Yes and he is doing it all free. http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2010/Free/
Remixes I Originals I Opinions http://www.wiredbeats.com To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 07:07:51 -0800 Subject: [arr] The Sydney Festival opens on Jan 9. Tickets will go on sale on Monday. http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/hume-promises-a-wild-ride-complete-with-hamlet-in-mud/2009/11/04/1257247660466.html LINDY HUME unveiled the program to her first Sydney Festival last night, promising ''a wild ride'' of performances, partying and serious reflection about the pursuit of happiness. Hume has sought to expand the reach of the festival - whose popularity burgeoned during the four years it was programmed by Fergus Linehan - by setting up an inner-west hub and forming an alliance with the University of Sydney. ''I was determined to continue the support of hot independent artists and theatre visionaries,'' says Hume, who will direct the next three festivals. ''The program is an eclectic mix [and] aims to develop a deeper connection with artists from the Asia-Pacific region and meaningful partnerships with indigenous cultures. These things take time.'' Highlights include the US soul legend Al Green, who headlines Festival First Night; the Oscar-winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) in a free concert at Parramatta Park; a concert staging of Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex and Symphony of Psalms, by the provocative American director Peter Sellars; a brazen version of Giselle by Ireland's Fabulous Beast; and Rogue's Gallery, a concert of pirate ballads and sea songs conceived by Johnny Depp and featuring Marianne Faithfull, Tim Robbins, Baby Gramps, Sarah Blasko and New York Dolls singer David Johansen. A German production of Hamlet also promises to startle with six actors, mud, gunshots and smoke. Tickets to Rogue's Gallery on the Opera House forecourt cost $145 and $135 and premium seats to Sellar's double bill are $189. There will, however, be standing-room tickets for $50 at the Opera House Concert Hall in a festival that prides itself on accessibility and reach. Tickets to many productions, both Australian and international, cost between $40 and $70. Hume has revived the performance series, About an Hour, at the Seymour Centre, at which tickets to all shows are $30. The festival boasts an impressive free outdoor program, including The Manganiyar Seduction from India inspired by the windows of Amsterdam's red light district and showcasing 43 Rajasthani musicians. Opera in the Domain will also return to the festival umbrella with a performance of Leonard Bernstein's musical Candide starring Paul McDermott, Emma Matthews, David Hobson and Judi Connelli. The NSW Premier and Arts Minister, Nathan Rees, announced an additional $1.75 million for Festival First Night yesterday, lifting the Government's total funding of the annual event to $5 million. Rahman fever His Music ~ My Mother Tongue Try the new Yahoo! India Homepage. Click here.
