Comedy kicks off Red Earth
The Red Earth Arts Festival began with a bang on Friday night as three comedians kept the crowd in stitches during the official opening at the Pelago Apartment Complex.
Gabriel Rossi, Kevin Kropenyeri and Tahir Bilgic of Fat Pizza fame helped open the festival and also performed the next night at the Walkington Amphitheatre.
Running throughout most of September, the festival, now in its third year, brings together the community in a celebration of arts and culture.
A world-class sand-sculptor, master puppeteer, musicians and films are just some of the festival highlights. Artistic director Peter Mousaferiadis said there would be something for everyone during this year’s event.
“I think there’s more than 50 events planned over the three weeks,” he said.
“It’s going to be fantastic to be able to present a wide and diverse program which celebrates not only the performing arts but lighting, photography and so much more.”
The festival will culminate in the Karratha Community Celebration on September 23 which will be a day of workshops, performances and community stalls at the Centro Karratha carpark. This week there will be a number of highlights including a performance by Deep Blue Orchestra at the Walkington Amphitheatre and the opening of the Dampier Community Association’s Art Awards this Saturday at the town’s Community Hall.
The world-famous Spiegeltent, a travelling venue built in 1905, will hold a number of events including some for adult eyes only, including burlesque and cabaret shows.
Shire of Roebourne president Fiona White-Hartig said the festival would help make Karratha a city and the Shire was trying to establish it as the largest arts and cultural event in the North West.
