A live Burmese python would seem an unlikely prop to perform highlights from Shakespeare with, but it's likely to be among the spectacles when the National Zoo becomes the backdrop for performances from a local musical theatre group.
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Over two nights during Enlighten around 33 members of the Wild Voices Music Theatre group will bring to life scenes from Shakespeare's plays with a focus on nature and animals.
The event will take audience members through the zoo with performances along the way "in nooks and crannies", Wild Voices director Dianna Nixon said.
"It's really quite moving, we pull bits out of Shakespeare that talk about human nature and there's a very subtle message in there about the environment and what we can learn from animals and the environment, all drawn from Shakespeare's text," she said.
The group will include three professional multidisciplinary artists and musicians, together with young performers, and about 14 members of a community choir.
Small Business and Arts Minister Chris Bourke said Enlighten was one of the biggest events on the ACT's cultural calendar each year, providing local artists an opportunity to showcase their talent.
"The work of more than 70 talented local artists will light up the hearts and minds of Canberrans during the 10-day festival," he said.
"With close to 300,000 people expected to attend the event this year, participating in Enlighten provides a platform for members of our passionate arts community to engage with new audiences, and to experience all of the hype and buzz that surrounds this after-dark event."
The zoo's visitor experience manager Renee Osterloh said she expected visitor numbers to peak during Enlighten.
"I think it's really important to be part of these annual festivals that bring a lot of visitors to Canberra and highlight the local talent we have," she said.
As well as the zoo, the National Archives, Royal National Botanic Gardens, Canberra Glassworks and Parliament House will also feature the work of local artists.
Wild Shakespeare will be on at the National Zoo and Aquarium on March 4 and 5 at 5.30pm and 7pm. The zoo will also host ticketed Twilight Safari Tours on March 11 and 12, as part of Enlighten which is on from March 4 to 13. For more information visit enlightencanberra.com.au.
