Standing on ceremony
Key Games roles for local talent
A POSSE of homegrown Queenslanders has answered the call to deliver the biggest spectacle in Gold Coast history.
Revered musical talent Katie Noonan, celebrated choreographer Nathan M Wright and Gold Coast boydone-good Drew Anthony have been revealed as key artistic talents tasked with creating the Commonwealth Games’ $29 million opening and closing ceremonies.
Fellow Queenslanders Stephen Page, Wesley Enoch and Kyle Page have also been named as segment directors for the productions.
Having faced criticism in 2015 after US company Jack Morton Worldwide won the bid to produce the ceremonies, GOLDOC chief executive Mark Peters said the maroontinged creative team was evidence of the firm’s community-centric “philosophy”. “When we went through the process of who to appoint to run our ceremonies, we actually looked at what their philosophies were and Jack Morton’s was very much to tap into the community, identify talent and use that talent as best you can,” he said.
“Many of these artists have gained their skills through decades of experience working all around the globe and now proudly bring their wealth of knowledge back home.
“You want locals to benefit in every way … and that’s the legacy that will go on long after the Games.”
Brisbane-based Noonan, appointed music director, said she was honoured to play such a key role in the city in which her band george played its first gig in the 1990s. “I’m a fiercely proud Queensland musician and think we make some of the best music in the world,” the five-time ARIA award winner said.
“We have something unique to say and I’m very proud of being part of enabling that story to come to life.”
Choreographers Wright and Anthony previously worked on events such as the Sydney and London Olympics. “To be overseas all these years and come home to celebrate the Gold Coast and be with my family is everything you could ask for,” said Wright.
Jack Morton Worldwide’s David Zolkwer said up to 4000 mostly Gold Coast volunteers would play a role in the ceremonies – along with some “surprise” stars.