Politics. Fake news. Human rights. It’s easy to feel powerless when it comes to the world’s problems. We’ve rounded up five Antidotes to help you recharge, rethink and take action.

This weekend, Sydney Opera House will host leading artists, thinkers and doers for the debut of Antidote. Providing a platform for extraordinary people to share stories, for activists to share learnings and for artists to provoke thought, the festival features immersive stories and courageous ideas – some local, some global.

Here are our picks for five of the most captivating events on the program.

Cherophobia

20,000 helium balloons. 9 hours. Artist Noëmi Lakmaier performs a meditative one-off attempt to lift her tied and immobilized body off the ground, connecting to the viewer through a moment of shared suspense and anticipation.

WHEN: Sunday 3^rd September, 8am-5pm
WHERE: The Concert Hall
HOW MUCH: Free, more info here

Creating Online Chaos

We’ve all dived into the online world to share our opinions at one point or another. So what are the risks and consequences of internet success? How has social media evolved to become a tool of significant change? Join writers and activists Van Badham, Reni Eddo-Lodge, Tim Highfield and Celeste Liddle as they share the joys and pitfalls of online activism.

WHEN: Sunday 3^rd September, 10:30am
WHERE: The Studio
HOW MUCH: From $25, more info here

Compassion As Activism

More than one million migrants and refugees crossed into Europe last year. In the face of a crisis of this magnitude, it’s easy to feel helpless – what possible impact could one person have? Kirstin Shirling proves one person can make a difference, speaking about her time in France’s notorious refugee camp, The Jungle.

WHEN: Sunday 3^rd September, 1:30pm
WHERE: The Studio
HOW MUCH: From $25, more info here

What We Do After Dark

It is undeniable that live music culture builds communities and connections, so where is the investment in the creative ecology of our city? FBi Radio Managing Director, local music lover and prominent supporter of the Keep Sydney Open campaign Clare Holland discusses the culture war targeting Sydney’s young audiences.

WHEN: Sunday 3^rd September, 3:00pm
WHERE: The Studio
HOW MUCH: From $25, more info here

Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race

In 2014, British Journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge published a blog post ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’. Her words hit a nerve and the post went viral. Benjamin Law invites us into a frank discussion with Reni about the structures of racial politics and the ongoing oppression of people of colour.

WHEN: Sunday 3^rd September, 5:00pm
WHERE: The Playhouse
HOW MUCH: From $25, more info here

Antidote takes over Sydney Opera House this Sunday 3rd September – check out full program.