AN environmental waste beast, a steam punk diver, and a giant jellyfish beetle are just several of ninety performances on stage at the Sydney Wearable Art Gala, held at the iconic Enmore Theatre on 27 and 28 November. Expect boundary pushing burlesque acts, slick sci-fi icons, terrifying creatures, and daring Vaudeville-inspired performances.
Hosted by Murray Cook (the original Red Wiggle), the event will feature a panel of industry experts, including fashion icon Jenny Kee and Academy Award-winning costume designer Tim Chappel who will award prizes to winners in each of the themed categories.
Caddens resident and former Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School student Lilli-Rose Rafton has been involved in both the set design and costume production for the Sydney Wearable Arts Gala. Ms Rafton is studying the fee-free Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services at TAFE NSW Design Centre Enmore and has been working on the event for several months.
“I never really had the opportunity to do anything like this,” she said. “The set design is similar to an old art deco theatre with a huge vanity mirror, heavy curtains, and an enormous four-sided archway. My costume inspiration comes from the shape of a jelly fish and a stag beetle with an iridescent shell. I’ve used mostly organza fabrics that shine different colours depending on where the light hits. For the headpiece and mask I’ve used EVA foam which I then painted, adding fabric and glitter. It’s been really fun to think outside the box and experiment. It’s such a privilege to be involved.”
Lilli-Rose Rafton took up the opportunity to study TAFE NSW’s new fee-free course in Certificate III in Live Production (Scenery and Props) earlier this year. The course is being delivered to help tackle the entertainment industry’s growing skills gaps. Data from the Live Performance Australia’s January 2024 Skills Priority List highlights critical shortages in staging technicians, stagehands, technical directors, set and scenic designers, and costume makers.
“Although there are shortages in the live entertainment industry, there are countless work opportunities,” Ms Rafton said. “I’m hoping to get straight into theatre or film production and design. I’ve learnt so much and have had amazing opportunities. The long train trip from Penrith has been worth it.”
Head Teacher of Art and Design at TAFE NSW Design Centre Enmore Rod McRae said the
Sydney Wearable Art Gala offers TAFE NSW students invaluable hands-on training while showcasing Sydney’s growing wearable art design sector.
“We’re thrilled to bring this event to the Enmore Theatre once again,” Mr McRae said. “There’s nothing quite like it in NSW. Our talented designers have dedicated weeks to crafting an impressive display of wearable art that is sure to amaze and inspire. With ongoing shortages in live production, it’s fantastic to showcase this exciting industry and hopefully draw more people into the sector.”
From each ticket sold, $5 will go towards Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets, a charity dedicated to combatting homelessness in the city. Tickets can be purchased at Sydney Wearable Art or through Ticketek.
