Leave your inhibitions at the door and succumb to the Dark Mofo festival’s spell, which will transport you to the darker side of Tasmania. Witness thought-provoking and mind-boggling performances as the ordinary vanishes and the unconventional takes centre stage.
Welcome to the biggest Dark Mofo yet, where you could make the most out of the coldest, longest, and darkest time of the year!
Returning to Hobart for its 10th anniversary, “public art, live music, performances, and nocturnal revelry” with eerie and out-of-this-world concepts will fill Hobart this 8th-22nd of June.
Aside from the decade milestone, this will also be the final year of co-founder and Creative Director Leigh Carmichael organising and overseeing this festival, so no wonder: Dark Mofo is pulling all the stops this year!
“This year’s festival will be a reflection of the past decade, and while much has changed, our desire to celebrate the longest nights and embrace winter in Tasmania hasn’t wavered,” highlighted Mr Carmichael.
“We can’t wait to light the fires again this June.”
From the newest attractions and spectators’ all-time favourites to Dark Mofo’s signature events, this year’s lineup is certainly something you won’t want to miss! But out of all the fascinating events in this two-week celebration, you might find yourself wondering which ones to prioritise.
![4one4 Property Co | Dark Mofo 2023 | Dark Mofo returns this June 8-22 for its 10th Anniversary [Photo from: discovertasmania.com.au]](https://www.4one4.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/3c20e9322810fc22095bae453fdcbc2e-1024x768.jpeg)
Guess what? Even before you’ve thought of that, we already have that in mind. So, we’ve made a move and personally asked some regular festival-goers aka the ever-active 4one4 crew members their favourites this year, which you could also consider upon your visit (you may also see what our team was anticipating last year here).
So, before everything gets sold out, here are the 4one4-approved recommendations that would surely leave you craving for more!
The Gathering
Schedule: Thu 8th June (6:30 pm – 12:00 am)
Venue: In The Hanging Garden
Prepare to be blown away at The Gathering, the ultimate opening-night extravaganza of Dark Mofo! With a decade of unforgettable celebrations under their belt, Dark Mofo knows how to throw a party. But this year, they’re taking it to a whole new level by showcasing the incredible talent and rich cultural heritage of First Nations artists.
Covering different genres and styles, get ready to witness BARKAA, Tasman Keith, dameeeela, DENNI, MARLON X RULLA, Kartanya, Uncle Dougie Mansell, and Rob Braslin in one epic show! Definitely a powerful way to start the festival!!!
“I‘ve got a feeling The Gathering is calling my name this year. Dark Mofo has that ‘ultimate party’ vibe and this year’s opening-night kickoff looks like it we be an experience like no other- i mean, how do they keep getting better and better each year. 10 years in and I’m getting goosebumps already thinking about how fun it will be
Stories after Dark
Schedule: Sat 17th June (5:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Venue: Tasmanian State Library and Archives Building
The National Archives of Australia are joining in the chaos of Dark MOFO 2023 with their ‘Stories after Dark’. The event invites people to come along and discover hidden collections, records and artefacts that will be illuminated for a night of storytelling and performance.
On the shelves stand thousands of books. In the archives sit thousands of artefacts, images and priceless documents. Are they sleeping peacefully… or are they sharing their stories?
This family-friendly event will also be an Auslan-interpreted event.
“My Kids love going to the Library all the time- we are always heading there to get out new books and discover new stories. So when we looked over this year event, I think the one that suits us best is to look at head to one of our favorites places after dark… actually, It will probably won’t be too dark when we get there to be honest when I think about their Bedtimes)… but we are excited to show them some of what the festival has to offer and see what the ‘Stories after Dark’ is all about!”
Zindzi & The Zillionaires
Schedule: Sun 11th June (12:00 pm – 12:45 pm & 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm)
Venue: In The Hanging Garden
Despite the dark theme of Dark Mofo, it is an inclusive festival for everyone! Even for kids!!! After a song about chairs, games, and stories is spun, an actor and musician typically emerge on the screen to entertain the festival’s younger visitors. That would be Zindzi, a popular host from Play School, who joins the festival schedule together with The Zillionaires, her adorable sidekicks.
Youngsters under two are admitted free to this concert, which is intended for kids and of course, the adults who are accompanying them. If you’re travelling to Tasmania with your family, be sure to check this out!
“Dark Mofo has normally been about those late nights wandering the streets and taking in the artworks that bring Hobart to life for us- but this year, would you believe we are actually most looking forward to a kids concert!… We will still do the Ogoh Ogoh like we do every year and purge our fears; but would you believe Zindzi was our Daughter Quinn’s Favourite presenter on Play School for years and since she has gotten so heavily into dancing and this is a Hip Hop inspired kids show- it a WIN WIN!!!!
Silent Symphony
Schedule: Thu 8th June – Sun 11th June (4:00 pm – 10:00 pm) & Wed 14th June – Sun 18th June (4:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Venue: Dark Park
If you’re into the wonders of science, especially astrology, you’ll surely love this show. Explore the galaxy in great detail as a number of kinetic light and sound devices simulate planetary orbit. Just imagining it now, this surely will be a feast to the eyes!
The work actualizes the ancient Greek theory of “musica unversalis” which holds that the universe hums with an inaudible type of music, by giving form to invisible energies.
“I normally get together with my family and organise a night to wander around and check out a lot of the DARK MOFO things, I think Dark Park is where we normally gravitate towards. There is always this atmosphere in the air that doesn’t exist any other time of the year… So lets home The Silent Symphony takes us on a wild cosmic ride. It soubds like science and art colliding in the most epic way possible – I can’t wait to experience the sheer wonder and beauty of it all.”
Giant Teddy
Schedule: Fri 9 – Sun 11 June (4pm – 8pm), Fri 16 – Sat 17 June (4pm-8pm)
Venue: Harrington Lane
It might sound a little bit creepy, but A giant bear watches over you while you dance. The footage is then captured and transmitted to a separate location.
Let your inhibitions run wild and be free as you let a cute and cuddly teddy bear watch over you in Harrington Lane.
“I’m not to sure about the Video footage being transmitted elsewhere… and the dancing might not be happening either- but i think the name alone gives away the reason my kids would want to go! A Giant Teddy… C’mon who doesn’t want to see a Giant Teddy!”
Max Richter’s Sleep
Schedule: Wed 14th June (11:00 pm – 8:00 am)
Venue: MAC2
Many partygoers at Dark Mofo spend the entire night at the festival partying rather than sleeping (well, as we should, right?). But this year’s festival does include some time in bed?!? Puzzled? Dark Mofo wants you to come over and sleep in your pyjamas, specifically in Max Richter’s Sleep.
When you close your eyes and drift off to sleep, Richter’s music will be playing while you sleep. The Dark Mofo-provided mattresses will be used for the forty winks portion, while the latter is based on the neurobiology of napping. Sounds weird? Well, this is Dark Mofo at the end of the day, so bother no more and just prepare your pyjamas!
“I can’t help but wonder what it’ll be like to surrender myself to the night, guided by the mesmerising melodies of Richter. It’s like a magical portal to dreamland. I’m filled with anticipation, wondering how the music will shape my slumber and what wondrous experiences await. I’m definitely adding this one to my list!”
THIS BITTER EARTH
Schedule: Thu 8 – Sun 11 June (5-10pm) Wed 14 – Sun 18 June (5pm-10pm)
Venue: Dark Park
‘This Bitter Earth’ teams up two multi-media artists with an installation at Dark Park which is described as Nipaluna’s ancient shoreline and is called back to the surface in a ritual of luwuree smoke and fire.
Currently based in London, Alex Podger is a multi-disciplinary artist creating visual theatre, art installations and site-specific works in Europe and Australia! His body of work includes giant exploding sculptures, television commercials, music videos, outdoor operas and large-scale spectacle theatre works with puppets, pyrotechnics and orchestras.
Teaming up with Caleb Nichols-Mansell, an r mixed media artist and the Founder of Blackspace Creative Arts and Cultural Hub. He is a proud Tasmanian Aboriginal man with deep connections to country, community, culture, and spirit which all inform his practice and process as an artist and leader.
“Dark Mofo always brings the unexpected, and TRANCE is no exception. It’s a chance to unleash my curiosity, challenge my perceptions, and get lost in the wild realm of my own imagination. This is the kind of adventure that fuels my soul and leaves me craving for more.”
Twist
Schedule: Fri 9th June – Sun 11th June, Tue 13th June – Sun 18th June, & Tue 20th June – Thu 22nd June (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Venue: TMAG
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery’s The Twist is an immersive experience that “presents works rooted in Dickensian themes of exploitation, crime, abuse, and corruption—with a twist.” And it’s not our story to tell, so it’s for you to find out more about that “twist”–we won’t be spoiling anymore!
On some particular evenings though, you can enjoy the presentation with a DJ and bar setup, accompanied by The Salon. The exhibit is open Tuesday through Sunday and will run until October 22.
“I am a bit intrigued by the TWIST event that is on at the Museum. Sounds like an interesting experience to have a look at… Helen & I are looking forward to seeing some of the classic literature references to Charles Dickens that will be on display. Dark Mofo is great for getting people out and about in the Cold of Winter. Its a great event for tourism and Tasmania in general”
Without Us You Would Have Never Learnt About Love
Schedule: Thu 8th June – Sun 11th June (4:00 pm – 10:00 pm) & Wed 14th June – Sun 18th Jun (4:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Venue: Baha’i Centre
Kids and kids at heart can rejoice here! Creativity continues at Without Us You Would Have Never Learnt About Love! You may anticipate seeing stuffed toys in this show because the operatic tragedy is created using old children’s toys.
This innovative use of jailbroken toys is the brainchild of artist Jason Phu, who will have them perform inside a Taoist robotic shrine. Something peculiar to celebrate the very nature of Dark Mofo!
“This show is a testament to the boundless creativity that Dark Mofo embraces. It challenges our perceptions, pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, and invites us to see the beauty in unexpected places. I’m ready to be transported into a world where toys become storytellers and where imagination knows no limits.”
A Divine Comedy
Schedule: Fri 16th June (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm), Sat 17th June (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm), & Sun 18th June (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
Venue: MyState Bank Arena
Created by Florentina Holzinger, an Austrian choreographer and performance artist, A Divine Comedy portrays Dante’s journey through hell, purgatory, and paradise fused into a single reality.
Expect to see nudists, slapstick acts, bodily substances, references to slasher films, and an abundance of nods to art and dance’s respective histories from an all-female-identifying cast spanning all ages, as well as a variety of physical, musical, and athletic disciplines.
“Dark Mofo never shies away from pushing boundaries, and this show is no exception. It invites us to embrace the unconventional, to question societal norms, and to delve into the realms of both beauty and darkness. I’m definitely keen on this one!”
Night Mass: Exstasia
Schedule: Fri 9th June – Sat 10th June (10:00 pm – 4:00 am) & Fri 16th June – Sat 17th June (10:00 pm – 4:00 am)
Venue: District X
It’s time to lose yourself in Night Mass if you enjoy raucous encounters that last well into the night. At this after-dark event, which is expanding wider than normal in 2023 and taking up three city blocks with the designation ‘District X’, anything can happen.
There will be 13 stages inside the precinct with a capacity of 4500 and a long lineup of performers. In addition, there will be lots of places to eat and drink, as well as art, movie cabarets, game arcades, tarot readings, and fire beacons to light the way.
“Night Mass: Exstasia is where the party’s at, and I’m determined to be there! I can already imagine myself wandering through ‘District X,’ exploring the different stages, and getting lost in the music. The combination of incredible performers, delicious food, and vibrant art installations is a recipe for an unforgettable night.”
Winter Feast
Schedule: Thu 8th June – Sun 11th June & Thu 15th June – Sun 18th Jun
Venue: Salamanca Lawns and Princes Wharf Shed 1
One of Dark Mofo’s annual highlights and a crowd-favourite, the main focus of Winter Feast is savouring local food by the fire while dancing, listening to music, and generally having a good time. It returns for 2023 across eight nights with 90 stallholders setting up beside the fires of the feast.
A four-course winter banquet is created by renowned chef Ana Ro in collaboration with Rodney Dunn and Stephen Peak of The Agrarian Kitchen. With ingredients only found in Tasmania, their collaboration creates meals with Slovenian influences that draw on the abundant land that surrounds us.
“Oh man, I can’t contain my excitement for the Winter Feast at Dark Mofo! It’s like a foodie’s dream come true. I’m ready to stuff myself silly with all the amazing local food while grooving to the music and feeling the warmth of those crackling fires. It’s going to be a feast for my taste buds and a party for my soul!”
So, there you have it, mate! Out of all the shows and performances in this 2-week celebration, these are the 4one4-approved! So, if you don’t want to experience your greatest FOMO this year, make sure to take note and consider these recommendations.
But if you have any other suggestions for us, too, feel free to voice them out, so we can both go, explore, and try new things together!
