Shostakovich in the theatre and concert hall, an eight-hour theatrical marathon and a Vietnamese circus are highlights.

From a piece of visually intoxicating Russian theatre exploring the censorship of Shostakovich under Stalin to the Brodsky Quartet performing Shostakovich’s 15 string quartets. From a Vietnamese circus exploring the impact of the modern world on village life, to a trippily immersive solo show that takes us deep into the Amazon rain forest where the mystical Mayoruna tribe also fear the encroachment of the contemporary world. From a music class of rebellious youngsters in India, to a show where children in Perth get to have their say on life’s big questions. The 2017 Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF) is full of shows and themes that speak to each other.

A O Lang Pho by Nouveau Cirque du Vietnam. Photo: Perth International Arts Festival

Looking back over the programme, Artistic Director Wendy Martin sees themes of migration, reconciliation, accessibility and empathy emerging, as well as numerous personal perspectives on the world. “The programme is made of up things I absolutely love. It just happens...