The buzz is building as Tasmania gets set to welcome droves of international and national artists,
production crews, artistic directors and creative hangers-on to the acclaimed biennial, statewide,
multi-arts festival – the Tasmanian International Arts Festival (formerly known as Ten Days on the
Island).
Artistic Director David Malacari said while one of the festival’s centrepieces, the popular Spiegeltent,
was already in full swing on Hobart’s waterfront, the much anticipated statewide component of the
festival will be celebrated with gala events in Burnie on 18 March, Launceston on 19 March and in
Hobart on Friday, 20 March, with a cornucopia of creativity across the island running until Sunday,
29 March.
“Adding to the anticipation and excitement around the festival, a number of visual art exhibitions are
already underway and the Spiegel Sideshows would soon be hitting the road, opening in Burnie with
Circa’s Beyond on Tuesday, 17 March,” Mr Malacari said.
“With artists flying in from far flung corners of the globe, as far away as Bolivia and Cuba, festival
performances will be presented right across Tasmania, from King Island in the north west to as far
south as Bruny Island.
“The festival program is full of gems ranging from free enchanting musical encounters from Cradle
Mountain to Coal River; exquisite international dance; emotional South American Theatre and music
in Launceston, Burnie and Devonport; and an immersive overnight story-telling maritime experience
at one of Hobart’s beautiful heritage hotels.
“The vibrantly diverse program features international acts Dementia 13, The Cardinals, Rising, and
the Australian premiere of Hamlet, de los Andes, alongside an abundance of creativity and ambition
from national and local artists.
“In an Australian exclusive, South American company Teatro de los Andes, will deliver a unique
reinterpretation of the Shakespeare classic Hamlet, in Hamlet, de los Andes. This highly visual
performance sold out in London and will astound audiences which it is performed exclusively in
Australia in Burnie and Hobart.
“Another highlight is Big hART’s world premiere of Blue Angel, in the atmospheric Astor Hotel, which
combines music, installation, video and sound design to tell the stories of Tasmanian sailors and sea
farers featuring well known actress Kerry Armstrong.
“New Zealand company Live Live Cinema will also recreate the entire soundtrack, dialogue, sound
effects and music of Francis Ford Coppola’s 1963 horror film Dementia 13, live on stage in Hobart
and Launceston as part of the festival.”
WHAT: 2015 Tasmanian International Arts Festival
WHEN: Now until Sunday, 29 March 2015
WHERE: Presented in a wide range of locations across Tasmania
COST: Various ticket costs including some free events
INFO: Visit tendays.org.au or phone (03) 6210 5777
Lucinda Szczypior, Font PR
