Sex chats, the teal wave, Mongolian throat singing, old fridge veg workshops, and First Nation language preservation are all on the agenda at this year's Antidote Festival. This Sunday, 11 September, the annual festival of ideas, action and change is taking over Sydney Opera House for a day of thought-provoking, rule-smashing events.
This celebration of change-making ideas and artistic expression is a perfect tonic for anyone frustrated by the challenges of modern life, or those seeking to understand the context of recent social and cultural transformations. Antidote invites audiences to participate in a massive day of talks, panel discussions, and workshops tackling topics like fixing modern media, staying hopeful while living through political and natural disasters, and figuring out sex and desire.
Big names on the bill include actor Brian Cox exploring how to play the villain, Malcolm Turnbull talking disinformation in the online realm, UK musician and Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker on creativity, and author Olivia Laing exploring the power and vulnerability of our bodies.
Other event highlights include Psychosexologist Chantelle Otten in conversation with Froomes who'll chat all things dildos, v-spots, and all-things sex positive; a celebration of the resilience of First Nation languages; Ukrainian poets, musicians, and storytellers responding to the invasion and ongoing war with Russia; bestselling author Mohsin Hamid and journalist Osman Faruqi on white supremacy and racism; Cornersmith's hands-on Use It All workshop; and a panel discussion on the rise of independents and what it could mean for the future of Australian politics.
Check out the full program and find a convo that speaks to you and book tickets here. Live-stream events are also happening if you can't make it IRL.
The Details
What: Antidote Festival
When: Sunday 11 September
Where: Sydney Opera House and online
Cost: From $15 (plus booking fee)
Image credit: Prudence Upton