Auckland Arts Festival: Spectacular display fires up crowd

Act’s world premiere features acrobats and fireworks at Domain

Last night's world premiere of Groupe F's Skin of Fire at the Auckland Domain went off with a bang as fireworks boomed and the museum came to life as the backdrop for the spectacular sound and light display.

For the show, part of the Auckland Arts Festival, Kiwi performers were suited head to toe in LED lights, and acrobats hung from the side of the museum, while a crowd of thousands watched on.

Created by Frenchman Christophe Berthonneau, the show's only three performances are in Auckland, with tickets still available for tonight and tomorrow.

The festival's artistic director. Carla van Zon, said there was a wonderful atmosphere at the festival's launch on Wednesday night, with full houses across the board.

"We've had great feedback from audiences, from Limbo through to Hikoi."

The festival continues today with an array of free events, performances and premieres, including Jazzamatazz for kids, which is a live mix of song and dance by Australian performer Ali McGregor and her band.

Later tonight, slapstick Danish quartet BLAM! transform an ordinary office into a world of aliens and superheroes.

The show was described by comedian Ricky Gervais as "one of the greatest, most exciting and brilliant shows I have ever seen".

Ms van Zon said the performers from BLAM! paid a boisterous visit to staff at the festival offices yesterday.

"Watch out Auckland, the boys from Denmark are in town."

Today's free events

1.

Hear artist Billy Apple in conversation with Artspace gallery director Misal Adnan Yildiz about his exhibition SUCK: Poetry in Motion.

• 5pm, Artspace, 300 Karangahape Rd.

2. Take your lunch to Aotea Square and listen to Mulholland, playing in the iHeartRadio Sound Lounge.
• 1pm to 2pm, Aotea Square.

3. Chill out after work to the sounds of Hopetoun Brown, playing in the iHeartRadio Sound Lounge.
• 5.30pm to 7pm.

4. Groove along to Nathan Haines with Kevin Mark Trail playing in the iHeartRadio Sound Lounge.
• 8.15pm to 9.30pm, Aotea Square