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WOMADELAIDE
DAY 1
@ King Rodney Park, Adelaide
5th March 2021
(Live Review)

Review and Photos – Deb Kloeden

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Adelaide’s East Park Lands are definitely alive again with the Adelaide Fringe and Womadelaide bringing people out in their droves to soak up all the entertainment on offer. Womadelaide’s first night of their Sunset Series was very special and you could taste the excitement in the air as punters entered the gates last night. The familiar Womad flags fluttered in the breeze giving a sense of familiarity, despite the different venue, changed format, reduced seated crowds and all the other Covid-safe measures required in order to hold such an event.

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Archie Roach

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The opening night started with the traditional ‘Welcome To Country’, a brief, indigenous ceremony, paying respect to the original owners of the land we us. This was followed by one of Archie Roach’s final performances. Entering the stage in a wheel chair, and with oxygen bottle attached to aid his breathing, Archie was generous with his stories, explanations and performance of the songs from his 2020-recorded album ‘The Songs Of Charcoal Lane’. The honesty and rawness of his music had punters shedding silent tears, knowing this was his last Womad performance.

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Lior & Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

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The next performance totally filled the stage. Australian singer-songwriter LIOR collaborated with acclaimed composer NIGEL WESTLAKE and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for a stunning symphonic celebration. This was the first time Lior had performed since lockdown and he was just as excited to perform, as we were to see him. Many of his songs used a combination of Arabic and ancient Hebrew texts. The performance was titled ‘Compassion’ and was thoroughly moving and joyous at the same time. Lior played one request, solo with his guitar. ‘This Old ‘Love’ was dedicated to a couple in the audience who were married at a previous Womadelaide Festival. The message was about growing old together, and that old love will never die.

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Sarah Blasko

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SARAH BLASKO gave the final performance of the night. Dancing onto the stage in a sparkling tassled gown, she shone from the first note. The very familiar songs from ‘As Day Follows Night’ were the focus of her performance, celebrating the album’s 10th anniversary. The crowd was mesmerised by her music and theatrical performance. A stunning light show gave her set that final theatre touch.

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Sarah Blasko

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Day one at Womadelaide 2021 was definitely a huge success and an absolute credit to the organisers who have actually made this festival happen. Saturday night’s sold out event should be amazing.

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Lior & Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

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Check out Deb Kloeden’s gallery of Womadelaide Day 1 : HERE

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Follow WOMADELAIDE
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AMNPLIFY – DB