Confluence Festival of India in Australia

This festival marks the most significant showcase of Indian arts and culture to ever be staged in Australia.

Occurring over two months in several cities across the country, the Sydney wing is showing no signs of slowing down – with events celebrating traditional dance, music, theatre and yoga in addition to more contemporary passions shared by our two nations, such as cricket and modern fashion.

This weekend the Confluence Festival Gala at the Sydney Opera House will be the crowning jewel of the festival (Sep 18); an exciting and unique coming together of Australian and Indian performing art forms showcasing distinct movements, rhythms and inherent similarities. One of India’s biggest musical exports, The Raghu Dixit Project headlines the day with their unique brand of infectious, happy music transcends age, genre, and even language.

India’s The Company Theatre brings Piya Behrupiya to the Sydney Opera House stage (Sep 15 & 16), a musical Hindi adaption of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Twelfth Night. The joyous stage production has enjoyed international success, including with UK audiences during the World Shakespeare Theatre Festival.

Taking a turn from the more ancient traditions showcased at the festival, well-known Indian political cartoonist Ajit Ninan is hosting nationwide exhibitions of his cartoons including workshops with renowned Australian cartoonists. In Sydney he will be joined in conversation by awarded Australian cartoonist Cathy Wilcox (Sep 27).

Capping off the celebrations in true Sydney style, each weekend during the festival the roof of the National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour roars into life with the Colours of India light projection installation. Taking inspiration from the colours, patterns, flavours, and sounds of India, the projection echoes the vibrancy of Vivid. (AM)

Until Oct 28. Various free and ticketed events throughout Sydney. Tickets & info: www.confluencefoi.com/sydney