Masses of music, cult films, mysteries and tales from the underbelly
Buckle up and get ready to paint the town red when Kings Cross is celebrated as a pulsating centre of performance art, immersive theatre, avant-cabaret, music, cult films and nostalgic talking heads as part of Vivid Sydney 2017.
Vivid Sydney Creative Director Ignatius Jones said: “For the first time, Kings Cross will be an exciting precinct that includes all Vivid Sydney pillars of light, music and ideas, called Vivid KX. It’s a wonderful mix of genres, theatre, performance, story-telling and light art, and it celebrates exactly what makes Kings Cross so special – diversity, creativity, equality and community.”
Vivid KX will explore the bohemian underworlds that gave The Cross its unique DNA through a genre-bending performance program; pop-up cinema screening the strangest, craziest and best in Australian film; and raw and riveting talks of the days of the ‘Golden Mile’.
For the first time at Kings Cross, the Coca-Cola billboard will come alive to celebrate the talent, colour, creativity and diversity of Kings Cross. Shot by portrait photographer Katherine Williams the Characters of Kings Cross series will feature moving black-and-white portraits of the individuals that make Kings Cross so special. The projected images will feature on the left-hand side of the sign, and will include familiar faces such as Kylie Kwong, along with other Kings Cross locals.
The famous Coca-Cola LED billboard will for the first time in 40 years transform into a continuous light show of vibrant colours and special effects for the entire 23 nights of Vivid Sydney.
Other Vivid KX program highlights include:
Welcome to Kings Cross: A dancefloor-driven adventure through diverse genres, eras, movements and vibrant late-night culture in a full-venue experience over six floors featuring dozens of DJs and one-off performances.
When: May 27th Where: Kings Cross Hotel
Cult Sinema Australiana: Discover the stories behind the stories when Sydney’s cultural underground legends Jay Katz and Miss Death present a subversive program of infamous, legendary and rarely seen cinematic gems in a pop-up cinema, including insights and rare commentary from geniuses who created the weird, ultra-camp and high-art masterpieces.
When: June 1st to 17th Where: Kings Cross Hotel
Murder On The Dancefloor: Who dunnit? Go on a murder mystery tour with this theatrical cocktail-culinary experience. There’ll be grisly projections and music curated by Australia’s first lady of House Music, DJ Kate Monroe, and a menu of fabulous food and creepy cocktails designed to match the murderous action.
When: June 16th Where: Crane Bar, Darlinghurst
Only Heaven Knows: This beloved musical set in bohemian Kings Cross in the 1940s and 50s, tells of a young gay man’s discovery of love and life, which, in the heady freedom of the post-war day, is rudely interrupted with the cold winds of intolerance.
When: May 26th to June 17th Where: Hayes Theatre, Potts Point
Basement Parties: A daring program of nine unique, immersive, parties in Kings Cross Hotel’s intimate Dive Bar. Bands, DJs, dancers, singers and performers will celebrate something different each night – from Glam Rock to Tony Hawks’ Pro Skater.
When: June 1st to 17th Where: Kings Cross Hotel
Hidden Sydney - The Glittering Mile: A wonderfully witty, exceptionally exhilarating cabaret set in a former brothel, dedicated to the cast of colourful characters who made the 50s, 60s and 70s the Golden Age of The Cross, from standover men, crims and crooks to poets, drag queens, witches and eccentric entertainers.
When: May 26th to June 17th Where: The World Bar
Kings Bloody Cross: Discover the grit behind the glitz in these fascinating ‘in conversation’ events. Hear from real-life luminaries, artists, idealists and opportunists who made Kings Cross what it was, and lived to tell their tales from the heady days of rock ’n’ roll, free love and corruption, to sex, greed and politics.
When: May 27th to 28th, June 3rd to 4th, June 10th to 11th Where: The World Bar, Kings Cross and The Wayside Chapel
For more details and to book tickets visit https://www.vividsydney.com/
Coca-Cola is a proud Vivid Precinct Contributor for the Vivid KX program.