Strange is Back: Returning to Perth CBD in 2024, June 14 to 23

Strange is Back: Returning to Perth CBD in 2024, June 14 to 23

In the Winter of 2023, things got very Strange in Perth as 78,000 people dared to leave their homes and explore the abandoned and unknown corners of Perth City in search of something weird and wonderful…

The good news for these misfits, is that Strange is returning to push the boundaries again in just one month’s time. From June 14 to 23 Strange will transform more than 20 vacant spaces throughout Perth City into a wonderland of mysterious and marvellous installations, exhibitions, and performances. Plus, the popular 35mm Exhumed Cinema will pop up in a new location to resurrect another Perth Cinema icon.

Strange 2024 will showcase over 30 visual artists in a free-to-see art trail that will pop-up in in more than twenty vacant spaces throughout Boorloo. Strange is very strange; serving up unique and unusual visual art through sculpture, projection and video; aural art via soundscapes; experiential works that engage visitors in new ways; and performance pieces; and analogue cinema.

The soon to be released program will reveal the Strange-ness in all its glory, with some exciting new additions. Keep your eyes out for Synapse – a large-format, giant human-eye at Elizabeth Quay, and the expansion of Cor Novis in Forrest Place to now host both an opening and closing event – The Epic of Gilgamesh, while Pox-Eclipse will showcase a taste of Mad Max over at Yagan Square with a Thunderdome full of performances and activities, and Bartertown, a mini-market bazaar of trinkets & workshops.

Introduced in 2023, Exhumed Cinema will return to a new venue – the Como Theatre, once again showing exclusively 35mm & 16mm film, with over 50 films programmed. The Art Deco Theatre once known as the Cygnet, was Perth’s first purpose build sound cinema will once again be slinging strange flavoured popcorn, choc bombs and a heap of classic and cult films.

With no limitations on artist content, the festival will activate the city’s empty and vacant spaces during winter; including Carillon City, the Liberty Theatre, Forrest Chase, and more.

Strange co-founder and Creative Director, Jess Oakley, explains that Strange artists are given an ‘open-brief’ with no limitations or conditions on content, which is where the magic happens.

“Our art trail is full of installations created by artists who have had no direction from us, your friendly festival producers.

We take immense pride in providing such a large number of local artists the opportunity to create without compromise and expose their incredible talents to a broad audience through Strange. They’re sure to excite, engage and titillate.

We encourage everyone to open their minds and take a stroll down the Strange path….try it, we think you’ll like it.”

– JESS OAKLEY, Strange co-founder and Creative Director

Heartland’s Fire – by Dangerous Delights (above)
Strange 2023 wrap video by Soco Studios
COR NOVIS: THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH
OPENING & CLOSING NIGHTS

Opening Night | Friday 14 June: The Procession of Enkidu

To kick off Strange 2024, a procession of drummers will carry a sculpture depicting Enkidu, the legendary companion of Gilgamesh through the malls of Perth City. Weaving their way through the city by torchlight and drum and led by the enigmatic Sayer, the Epic of Gilgamesh will ceremoniously lay Enkidu to rest in the beating heart of Perth city, Forrest Place.

He will remain in place throughout the duration of Strange, allowing the public to pay homage and make offerings to this fallen hero before his immolation during the live performance of ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’ on the final night of the festival.

Closing Night | Sunday 23 June: The Epic of Gilgamesh – LIVE!

Hear me! Great sons of Uruk. I weep for Enkidu.

What is this sleep that holds you now?

You are lost in the dark, and cannot hear me.

There is an echo through all the country–

like a mother, mourning.

CALL FOR DRUMS!

Prepare to be swept away by the primal energies of noise artists INJURED NINJA and an orchestra of Perth’s most talented musicians as their performance of ancient literary legend THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH. Mad Max meets Neo-Mesopotamia as the Epic immerses you in a world of myth and music, featuring multiple drum kits and a fleet of percussionists that will fill the air with calamitous rhythm. More info soon, mark your calendar!

PERFORMANCE SPACES

In 2024 Strange will host two underground live performance spaces; Strange Court (the Carillon City Food Court) and Strange Basement (Liberty Basement), each hosting ticketed shows with live music, performances, theatre and immersive visuals.

Adding to the incredible local talent program will be four international acts, including the world premiere of Rune Jail, the new project from TJ Cowgill (King Dude), as well as Cave In and Jonathan Toubin.

For details of performances & tickets, visit http://strangefest.oztix.com.au
Above: King Dude and Rune Jail will perform at The Strange Basement on 22nd & 21st June.
Below: Cave In perform on Saturday 15th June at The Strange Court.
EXHUMED CINEMA
Celluloid Cinema, June 14 to July 3.

Exhumed Cinema returns for a second year, set to revive another abandoned theatre – the Como Theatre (the old Cygnet) on Preston Street, Como.

Showcasing a curated program of over fifty cult and classic films programmed in 35mm & 16mm film, at Perth’s first ‘talkie’ cinema.

Over 20-days, the ticketed pop-up revival cinema will transport cinephiles on a thrilling journey through time with a collection of iconic, ground-breaking, and memorable films that have shaped the cinematic landscape.

Full program will be announce Tuesday 21 May, with tickets available from strangefest.oztix.com.au

Strange is proudly supported by the City of Perth, Development WA, Yagan Square, Forrest Chase, Carillon City, Activate Perth, Creative Canary, LUX, Audio Technik, Fox Friday & Wild Road Spirits.

Stay updated by following Strange on:
@strangeperth
/strangeperth
strangefestival.com.au

Celebrate the misfits and the misunderstood at Strange 2024 across Boorloo from June 14.

Category: Aussie Tour News