Brisbane Powerhouse reopens with Lights On

After months of darkness, performances at the Brisbane Powerhouse are back on this weekend. Check out what’s on this weekend.

AND so it begins: after months of darkness, performances at the Brisbane Powerhouse are back on this weekend.

Lights On at Brisbane Powerhouse opened on Friday night with local ensemble Circa and special guest, Queensland Symphony Orchestra cellist Matthew Jones.

Circa’s show is on again on Saturday night but is already sold out. In the coming weeks the series continues with two performances each.

Trash glamour disco circus outfit Club Briefs is on next weekend followed by Queensland Ballet, a special QMusic evening hosted by Robert Forster of The Go-Betweens and, later in August, the QSO and beatboxer Tom Thum.

Lights back on at the Powerhouse: Captain Kidd Jarrod Takle, with Bridie Hooper from Circa and Craig Allister Young from the QSO. Pics Adam Head

Brisbane Powerhouse artistic director Kris Stewart says Lights On at Brisbane Powerhouse will create a COVID-19-safe space with about 100 theatregoers at each performance.

“It’s about emergence and reminding ourselves what we mean to each other and remembering the value of art and artists,” Stewart says.

“The bespoke works in Lights On at Brisbane Powerhouse are infused with positivity and joy.”

The performers can’t wait to get on stage. Club Briefs performer Mark Windmill says it is “daunting and exciting because of the time we have spent at home without touring”.

QSO cellist Craig Allister Young says being a musician without an audience has been “strange”.