1. A festival of arts, music, dance, free outdoor entertainment and remarkable food!
Labour Day Long Weekend, 4-7 October 2013, Parramatta

2. Message from the Premier
of New South Wales
On behalf of the NSW Government,
I am delighted to welcome you to
this year’s Parramasala – a major
annual festival on the NSW Events
Calendar and a much-anticipated
event for Western Sydney.
Parramasala brings together a
diversity of cultural backgrounds,
ideas and innovative collaborations
from today’s most celebrated
contemporary artists, including this
year the ‘King of Bollywood’ himself,
Shahrukh Khan.
The unforgettable spectacle of
Parramasala will see an exciting
program of arts and entertainment
from around the world. I hope you
all enjoy this vibrant international
contemporary arts festival in the
heart of Parramatta.
Barry O’Farrell
Premier of NSW
Minister for Western Sydney
Message from the
Lord Mayor of Parramatta
On behalf of the City of Parramatta,
I am proud to welcome you to
Parramasala.
Featuring an outstanding array of
international artists, Parramasala is
sure to entertain and inspire.
I invite you to explore our city during
this unique festival. You will discover
a rich variety of dining, shopping,
cultural, arts and entertainment
experiences throughout the City and
in Harris Park, Australia’s largest
South Asian community.
Cr John Chedid
Lord Mayor of Parramatta
RaghuDixit
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3. Opening Parade & Concert
Parramasala Festival 2013 opens
with a spectacular parade from
Town Hall to Prince Alfred Park. The
Parramasala Opening Parade is
about us - showing who we are here
in Western Sydney, wherever we’re
from – a celebration of cultures and
colour for the whole family.
The Parade will be a colourful
caravan of communities and groups;
drummers, dragons and dancers;
camels, and special guests from the
Festival’s artists.
At the end of the Parade the Opening
Concert begins in the beautifully
decorated Park. The Masala Night
Markets will be open under the
trees, and the concert will have you
up and dancing to the sensational
world music sounds of L-Fresh, Karifi
and his African Union Beats and
the headline act, Bangalore music
sensation, Raghu Dixit and his band.
With his towering voice and a group
of outstanding musicians, Dixit takes
us to a world where Indian folk music
is infused with elements of Western
rock, Arabic, Latino and Reggae
rhythms. He has played all over
the world, including at Womad UK
and at Glastonbury. Parramasala is
delighted to bring Dixit to Sydney for
the first time, and to start the festival
with his sensational brand of folk
rock.
The night ends with a sensational
fanfare of fireworks.
Parade
Fri 4: 6.30pm
Town Hall to Prince Alfred Park
via Church Street
Masala Night
Markets
4pm-10pm
Prince Alfred Park
Main Stage
Music from 6pm
Raghu Dixit: 9pm
Fireworks: 10pm
2

4. Prince Alfred Park and the
Riverside Theatres are at the heart
of Parramasala. First on Friday
evening, then from noon until dark
on Saturday and Sunday and until
late in the afternoon on Monday, the
main stage in the Park will present
an extraordinary program of dance
and music from Western Sydney’s
communities.
The Mallakhamb acrobats will
perform for free; there are camel
rides and story-telling for the kids.
World music and traditional dance
will entertain everyone who enjoys
the vibrant world of arts, culture and
food which make Western Sydney
one of the world’s most exciting
cultural regions.
Prince Alfred ParkEvents
in the Park
Fri 4: 5pm-10pm
Sat 5, Sun 6:
11am-8pm
Mon 7: 11am- 4pm
Prince Alfred Park,
Church Street
FREE EVENT
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5. Saturday’s entertainment will
close with the sounds of another
large concert to send you home
in a mood of exuberance, while
Sunday night will close with a final
performance from international
sensation Ragu Dixit and his band.
Full performance schedule released
from mid-September. See website
for details.
Mallakhamb
Acrobats (India)
These incredible athletes from
Mumbai have travelled the world
promoting the modern revival of
this unique and traditional physical
entertainment in festivals, on TV and
in performances throughout Europe.
Now it’s Sydney’s turn to see what
all the fuss is about.
In this Australian exclusive, expect
an awesome, jaw-dropping display
of strength, agility and flexibility as
these talented performers swing,
sway, balance and twist through a
thrilling demonstration where elite
gymnastics meets circus acrobatics
in a performance that has to be
seen to be believed.
Performance times throughout
the weekend
(Also appearing around Sydney from
Sept 28 – see website for details)
FREE EVENT
4

6. Fearless Nadia Fearless Nadia was the tough-talking,
whip-cracking, death-defying action
heroine of Indian cinema in the 1930s
and ‘40s. But this Indian answer
to Zorro, with her whips, quips and
swinging hips, was in fact blonde,
blue-eyed Perth-born Mary Ann Evans.
A Bollywood sensation for over two
decades, this Indian screen legend is
brought back into the spotlight with the
multimedia spectacle Fearless Nadia.
Bring the whole family along for a
rollicking adventure in music and film.
Featuring an original score by
percussionist and composer Ben
Walsh, and performed live onstage
by an outstanding ensemble of
Indian and Australian musicians,
Fearless Nadia puts Bollywood’s
original stunt queen back on the big
screen and introduces her to a whole
new audience. It features a screening
of a restored print of the hit 1940 film
Diamond Queen set to an energetic,
percussive live soundtrack.
Don’t miss this adrenaline-charged
musical celebration of a silent-film
goddess.
“An excellent tribute
to her and the cinema
of the time. Pretty
darn awesome! An
innovative idea, played
out to perfection.”
– Bollywood legend
Amitabh Bachchan
Sat 5, Sun 6:
7.30pm
Riverside
Theatre
AReserve: $55
BReserve: $45
Under 16: $20
Duration: 2 hrs
with interval
BOOK ONLINE
at parramasala.com
Ben Walsh and the Orkestra of the Underground
(Australia/India)
5

7. Rising
Rising is a poetic and breathtaking
work that heralds new directions in
contemporary dance. Performed by a
rising star of the International dance
scene, Aakash Odedra, it draws
on his background in the classical
Indian dance disciplines of Kathak
and Bharatanatyam, while remaining
intrinsically contemporary in style.
Odedra spent 2011 working
with internationally acclaimed
choreographers Akram Khan,
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Russell
Maliphant, who each created the
solos for this show. Rising combines
three distinct solos by the world’s top
choreographers and one of Odedra’s
own works into a single mesmerising
performance.
“Astonishing young dancer
Aakash Odedra is something
to behold ... a marvellously
conceived and well-executed
show.”
– Dancing Review, UK
Sat 5, Sun 6:
8pm
Lennox at
Riverside Theatre
$35
Duration: 70 min
with interval
BOOK ONLINE
at parramasala.com
Aakash Odedra
Company (UK)
Photo: Chris Nash 6

8. Temptation Reloaded
Bollywood fans are in for the night of
their lives with the visual spectacular
Temptation Reloaded.
This entertainment extravaganza is
headlined by the ‘King of Bollywood’
himself, Shahrukh Khan. He’s the
world’s biggest movie star, listed
as Indian’s number one celebrity
and the star of more than 75 films.
This concert features a stellar line-
up of singers, dancers and A-list
Bollywood actresses and, after
selling out in 12 countries around the
world, is sure to be a hot ticket item
in Parramatta.
Temptation Reloaded is the biggest
Bollywood production ever to hit
our shores, with stunning visuals,
state-of-the-art production, mind-
blowing pyrotechnics and elaborate
costumes. This Bollywood night
of nights has it all – dance, music,
comedy and, of course, breathtaking
performances to hit songs from the
biggest blockbusters.
with Shahrukh Khan
(India)
Urban Agent Events Present
Mon 7: 7.30pm
Allphones
Arena, Sydney
Olympic Park
Tickets
from $99
(if not sold out)
BOOK ONLINE
ticketek.com.au
7

9. Zameen
Mysterious, beautiful and
utterly captivating, Zameen is a
contemporary dance and multimedia
work that pulls you into the heart of
a remote Indian community fighting
for its way of life. Within this world,
two dancers from India’s premiere
contemporary dance company – the
internationally lauded Attakkalari –
perform an intense, controlled and
intricate dance score, inspired by
the stories and movement of the
community. Don’t miss the brilliant
performers from one of India’s
most exciting contemporary dance
companies, collaborating with
co-creators Jehan Kanga, award-
winning Australian composer Leah
Barclay and CuriousWorks Artistic
Director S. Shakthidharan, whose
The Other Journey experience in
Parramasala 2011 quickly became
one of the most talked about events
in the festival’s history.
www.thedamnproject.com
BOOK ONLINE
at parramasala.com
Sun 6: 5pm,
Mon 7: 3pm
Lennox at
Riverside Theatre
$35
Duration: 50 min
CuriousWorks, Attakkalari Dance,
The Dam(n) Project (Australia/India)
Manakottai is an exploration of the
expectations and experiences of
two Tamil couples on intersecting
journeys – one couple migrating
to Australia and the other couple
returning to India. Set in the
ubiquitous Changi airport of
Singapore, the play is an honest,
refreshing, and comedic portrayal of
migration, cultural tradition, and how
reality often differs from perception.
Presented in Tamil, Manakottai will
take audiences into the comedy that
migration, and the notion of “home”,
can present.
ManakottaiSydney Nadaka Priyar (Australia)
TICKETS ON
THE DOOR
Sat 5: 6pm
Sun 6: 4pm
ICE Studios
Cnr Victoria Rd
and Villiers Street
$5
Performed in
Tamil with English
translation
Presented in association with Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE)
8

10. Masala Markets & Harris Park
Food is Parramatta’s not-so-secret
magnet, attracting people from
all over Sydney. Parramasala
has gathered an enticing range of
authentic culinary delights into its
Masala Markets, to tempt the taste
buds of everyone enjoying the Park,
the performances and the color of
Parramasala. Feast on tasty treats
from around the world, both culinary
and cultural.
This year the Masala Markets will
be bigger and better than ever.
Experience the exotic, discover
delicacies from around the world, try
traditional artforms including henna
hand painting or meditation and pick
up everything from spices to lamps,
from jewellery to furniture, from one
its many stalls. The Masala Markets
transform Prince Alfred Park into a
bustling bazaar that brings all the
9

11. magic of Asia right to your door step
and offers a unique experience for
the whole family.
And while you’re visiting
Parramasala, don’t miss the chance
to immerse yourself in the colour,
flavours and traditions of Harris Park
– NSW’s best South Asian food and
shopping precinct.
Shuttle Bus
FREE Shuttle Bus
Harris Park to Prince Alfred
Park and return via Parramatta
Train Station. Leaving every 20
minutes during festival hours.
Masala Markets
Fri 4: 4pm-10pm
Sat 5, Sun 6:
10am-8pm
Mon 7:
10am- 4pm
Prince Alfred Park,
Church Street
Wigram and
Marion Streets and
surrounds
Harris Park
10

12. The Chai Temple
Escape the hustle and bustle of the
long weekend in Parramasala’s laid-
back lounge, the Chai Temple.
This oasis in the Festival offers you
the chance to take a load off and
soak up a more relaxed atmosphere
in an exquisitely decorated
environment. Get comfy on a cushion
or a couch and treat yourself to
a soothing cup of serenity in the
form of an authentic chai tea or an
aromatic coffee. Chill out to some
relaxing tunes while you admire
stunning antique saris and relax in a
courtyard covered in Middle Eastern
rugs. Sample some of the delectable
cakes and other delicacies on offer
in this divine corner of Riverside
Theatre’s Courtyard.
Then, when the sun goes down,
the Chai Temple will transform into
a live venue playing host to an
incredible range of free world music
performances. Enjoy the chilled
11

13. out sounds in Parramatta’s most
comfortable and exotic venue.
As the last chords are drifting into the
night sky from the outside stage, the
refrain will be taken up on the Chai
Temple stage, with musical treats
galore. Saturday night will be a party
night and the famed Raghu Dixit will
perform unplugged, accompanied
and surrounded other musical
riches. Sunday night will serve more
traditional fare with classical and
folk musicians representing the
rich musical traditions of Western
Sydney’s many communities
providing free entertainment for
music and festival lovers until late
into the night.
Fri 4: 5pm-11pm
Sat 5 & Sun 6:
11am-11pm
Mon 7:
11am- 5pm
Riverside Theatre
Courtyard, access
from Prince Alfred Park
Chai Temple
Music
Sat 5 & Sun 6:
8pm
The Chai Temple
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14. Raffertys For Free
This free program of video art and
documentaries by contemporary
artists reflects the many facets of
South Asia; from beauty to chaos to
silence, and beyond. Showing on a
loop, drop in anytime for this unique,
moving image experience.
Also screening is a documentary
of the remote communities in the
Narmada Valley of North India which
have provided the inspiration for
Zameen (see page 8).
Documentaries in Raffertys
in association with Information and Cultural Exchange
(ICE)
At the end of each day a free
documentary will introduce
audiences to different and fascinating
Indian communities. These one hour
documentaries have been directed
by acclaimed film makers KP
Jayasankar and Anajali Monteiro and
are supported by UTS and UWS.
Raffertys at Riverside Theatre
FREE EVENTS
For full details visit Parramasala.com
Our Family - Sat 5pm
Our Family is an award-winning
documentary exploring the lives of
transgendered females and their
tumultuous life journeys, fraught
with violence, affection and courage,
in Tamil Nadu. The screening will be
followed by a question and answer
session with the filmmakers.
So Heddan So Hoddan
(Like Here, Like There) – Sun 5pm
Shah Absul Latif Bhitai was a
medieval Sufi poet with iconic status
in the history of the Sindh and Kutch.
So Heddan, So Hoddan explores the
world of three cousins who live on
the border of India and Pakistan and
who struggle to keep Bhitai’s Sufi
poetry, music and ideals alive in an
area of conflict and industrialization.
Naata (The Bond) Mon – 5pm
Naata is the moving, personal tale of
two activists and friends who have
been involved in conflict resolution
in what is reputedly Asia’s largest
slum, Dharavi in Mumbai.
Exhibitions
Semblance of Order
presented in association
with Parramatta Artist Studios
Exploring the limits of printmaking,
the exhibition presents etchings and
silkscreen prints by five artists from
Pakistan and Australia. Through
patterns of repetition and beauty the
works investigate the intuitive value
of cultural translation.
Parramatta Artist Studios
Level 2, 68 Macquarie St
Fri-Mon: noon-5pm
Riverside Foyer
Fri-Mon: noon-5pm
Khovar Rewind
presented in association with
Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE)
From the Bihar region in India,
the Khovar works are ceremonial
decorations of tribal bridal chambers
prepared by women for each
marriage season, created in 1996 as
part of a unique Western Sydney/
India collaboration.
ICE Studios
Cnr Victoria Rd and Villiers St
Sept 30-Oct 31
13

15. Buy Tickets Now
Book online for all events at
parramasala.com
or call Riverside Theatres
+61 2 8839 3399
Booking fees may apply
News & Updates
Join the Parramasala email list on
our website for regular newsletters
and festival updates, including
special last minute offers only
available to subscribers.
Full Program
Complete details, including
performance times and other
information, will be released from
mid-September. See website to
keep up-to-date.
FREE Shuttle Bus
Harris Park to Prince Alfred Park
and return via Parramatta Train
Station. Leaving every 20 minutes
during festival hours.
How to get there
There is plenty of parking in
Parramatta,but the easiest way to
get here is by train.
CATCH THE TRAIN -
www.131500.com.au
It’s only 30 to 40 minutes from
Wynyard, Town Hall, Central or
North Sydney. Parramatta Station is
within easy walking distance
of all the festival venues.
follow the conversation #parramasala
Connect
parramasala.com 14

16. Parramasala thanks its Supporters
Strategic Partners
Festival Sponsors
Festival Supporters Media Partners
Parramasala Ltd
Board of Directors: Chairman Dr GK Harinath OAM,
Cr John Chedid, Dr Shahadat Chowdry , Mr Lyall
Gorman, Ms Rebecca Grasso, Mr Nihal Gupta,
Dr Robert Lang, Ms Aruna Parthiban, Mr Tony
Shepherd
Parramasala Staff: Artistic Director David Malacari;
Executive Producer Grant O’Neill, Associate
Producer (Logistics) Sue Spence, Parade Director
Di Henry, Parade Coordinator Farley Goodwin,
Community Program Manager Sumathi Krishnan,
Music Program Manager Richard Petkovic,
Production Manager Jack Horton, Associate
Producer Jeff Stein, Outdoor Design Camilla
Lawson, Marketing Jacqui Bonner Marketing,
Marketing Coordinator Timothy Pembroke, Public
Relations Avviso & Emma Collison, Design Bettina
Kaiser, Markets Manager Rob Martin Productions,
Volunteers Eventeamwork, Events & Ticketing
Manager Sally Blackwood, Administration Assistant
Sophie Lukersmith, Accounts Assistant Priti Patel.
Photos
Cynthia Scibberas, Kevin Bull