Ceremony cracked open
Sand-filled stadium to show off singing stars and Coast’s beach culture
DELTA Goodrem is among the cast of thousands set to star in the opening ceremony of next week’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
The ceremony, for more than 35,000 people at Carrara Stadium on April 4, will include the Commonwealth Parade of Nations, the Competitors’ Oath and the finale to the Queen’s Baton Relay, which started its international journey at Buckingham Palace more than a year ago.
Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Commonwealth Games Federation vice-patron Prince Edward will attend the event alongside VIP guests invited by the State Government – believed to include Chris Hemsworth and Mick Fanning.
The opening and closing ceremonies are being directed by British choreographer David Zolkwer, from US-based company Jack Morton Worldwide, with musical direction by ARIA-award winning vocalist Katie Noonan.
Dami Im is also rumoured to be among the show’s cast.
The ceremony will be broadcast Australia-wide live on the Seven Network, with Johanna Griggs and Basil Zempilas providing commentary on the artistic component and formalities and Bruce Macavaney and Tamsyn Lewis leading commentary for the Parade of Nations.
The centre of the Carrara Stadium ground has been filled with sand as the Gold Coast’s beach lifestyle prepares to play a principal role in the spectacle.
Hundreds of volunteer surf lifesavers, nippers and council lifeguards will lead teams representing the 71 competing nations and territories of the Commonwealth into the stadium for the Parade of Nations as their the flags are projected on the sand.
A surf lifesaving boat, lifeguard tower and patrol vehicle will be positioned on the “beach” as lifesavers perform dance moves inspired by rescue signals.
Scotland will be the first team to enter the arena, with Australia the last team to arrive more than an hour later.
Projections will play a prominent role in the spectacle, with 22 high-powered projectors commissioned to realise stunning visual effects including simulated waves rolling in along the sand.
Indigenous culture will also play an prominent part in the production, with Aboriginal artwork, dancers and a didgeridoo orchestra.
The ceremony’s cast and crew of almost 7000 will wear in-ear FM receivers to receive instructions from producers.
More than 700 two-way radios have been commissioned for the production, which will feature a 3300m sq performance stage and 3200m sq of staging around the track to accommodate the Parade of Nations.
The grounds will be protected by more than 8000m sq of cloth and 6000m sq of roadways, with 600m of trussing to support 46 tonnes of audio and lighting gear.
Almost 15,000 Commonwealth Games volunteers will become the first people to see what’s planned when the performers assemble for two dress rehearsals this weekend.
Operational elements of the show – including fireworks and pyrotechnics – will be tested on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday during the dress rehearsals.
Participants and rehearsal audiences have been asked to jealously guard the ceremony’s secrets while local residents have been warned to expect loud noises and explosions across the weekend.
Anthony Callea and Yothu Yindi & The Treaty Project will feature in the Closing Ceremony on April 15.