#Be the first to experience the thrill of witnessing premiere shows at the Brisbane Festival!
Be among the first to see groundbreaking performances ahead of the crowd. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene, catching the wave of the latest artistic trends and innovations. Don't miss the opportunity to witness first-ever shows featuring globally renowned and Australian award-winning performers.
Join us for an unforgettable experience that promises to captivate and inspire, setting you apart as a true connoisseur of the arts.
28 – 31 Aug
Straight from the Strait
Witness the World Premiere of Straight from the Strait as it pays homage to the stories of the Torres Strait Islander men and women who ventured far from their homes in pursuit of employment on the mainland. Amid the gruelling labour, they discovered a sense of camaraderie that transcended boundaries. Their sweat and toil laid the foundation for Australia’s emergence as an industrial nation.
4 – 5 Sep
Eucalyptus — The Opera
Eucalyptus is an ageless story of love and longing, about a daughter and a father — Ellen and Holland. Played across the world, Ellen’s overprotective father has created a safe haven from the world — a forest of eucalypts. But is the forest a sanctuary? Or is Ellen, like Rapunzel, imprisoned? Ellen encounters a Stranger amongst her father’s trees — a storyteller with enchanting tales of far-away lands.
30 Aug – 15 Sep
Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show
Watch the famous designer’s eccentric vision come to life for an Australian Exclusive! Fashion Freak Show captures 50 years of pop culture through the eyes of fashion's enfant terrible, Jean Paul Gaultier. The production boasts iconic music from Disco to Funk, from Pop to Rock, New Wave and Punk — a playlist of hits that have inspired the artist throughout his life.
20 – 21 Sep
Big Name, No Blankets
Listen to local Queenslanders play the stage. Founding band member Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher is the journey’s charismatic narrator, who weaves intimate storytelling with larger-than-life rock 'n' roll songs. Discover how Sammy (lead guitar) and his two younger brothers, Gordon (drummer) and Brian (bass), went from jamming on a flour drum in Papunya in the 1970s to wild nights conquering pub rock and touring the world.
30 Aug – 21 Sep
The Dream Weaver: Guardians of Grace
Step into this captivating realm where past and present merge, inviting exploration of the shared human experience. Grace Lillian Lee is a multicultural Queensland artist known for her contemporary interpretation of a traditional weaving practice and groundbreaking collaborations with Indigenous communities, creating a platform for cultural expression and celebration by way of fashion performances.
30 Aug – 14 Sep
Volcano
Existing in a liminal space, a living room in disrepair, a room without a door, two characters recreate the greatest hits of their old lives: a night at a rave, a favourite game show, an 80s music video, passing the time or quietly clinging to distant memories of a life out of reach. A serialised live performance miniseries spanning four 45-minute episodes, Volcano crosses the boundaries of experimental theatre, contemporary dance and psychological sci-fi thriller.
12 – 14 Sep
Lighting the Dark
Chris Dyke, a Queensland artist who champions inclusivity, emanates compassion, transcending limitations and inviting us all into his radiant embrace. Yet, amidst his rich internal landscape of dreams and boundless imagination, the world often fails to see beyond the cover of the book — a book that if we dared to open, would reveal radical inspiration, creative brilliance, hope and love. Join Chris and Dancenorth ensemble as they dance to the very centre of what it means to be human.
19 – 21 Sep
Private View
Private View is a Queensland original play that immerses audiences in a voyeuristic journey, revealing the romantic dreams and hidden desires of individuals with intellectual disabilities. With haunting melodies by Carla Lippis underscoring each scene, the performance challenges societal taboos and redefines perspectives on sexuality and disability. This intimate and evocative dance theatre piece blurs the lines between observer and observed, creating a profound exploration of human connection and longing.
31 Aug – 7 Sep
Meet Your Maker
This World Premiere takes audiences into an alternate reality. A split second before the biggest show of her career, an Indigenous pop artist goes missing. Wrestling with every choice she’s ever made; our icon traverses deep time to meet her maker. A high-octane, pop-fuelled debut from Alethea Beetson (Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi and Wiradjuri). Watch as the story unfolds on stage about Indigenous artists controlling the narrative.
