18 JULY–3 AUGUST Brisbane Festival 2008 welcomes the Hilton Masterclass Weekend as part of its exciting programme, which features the most acclaimed international productions in the world today, plus an abundance of free events, for all Brisbane residents and visitors to enjoy.     The spectacular opening on Friday 18 July is a FREE performance by the acclaimed The Black Arm Band at River Stage. Featuring a line-up of some of the most respected names in Australian music they will be performing works from an inspirational songbook of contemporary Aboriginal life. Other highlights include The Contemporary Legend Theatre of Taiwan’s extraordinary production The Kingdom Of Desire including a cast of 22 actors, 15 musicians, spectacular stage design, elaborate costuming and incorporating Chinese opera with intricate dancing and thrilling acrobatic fighting, and the Australian premiere of Declan Donnellan’s legendary production of Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters, a sweeping family saga of three sisters and a brother living in a small provincial town, dreaming of a better life in Moscow. The fabulous Courier-Mail Spiegeltent will be in residence at Queens Park and host a kaleidoscope of exhilarating music, stunning performances, sensational cabaret and conversation from all around the globe. Also, Australia’s first theatre-focused fringe, BF08 under the radar will push the boundaries of traditional theatre and introduce audiences to Australia’s amazing emerging talent. Brisbane Festival 2008 will be inspiring, joyful, entertaining, thought-provoking and informative, so don’t miss it!   Brisbane Festival 2008 is an initiative of the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council.