More than ten years ago (apparently) Leigh Carmichael thought we should try and activate Hobart’s winter. I thought it unlikely to work (and I’m not the first in my family to think so—Dad said, ‘He backs the Hobart winter against any tourism business.’)
So nearly ten Dark Mofos later Leigh has thoroughly proved me wrong, and he deserves a break. We’ll have someone new battling Hobart’s winter next year, but Leigh will still be trying to drag the tourists in. Thanks Leigh, and thanks to the cast of thousands that have coped with the weather, boycotts, crazed performers, budgetary constraints, disappearing venues, pesky viruses and me overstaying my welcome for all those years.
—David Walsh
Curatorial Statement
Pentheus the tyrant king of Thebes exclaimed, ‘I see two suns in the sky’ as Dionysus led him away to his fateful execution. The God of theatre, ecstasy and madness knew the easiest way to lure the headstrong king into his trap was through intoxication and titillation. Once under the influence, the king marched gleefully on the way to his own death, not realising until the final moment that he had been dazed by desire.
This year we triumphantly celebrate a decade of Dark Mofo. There will be art, feasting, a masquerade ball, motorbikes, raving, a giant teddy and ample nudity.
Come down, have a drink, it’ll be wild.
—Leigh Carmichael
Creative Director
Continued Support for Ukraine
Dark Mofo stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and everywhere injustice is being perpetrated.
We are deeply disturbed by the humanitarian crisis that continues in Europe as a result of the war against Ukraine. Thanks to the support of our patrons, last year we raised $138,000 for Voices of Children, a charity providing support assistance to Ukrainian children and families affected by the Russian invasion.
We have again provided the option to round up your ticket purchase—or choose a custom amount at checkout, to be donated to Voices of Children. The war is not over, and the effects of war will be significant for this generation of children as they grow. Anything we can do to support them will make a great difference. Thank you again.