Feast of fun and entertainment planned
Seven months ago Daniel Clarke started work as the artistic director of Adelaide’s Feast festival. On 5 October tickets will go on sale – with the number of events in this year’s Feast making it Australia’s largest queer arts and cultural festival for 2007.
We caught up with Daniel to find out a little more about Feast this year and to find out how he is feeling with less than two weeks to go before it’s launched.
What does it feel like to be about to launch your first ever festival as artistic director?
I’m excited … and nervous … and exhausted. I’m thrilled at the number of people who have wanted to take part in this year’s Feast festival – from South Australia, but also from the rest of Australia and from around the world. There is something for everyone and there are specific parts of the program that will mean that Feast will reach more people. I’m really happy with the look of the guide and the posters are stunning – this year there will be a series of four posters.
With tickets going on sale 5 October, when will you be launching the program and posters?
Yes, tickets will go on sale on 5 October – and this year tickets will be on sale through Venuetix. The launch for the posters and guide is on 4 October and with the huge number of people involved this year, we have had to make it invite-only. But the Guide will be out on the streets first thing 5 October. Anyone wanting to order a Guide can email [email protected] and we will send you one. People will also be able to access the Guide through our website from 5 October.
Can you give away any highlights of the program? What can people expect?
I’m not going to name any shows as such but I can say that there are a couple of really fun shows coming from New York and London – and there is a very special surprise coming from Tokyo. I’ll also let you know that anyone who has a pet is going to be in for a special treat. There are two special film events – for which I’m encouraging people to take the Tuesdays off work during Feast, because Monday nights will be late ones. There is circus, cabaret, burlesque, theatre, dance – there are workshops and loads of visual arts. There will be a season of shows at McLaren Vale and a program of work that directly engages with local Council. People can expect a lot to do and choose from. Expect to see more than one show per night.
Have you been able to include most of what you wanted to do in this year’s festival?
A lot of what is in the festival is what I imagined when I first went for the interview for the job – but then there are also many new things that I couldn’t imagine until I had met with artists and the community. Some ideas aren’t possible because of budgets and other ideas I know need time to grow and will be better placed in future festivals. I’m really happy with the program, especially with the number of new works that are being created.
To order your Feast Festival Guide please email [email protected] or call 8231 2155. Tickets on sale at Venuetix on 5 October 2007. See www.feast.org.au.
