This year’s program offers a diverse selection of performances across opera, theatre, dance, music, and literature, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
A standout feature of the festival is the Australian exclusive of Innocence, a contemporary opera by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, hailed as a masterpiece by The New York Times. Directed by acclaimed Australian Simon Stone, this production explores themes of memory and guilt, with a remarkable cast led by Teddy Tahu Rhodes and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
Dance aficionados are in for a treat with Club Amour, a collaboration between Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch and French choreographer Boris Charmatz. This world premiere combines Bausch’s iconic dance theatre with Charmatz’s daring contemporary style, promising a performance that will challenge and inspire.
The festival also shines a light on large-scale community engagement with MASS MOVEMENT. This free public event in Elder Park features more than 1,000 dancers aged 12 to 88, celebrating diversity in movement. Co-commissioned with The Australian Ballet, this 30-minute performance is set to be a joyful highlight.
For those who enjoy literary pursuits, the much-loved Adelaide Writers’ Week returns from March 1 to 6, offering thought-provoking discussions with prominent authors.
Adding to the festival atmosphere is The Courtyard, a new hub on the Festival Plaza, offering nightly entertainment, food, and drinks. Open Wednesday to Sunday, this lively space promises to be the social heart of the festival.
With 65 events, including 11 world premieres and 9 Australian premieres, the 2025 Adelaide Festival exemplifies artistic excellence on a global scale.
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