The Perth Festival have announced some of the shows that will be part of their 2018 program.

Festival Artistic Director Wendy Martin revealed her first early picks which feature some of the finest circus, theatre, dance and music from around the globe.

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Four shows were announced today. The include the Australian premiere of French circus spectacular Il n’est pas encore minuit … (It’s Not Yet Midnight …) from Compagnie XY; Inua Ellam’s riotous London hit play Barber Shop Chronicles; British dance wild-child Michael Clark’s to a simple, rock ‘n’ roll … song.; and the Indiana Jones of historic music Jordi Savall in a special performance with the ensembles Hespèrion XXI and Tembembe Ensamble Continuo.

Wendy Martin said she was thrilled to be able to announce the inclusion of the four shows in the festival’s program.

“I am thrilled to be able to share these delicious early samples from the banquet of delights that will make the 2018 Perth Festival an utterly unforgettable experience. These four astounding productions come to us after dazzling audiences around the world. They certainly offer something for everyone and reflect the breadth of the Festival program to be announced in full on 9 November.

“All of these wonderful artistic adventurers are sure to entertain, provoke and make the spirits soar.” Martin said.

The 2018 Perth Festival runs from 9 February to 4 March. Tickets are available from 9am Friday 15 September.

Il n’est pas encore minuit … (It’s Not Yet Midnight)
Compagnie XY (France)
The Regal Theatre, Thu 8 Feb – Sat 17 Feb
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
Tickets: Adults from $36 – $66/Friends $36 – $60/Concession $36 – $53/Students $25

Get set for a heart-in-your mouth, edge-of-your seat adrenaline rush as the 22 thrilling acrobats of Compagnie XY perform in Australia for the first time. This esteemed circus collective pushes the limits of physical ability and brings poetry to the body in motion with their daring stunts. Your jaw will drop in wonder as they flip and dive through the air and create five-storey human towers of power. It begins with the chaos of an all-in brawl that gradually emerges into a study in cooperation and trust. Injected with humour and the sounds of a 1920s jazz club, this is a must-see circus event for everyone.
‘As if the laws of physics have been rendered redundant …, the show makes performers and audiences gurgle together in the shared pleasure of the moment..’ The Guardian (UK)

Barber Shop Chronicles
Inua Ellams
A Fuel, National Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse co-production (UK)
The Octagon Theatre, Fri 9 Feb – Sun 18 Feb

Barber Shop Chronicles heads to Perth Festival direct from a sell-out season at London’s National Theatre, where it has won rave reviews for its barbed banter, hair-raising tales and block party atmosphere. Our 2017 Festival artist-in-residence Inua Ellams hits the stratosphere with this heart-warming and hilarious show set in six different barber shops across London and Africa all on the same day. The 12 high-energy performers josh and joust their way through secret men’s business as Chelsea plays Barcelona in a soccer final on the TV. Newsroom, local hot spot, confessional and football stadium, Barber Shop Chronicles holds a mirror to life with razor-sharp insight, upbeat music and laugh-out-loud humour.

to a simple, rock ‘n’ roll … song.
Michael Clark Company (UK)
His Majesty’s Theatre, Wed 14 Feb – Sat 17 Feb
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE

David Bowie, Erik Satie and Patti Smith provide the soundtrack for the Perth debut by British dance wild child Michael Clark. Described by The Evening Standard as ‘an adrenaline shot that sends you away buzzing’, the Olivier Award-nominated to a simple, rock ‘n’ roll . . . song. comprises a triple bill of gorgeously arresting choreography by the iconic Michael Clark. Performances by a company of fearless and otherworldly dancers and scintillating lighting design. This power-driven dance work in three acts starts with a cool reflection on Satie, before pulsating with the punk rock of Smith. The sensational finale features an intricate and sublime Bowie tribute that will move your mood from melancholy to joyous rebellion.

Folias Antiguas & Criollas: From the Ancient World to the New World
Jordi Savall, Hespèrion XXI and Tembembe Ensamble Continuo (Spain/Mexico)
Perth Concert Hall, Sat 17 Feb

Catalan early-music superstar Jordi Savall is acclaimed for the way he breathes new life into little-known musical gems from the Middle Ages to the Baroque era. A tireless researcher into early music, this reviver of lost musical treasures and versatile performer turns each concert into a vibrant celebration that is as much visual spectacle as sonic experience. In Savall’s hands the viola de gamba is constantly transformed by his breathtaking fingering, bowing and plucking. Savall and two leading ensembles, Hespèrion XXI and Tembembe Ensamble Continuo span the Old World to the New World with inspired and energetic music, song and dance from Baroque Spain and the Americas.

Source: Media Release