Lagoon sets watery stage for Pacific Tales

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon will come alive in a sea of colour and movement with a unique performance presented by Cairns Regional Council next week.

As part of the On Edge Media and Performance festival and Council’s free entertainment program on Cairns Esplanade, Trade Winds will be performed in and around Cairns’ iconic lagoon.

Inspired by the traditions of the Pacific, Trade Winds is performed by theatre group Polytoxic after dark in shallow water, combining physical performance with striking costuming and animated projection.

Featuring Cairns visual artist Sam Tupou, the family-friendly production will premiere on the Esplanade, before travelling across the globe to feature at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, Canada.

Mayor Bob Manning said Council was delighted to be hosting what is sure to be an internationally-acclaimed performance.

“It’s exciting that the Cairns community has the opportunity to see the premiere of Trade Winds before it heads overseas.

“The Esplanade lagoon is a centrepiece for our city and this will allow both residents and visitors to experience it in a whole new way.”

Atop the water, Trade Winds melds stunning projections, bold costuming and intricate physical performance as two women navigate and negotiate their way across the vast watery surface.

It asks its audience to imagine the voyages and exchanges between different cultures throughout the history of the Pacific Ocean.

Trade Winds will feature in three free evening performances at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday July 25-27. All shows start at 7pm and feature supporting act Kuranda music duo Bosko and Honey.

Sections of the lagoon will remain open to swimmers throughout the performance.

More information on Cairns Esplanade entertainment and activities.