TASTE AND DESIRE; THE POWER OF THE BEAUTIFUL Mysterious and alluring and the intoxication of new things from tea, silk, porcelain, ceremonies and access to new ways of thinking.
This year will focus on the human desire of new and beautiful things. Here we will explore the role of tea ceremonies, origami arts, bonsai, and the crafting of fine objects and how the history of Dutch trade of these objects influenced the aesthetics and desires of Europe, tying in with this year’s theme Taste and Desire: The Power of the Beautiful.
Saturday 19th Chamber of Rhetoric Performance
The Kalbarri foreshore is set to transform into the court of a Japanese Shogun during the Kalbarri Zest Festival’s ‘Chamber of Rhetoric’ evening.
The beach will come alive with music, dance, puppetry and acting as the story of a shogun unfolds under night skies at the mouth of the Murchison River.
Attendees can bring a gift to pay tribute to the shogun and proceed from ‘Sally’s Tree’ on the Kalbarri foreshore park at 5.30pm, to Chinaman’s Beach for the Chamber of Rhetoric performance.
As in previous festivals, the Chamber of Rhetoric will be held by a giant signal fire, lit to remember the Zuytdorp shipwreck that the Zest Festival commemorates, as well the Nhanda country where the shipwreck survivors found themselves stranded.
Voyager Estate Lunch
The Trade Winds Tasting Tent is set to be a highlight again this year as chef Kelly Brennan from Voyager Estate Winery serves gourmet fare on the banks of the Murchison River.
Diners can indulge in Chinese five-spiced chicken Maryland with a barbecue glaze and an Asian salad and steamed buns on the Saturday, while Sunday’s menu offers tataki tuna with edamame beans, miso soil and Japanese mushrooms served with sake sushi rice.
Each meal includes a glass of Voyager Estate wine in a complimentary etched glass. Vegetarian options are also available.
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Festival goers will be able to learn about the ‘way of tea’ by Eiko Miyahara and her team from Perth. In a beautifully designed tea house by Curtin architecture student Jared Malton you can have a unique cultural experience.
There will be a broad demonstration each day and festival-goers can book an intimate session with a small group. There is a limit of seven 10-person 30-minute sessions over the weekend. Tickets are on sale at the Kalbarri Visitor Centre for $15 up until Friday 18th and then will be available at the ticket area next to the Tea House on the Kalbarri Foreshore.
Taiko On!
Simon Vanyai will conduct taiko drumming workshops for Kalbarri youth in the lead up to the festival, as well as a workshop for everyone on the Zest Festival weekend. Then, during the Saturday night Chamber performance, Mr Vanyai’s musical ensemble Taiko On will set the audience’s hearts racing with the sound of drumming.
