Looking to banish all thoughts of your imminent return to sleep deprivation, a non-existent social life, and constant confusion? Check out these vibrant Adelaide arts events to distract yourself and make the most of your holidays. (Image: Pixabay)
By Alana Pahor | @Alana_Pahor
In just a few short weeks, we’ve said goodbye to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and hello to February.
As is becoming Australian tradition, we’ve had a hectic start to the year with a bushfire in the Adelaide Hills, flooding along the Murray River, and alarming crime rates in Alice Springs.
In happier news, we were blessed with a newborn giraffe at Adelaide Zoo, the blooming of the corpse flower at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, and Elton John’s final Australian tour.
Amid all that noise, it’s no wonder semester one has crept up on us so suddenly. It’s hard to fathom that we’ll soon have to farewell our recently rekindled social lives and get studying like there’s no tomorrow.
Thankfully, the arts scene is beginning to ramp up for the year (along with the Adelaide Fringe Festival) and this month’s guide is chock-full of events to help you make the most of these last precious weeks.
Visual art/film
Sanaa Exhibition is returning to the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery this year on February 13, showcasing the confrontational work of artists from African and Australian multicultural communities.
Showing until April 6, the exhibition features Ugandan artist Charlene Komuntale and her exploration of the strength and power of African women, alongside murals by Skubalisto that incorporate South African tradition with modernity.
For those studying at Magill, Pepper Street Arts Centre – which is just a 3-minute walk from campus – is hosting its Where The Wild Things Are Exhibition opening day on February 12.
Alongside the wildlife-inspired stained glass, painting, photography, and sculpture works showing until March 17, the free opening day features: caricature portraits by Allan Addams; a sculpting demonstration by Gabrielle Jones; and African drumming by Upbeatz. It certainly promises to be a wild time.
JamFactory is back again this month with its exhibitions New Exuberance: contemporary Australian textile design and Built Worlds, both showing from February 17 to April 16.
New Exuberance is a touring exhibition featuring over 30 artists and their multi-media reflections on textile practice, while Built Worlds features architectural-themed ceramics from five creatives.
Festivals/markets
We’re fast approaching a magical time of year with the Adelaide Fringe Festival kicking off on February 17 – upon which the city will come alive with theatre, comedy, music, food and more.
With hundreds of shows lined up, it’s hard to know where to begin your ticket search; that’s why OTR will be pumping out Fringe show reviews later this month and into Mad March.
Meanwhile, while the city lies in wait, we have a few intriguing shows to get your ticket-hunting started.
For lovers of Greek mythology, the UK-originating theatre show Orpheus is back for its fourth year in a row at Gluttony from February 17 to February 26.
The award-winning show puts a modern spin on the Greek tale with its cocktail of ancient gods, dive bars, and Bruce Springsteen karaoke.
If musicals are more your style, Star Theatres is hosting An Evening on Broadway from February 17 to February 19.
It promises to be an evening of fun for all ages, featuring songs from Hamilton, Hairspray, Frozen, In The Heights and more, accompanied by a live orchestra.
Attention all Horrible Histories fans: comedian and historian Paul Coulter’s 5 Mistakes That Changed History is premiering at Gluttony this year from February 17 to February 26.
In his hour-long comedy show, Coulter brings to life five humorous (yet tragic) stories of people whose mistakes changed the world as part of his quest to make history exciting.
Talks/plays/workshops
The Fringe isn’t the only place to turn to for theatre this month; State Theatre Company South Australia is up and running for the year with their dark comedy The Goat or, Who Is Sylvia?
Showing from February 10 to February 25, the play features wealthy architect Martin, his picture-perfect family, and the secret that threatens to topple his seemingly flawless life. It’s a tale of love, betrayal, and crime that pledges to be as tragic as it is funny.
If the thought of going back to university is enough dark comedy for you this month, perhaps the Seeing Things Differently – smART Science Workshop is more your style.
Running at Tonsley from 1pm to 4pm on February 8, the free workshop gives participants the chance to experiment with mixed-media and connect art with science and nature.
And, for any aspiring artists out there, participants have the opportunity to have their work displayed in an exhibition of community artwork as part of the Fringe!
Book lovers may be interested in attending Gill Hicks’ talk Books in My Life at the State Library of South Australia on February 7.
The author, musician, and artist will discuss her experiences from the 2005 London terrorist attack, her gratitude for life, and in doing so, challenge her audience to think differently about books, the world around them, and their relationships with others.
If you choose to attend, we’d recommend stopping for a coffee afterwards at the library’s very cute, mint-green cafe.
Music/concerts
The Adelaide arts scene wouldn’t be complete without music – which is why we’re adding a “music/concerts” section to our What’s on guides starting from this month!
There are countless music events running in Adelaide this February, and while we’d like to feature all those talented artists, we’ve been kind enough to spare your eyes five hours of reading by showcasing a select few gems.
The Gov is one of Adelaide’s most-loved music venues, and it’s the perfect place to start exploring Australian artists for those new to the music scene.
If you’d like to dip your toes in with some familiar tunes, The Gov is hosting Tusk – The Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show on February 18, featuring favourite hits Rhiannon, Edge of Seventeen and Gypsy.
If you’re feeling a little braver – or are already well-versed in local music – Mat McHugh and The Beautiful Girls are bringing their Australian jazz-meets-dub tunes to The Gov on February 3.
There’s something for metal fans too, with Swedish melodic death metal band Arch Enemy playing at the venue on February 14.
Speaking of loud music, Laneway Festival is back at Bonython Park this year on February 10 with its funky music, sea of sparkly outfits, and selection of street food.
Unsurprisingly, tickets are being likened to bars of gold; but it might be worth your spare money if you’re a fan of Joji, HAIM, Phoebe Bridgers, or Girl In Red, to name a few.
Last, but not least, Adelaide singer/songwriter Jess Day is performing at Jive, Hindley Street on February 9 as part of her national The Lovers Tour. With her funky indie-pop vibe, it looks like it’ll make for an exciting yet wholesome night.
Stay tuned for next month’s Mad March edition! Until then, have a pleasant rest of the holidays and we’ll see you soon.
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