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SYDNEY -- Ever since the elation over the inheriting of pollution chaos, traffic nightmares and constant night flyovers from Atlanta, Sydney Festival art officials have revived their interest in bringing artists and performers from all over the world in January to globally stress inner Sydney. (Cmon Sydney Festival, how about at least reintroducing the festival out west.)

Although you might have to wear those trousers with deep pockets to some Sydney Festival events, some of the best and most interesting performances, installations, shows, live and recorded music and "happenings" are free. Below is the wish list prepared by the Green Left staffers (who these days all wear short shorts with pockets sewed shut).

Rishile Gumboot Dancers -- Originating from the mine compounds and hostels during the height of the migrant labour system and pass law restrictions under apartheid, the sounds of dancing gumboots and clapping hands mixed with traditional South African song are the must-see of the festival. January 9-25, Sydney Opera House, $25/$18 (conc).

The Gypsies -- Some of the most dynamic groups from the Rom diaspora present their unique musics. Performances include: Divana, Rajasthani music and dance based on ancient Hindu myth; Tekameli, a family of guitarists and singers performing the traditional gitan music from France; and The Musicians from the Nile, from the villages of northern Egypt. All January 13-18, Sydney Opera House, $48/$42 (conc). Plus Tekameli, January 13, St James Church, King Street, $20/$15. Hungarian Gypsy Orchestra, January 14, Sydney Town Hall, $20/$15 (conc).

Kellys Republic -- With pyrotechnics and giant sets inspired by Sidney Nolans Ned Kelly paintings, the audience goes on a bender with the Kelly Gang the night before the ill-fated Glenrowan siege. January 8-12, Sydney Opera House Forecourt, free.

ance Brazil, performed by Balé Folclórico da Bahia -- Descendants of west African slaves, this 30-member troupe of dancers, musicians and singers from Bahia state of Brazil dance the Capoeira -- a type of martial art -- which blends African rites and Portugese colonial influences. Prepare to samba! January 20-25, Sydney Opera House, $48/ $35 (conc).

Le Péplum, performed by Royal de Luxe -- A pharaohs epic drama played out in the Hollywood cinematic style. Described as being funnier than the Three Stooges meeting Hercules. January 20-24, Sydney Opera House Forecourt, free.

Water Stories -- Vietnamese water puppets accompanied by the Canberra Youth Wind Ensemble. January 14-19, Darling Harbour, $20/$15 (conc).

The Sinking of the Rainbow Warrior -- Premiere of the worlds first atomic opera, about the issues surrounding French nuclear testing and the social and ecological disasters of these tests. January 10-15, Australian National Maritime Museum, $35/$25 (conc).

The Beatification of Area Boy -- Nobel literature prize winner Wole Soyinka's play of government corruption and ruthless exploitation by oil multinationals in Nigeria. January 14 to Feb 1, Seymour Centre, $48/$42 (conc).

Virtual Lagoon -- Float through underwater soundscapes and computer-simulated sounds of the Great Barrier Reef produced by underwater speakers suspended from an inflated giant jellyfish. January 11, Shark Bay harbour pool, Nielsen Park, free.

The Roy Haynes Quartet -- Legendary jazz drummer who has performed with Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and Sarah Vaughan. January 7-12, the Basement, $25.

Gregorian Chant Choir of Spain -- Songs as they were sung in the days of Pope Gregory I and Charlemagne. January 10-11, Sydney Town Hall, $35/$25 (conc).

Laurie Anderson -- Singer and storyteller, video and film maker, author and experimenter in all things high tech. "Oh Superman!?" January 10-11, State Theatre, $45/$35 (conc).

Quayworks -- Promenade through Circular Quay for art installations, buskers and other assorted festival ring-ins like Los Mariachis Ilegeles, who serenade from a horse-drawn mariacha wagon. January 8-26, Circular Quay, free.

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