Matt Hewson
Local talent will take centre stage when Geelong Arts Centre (GAC) celebrates the completion of its $140 million redevelopment next weekend.
Soul-funk band Jothi, fronted by local musician and educator Gloria Ragesh, will open the show on Saturday, August 19 before headline act Jessica Mauboy at the Play House as the GAC kicks off its four-week Grand Opening Festival.
The show sold out within minutes of tickets going on sale, and Ms Ragesh said she and her bandmates were thrilled to be part of the opening night.
“We’re very stoked; we’re seeing it as a celebration of all the hard work that we’ve done and we’re just going to enjoy the fact that we get to do this,” she said.
“Also, knowing that Jessica Mauboy is just a really lovely human being is really important as well. And getting to do it at the Play House in a sold-out show is an incredible feeling, I can’t wait.”
Ms Ragesh said that while GAC had always been highly supportive of Geelong creatives, the new venues would help usher in a new era for the local arts community.
“It puts such a spotlight on Geelong, and specifically the creative arts in Geelong,” she said.
“After COVID, so many venues had shut down around Geelong, venues people played at quite frequently. So it really put a dent in the way creatives could share their music and establish their name.
“We have so much amazing talent here. So this is a really good opportunity for our creatives, especially musicians, to get that ball rolling again and feel inspired to do so.”
While the music plays at the 764-seat theatre Play House, three of Australia’s best comedians – Dave Thornton, Dilruk Jayasinha and Lizzy Hoo – will bring the laughs at the GAC’s Story House.
The month-long festival lineup, which also includes Missy Higgins, Opera Australia, Belvoir St Theatre and Windmill Theatre company, will provide the first-ever look at the brand-new performance venues at the Little Malop Street complex.
GAC chief executive and creative director Joel McGuinness said the event was “a milestone in Geelong’s cultural history”.
“(This) will see GAC drive national and international arts conversation and ensure that those from around our region, and the world, can gather, connect, and share their passion for the arts and creativity right here in Geelong,” he said.
