Unleashing live performance just about ‘Anywhere’
Published 24 March 2022
Performers are set to take their craft to the streets, parks, community halls, urban spaces and even businesses across Moreton Bay, during the 2022 Anywhere Festival.
Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said the month-long event would bring life, joy and colour to the region after some very challenging times.
“These last few weeks after the devastating floods have been really hard on our community - and getting out to watch some amazing performances is something we could all use right now,” Cr Shipway said.
“Anywhere Festival is all about seeing live performances anywhere other than a traditional theatre venue, so people can revel in the buzz of live performances close to home and in a COVID-safe environment.
“It’s important that we come together in our communities to enjoy one another’s company and to support our talented performing artists who’ve had a tough couple of years.
“Designed to surprise and delight, this year’s program is bursting with talented local performers from Moreton Bay and beyond.
“With plenty of free events as well as reasonably priced ticketed shows, there is something for everyone. I can’t wait to get amongst it!
“From circus to Shakespeare, from contemporary dance to musical theatre, from big bands to comedy, from country hoedown to costume-making workshops, I’m sure that locals and visitors alike will enjoy this program of dynamic and inspiring performances in community spaces, local businesses, private homes and beautiful green and blue places across our region.
“This festival contributes to our Thriving Communities strategy, as we’re committed to supporting arts and culture, providing employment opportunities for local artists, and driving positive social and economic outcomes for the region.”
Running from 14 May to 5 June, this year’s program has been designed to activate places and spaces right around the region and encourage locals and visitors to explore areas they might not have been to before.
“Performers really love bringing shows to life in these unique locations, and audiences love the experience and the thrill of not quite knowing what they are going to get, so it’s a win-win,” Anywhere Festival Founder and Artistic Director Paul Osuch said.
The opening weekend 14-15 May kicks off with a range of performances across the Peninsula at Redcliffe, Scarborough and Woody Point. Get your groove on with a dance flash mob in Bee Gees Way, sing your heart out to ABBA k-roke with Moreton Bay Big Band, or take part in the Pooch Parade with your furry friends.
May 21-22 will see the festival pop up around Strathpine and North Lakes. Check out free performances of Disappearing Acts by Vulcana Circus in Pine Rivers Park and Instant Romeo & Juliet by The Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble on the shores of Lake Eden.
The third weekend takes the festival north with a full day of programming at the Caboolture Hub and Town Square on Saturday 28 May, and performances in Morayfield, Burpengary and Bribie Island on Saturday night and Sunday 29 May. Come to Monster Mash costume-making workshop, experience a contemporary dance installation with Emma Wilson Projects, picnic on the grass and enjoy Moreton Youth Music Ensemble playing Andre Rieu, or Blue Tac’s punk-rock show for kids under 10 and their families.
Across the final week, the festival heads west to Dayboro and Samford with improv comedy at Ocean View Estates, Vixens of Fall at Dayboro and a jam-packed finale day in John Scott Park in Samford on Sunday 5 June.
Bookings for all shows are online via the Anywhere Festival website - https://anywhere.is/moretonbay/
Want to participate?
The program also provides opportunities for you to take to the stage and be part of the Anywhere Festival in Moreton Bay.
You and your family and friends can join in a singing or dancing flash mob, or a performative pooch parade starring your four-legged friend.
Turn your loungeroom into a disco and learn an all-ages, all-abilities dance routine. Then don your spectacular outfit and head to Bee Gees Way on Saturday 14 May to show off your moves.
Do you sing in the shower or the car? We invite you to learn four songs online in the comfort of your own home. Then be part of a Songburst flash mob, with pop-up community choir performances in outdoor spaces around the region.
Is your pet pooch an entertainer? If you think your dog has got what it takes to perform in a parade with a twist, then we have an exciting opportunity for you.
To register to participate in the Bee Gees flash mob, Songburst flash mob or Pooch Parade, go to: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Arts-Culture-Heritage/Anywhere-Festival
Registrations close on 14 April.