UnWrapped celebrating work of local artists at Sydney Opera House

By CASSANDRA PACE

This spring, the ongoing series UnWrapped at the Sydney Opera House is bringing to light the work of local upcoming artists. Developed by Head of Screen Stuart Buchanan and former Director of Programming Fiona Winning, the program features 14 works (including 11 new commissions) from over 20 innovative Australian artists and technologists from August 28 – September 15. With an array of artistic works within dance, film, installation, music, performance and the inventive use of AI in choreography, the program is set to explore a number of underlying themes such as the concepts of identity, artistic authorship and the notion of time. 

Class Act

If you’re intrigued by the navigation of social hierarchy within today’s society, you may find yourself interested in the upcoming work Class Act, created by comedian and playwright Mish Grigor, tackles the ongoing barriers and obstacles surrounding Australia’s social hierarchy. Collaborating with an experimental arts organisation APHIDS based in Melbourne, the show reimagines the classic tale My Fair Lady through the eyes of a self-described bogan. Navigating their way through the challenges surrounding Australia’s ‘class system’, Mish relates her first hand experience as a Western Sydney local to this modern adaptation of the 1964 musical film, addressing themes of class, identity and social expectations of society.

28th – 31st of August, 2024

AUTO-TUNE

Auto-Tune, a performance piece about ‘gig theatre’, is a remarkable combination of theatre and music that addresses the underlying struggles of past regret. Created by Award winning writer Mark Rodgers and the re:group performance collective, the performance begins with teenage Silverchair fan Michael who travels back in time to the early 2000’s in Wagga Wagga to auto-tune his deepest regrets. After discovering their unexpected superpower to time travel, they set themselves a mission to auto-tune their biggest mistakes and create a pitch perfect fantasy. This genre-breaking show captures a set list of indie tunes through audiovisuals and live video captions.

 4th – 7th of September, 2024

Shortwave

Shortwave is a showcase of original short films that explore multidisciplinary approaches towards uncovering the artist’s relationship with themes of resistance, reclamation and renewal on screen. If you love supporting local Aussie artists, then  head to this lively event which is sure to inspire audiences. 

8th of September, 2024

Plagiary

AI and the integration of humans and machines are hot topics these days, so challenge yourself in an immersive dance performance experiment that utilises Artificial Intelligence to direct 10 contemporary dancers. Created by renowned media artist Sam Mcgilp and dance technologist Alisdair Mclndoe, this innovative concept delves into the usage of AI in everyday life, and the body’s final moments untouched by the dominance of smart technology. This eye opening experience encourages you to immerse yourself into a  performance where AI prompts direct the performance’s course differently each night.

12th – 14th of September, 2024

UnWrapped 2024
Theatre Room, Sydney Opera House
28 August – 14 September
https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/unwrapped