Australia’s Cultural Stars Dazzle New York City

NEW YORK CITY, NY — Over the past two weeks, Australians have left an indelible mark on New York City‘s cultural landscape, with high-profile events from pop music to theater captivating audiences across the Big Apple.

Last Friday, the iconic Empire State Building was illuminated in green and gold to honor pop sensation Kylie Minogue. The singer performed two sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, attracting fans from around the globe. Consul General Heather Ridout mentioned, “These are some of the biggest events in New York’s arts calendar this year, and Australia is front and center in all of them.”

A mere short walk away from the Empire State Building, fellow Australian and actress Sarah Snook has graced the stage at the Music Box Theatre with her one-woman show, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Snook, known for her role in HBO’s Succession, has captivated audiences with her portrayal, which originally premiered at the Sydney Theatre Company in 2020.

Acclaimed director Barrie Kosky has also made waves in the theater scene with his production of The Threepenny Opera at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Kosky, a Melbourne native, has been hailed by The New York Times as “one of the busiest and most brilliant directors” in Europe today. Meanwhile, another Australian director, Benedict Andrews, is currently staging a fresh rendition of Chekhov‘s The Cherry Orchard at St Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn, after a successful run in London.

Vallejo Gantner, who moved to New York City in 2005 and serves as the artistic director of Performance Space New York, reflected on the increasing visibility of Australian creatives in New York. “There is a really amazing tradition of Australian work coming over,” Gantner shared. He emphasized that many Australians in the city are focused on testing their artistic limits rather than overtly promoting their nationality. “It is actually people who are wanting to come to New York and test themselves,” he stated.

Gantner, who splits his time between New York City and Chatham, New York, has plans for a winter program inspired by Hobart’s Dark Mofo festival, exploring how art can shape and define urban identity.

The green and gold lighting of the Empire State Building was made possible by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, highlighting the contributions of Australian artists to the cultural fabric of New York. During the lighting ceremony, Minogue remarked, “I feel like everyone’s shining in their individual ways, and that’s what I love to feel and see around me.”

Despite the festive atmosphere, not all attendees were impressed with the Empire State Building display. Gantner voiced his indifference, suggesting that true cultural advancement requires more than promotional spectacles: “That is not how we advance a case that Australia is a culturally significant, vibrant, exciting place to live and work and make your way.”

Minogue’s whirlwind visit also included attending the premiere of George Clooney’s Broadway debut, Good Night, and Good Luck. The pop icon’s concerts became a must-attend event for Australians residing in New York, with many alumni of the arts community making it a priority to attend.

Australia’s influence on New York City is more than a fleeting moment; it is a testament to the growing expat community contributing to various domains, including theatre, music, and visual arts. As the city vibrantly continues to evolve, the contributions of Australian talent signal a crossover of creativity and collaboration that strengthens both cultures.