Less Than Two Weeks to Arafura Games Opening

Mon, April 27 2009

The countdown is on with only 12 days to go to the opening ceremony of the Arafura Games 2009.

“Last night was the first complete rehearsal for the entire opening ceremony contingent,” said Thea Cochrane, opening ceremony director Arafura Games 2009. “We have put together a huge event – not just a celebration for the athletes but for Darwin.”

Such is the growing national attention for this special evening that great entertainment iconic Australian acts Jon Stevens, ex Noise works, and Christine Anu will share the spot light with more than 300 local performers, including a combined choir and contemporary dancers, along with some incredible visual delights on a night when the sky, stage and grassed arena make up the stage.

More than 140 members of the combined youth choir and 150 local dancers from various schools and dance schools across Darwin gathered on Sunday for a run through of the opening night performance.

“This is a show like you’ve never seen before,” she said. “There is action happening in the sky, down on the arena floor and on the massive stage that Darwin people will have the pleasure of seeing for the first time – you have got to be there.”

A highlight of the opening night will be the flame ceremony performed by more than 40 cultural dancers from a broad section of the Darwin community, and choreographed by local dance talent Julia Gray.

“Julia is bringing a different look to the flame ceremony,” said Ms Cochrane. “There are a few visual surprises in store.”

To help make the opening ceremony a fantastic spectacle, Ms Cochrane has brought together an experienced team that includes artistic director Trevor Green and lighting guru Chris Newman.

“Trevor is renowned for his work with young dancers and has choreographed for the Olympics and the Good Will Games,” said Ms Cochrane. “Our lighting director Chris Newman was the lighting designer for Elton John, Pearl Jam, John Farnham and several major theatre productions across the country.”

Tickets for the Arafura Games 2009 opening ceremony on Saturday 9 May start at $15.

You can purchase tickets online at http://www.arafuragames.nt.gov.au or by visiting the Darwin Entertainment Centre, Nightcliff Newsagency, Tourism Top End Visitor Information Centre in Darwin city or Oasis News and Lotto in Palmerston, or you can phone 8980 3333.

“No one should miss the show this year,” said Ms Cochrane. “What we have put together is a really fast-paced, high-energy show that’s got something for everybody and staging like Darwin has never seen before.”

For more information go to www.arafuragames.nt.gov.au.

Geoff Totham 0416 973 908
Gail Liston (08) 8920 5536 or 0407 207 335