Darwin Festival reveals 2020 program packed with homegrown talent

SONG, dance, theatre and comedy return to life next month with the Darwin Festival 2020 Homegrown line-up released today revealing more than 100 shows taking place across Darwin.

Local comedian Amy Heatherington heads the line-up for the 2020 Darwin Festival. Picture: Glenn Campbell

SONG, dance, theatre and comedy return to life next month with the Darwin Festival 2020 Homegrown line-up released today revealing more than 100 shows taking place across Darwin.

Darwin Festival Artistic Director Felix Preval said while this year’s event was smaller, he was confident it would appeal to an audience, eager for some entertainment.

“It’s been a long time coming and obviously some difficult months but we’re thrilled to be presenting a program that is almost entirely homegrown talent and you’ll see a program of over 48 works made by over 100 artists with over 100 performances,” he said.

“Darwin really loves a local act and has really been a champion of its own talent so we’re really confident the audiences will come out and engage with this year’s program.

“It’s not like there’s been much else to do and what we are presenting is going to be really special. A different year? Absolutely but one we are sure will resonate with our audience.”

The Settle Down Sisters: Phoebe Wear, Stevie Jean, Caiti Baker, Emily Wilson, Rachel Younher and Serina Pech with Darwin Festival artistic director Felix Preval. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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Mr Preval said on top of the new Sunset Stage which would replace the lighthouse at Festival Park, there would be a few other changes to the structure of the festival, which would take place over a shortened 11 day period this year.

“We’re transforming the Browns courtyard into a live arts precinct with a number of works for intimate audiences. That will look and feel a little bit different,” he said.

“We certainly went through a period where we thought perhaps the whole thing would be online and thankfully it’s not.

“It’s definitely going to feel like a festival which we’re really pleased about. We’re hoping it’ll be something fun, memorable and meaningful for the people of Darwin after a difficult couple of months.”

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Tourism and Culture Minister Lauren Moss said in being the first capital city in Australia to present a festival, the NT was again leading the way in its response to coronavirus.

“It’s been an exceptionally tough time for Territory creatives and indeed creatives across the world,” she said.

“I think people appreciate now more than ever how important our creative industries are, socially, culturally and also economically.”

Tickets for DF20 Homegrown are on sale now at darwinfestival.org.au