from all corners of Indigenous Australia.
The awards acknowledge the significant and ongoing contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists make to Australian art, culture and society. With more than 80 works on display, this is a wonderful insight into Australian Indigenous art and culture.
When Saturday 13 August to Monday 19 December, 10am to 5pm, late closing some days during the Festival (Closed Tuesdays)
Free guided tour on Friday 28 October at 2pm
WhereArt Gallery of Western Australia, Perth Cultural Centre
CostFree.
Find out more at commonwealthfestival.com
Princely Treasures Exhibition – Partners
Snu�
box
Ber
lin, c
. 176
5. C
hrys
opra
se, g
old,
foile
d ca
rnel
ians
Sn
u� b
ox B
erlin
, c. 1
765.
Chr
ysop
rase
, gol
d, fo
iled
carn
elia
ns
Snu�
box
and
foile
d di
amon
ds. T
he R
osal
inde
and
Art
hur G
ilber
t C
olle
ctio
n on
loan
to th
e V
icto
ria a
nd A
lber
t Mus
eum
, Lo
ndon
. © V
icto
ria a
nd A
lber
t Mus
eum
/ V
&A
Imag
es.
An
gel
ina
Geo
rge
Bu
rru
nji
Co
unt
ry 2
00
9, s
ynth
etic
po
lym
er p
ain
t o
n li
nen
, 16
0.0
x 2
00
.0 c
m. A
rtw
ork
co
urt
esy
of p
rivat
e co
llect
ion
. Im
age
© A
ng
elin
a G
eorg
e, c
ou
rtes
y o
f Kar
en B
row
n G
alle
ry.
Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards
Princely Treasures: European Masterpieces 1600 — 1800 from the Victoria and Albert Museum
Nomad Two Worlds: Portrait of Diversity
This ambitious art project by internationally renowned Perth-born photographer Russell James has been commissioned by the State Government to celebrate CHOGM 2011.
Experience our State’s cultural diversity through an outdoor exhibit of 53 large-scale portrait photographs of regular Western Australians who were born in one of the 53 Commonwealth countries. Quotes attached to each image convey the subject’s love or longing for their country of birth.
In keeping with Nomad Two Worlds’ artistic style, Nomad Two Worlds’ artistic style, Nomad Two Worlds’Indigenous artists from around Western Australia including Clifton Bieundurry and Lance Chadd have added intricate and beautiful design work to the photographs, revealing our State’s rich Indigenous artistic heritage.
When Sunday 16 October to Friday 4 November
WhereHay St Mall and Murray St Mall, Perth
Find out more at commonwealthfestival.com
Bo
bo
r Sam
-bin
di f
rom
Sie
rra
Leo
ne,
co
llab
ora
tive
art b
y B
essi
e D
aylig
ht.
Ph
oto
by
Ru
ssel
l Jam
es.
Revealed: Emerging Aboriginal Artists from Western Australia 2011See a remarkable exhibition of works from the next generation of artists, representing 21 Aboriginal art centres from across Western Australia. Original pieces of artwork are available for purchase at the Revealed Marketplace and at the People’s Space markets – a rare opportunity to buy a� ordable paintings, prints, wood and fibre works. More than 80 of the artists are visiting Perth for the exhibition and marketplace.
WhenExhibition: Monday 24 October to Saturday 12 November
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4:45pm
Saturday, 2pm to 4:45pm
Revealed Marketplace: Friday 28 to Saturday 29 October,
12pm to 4pm
WhereGallery Central, Central Institute of Technology, 12 Aberdeen St, Northbridge
Find out more at commonwealthfestival.com
Dorcas Tinnimay Bennett - Papa Kutjarra, 109Lx28Wx33H (cm), 2010. Neil Maxwell, Untitled, 151 x 75cm. Photo by Tjarlirli Art.
Department of Culture and the Arts
Department of Indigenous Affairs
Stadium and Ever Higher at PICA
Stadium is an exhibition of work by celebrated Western Australian artists Tarryn Gill and Pilar Mata Dupont. Popular culture, gender stereotypes and sexual power are focal points of their highly stylised and theatrical photographs, referencing 20th century sources ranging from Busby Berkeley choreography and Hollywood musicals to Leni Riefenstahl propaganda films.
An extension of this exhibition is the artists’ performance work, Ever Higher. Chants, cheers and melodies inspired Ever Higher. Chants, cheers and melodies inspired Ever Higherby the history and the hype of great international sporting events fill the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) Central Gallery as a Leni Riefensthal character delivers a choreographed performance on a single rope surrounded by a team of cheerleaders.
Stadium
WhenSaturday 3 September to Sunday 30 October,11am to 6pm daily (Closed Mondays)
WherePICA Central Gallery, Perth Cultural Centre, James St, Northbridge
CostFree
Ever Higher
WhenFriday 28 October, 4pm
WherePICA Central Gallery, Perth Cultural Centre, James St, Northbridge
CostFree
Find out more at commonwealthfestival.com
An Excellent Drill! (2008). Image Courtesy of the Artists and Goddard de Fiddes Gallery.A Gladiator Class Envied By All the Men Adored By All the Women 2008. Image courtesy of the Artists and Goddard de Fiddes Gallery.
Films of the Commonwealth
A selection of films from the Commonwealth, presented in
collaboration with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image
(ACMI), Federation Square, Melbourne. From fascinating features
to quirky and thoughtful documentaries, short films, music video
and animation – stories from around the Commonwealth come to
life on the big screen.
Visit commonwealthfestival.com for full details of the short film
program and more information.
Seating is limited for screenings in the State Library of
Western Australia Theatre.
All film screenings are free.
Road, MovieDirector: Dev Benegal
India. 97mins. M
When: Monday 24 October, 12:30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
A 1943 Chevrolet truck is a restless young man’s ticket to freedom and an escape from the expectations and confines of family. Part road movie, part loving tribute to Indian cinema, director Dev Benegal evokes the magic and wonder of cinema using breathtaking widescreen imagery.
Murundak: Songs of Freedom
Director: Natasha Gadd and Rhys Graham
Australia. 82mins. M
When: Monday 24 October, 6:30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
A moving and triumphant journey into the heart of Indigenous protest music and an inspirational look at the stories and songs that are the essence of Australia. Set against the backdrop of reconciliation, the film blends archival footage with the tour of Indigenous super group The Black Arm Band.
How
to S
tart
Yo
ur O
wn
Co
unt
ry
Home by ChristmasWestern Australian premiere
Director: Gaylene Preston
New Zealand. 95mins. Unclassified 15+ recommended
When: Tuesday 25 October, 12:30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
On his way home from rugby practice in 1940, Ed Preston joins the New Zealand Army to go to World War II. A remarkable true story of resilience, romance, determination and love.
Barefoot Cinema: The Life and Art of Cinematographer Alun BollingerAustralian premiere
Director: Gerard Smyth
New Zealand. 74mins. Unclassified 15+ recommended
When: Tuesday 25 October, 6:30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
This is an a� ectionate portrait of the film world’s most Zen-like cinematographer, a man who has worked on some of the most seminal New Zealand films over the past 40 years, including The Piano (Jane Campion), Vigil(Vincent Ward), Heavenly Creatures (Peter Jackson) and more recently Home by Christmas (Gaylene Preston). The film traces the rise of the New Zealand film industry while o� ering an ode to creativity and hippiedom. while o� ering an ode to creativity and hippiedom.
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAustralian premiere
Director: Wang Jing, Anocha Suwichakornpong and Kaz Cai
Singapore. 87mins. Unclassified 15+ recommended
When: Wednesday 26 October, 12:30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
This film trilogy by three Asian women directors explores the timeless theme of love. The stories from China (Wang), Thailand (Suwichakornpong) and Singapore (Cai) di� er in tone, but all centre around food and meal times. Each story is restrained, controlled and sensitive, reflecting the complexity and beauty of love from various perspectives.
Sound of MumbaiAustralian premiere
Director: Sarah McCarthy
India/UK. 65mins. Unclassified 15+ recommended
When: Wednesday 26 October, 6:30pm
Where: Perth Cultural Centre LED Screen
The slums of Mumbai are a long way from the Austrian Alps, but Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless score for The Sound of Music transcends generations and The Sound of Music transcends generations and The Sound of Musiccontinents to inspire the children of the Bombay Chamber Orchestra. This rousing documentary focuses on charismatic 11-year-old Ashish, who has to overcome his anxieties to sing a solo during the Orchestra’s performance at Mumbai’s prestigious National Centre for the Performing Arts. the Performing Arts.
Mad BastardsDirector: Brendan Fletcher
Australia. 96mins. MA 15+
When: Thursday 27 October, 12:30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
TJ is a mad bastard, and his estranged 13-year-old son Bullet is on the fast track to becoming one too. After being turned away from his mother’s house, TJ sets o� across the country to the Kimberley region of Western Australia to make things right with his son. Using music from legendary Broome musicians the Pigram Brothers, writer/director Brendan Fletcher poetically fuses the harsh realities of violence, with healing and family.
Fire in BabylonDirector: Stevan Riley
UK. 82mins. PG
When: Thursday 27 October, 6:30pm
Where: Perth Cultural Centre LED Screen
When: Saturday 29 October, 12:30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
A potent mix of music, politics and sporting prowess, this exuberant documentary charts the rise of the West Indies Cricket team. Intercutting exhilarating match footage from the 70s and 80s with contemporary interviews, Fire in Babylon is about the politics, music and mantra behind these incredible sportsmen and their legendary defiance against oppression.legendary defiance against oppression.
Life in a DayDirector: Kevin MacDonald, Natalia Andreadis and Joseph Michael
UK. 91mins. PG
When: Friday 28 October, 12:30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
Witness a remarkable user-generated documentary shot on a single day (July 24, 2010) when the global community was enlisted to capture a moment of their lives on camera. The world responded by submitting more than 80,000 videos to YouTube, representing more than 4,500 hours of deeply personal, powerful films from Australia to Zambia, from the heart of bustling major cities to the most remote regions of the Earth.
Image courtesy of Peacock Films.
Spirit Bear: The Simon Jackson Story
Western Australian premiere
Director: Stefan Scaini
Canada. 91mins. PG
When: Friday 28 October, 2:30pm
Where: Perth Cultural Centre LED Screen
This gripping work is based on the courageous true-life campaign by teen activist Simon Jackson to save a rare white Kermode bear from extinction in the face of opposition from the powerful forestry industry. Magnificently shot in British Columbia, the film features Graham Greene (Kicking Bird from Dances with Wolves).
How to Start Your Own CountryWestern Australian premiere
Director: Jody Shapiro
Canada. 72mins. Unclassified 15+ recommended
When: Friday 28 October, 6:30pm
Where: Perth Cultural Centre LED Screen
When: Sunday 30 October, 12:30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
See the film that asks the question, ‘What’s to stop you from starting your own micro-nation?’ and explores the concept of nationhood through interviews with lawyers, diplomats and the self-appointed leaders of micro-nations around the world. Western Australia’s Prince Leonard from the Hutt River Province is one of the many intriguing characters we meet in this quirky film.
EarthDirector: Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield
UK/Germany/USA. 95mins. G
When: Saturday 29 October, 2:30pm
Where: Perth Cultural Centre LED Screen
This is the breathtaking, feature-length version of the award-winning television series Planet Earth. Extraordinary camerawork captures a full year in the life of our planet, beginning in the Arctic wilderness as a polar bear and her two adorable cubs emerge from winter hibernation. Five years in the making and shot in 200 locations across 21 countries, the film’s message is clear: we need to take care of our magnificent world.
Animation from the Commonwealth90mins. Unclassified 15+ recommended
When: Saturday 29 October, 6:30pm
Where: Perth Cultural Centre LED Screen
This Festival special presentation highlights the diversity of contemporary animation drawn from around the Commonwealth. The selection features Oscar-winning short films The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan (Australia) and Ryan by Chris Landreth (Canada) as well as rarely seen works from India, Africa and the UK. This surprising and beautiful program is a must for cinema lovers and people of all ages.
The Perth Cultural Centre and State Library of WA are both alcohol free.
Visit commonwealthfestival.com for parking facilities and public transport information.
From high level diplomacy to grass roots activism, the Commonwealth community is made up of extraordinary people. Inspirational and intriguing, this is your opportunity to hear the stories of some special Commonwealth Festival guests. All events are free. Please note that seating is limited in the State Library of Western Australia Theatre and the Kim Beazley Lecture Theatre at Murdoch University, RSVP to ensure entry. Find out more at commonwealthfestival.com
Neil MacGregor, Director, British Museum: Museums in the Global WorldThe great cities of the world are global cities where citizens engage with the history, traditions and identities of people from all over the world: people who share their cities as residents, commuters or visitors. Museums can and should play a major part in making the idea of global citizenship a reality. They o� er a public forum where di� erent ways of thinking and doing can be presented and discussed, and where great objects from all around the globe can be exchanged and exhibited.
When: Tuesday 25 October, 5:30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
RSVP: museum.wa.gov.au/bm-exhibition or 9247 2877
Mark Bin Bakar: A Personal JourneyCreator of the outrageous and hilarious Indigenous icon Mary G, Mark has worked tirelessly to better the position of Indigenous people in Australia. Come and hear a story of hardship and laughter from one of Western Australia’s great public figures.
When: Wednesday 26 October, 5.30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
RSVP: [email protected]
Victoria Laurie on The KimberleyWestern Australia’s stunning Kimberley region is poised for greater national prominence as the cultural, environmental and industrial landscape feels the looming impact of change. Hear award-winning journalist Victoria Laurie speak about the beauty and rarity of the Kimberley region, a subject close to her heart and the topic of her recently released book Kimberley: Australia’s Last Great Wilderness.
When: Thursday 27 October, 5:30pm
Where: State Library of Western Australia Theatre
RSVP: [email protected] or phone 9427 3111
Malcolm Fraser: The Courageous CommonwealthFormer Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser has been actively involved in both the Commonwealth and the United Nations since leaving Australian politics. At his CHOGM lecture for the Round Table, Malcolm Fraser reflects on the role of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group and the ongoing work of the Commonwealth in international a� airs.
When: Friday 28 October, 5pm
Where: Kim Beazley Lecture Theatre, Murdoch University
RSVP: [email protected]
Conversations at the Festival
Malcolm Fraser Mark Bin Bakar aka Mary G Neil MacGregor© Jason Bell
Victoria Laurie
Hockey International Super SeriesThe newest and most exciting hockey tournament in the world, the International Super Series, is coming to Perth. Hockey Australia has created this innovative tournament, which introduces new rules to make the game faster and more exciting than ever before. Australia’s men’s and women’s teams, the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos, take on some of the world’s best, including teams from India, Pakistan, Malaysia and New Zealand.
WhenThursday 20 to Sunday 23 October
WherePerth Hockey Stadium, Hayman Rd, Bentley
TicketsGo to ticketmaster.com.au or phone 136 100
Find out more at commonwealthfestival.com
NetballAustralian Diamonds v New Zealand Silver FernsSouth African Proteas v Malawi Queens
This is the much anticipated rematch between the Australian Diamonds and New Zealand Silver Ferns in the 2011 Holden Netball Test Series. This follows the Diamonds’ thrilling extra-time, one goal victory over their arch rivals at the World Netball Championships in Singapore in July. Local fans will be treated to a feast of international netball with a double header as World Championship quarter-finalists South Africa and Malawi do battle as a precursor to the 104th trans-Tasman international.
Netball fans around the country can watch the game live on Network Ten or go to the Perth Cultural Centre to watch it on the LED screen.
WhenSunday 23 October, from 9am
WhereBurswood Dome, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood
TicketsSold out
Find out more at commonwealthfestival.com
CHOGM Sports
Treeby Images Treeby Images netball.asn.au
Access the FestivalPublic HolidayThe date of The Queen’s Birthday public holiday for 2011 has been changed from Monday 3 October to Friday 28 October to coincide with the first day of CHOGM 2011. There is extended retail trading until 9pm for general retail stores in the Perth Special Trading Precinct.
Getting to the FestivalFree travel is available on the entire Transperth metropolitan network on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October.
Visit commonwealthfestival.com for information to assist you in getting to events, including public transport parking and wheelchair accessibility.
Booking conditions For Gala Concert conditions visit Gala Concert conditions visit Gala Concertbocsticketing.com.au
For WA Museum conditions visitmuseum.wa.gov.au
For Art Gallery of WA conditions visit artgallery.wa.gov.au
For hockey conditions visit hockey.org.au
For netball conditions visit netball.asn.au
About the FestivalThe Commonwealth Festival, a Western Australian Government funded initiative, has been commissioned to be staged alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to showcase Western Australia’s diversity and celebrate the people and cultures of the Commonwealth.
Festival websiteFor more detail on every Festival event, useful links and program updates visit the Festival website commonwealthfestival.com
Contact [email protected] 2243
Wi-Fi access to the Festival website Thanks to aCure Technology there is Wi-Fi access to the Festival website on your mobile device in the People’s Space and various parts of the Perth CBD. Choose ‘Commonwealth Festival’ as your Wi-Fi network to access the website.
Twitter Get program updates and useful information from @CommFestPerth. Follow and use the hashtag
#commfestperth to join the conversation.
YouTube Missed a Festival event or want to re-cap? Visit the Festival YouTube page for teasers and video highlights of Festival events.
YouTube.com/commfestperth
Flickr Check out photos taken during the Festival.Flickr.com/commonwealthfestivalperth
Sta� Festival Director: Shelagh Magadza
Executive Producer: David Malacari
Production Manager: Dan Little
Operations and Program Manager: Janelle McKenzie
Operations and Front of House Coordinator: Kat Murphy
Project Manager, Signage and Photography Exhibition: Andrew Christie
Project Manager, People’s Space: Sarah Wilkinson
Technical Consultant: Guy Smith
Marketing Manager: Jo HosMarketing and Publicity Assistant: Emma Poletti