Opening night of The Sydney Festival is set to sizzle across the city with the best events and performances hitting the stage and streets for a month of colour and culture. January 8th is jam packed with some of the best of the whole month’s schedule. Here’s the list of what you can choose from to get the ball rolling, with everything from Aboriginal Blues music to high energy Korean dance choreography and even a side of transphobic comedy told through the story of a flying hamburger. And this is just the opening night!
1. Post Orientalist Express
Strap yourself in for a kaleidoscope of colour and rhythm, Korean high-energy dance and stage production. It’s an Australian exclusive from rebellious Korean choreographer Eun-Me Ahn who aims to dismantle your expectations. Showcasing 90 of Ahn’s original costume designs, which are a reflection of local traditions but break new bounds in the same leap.
What the critics say:
The Korea Herald says: “A one-of-a-kind force in Korean contemporary dance.”
Limelight says: “Joyfully subversive dance from the enfant terrible of Seoul.”
Dance Art Journal for Dragons says: “Crescendo in pure form… a unique experience which I feel earned its roaring standing ovation.”
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre
When: January 8-10
Cost: Prices start from $72
Click here for more info
2. Held
Smoke that brings healing.
Song that carries story.
Design that holds Country and brings all together.
This is the World Premier of Held and is a series of sculptural works designed by Yuwaalaraay Wirringgaa and Designer Lucy Simpson. Four forms designed to honour land, sky and sea Country from across each of the four pillars. This work comes to life with the addition of wind and water, amplified through the voices of many. Held will bring the festival to a close on the eve of January 26, with a sunset events of smoke and and song.
What the critics say:
Lucy Simpson says: ““Through my work I create and tell stories in ways that can often transcend words and language, flowing from deep within my bones.”
Dance Australia says: “An immersive, luminous work that draws young audiences gently into the Dreaming, a world of wonder, wisdom and laughter.”
The Sun-Herald says: Through stories of the iconic Bogong Moth, the audience is invited to explore issues around Country and the interconnection of all living beings.”
The Sydney Morning Herald says: “…its power is immediately palpable.”
The Scoop says: “With a mix of stunning shadow puppetry, dance, singing and beautiful visual displays, there is never a dull moment.”
Where: Barangaroo Reserve
When: January 8-25th
Cost: Free event
Click here for more info
3. Kankawa Nagarra
Meet this 82-year old singer-songwriter with four albums and decades of cultural work behind her is described as the ‘Queen of the Bandaral Ngadu Delta’. Walmatjarri, Gooniyandi and Bunuba Elder Kankawa Nagarra is member of the Stolen Generations and has overcome great adversity, becoming one of Australia’s most powerful blues and gospel voices. The 82 year old is also said to be “just getting started.”
In 2024, Nagarra won the prestigious Australian Music Prize for her luminous album Wirlmarni, which was recorded on Country. Singing in both Kriol and English, her music blends Aboriginal blues, country and gospel with raw, soulful storytelling.
What the critics say:
ABC says: “Blends blues, country, gospel and Walmatjarri songlines.”
Rolling Stone says: “A special blend of Aboriginal Australian blues, country and gospel styles, coupled with personal storytelling.”
Future Mag Music says: “Nagarra’s heartfelt album captivates listeners with its blend of First Nations blues, country and gospel, infused with her story and deep empathy for the struggles of others.”
Guitar World says: “The album has been thousands of years in the making.”
Where: Pier 2/3, Suite 3, 13A Hickson Rd Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Dawes Point
When: January 8th, 6:30pm no interval
Cost: $49
Click here for more info
4. Dear Son
Thomas Mayo invited twelve renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, including Stan Grant, Troy Cassar-Daley and John Liddle, to write a letter to their father or son for his book. This is the theatrical production that followed.
The collection of letters honours the rich traditions and wisdoms of fathers of the world’s oldest living culture, dispelling stereotypes and celebrating masculinity as they know it.
Now, deadly theatre-makers Isaac Drandic (37, Dear Brother) and John Harvey (Spear, Black Ties) bring those intimate, powerful reflections to the stage, through music, dance and story.
Insider tip: Stick around for a post-show talk hosted by Jake Nash after the 13 January performance of Dear Son.
What the critics say:
Arts Hub says: ★★★★½ “Beautifully realised and lovingly delivered”
Where: Belvoir Street Theatre
When: January 8th
Cost: $68
Click here for more info
5. BURGERZ
Described as “Burgers and bile with a side of blistering bite.”
This is the Australian premiere for the winner of the Total Theatre Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. BURGERZ has been a sell-out sensation across the world since 2018. How did this flying hamburger bonanza begin? After someone threw a burger at performance artist Travis Alabanza and shouted a transphobic slur, he became obsessed with burgers. How they are made, how they feel, and smell. How do they travel through the air? How does the mayonnaise feel on your skin? This hilarious and heartbreaking show explores how trans people survive and reclaim an act of violence with a side of serious bite.
What the critics say:
British Theatre says: ★★★★★ “A piece that gets under your skin”
The Guardian says: ★★★★ “Very funny… Alabanza is sassy and witty”
Where: Carriageworks, Track 8.
When: January 8th
Cost: Prices start at $59.50
Click here for more info
6. Garden of Sound: Phive
One for the little ones! Garden of Sound follows the story of two loyal gardeners, Dag and Dug, who are trying to bring their garden of sound back to its potential of delicious sound and symphonic brilliance. Dag embodies chaos. Dug craves control. They’re at a standoff and need the help of young audience members to rediscover the sounds of the garden before they’re gone forever.
This is designed for young families. The show creates an interactive and open world sound environment of a garden. Following the performance, performers become facilitators, and all audiences are welcome to play in the garden.
What the critics say:
The Sun-Herald says: “This world premier from Parramatta-based Form Dance Projects promises to get youngsters up and out of their seats to help to create an innovative soundscape. The hi-tech show uses motion-capture sensors and video game software to allow audience members to “play” in the sound garden, creating their own masterworks.”
Where: Riverside Live at PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Square Basement Level 1, Parramatta
When: January 8th
Cost: Prices start at $20
Click here for more info
7. Observer, Observed
This is the Australian exclusive after a year-long debut at the New York city Skyline. Sculptor Julia Phillips creates work that examines relationships between individuals and the public, between people and institutions. You, the public, participate in the artwork, and to contemplate what it means to “look” and what you think about public surveillance.
What the critics say:
Art Forum says: “Phillips demands that viewers discover the gaps in their own imagination and empathy.”
Art Review says: “Phillips dissects power dynamics, leaving only corporeal fragments or cross-sections of oppression, negotiation, mediation or observation.”
Where: Pyrmont Bridge, Darling Harbour
When: January 8th
Cost: This is a free event
Click here for more info
