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The streets of Perth will host one of the biggest live arts events ever seen in Australia this summer when two giant marionettes roam the city in a moving and emotional commemoration of World War One.

The marionettes - a ‘little' girl who is six metres tall and her ‘father', an even bigger diver - are the creation of the world-renowned French street theatre company Royal de Luxe.  As the child searches the streets for her parent, a story of reunion, nation building and community participation unfolds.

The outdoor magic, run over three days for the opening weekend of the 2015 Perth International Arts Festival, is expected to be enjoyed live by one million people.

The event, which will provide a fitting tribute to WA's role in WWI and Gallipoli, has the backing of the RSL.  An extensive education program will enable the State's school children to learn about the Centenary of the ANZAC tradition and the power of the arts.

The Royal de Luxe WW1 commemorative show has also secured substantial State Government funding and major contributions from Crown Resorts Foundation and WA-based property group Hawaiian.

Founded in 1979, Royal de Luxe has a global reputation for producing awe-inspiring live performances to mark anniversaries of historical moments such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the sinking of the Titanic and a WW1 commemoration in Liverpool, England.

Perth Festival Artistic Director Jonathan Holloway said: "There are very few places in the world that have people of such vision to support an event of this scale in a place with WA's vitality.  It makes me proud to live here."

The Perth Festival - which was initiated by The University of Western Australia in 1953 - is the nation's longest running international arts festival.  The 2015 Festival will be Jonathan Holloway's last.

More details on the Government of Western Australia media statements .

Media references

Rania Ghandour (Media Relations Manager, Perth International Arts Festival)   (+61 8) 6488 8618 / (+61 4) 03 025 535
David Stacey (UWA Media Manager)  (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716