Hi all,

Are you planning on visiting Sydney in January? If yes, don't forget that's Sydney Festival month.

This year's programme is especially good (imho). There's some fabulous theatre, great music, a treat for dance lovers (in the performing arts sense of dance) - Metophoses to be precise, and the usual fabulous free events in the Domain.

So if you are going to be here and are looking for things to do in the evening - check it out.

Do a google. I'm not giving the website because I don't want to be accused of advertising (although in fact I have nothing whatsoever to do with the event. I'm just a happy punter).

Cheers.

Not so crazy about this year's imho.

I'm with you Cilla. Its good we don't all have the same taste I guess.

Cilla and Peterlan,

Thx for you input. May I ask why you don't rate this year's offerings?

Is there nothing that appeals? I confess that dance is MY passion so I am excited about seeing Wheeldon's company. I had hoped that DV8 would feature. They were in Adelaide this year and Lloyd Newson is Australian, after all, but no no such luck. They've not performed in Sydney since 2000.

But there's loads of theatre that tempts.

So why don't you like the programme? What would need to be in there for you to like it?

Cheers.

What I've really enjoyed in the past:
Pink Martini
Mariza
New Orleans Jazz Band
Madeleine Peyroux
Flood Drummers
Tord Gustavsen
La Clique (seen it twice so won't go again)

Often disappointed with the dance offerings like Sylvie Guillaume's 30 minute performance, last year's Israeli? dance troupe (can't recall their name) etc.

Also didn't like Lepage's previous show.

We usually go for about 8 to 10 shows per festival. Only 1 appears interesting this year and I may try for Cate B's War of the Roses if there are tickets.

Í'm thinking Wars of the Roses too. Couldn't be bothered with the Israeli company last year. If I could have sampled for a snip then i would have done. Good to know they weren't worth the money. Instead I saw both Nacho Duarto's programs. Was that worth it?

Hard to say.

I guess there is a problem if you have seen a lot of dance. That's why I am so looking forward to Wheeldon, and why I berate the organisers for not getting DV8 here.

I also think I'll see at least one of the Gate's Friel offerings.

But when all is said and done, there are the freebies. And overseas visitors need to know that there is free Opera too in the Domain. Just not part of the "Festival".

Hi aferall. Sorry if I sounded too negative. I just was not excited by the program this time. However I am also mad about dance. I have to disagree with Cilla in relation to Guillem. She could dance for 10 minutes and I would willingly pay anything! I thought her Bolero was electifying and seeing her with Akram Khan was just mind boggling. After your post, I am going to reconsider Metophoses. Cheers!

Peterlan, ah, yes, agree. And as there are not many dance lovers around I hope it's OK if I reminisce a bit.

Sylvie and Akram are both special. I saw her dance Manon with the AB down in Melbourne in 2002 and can still remember moments vividly (and I've seen that work many times).

Together at the SOH earlier this year they gave a performance to treasure.

Off topic and sorry, but thanks for posting.

Cheers.


Happy dance going. ung