1920s Flair, 2020s Attitude

Immerse yourself in cabaret, variety, and contemporary music, and enjoy a martini as Brisbane’s beloved Twelfth Night Theatre transforms into The Green Light, the hottest club in town — owned by none other than the great Gatsby himself. It’s an electrifying establishment radiating extravagance, vitality, and abandon, built in the pursuit of love. GATSBY at the Green Light is a vaudeville-inspired show filled with flying acrobatics, breathtaking bar tricks, time-twisting theming, and more, in one incredibly choreographed spectacular. 

When imagining the style of the 1920s, stunning jewels are one of the first things to come to mind.  In collaboration with Van Cleef & Arpels —  a jewellery brand prolific in the 20s and 100 years later — L.A. Dance Project Artistic Director Benjamin Millepied presents Gems, a bold contemporary ballet trilogy. Each chapter, Reflections, Hearts & Arrows, and On the Other Side, serves as a contemporary counterpoint to George Balanchine’s Rubies, Emeralds, and Diamonds. Together, they form a dazzling triptych of distinct works, inspired by the brilliance and character of their namesake jewels.

Of course, getting into the Gatsby spirit means dressing for the occasion. And the best place to be seen, meet, and celebrate is the Festival Club at QPAC. Melbourne Street Green plays host to live music, a vibrant food and drink scene, and a surprising line-up of high-energy after-dark entertainment. So wear that look and keep the summer soirée going as the celebrations continue throughout September.

The 1920s were a time marked by change and art, as artists like Fitzgerald explored the decade's social and political climate. Working in the same time period were the monumental composers Prokofiev and Shostakovich. Rebellion and revolution abound as these two composers grapple with the turmoil of the 20th century in this concert with  Queensland Symphony Orchestra and stunningly virtuosic pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk.

Experience classic silent films in the style they would have been presented 100 years ago — alongside stunning organ performances. As one of a rare breed of musicians, David Bailey is continuing what was once an everyday part of Australian cinema — theatre organ performance and silent film accompaniment. Playing the Brisbane City Hall Willis organ, Bailey will reinvigorate the classic films: Buster Keaton’s The Balloonatic, Charley Chase’s Mighty Like a Moose, and Laurel and Hardy’s Big Business.