Darwin Festival organisers unveil an impressive program for 2022

Spread across multiple venues, the 2022 Darwin Festival will deliver an impressive program of performing and visual artists with this year’s festival program having something for everyone - music, theatre, comedy, dance, cabaret, visual arts and plenty of activities for families.

Commencing on 4th August and running until 21st August, Darwin Festival is supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company.

Darwin Festival Artistic Director, Felix Preval advised “some of the incredible projects in this year’s Darwin Festival program have been in the works for years – delayed, postponed or imprisoned by the pandemic. Others are spilling hot from the lips of artists, responding to the present moment. Some bring stories thousands of years in the telling to Festival audiences for the very first time. All are as bold and urgent as anything we’ve presented.”

NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles notes “Darwin Festival brings out some of the best of the Top End annually, transforming Darwin into a vibrant hub of arts and culture each August.

“A full program means there is something for everyone at this year’s festival, with attendees ready to welcome creatives back to the stage after a challenging couple of years.

“The benefits of Darwin Festival are long lasting, bringing tourists from across the country to see internationally acclaimed musicians, comics, and dancers perform in the Top End.”

The Santos Opening Night Concert, free to the public, is an inspired ceremonial celebration of Aboriginal musician Gurrumul’s final album Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow). Titled Buŋgul, the performance will transform Darwin Amphitheatre into a meeting place of dance, song and ritual involving Yolŋu dancers, songmen and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra (pictured top).

Indigenous culture is a key feature of this year’s festival which will also include the 16th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, National Indigenous Fashion Awards, National Indigenous Music Awards and premier visual arts events like the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and events by Salon Art Projects.

A highlight this year is Balarr Inyiny, a spectacle of light that will illuminate the night sky as 160 drones take flight. This breathtaking choreographed sky show, led by Larrakia artist Jenna Lee, has no entry fee and will light up the coast of Darwin to share the ancient stories of place and Larrakia culture.

The festival will also present a work-in-progress piece in the form of Transmutation, a large-scale interactive installation being developed following the inaugural Transmitter: Darwin x Delhi 2021 artist lab.

Live music features prominently with Emma Donovan and The Putbacks, Arlo Parks, Jaguar Jonze, Alex The Astronaut (pictured above), Confidence Man, Elsy Wameyo, Tropical F Storm and Ngaiire taking to the stage. Comic virtuoso Tim Minchin will make his Top End debut at the Darwin Amphitheatre as part of the festival.

There will be a range of theatre performances, including Meremere, an autobiographical multimedia dance work that follows the inspirational life of critically acclaimed dancer and performer Rodney Bell.

Festival audiences will be treated to an all-star comedy line-up with Dilruk Jayasinha, Vidya Rajan, Dane Simpson, Nath Valvo, Scout Boxall, Zoë Coombs Marr and Barnie Duncan set to take the stage.

Cabaret lovers will be spoiled for choice with presentation of numerous shows, like YUMMY ICONIC (pictured above), Betty Grumble’s Enemies of Grooviness Eat Sh!t and Yana Alana’s The Legend of Queen Kong.

Families will also be well looked after, with the much-loved City of Darwin Teddy Bears Picnic making its return this year.

NT Minister for Major Events, Paul Kirby adds “It’s fantastic to see the Darwin Festival reveal an amazing program that especially features local artists, along with national and international performers.

“After a challenging few years, it’s great to see interstate and international acts returning.

“From the beloved Teddy Bear’s Picnic through to the Australian Ballet; from Tim Minchin to a drone light show by local Larrakia Artist Jenna Lee; there is such a wide variety of events.

“There’s never been a better time to get involved and enjoy everything our beautiful city has to offer during the Darwin Festival.

“As an event that boosts visitor numbers, supports local businesses and puts the Top End on the map, the Northern Territory Government couldn’t more proud to support the Darwin Festival.”

Darwin Festival tickets go on sale tomorrow at 9am. For more information and to see the full program, head to www.darwinfestival.org.au. 

Image top: Darwin Symphony Orchestra; image centre Alex the Astronaut; image above: Yummy Iconic