Dance
Le Wetr is a dance group living and working in Lifou, one of the Loyalty Islands to the east of New Caledonia. For over 10 years, this artistic group has been researching the songs and ritual customs of their society, and translating this research into dance performances. They are the leading kanak group in New Caledonia, and are establishing a world-wide reputation as interpreters of and ambassadors for their culture. They have been applauded in Spain, France, Singapore, the USA, and elsewhere. Members of the group will also introduce festival-goers to the culinary traditions of their island.
Souleidado Well known in Perth for their enthusiastic performances of French folk dances and also for their popular dance workshops, Souleidado are making their first appearance at the French Festival. They will present two formal programmes, focusing on music and dance from two of France’s best-loved regions, Provence and Britanny, but they will also give festival-goers the opportunity to trip the boards in workshops of some of the most popular dances from their collection.
Cabaret, chanson française, world music
Bric-à-Brac Back for their fourth French Festival, Ced and his energetic band have reworked their repertoire, developing performances on four different themes: Fantasia (a fusion of celtic, classical and medieval sounds), Bayou (the Cajun influence and zydeco), Bohemia (a homage to the soul of the gipsy) and Pop (the late twentieth French scene, from Piaf to Renaud). The melodies and improvisations of the gipsy violin and accordion complement Ced’s warm, vibrant singing, while the washboard and percussive double bass enhance the exciting rhythmic character of the group. A feast of dance, nostalgia and romance, not to be missed!
Annie Santré Always a favourite at the Festival, and elsewhere, local French singer Annie Santré brings a touch of French flair and style to her performances of French classics, from Aznavour to Vian, with special homage to the best-loved French singer of all, Edith Piaf of course.
Sheryl Peters Singing just to the accompaniment of her guitar, Sherryl Peters tells us the stories which make up our lives, stories of greater and lesser import, stories of love, friendship, happiness and sadness. She will take you into her close and intimate world with her sensitive singing. Never far below the surface runs a unifying thread – what it is to be a woman in today’s world.
AC2N fits well into the world music scene with its modern fusion of funk, groove, soul and kanak reggae. An impressive 8-piece ensemble which will have you up and dancing. Come on down!
Uni SA Looking for a taste of traditional France? Why not take your wine/coffee/gateau/baguette over to Stage 3 for an entertaining half hour of popular French songs presented by students from Uni SA. Sunday only.
Music from New Caledonia
Jimmy Oedin and his backing group brings to New Caledonian music a sense of place and a feel for what is important, in much the same way as Francis Cabrel has made his mark in France. One feels that he has his finger on the pulse of what is real, of what counts. The clear and straightforward musical treatment of his subject matter makes it a pleasure to sit back, relax and enjoy some fine texts sensitively presented.
Edou, with his sophisticated backing, has been one of the most popular singers in New Caledonia for some years now. The traditional kanak influence in his work is always present, sounding clearly through the modern musical treatment he gives to his songs, but his music reaches beyond the shores of his homeland to embrace a range of influences, particularly from other Pacific regions. Edou’s latest album, for example, features music and artists from nearby Fiji and Vanuatu.
Jazz
ETM Four music teachers from New Caledonia who are, above all, performing artists and musicians, present their repertoire which covers a wide range of jazz styles.
Literature
Several indigenous, kanak and modern regional French writers will be attending the Festival from New Caledonia and will read and recite works of poetry and fiction for the delight of the young at heart and other lovers of island stories and Pacific dreaming.
, le il y a 20 années.
