Look behind the curtain at Adelaide Festival Centre’s Open Day
It’s Access All Areas on Sunday 11 February for the largest and most ambitious Open Day ever held at Adelaide Festival Centre! Doors will be open between 11am – 4pm and with large crowds expected, attendees are encouraged to come early and enjoy the Kaurna opening ceremony at 10am.
Thousands of people are expected to tour the backstage areas, workshops, technical suites and dressing rooms usually reserved for cast and crew and explore the Festival Theatre’s reopened foyers and the brand new Walk of Fame which honours 133 of the artists who have graced Adelaide Festival Centre stages since 1973.
A spectacular Kaurna ceremony, led by Jamie Goldsmith & Taikurtinna, will celebrate the significance of the Festival Centre’s Riverbank setting at 10am, followed by a Kaurna Smoking Ceremony and an official Welcome to Country. Premier and Minister for the Arts Jay Weatherill will officially open Adelaide Festival Centre’s recent redevelopment before announcing the start of Open Day.
Between 11am – 4pm, visitors can follow a trail through the Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre. The self-guided tour will explore backstage and technical areas, dressing rooms, and more. Access tours for people with limited mobility are also available at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm.
Performances and demonstrations throughout the day will include:
• Colourful roving performances by Cirkidz, Bamboozled, Heathfield Renegades, and Fusion Beats
• Meet and greet opportunities with the cast and characters from Windmill Theatre Company’s Grug and the Rainbow and cast members from the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz
• Exhibitions of intricate handmade costumes and props from past productions
• Live performances featuring the iconic Silver Jubilee organ and State Opera of South Australia performers
• Food and wine exhibits from Adelaide Festival Centre’s Functions and Events team
• Lighting and sound displays from Adelaide Festival Centre’s expert technical staff
• Dance rehearsals from Australian Classical Youth Ballet, Fusion Beats and Studio Flamenco
• Something on Saturday Foundation Kids Corner Workshops where children from 0-12 can make their very own crown or mask (please note that children must be supervised at all times)
• State Theatre Company South Australia’s installations from its specialist set building and wardrobe staff
A special commemorative hologram ticket is available for a $5 purchase as the perfect Adelaide Festival Centre’s Open Day celebratory souvenir.
Plenty of food and drink will be available from Adelaide Festival Centre’s brand new outlets: Star Kitchen and Bar, Koffee Ink, and Neon. Food trucks will also be available on the southern end of the Riverbank Footbridge outside Dunstan Playhouse.
Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director, Douglas Gautier AM, says: ‘’Adelaide Festival Centre is South Australia’s great creative hub. As we reopen following redevelopment this is our opportunity to thank South Australians for their patronage and support and to return the Festival Centre to the public.
“Our great home companies play a significant role in the fabric of Adelaide Festival Centre and we’ll be highlighting their outstanding work and contribution. This is a family affair.
“Previous Festival Centre open days have always received very positive support and this year’s is our biggest and most exciting yet. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome friends and neighbours for this special access all areas day. Come to our place and take a look!’’
Please note that backpacks, nappy bags and prams/strollers cannot be taken on the tour and must be cloaked in the cloak room or left in the pram parking area provided.
