Sydney Festival 2024 has set sail, bringing a first-class line-up of world premieres, immersive experiences, public art, and live music to the city from January 5 to 28. Among the talents shaping the festival are distinguished NIDA alumni contributing their creative brilliance to innovative and captivating productions.
Sabina Myers (Master of Fine Arts in Design for Performance, 2017) and SimoneRomaniuk (Bachelor of Dramatic Art, Design 2003).
Simone Romaniuk, Bachelor of Dramatic Art in Design (2003) takes the spotlight as the production and costume designer for Bananaland. An award-winning live performance designer, Simone’s work has served theatres and festivals in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Her extensive portfolio includes collaborations with renowned companies such as State Opera South Australia, Sydney Theatre Company, and the Unicorn Theatre in London. Bananaland is a hilarious music comedy from the creators of Muriel’s Wedding The Musical, features a kick-ass score by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, and direction by Simon Phillips. The story revolves around Kitty Litter, Australia’s least-loved punk rock protest band, finding unexpected fame among kids, turning their protest anthem into a kiddie-pop sensation. Simone Romaniuk’s creative prowess infuses the production with a visual spectacle that promises to delight audiences.
Bananaland,Sydney Festival 2024. Photo by Wenell Teodoro.
Sabina Myers, Master of Fine Arts in Design for Performance (2017) adds her touch of magic as the production designer for Il Tabarro, Puccini’s one-act opera presented by Victorian Opera. Sabina brings a unique blend of costume and production design skills to this nautical noir opera set under the stars and on the harbour. Il Tabarro unfolds as a darkly romantic tale of passion and heartbreak, with Sabina’s design transporting the audience to a 1930s Depression-era Sydney.
Il Tabarro, Sydney Festival 2024. Photo by Jacquie Manning
Amy Sole, a proud Wiradjuri/Worimi person and NIDA graduate with a Master of Fine Arts in Directing (2022), is making waves in the theatre scene. Amy’s recent works include the play Burning and assistant director roles in productions like God’s Country and Metamorphoses. As a director, playwright, actor, dramaturg, and producer, Amy is a multifaceted force contributing to the richness of the festival.
Amy Sole ( Master of Fine Arts in Directing, 2022) and Kesley Lee (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design for Performance, 2018).
Kelsey Lee, a Sydney-based designer, specialises in lighting, set, and costume for live performances. A NIDA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design for Performance graduate (2018), she’s known for collaborative work, fusing design elements to sculpt space and convey stories. Notable works include Destroy. She Said. earning her a Sydney Theatre Award, and projects with Griffin Theatre Company and Ensemble Theatre.
GURR ERA OP, Sydney Festival 2024 – Photo by Prudence Upton
Amy and Kelsey are both working on GURR ERA OP, a collaborative effort by Force Majeure and ILBIJERRI Theatre Company. The work explores the impact of climate change on Torres Strait Islander communities. Amy Sole, as a co-director, and Kelsey Lee, with her design expertise, contribute to this poignant work that intertwines storytelling, movement, and spoken word.
Sydney Festival, 5-28 January 2024, various locations. More info here.
