Auckland Arts Festival Announces Diverse 2016 Lineup

A creative feast of theatre, dance, music, circus and cabaret that won't fail to satisfy.
Emma Keesing
November 06, 2015

Auckland Arts Festival has released its 2016 programme, curating a broad spectrum of productions and events for a fortnight of visual, performance and sonic art. Our city’s premier festival for the arts will see hundreds of international artists descend on Auckland for a creative feast of theatre, dance, music, circus and cabaret that won't fail to satisfy.

Spread across multiple venues in the city, the festival aims to showcase both new works and revamped classics from a range of artistic practices – both niche and populist, satiating the tastes of a wide-reaching audience and crossing cultures, so that we may gain a better understanding of ourselves and others through a mutual appreciation of creativity. The programme of performances and events may appeal to all, but there is also a focus on introducing young people to the arts, in the hopes of passing the baton and encouraging enthusiasm and participation in diverse forms of culture and art.

American symphonic-folk musician Sufjan Stevens returns to New Zealand for the first time since 2011, bringing an eight-piece band to perform his newest LP Carrie & Lowell, he’ll be in Auckland for one-night only; Tami Neilson, Bella Kalolo and Anna Coddington share the stage in Dust to Dusky, a special tribute to Dusty Springfield; Kiwi music icons Shayne Carter (Dimmer, Straightjacket Fits) and Don McGlashan (The Muttonbirds) perform together, taking audiences on an intimate journey and mining gems from their respective back-catalogues; Emily King has opened for the likes of Nas and Erykah Badu, a Grammy-nominated modern R&B artist, she’ll visit the festival following a headline tour across the States.

Royal New Zealand Ballet will perform Speed of Light, a union of three electrifying modern masterpieces of choreography - Andonis Foniadakis’s Selon Désir, William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated and Alexander Ekman’s Cacti; The James Plays are a trilogy of Scottish theatre described as ‘Scotland’s answer to Game of Thrones’ and performed to rave reviews. Though each play stands on it’s own with a distinct atmosphere and vision, you’ll likely want to binge on all three; Hinemoa and Tutanekai is part of the RAW series, giving festival audiences an insiders view of works currently in development. Act One of this yet-to-debut immersive work that aims to challenge the boundaries of conventional theatre will be followed by a Q&A discussing the artistic ideas and processes.

Auckland Domain will be given the Carabosse treatment, transforming into a blazing landscape of flaming flowerpots and red-hot charcoals, which have previously adorned the Kremlin and banks of the River Thames. Wander the fiery garden after dark, surrounded by a burning glow and resonating music. Full Moon Kingdom invites audiences to witness the beauty that unfolds after the gates of Auckland Zoo close, with full-moon photographs of our city’s exotic neighbours who come to life at night. White Night is a treasure hunt throughout Auckland for sights, sounds, curiosities and art popping up across galleries, laneways, promenades and everywhere in between.

Taking over the city from March 2 - 20, 2016, plan your Auckland Arts Festival itinerary and book tickets online at www.aaf.co.nz.

Image credit: Cacti, Courtesy of NDT2. Photographer: Rahi Rezvani

Published on November 06, 2015 by Emma Keesing
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