Five Independent Performance Venues to put on your 2021 Bucket List
Let’s admit it; we all make bucket lists. Whether that be for travelling, cooking or reading. So, why not make a bucket list for independent performance venues that you can go and see a show at in 2021? It could go something like this.
1. Backbone
Backbone is a youth arts organisation based in Brisbane that features year-round workshops, performances, festivals and events for your consumption. A lot of their works are new and created by independent artists or by emerging young artists through many different art forms. Located in East Brisbane by the river, it is a fabulous space to visit and will leave you recharged for days on end. It also has the most wonderful community and once you are a part of that community, you will never want to leave.
Upcoming events to pencil in your diary are:
Backbone 2020 Launch Party | 26th of February
Candy Social Club x Mardi Gras | 6th of March [cover image]
2. Elements Collective
Located in the valley, Elementals Collective is a venue that not only plays host to its own award-winning nice company, but offers events including plays, comedy and cabaret. I’ve seen and reviewed many shows there, as well as performed my own works there, and its atmosphere is so dazzling. Keep your eye on their website and socials in May, as I’m sure that there will be a number of Anywhere Festival performances to see.
3. Ad Astra
Funnily enough this venue is also in the valley and is one of Brisbane’s most prominent independent theatre companies. It is one of the only theatre companies that gives independent artists to showcase their plays on their stage and to program them into their season. Similarly, to the previous space, I’ve seen most of their works in the past two years and every time I enter that space, I’m blown away by the stellar direction, acting and scripts the company decides to showcase. The venue might be very petite (and sometimes difficult to find) but the talent is immeasurable.
Upcoming plays to pencil in your diary are:
Handle With Care | February 24th – March 7th
The Realistic Jones’s | March 26th - April 17th
4. Backdock Arts
Even more funnily enough, this funky arts venue is also tucked away in the valley which hosts a number of plays, gigs, exhibitions, film festivals… you name it. Run and managed by two QUT drama graduates, the space features the most heavenly seats which I believe once had a previous life on a bus and a very quaint stage, which is delightful as it means that you get thrown headfirst into whatever narrative is on display that night; whether that be poetry, an absurdist comedy about death or a comedy skit about a past love affair. The venue regularly updates their Facebook on coming events, so make sure you give them a follow.
5. The Sideshow
The Sideshow is a performance space situated in West End which accommodates a series of multidisciplinary workshops, performances and exhibitions and last year, hosted an indie fringe festival. Keep an eye on their socials for upcoming events which includes an Artisan Market this coming Saturday which is always a hoot and a half. I might even see you there.
Brisbane has a wild independent arts scene - don’t miss out on all the incredible fabulosity taking place all around you.
