Mesmerising acrobatics and visuals on Wellingtons Waterfront

Wellington is a very lucky city at the moment as it hosts the fantastic New Zealand International Arts Festival. The festival runs from the 24th February till the 18th of March and covers a wide range of events including music, theatre, dance, opera and art. There is something for everyone - with children friendly shows and free events dotted all around Wellington.

The first of many gigs that wowed me was 'Arcane', as the photos on the NZ International Arts Festival (www.festival.co.nz) were intriguing to say the least. This jaw-dropping free circus themed event was at Waitangi Park on Wellington's stunning waterfront, while the audience was scattered around the stage, enjoying picnics of food and wine.

Arcane involves two very fit French trapeze artists, Maxim Bourdon and Sebastien Brucas, clothed in flesh coloured gusset pants that left little to the imagination. They defied gravity as they swung on two gigantic wheels, making Spiderman look like an amateur. The wheels were connected side by side, and often by a performer in the middle. The performance worked its way up to death-defying yet graceful acrobatics, leaving me giddy watching them swing around and around, and upside down.

The audience was captivated. They oohed and aahed with each stunt performed. The symphony of marimbas and bells that accompanied Arcane complimented the circus atmosphere.

Soon after, 'First Contact' helped launch the festival with a giant digital artwork projection on the western wall of Te Papa. Mesmerising visuals, beautiful live music and narration set the scene for an utterly transfixing historical journey. Michel Tuffery is a unique and well-regarded contemporary New Zealand artist, and he told the story of early New Zealand history with the use of Maori, Pacific Island and English images. Nomad, Rhombus in Dub and the Whitireia Performing Arts School collaborated on the music and dancing. Word must have spread about this multi media extravaganza, as hundreds gathered transfixed by this breathtaking ceremony. And this is just the start!

Be sure to check out as much of the New Zealand International Arts Festival while you’re in Wellington - you will not be disappointed. Grab a festival guide from info centres and cafes around Wellington and be in quick as events are selling out super fast!

By Charlotte Crocker

New Zealand International Arts Festival
www.festival.co.nz
24 February – 18 March
Wellington, New Zealand