The 2012 Otago Festival of the Arts starts today, but visiting performers have already got into the swing of things in Dunedin.
Monkey Business performers Adolf Hoeft and Terara Tune went on a tour of the city yesterday to meet the locals.
One of their first stops was the Robbie Burns statue in the Octagon, where they proceeded to preen and de-lice the bard.
"They're going to be playing up and interacting with people right through the festival," monkey handler Olivia Taouma said.
"You'll find them wherever there are people around, whether it's a festival event or just people lining up for tickets.
"They're all about creating mischief and fun. They're cheeky rascals, basically, and you never know what to expect from them."
The performers are members of Auckland's Lima Dance Theatre and specialise in hip hop, contemporary dance and circus street theatre.
"They're very popular with families and children. Children just mob them," she said.
"They're very friendly. You can walk up and talk and play with them and they don't mind a scratch. But, please don't feed them or take them home."
Monkey Business will be popping up on Dunedin streets and at festival events, with special appearances at Chalktagon, in the Octagon, from 10am tomorrow and the Meridian mall at lunchtimes next week.
