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Sunday, 7 July 2013
Sunday, 7 April 2013
See what hides within at the 2013 Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Adelaide Cabaret Festival Artistic Director Kate Ceberano has upped the ante at this year’s Festival with not one, not two, not even three leading ladies making their Adelaide Cabaret Festival debut but four divas will reign supreme, including both the good and bad witches of Broadway smash hit Wicked, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel as well as Cassandra Wilson and Molly Ringwald.
The 2013 program features 411 artists in 161 performances over 18 days and nights. 52 international artists from across the USA and the UK and the best from Australia with 369 Australian artists, 250 of those South Australian performers. Showcasing 17 world premieres, seven Australian premieres and 17 Adelaide premieres, the vibrant program also features 12 international shows.
Kate Ceberano says, “I am borderline hysterical over the program. Who could have believed the juggernaut this festival has become? What an honour it is to be presenting some of the most talented and diverse artists from all over the world!"
"Cabaret becomes a bigger and more recognised art form every year, taking it beyond its humble beginnings and yet maintaining its up close and personal branding."
"Cabaret becomes a bigger and more recognised art form every year, taking it beyond its humble beginnings and yet maintaining its up close and personal branding."
This year’s Festival explores the theme of See What Hides Within and that’s exactly what the program does, going beyond the realm of performers on stage. It provides audiences with a unique look at the artist and the ever evolving art form.
From the satirical, nostalgic, contemporary, to the traditional, magical and vagabond, fresh-faced Cabaret artists and industry stalwarts all go to extreme lengths to share their inspiring journeys showcasing their incredible talent on very different platforms.Headlining the opening weekend is Tony and Emmy Award winning performer Kristin Chenoweth. A true cabaret artist who has won hearts on stage and screen, best known as the original Glinda in Wicked, she won a Tony Award for her role in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Kristin has appeared on television in Glee, Pushing Daisies, GCB & The West Wing.
From the satirical, nostalgic, contemporary, to the traditional, magical and vagabond, fresh-faced Cabaret artists and industry stalwarts all go to extreme lengths to share their inspiring journeys showcasing their incredible talent on very different platforms.Headlining the opening weekend is Tony and Emmy Award winning performer Kristin Chenoweth. A true cabaret artist who has won hearts on stage and screen, best known as the original Glinda in Wicked, she won a Tony Award for her role in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Kristin has appeared on television in Glee, Pushing Daisies, GCB & The West Wing.
Molly Ringwald star of 80s hit films, Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club makes her Australian stage debut in An Evening with Molly Ringwald - an opportunity to see this iconic performer as you’ve never seen her before.
Two-time Grammy Award winning jazz singer and composer Cassandra Wilson, renowned for her ability to cover everything from British pop to American country, will appear with her incredible sextet made up of some of the best musicians in the USA.
Headlining the closing weekend of the Festival is Tony Award Winning performer, Idina Menzel, star of Broadway’s Wicked and the original stage production of Rent, demonstrating why she is one of the great vocal performers of our time.The 2013 program continues to build on the Festival’s reputation for excellence, presenting a star studded line-up of international artists. They include the UK’s Barb Jungr, the spellbinding songstress returns in Stockport to Memphis. New York Cabaret icon Joey Arias is pure cabaret gold, Arias on Holiday will showcase his channeling of legendary jazz and blues singer Billie Holiday.
It’s no secret Kate made plenty of friends during South Pacific, therefore it’s not surprising that some of those fellow performers are in this year’s program. Michael Lindner performs Mark Campbell’s off-Broadway hit musical for one actor Songs from an Unmade Bed.
Acclaimed tenor Daniel Koek returns home with his eight-piece band from London to present A Decade Down the Road. And in what is destined to be a Festival show-stopper, Kate herself will take to the stage with Teddy Tahu Rhodes in Meet Me in the Middle - a collaboration that merges opera, musical theatre and rock’n’roll.
It’s no secret Kate made plenty of friends during South Pacific, therefore it’s not surprising that some of those fellow performers are in this year’s program. Michael Lindner performs Mark Campbell’s off-Broadway hit musical for one actor Songs from an Unmade Bed.
Acclaimed tenor Daniel Koek returns home with his eight-piece band from London to present A Decade Down the Road. And in what is destined to be a Festival show-stopper, Kate herself will take to the stage with Teddy Tahu Rhodes in Meet Me in the Middle - a collaboration that merges opera, musical theatre and rock’n’roll.
Tributes are a-plenty in this year’s Festival: Tommy Bradson pays homage to Australian stage legend Reg Livermore in Reg as he performs a retrospective on his illustrious career; and soul sensation and star of last year’s hit TV series The Voice, Darren Percival, brings his phenomenal celebration of a musical legend A Tribute to Ray Charles.
Paul Capsis Australia’s charismatic Cabaret King is back presenting the Paul Capsis Revue, Cult musical UK duo Bourgeois and Maurice make their Australian premiere with their critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe hit Sugartits!, and Virginia Gay is a little bit naughty in Songs to Self-Destruct To which explores the motto “Take your tragedy and make it marvellous!”. Purr-fect post-post-modern diva Meow Meow returns with her unique brand of kamikaze cabaret and performance art exotica.
Paul Capsis Australia’s charismatic Cabaret King is back presenting the Paul Capsis Revue, Cult musical UK duo Bourgeois and Maurice make their Australian premiere with their critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe hit Sugartits!, and Virginia Gay is a little bit naughty in Songs to Self-Destruct To which explores the motto “Take your tragedy and make it marvellous!”. Purr-fect post-post-modern diva Meow Meow returns with her unique brand of kamikaze cabaret and performance art exotica.
Paul McDermott’s highly acclaimed 2013 Fringe exhibition The Dark Garden is now a stage show, TV’s favourite funny man has created a world premiere especially for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Cabaret Survivor is pianist, singer, writer and satirist Phi Scott’s personal, idiosyncratic and at times hilarious take on his mid-life cabaret career.
Those who missed the sold-out critically acclaimed Australian tour of Songs for Nobodies will be able to see Bernadette Robinson as she returns to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival with a concert of songs by her favourite performers and songwriters.
Compositions: A Musical Close Up is a theatrical and visual masterpiece concert that brings together the celebrated musical theatre talents of Tyran Parke, with the astounding images by his brother, one of Australia’s most acclaimed photographers, Trent Parke.
No stranger to the Cabaret Festival is Australia’s stunning soprano siren Ali McGregor in her new hit show Alchemy, Performance Partner Investec Specialist Bank. She transforms into a 1940s siren creating some unique mash-ups. Australian brother and sister duo Emma and Thomas Hamilton perform La Musique, an intoxicating blend of jazz-pop standards sung in both French and English.
Those who missed the sold-out critically acclaimed Australian tour of Songs for Nobodies will be able to see Bernadette Robinson as she returns to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival with a concert of songs by her favourite performers and songwriters.
Compositions: A Musical Close Up is a theatrical and visual masterpiece concert that brings together the celebrated musical theatre talents of Tyran Parke, with the astounding images by his brother, one of Australia’s most acclaimed photographers, Trent Parke.
No stranger to the Cabaret Festival is Australia’s stunning soprano siren Ali McGregor in her new hit show Alchemy, Performance Partner Investec Specialist Bank. She transforms into a 1940s siren creating some unique mash-ups. Australian brother and sister duo Emma and Thomas Hamilton perform La Musique, an intoxicating blend of jazz-pop standards sung in both French and English.
It was only a matter of time before local media identity Matt Gilbertson’s alter ego Hans took to the Cabaret Festival Stage, along with his band The Ungrateful Bastards and dancers The Lucky Bitches. The boy wonder of Berlin is back for the world premiere performance of Like A German. Matt can also be seen hosting the final night of the Backstage Club.
Cabaret traditionalists won’t be disappointed. A selection of Irving Berlin’s songs will be delivered with style by Lucy Maunder in Irving Berlin: Songs in the Key of Black. She will also embrace Jacques Brel along with John O’May and Helen Morse in Love. War. Death. BREL. Robyn Archer the Doyenne of Cabaret is back; Que Rest-T’il? explores the classic cabaret traditions of Paris and Vienna.
For more information and full programme details, visit: www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au
Cabaret traditionalists won’t be disappointed. A selection of Irving Berlin’s songs will be delivered with style by Lucy Maunder in Irving Berlin: Songs in the Key of Black. She will also embrace Jacques Brel along with John O’May and Helen Morse in Love. War. Death. BREL. Robyn Archer the Doyenne of Cabaret is back; Que Rest-T’il? explores the classic cabaret traditions of Paris and Vienna.
For more information and full programme details, visit: www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au
A Clockwork Orange
Following rave reviews in London, Anthony Burgess's A Clockwork Orange is set for its Australian season in the 50th anniversary year of the book’s original release, a testosterone fuelled, electrifying theatrical adaptation of the best-selling novel, which was adapted into Stanley Kubrick’s cult film in 1971.
Both the original literary source and film adaptation of A Clockwork Orange have become seminal icons in popular culture and remain as relevant today as when they first entered the cultural psyche.
Both the original literary source and film adaptation of A Clockwork Orange have become seminal icons in popular culture and remain as relevant today as when they first entered the cultural psyche.
An unapologetic, visceral exploration of humanity in a “fictional” world full of violence, corruption and redemption, A Clockwork Orange mirrors society past-and-present and the human condition through the glorious glass-edged nastiness of Manchester’s underworld.
Written and narrated in Nadsat - an Anglo-Russian concoction of colloquialisms that are used by the “youth of tomorrow” in a near Shakespearean lexicon of funny phrase making and jazzy-riffs. Alex and his Droogs in their battle against the tedium of adolescence choose violence and sexual desire in a dangerous cocktail as the young men battle through the difficulties of youth.
The vicious plot of Burgess’s novel follows the disturbing life of Alex and his obsession with violence, eventually resulting in his imprisonment and participation in the distressing Ludovico experiment that claims to decriminalise convicts in two weeks through drastic psychological conditioning.
Alex is traumatised and is confronted by past friends and enemies who isolate him further from society. Driven to attempted suicide by a side-effect of the treatment that left him unable to bear classical music, Alex’s experience is used as a weapon against government conditioning until he regains his previous love of violence and music.
A Clockwork Orange was one of the most important works of fiction of the 20th Century with prophetic sentiments that are increasingly relevant in the world today. It is a warning of an encroaching state and the dangers of having our independence robbed. It is also an optimistic view on humanity and suggests that, if given the chance, we humans have the choice to divert to goodness and a path of redemption.
The ensemble lead by actor Martin McCreadie (as Alex) is breathtaking in its treatment of the ultraviolent and highly sexual text. As in Kubrick’s film version, which uses music from Beethoven to Singin’ in the Rain, this production also heightens the atmosphere of menace with a strong soundtrack.
A mesmerising clash of musical cultures with artists including David Bowie, Gossip, Scissor Sisters, Placebo, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Pink Floyd are counterpointed with Alex’s beloved Beethoven.
A Clockwork Orange opens this week at the Malthouse Theatre ahead of an Australian tour. For more information and performance dates, visit: www.clockworkorange.com.au for details.
Image: Simon Kane
Thursday, 21 March 2013
The Production Company Launches 2013 Season
Caroline O'Connor star of Chicago (Broadway and Australia), returns from Broadway to create the role of Rose for The Production Company. In Britain the critics hailed her performances in this role.
The award winning director Gale Edwards directs this
jewel of American musical theatre. GYPSY was
inspired by the memoirs of the famous burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee, and
charts the story of her outrageous mother, Rose, who is determined to live out
her own dreams of stardom through her two daughters.
GYPSY features the all time favourites from the legendary Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, Everything's Coming up Roses, You Gotta Have a Gimmick, Let Me Entertain You, Some People and Rose's Turn.
Caroline O'Connor's performance as Rose will be a 'must see' for all lovers of musical theatre, and will be presented at Melbourne's State Theatre 10 - 14 July 2013.
One of the great musical romances, Singin' in the Rain is set in Hollywood in the last days of the silent screen era. With all the charm, romance, comedy and glamour of a bygone Hollywood era, Singin' in the Rain features a glorious score with the classics Good Morning, Make 'em Laugh, All I Do Is Dream Of You and the legendary Singin' in the Rain.
Rohan Browne stars as the matinee idol Don Lockwood, Matt Lee is his sidekick Cosmo Brown, Alinta Chidzey is aspiring actress Kathy Selden, and Christie Whelan-Browne is Lockwood's leading lady, Lina Lamont. A super star of the silent movies, Lina Lamont's less-than-dulcet vocal tones make her an unlikely candidate for stardom in the new talking pictures!
Gary Young will direct this stylish new production with choreography by Kelley Abbey and Melbourne's favourite conductor, John Foreman is musical director. Singin' in the Rain is presented at the State Theatre 21 - 25 August 2013.
30 years ago this swashbuckling Broadway version of The Pirates of Penzance rocked Hamer Hall. Now Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular musical comedy returns with all the laughs, songs and romance that made it a long running Broadway smash,
Dean Bryant and Andrew Hallsworth stage this colorful extravaganza, while Mathew Frank conducts a score that includes many of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular numbers: Poor Wandering One!, When the Foreman Bares his Steel, With Cat-Like Tread and Away, Away! My Heart's On Fire.
Starring a dashing young cast including Gareth Keegan as Frederic, Adam Murphy as the Pirate King and Brent Hill as the Sergeant of Police. The hilarious Virginia Gay is Ruth and Wayne Scott Kermond is Major General Stanley. The Pirates of Penzance returns to Hamer Hall from 30 October to 3 November 2013.
In launching the 15th Anniversary season, Jeanne Pratt, Chairman of The Production Company said, “It is hard to believe that it’s fifteen years since I started this company. My dream in 1999 was twofold: to provide professional opportunities for local artists and to entertain Melbourne audiences with the best shows from Broadway and beyond. Our success has been beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you, Melbourne!”
For more information, visit: www.theproductioncompany.com.au for details.
Image: Caroline O'Connor in Gypsy
GYPSY features the all time favourites from the legendary Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, Everything's Coming up Roses, You Gotta Have a Gimmick, Let Me Entertain You, Some People and Rose's Turn.
Caroline O'Connor's performance as Rose will be a 'must see' for all lovers of musical theatre, and will be presented at Melbourne's State Theatre 10 - 14 July 2013.
One of the great musical romances, Singin' in the Rain is set in Hollywood in the last days of the silent screen era. With all the charm, romance, comedy and glamour of a bygone Hollywood era, Singin' in the Rain features a glorious score with the classics Good Morning, Make 'em Laugh, All I Do Is Dream Of You and the legendary Singin' in the Rain.
Rohan Browne stars as the matinee idol Don Lockwood, Matt Lee is his sidekick Cosmo Brown, Alinta Chidzey is aspiring actress Kathy Selden, and Christie Whelan-Browne is Lockwood's leading lady, Lina Lamont. A super star of the silent movies, Lina Lamont's less-than-dulcet vocal tones make her an unlikely candidate for stardom in the new talking pictures!
Gary Young will direct this stylish new production with choreography by Kelley Abbey and Melbourne's favourite conductor, John Foreman is musical director. Singin' in the Rain is presented at the State Theatre 21 - 25 August 2013.
30 years ago this swashbuckling Broadway version of The Pirates of Penzance rocked Hamer Hall. Now Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular musical comedy returns with all the laughs, songs and romance that made it a long running Broadway smash,
Dean Bryant and Andrew Hallsworth stage this colorful extravaganza, while Mathew Frank conducts a score that includes many of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular numbers: Poor Wandering One!, When the Foreman Bares his Steel, With Cat-Like Tread and Away, Away! My Heart's On Fire.
Starring a dashing young cast including Gareth Keegan as Frederic, Adam Murphy as the Pirate King and Brent Hill as the Sergeant of Police. The hilarious Virginia Gay is Ruth and Wayne Scott Kermond is Major General Stanley. The Pirates of Penzance returns to Hamer Hall from 30 October to 3 November 2013.
In launching the 15th Anniversary season, Jeanne Pratt, Chairman of The Production Company said, “It is hard to believe that it’s fifteen years since I started this company. My dream in 1999 was twofold: to provide professional opportunities for local artists and to entertain Melbourne audiences with the best shows from Broadway and beyond. Our success has been beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you, Melbourne!”
For more information, visit: www.theproductioncompany.com.au for details.
Image: Caroline O'Connor in Gypsy
Monday, 18 March 2013
Adelaide Fringe Award Winners 2013
As the sun sets on another successful festival, the 2013 Fringe Awards were awarded to the best shows, artists and venues at this year’s Adelaide Fringe.
80 arts industry judges spent the past 4 weeks seeing hundreds of Fringe shows from all genres and visiting over a hundred art exhibitions.
Adelaide Fringe Director Greg Clarke congratulated all of the winners and nominees saying that the plethora of amazing shows this year had made all of the judge’s jobs incredibly difficult.
Mr. Clarke said “This year’s Adelaide Fringe saw a wealth of talent unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before, from both returning Fringe artists and those performing and exhibiting in the Fringe for the first time, there were so many worthy winners.”
The coveted BankSA Pick of the Fringe Award ended up being given to two circus productions, Circolombia andLimbo.
“We really want to thank all those who contribute to the prizes given as part of the awards, particularly to BankSA who contribute so much and to Underbelly who make it possible for one show to go over to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe,” Mr. Clarke said.
Artists receive cash prizes totaling $25,000 thanks to the generous support of Principal Partner BankSA, Adelaide Fringe, Underbelly, Erin Svigos Award, Adelaide Festival Centre and the Melbourne Fringe. Please see below for the full list of awards and winners.
ADELAIDE FRINGE AWARD WINNERS 2013
BankSA Pick of the Fringe Award
Circolombia – Arts Projects Australia
BankSA Pick of the Fringe Award
Limbo – Strut & Fret, Underbelly Productions & Southbank Centre
BankSA TalkFringe Award
3 – MindBlown Productions
BankSA Best Cabaret
Tommy Bradson: Sweet Sixteen or The Birthday Party Massacre – Better Bradley Productions
BankSA Best Circus & Physical Theatre
Fright or Flight – The Birdcage & 3 is a Crowd
BankSA Best Comedy
Kitty Flanagan: Hello Kitty Flanagan – A-List Entertainment
BankSA Best Comedy – Emerging
Wolf Creek: The Musical – SPUR
BankSA Best Dance
Life in Miniature – Anything Is Valid Dance Theatre
BankSA Best Music
Idea of North – The Idea of North
BankSA Best Theatre Performer
Lucy Hopkins – Le Foulard
BankSA Best Theatre Production
The Book of Loco – Alirio Zavarce & Sasha Zahra in association w/ Loose Canon Art Services
BankSA Best Presentation for Children
Squaring the Wheel – Jens Altheimer
BankSA Best Visual Art & Design
TAR – Tony Kearney
BankSA Best Venue
Birdwood Exhibition Centre
Adelaide Festival Centre inSPACE: Development Award
The Book of Loco – Alirio Zavarce & Sasha Zahra in association w/ Loose Canon Art Services
Eran Svigos Award for Best Visual Art
Jess Dare – The Nature of Memory
Underbelly Edinburgh Award
Breaker – Solid Svid Theatre Company
Tour Ready Award – supported by Melbourne Fringe
Homage to Uncertainty – Emma Beech
John Chattaway Innovation Award
Leo – Arts Projects Australia
The Adelaide Critics Circle Best in Fringe Award
Glory Dazed – Holden Street Theatre Co Inc. & Second Shot Productions
For more information, visit: www.adelaidefringe.com.au for details
Image: Glory Dazed (photo by Alex Brenner)
BankSA Pick of the Fringe Award
Limbo – Strut & Fret, Underbelly Productions & Southbank Centre
BankSA TalkFringe Award
3 – MindBlown Productions
BankSA Best Cabaret
Tommy Bradson: Sweet Sixteen or The Birthday Party Massacre – Better Bradley Productions
BankSA Best Circus & Physical Theatre
Fright or Flight – The Birdcage & 3 is a Crowd
BankSA Best Comedy
Kitty Flanagan: Hello Kitty Flanagan – A-List Entertainment
BankSA Best Comedy – Emerging
Wolf Creek: The Musical – SPUR
BankSA Best Dance
Life in Miniature – Anything Is Valid Dance Theatre
BankSA Best Music
Idea of North – The Idea of North
BankSA Best Theatre Performer
Lucy Hopkins – Le Foulard
BankSA Best Theatre Production
The Book of Loco – Alirio Zavarce & Sasha Zahra in association w/ Loose Canon Art Services
BankSA Best Presentation for Children
Squaring the Wheel – Jens Altheimer
BankSA Best Visual Art & Design
TAR – Tony Kearney
BankSA Best Venue
Birdwood Exhibition Centre
Adelaide Festival Centre inSPACE: Development Award
The Book of Loco – Alirio Zavarce & Sasha Zahra in association w/ Loose Canon Art Services
Eran Svigos Award for Best Visual Art
Jess Dare – The Nature of Memory
Underbelly Edinburgh Award
Breaker – Solid Svid Theatre Company
Tour Ready Award – supported by Melbourne Fringe
Homage to Uncertainty – Emma Beech
John Chattaway Innovation Award
Leo – Arts Projects Australia
The Adelaide Critics Circle Best in Fringe Award
Glory Dazed – Holden Street Theatre Co Inc. & Second Shot Productions
For more information, visit: www.adelaidefringe.com.au for details
Image: Glory Dazed (photo by Alex Brenner)
Thursday, 7 March 2013
The Golden Age of Colour Prints
The Golden Age of Colour Prints: Ukiyo-e from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston features the art of three of the most important artists in Japanese history: Torii Kiyonaga, Kitagawa Utamaro and Tōshashūsai Sharaku, along with a selection of work by their contemporaries.
Each of these artists were masters and key innovators in the medium of the ukiyo-e print. Focusing on what is known as the golden age of nishiki-e colour prints, the Tenmei and Kansei eras (1781-1801), it showcases 96 ukiyo-e prints and offers a rare opportunity for Australians to appreciate the gorgeous colour aesthetic that is the essence of nishiki-e, or ukiyo-e printed in multiple colours.
In common with other radical moments in art, these images were considered to be crude and unsophisticated when they first appeared. The superficial world of beauty and entertainment of the pleasure quarter and the theatre were considered to be both remote from everyday life and not appropriate subjects for art. However the art form rose to great popularity in the metropolitan culture of Tokyo during the second half of the 17th century.
The imagery of ukiyo-e has had a powerful and enduring influence on Western art and may seem familiar to many visitors. Movements such as Impressionism, Art Noveau and Pop Art are all indebted in various ways.
The work of Australian artists as diverse as Charles Conder, Sydney Long, Brett Whitely and Brent Harris reveal an interest in Japanese art of this time. In contemporary culture the striking images of Japanese Manga comics and Anime films are everywhere. These are direct artistic descendents of the Golden Age artists in this exciting exhibition.
In the Australian context, this will be the first major exhibition of Japanese prints in three years and one of the largest ever held. None of the works in The Golden Age of Colour Prints have previously been seen in Australia, and no exhibition featuring these particular key artists together has previously been staged here.
Each of these artists were masters and key innovators in the medium of the ukiyo-e print. Focusing on what is known as the golden age of nishiki-e colour prints, the Tenmei and Kansei eras (1781-1801), it showcases 96 ukiyo-e prints and offers a rare opportunity for Australians to appreciate the gorgeous colour aesthetic that is the essence of nishiki-e, or ukiyo-e printed in multiple colours.
In common with other radical moments in art, these images were considered to be crude and unsophisticated when they first appeared. The superficial world of beauty and entertainment of the pleasure quarter and the theatre were considered to be both remote from everyday life and not appropriate subjects for art. However the art form rose to great popularity in the metropolitan culture of Tokyo during the second half of the 17th century.
The imagery of ukiyo-e has had a powerful and enduring influence on Western art and may seem familiar to many visitors. Movements such as Impressionism, Art Noveau and Pop Art are all indebted in various ways.
The work of Australian artists as diverse as Charles Conder, Sydney Long, Brett Whitely and Brent Harris reveal an interest in Japanese art of this time. In contemporary culture the striking images of Japanese Manga comics and Anime films are everywhere. These are direct artistic descendents of the Golden Age artists in this exciting exhibition.
In the Australian context, this will be the first major exhibition of Japanese prints in three years and one of the largest ever held. None of the works in The Golden Age of Colour Prints have previously been seen in Australia, and no exhibition featuring these particular key artists together has previously been staged here.
This exhibition is drawn from the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, one of the most significant collections of Japanese prints in the world. The exhibition has previously only been seen in Japan, where it toured four venues in 2010/11. The Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is the sole and exclusive venue for the current tour, after which the works will return to Boston.
The Golden Age of Colour Prints
Exhibition: 7 March - 2 June 2013
Venue: Shepparton Art Museum
Address: 70 Welsford St Shepparton Victoria
Note: entry fees apply
For more information, visit: www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au for details.
Image: The Chofu Jewel River (Chofu no Tamagawa), Utagawa Toyokuni I (Japanese, 1769–1825), publisher: Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendo) (Japanese), Japanese, Edo period, about 1795–1801 (late Kansei era), woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper. William Sturgis Bigelow Collection 11.24991, image 2012 © Museum Fine Arts, Boston
Exhibition: 7 March - 2 June 2013
Venue: Shepparton Art Museum
Address: 70 Welsford St Shepparton Victoria
Note: entry fees apply
For more information, visit: www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au for details.
Image: The Chofu Jewel River (Chofu no Tamagawa), Utagawa Toyokuni I (Japanese, 1769–1825), publisher: Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendo) (Japanese), Japanese, Edo period, about 1795–1801 (late Kansei era), woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper. William Sturgis Bigelow Collection 11.24991, image 2012 © Museum Fine Arts, Boston
Animal Farm
Animal Farm is one of the most controversial and studied political commentaries. George Orwell's simple yet intensely powerful fairy tale illustrates how greed and absolute power corrupts absolutely and, with devastating consequences, can change the course of history.
Revolution has taken place at Manor Farm. The pigs have assumed control and under the principles of 'Animalism' a better life free from human service is promised to all.
Guided by a simple set of rules and an unrelenting respect for authority, it is not long before the rules that promised freedom become the chains that bind the animals once again.
This brand new adaptation, directed by Michael Futcher and brought to life by shake & stir theatre co combines physical theatre, animation and multi-media. Animal Farm promises to be one of the most shocking, exciting, relevant and wickedly funny theatre events of 2013 and beyond.
Animal Farm was the Winner of Best Independent Production, Best Direction at the 2012 Matilda Awards and is currently touring Nationally.
For more information and performance schedule, visit: www.shakeandstir.com.au for details.
The Pillowman
In a nameless totalitarian state, a writer finds himself the subject of interrogation over a series of gruesome child-murders that seem to mirror the plots of his own stories. As the investigation delves deeper, shocking truths are revealed when the writer's twisted tales begin to come to life, blurring the line between fiction and fact.
The Pillowman is a suspenseful and wickedly funny psychological thriller that explores the dark corners of the human imagination and the thrilling power - and danger - of storytelling itself.
This viciously funny and seriously disturbing play from Martin McDonagh - award-winning playwright (The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Lieutenant of Inishmore) and filmmaker (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths) - walks the very fine line between comedy and cruelty. The Pillowman is as black as comedy gets.
New Theatre is very pleased to welcome back Luke Rogers (Waiting for Godot), after graduating from the NIDA Directing course in 2012, to take charge of this production.
“In a totalitarian dictatorship, the seemingly innocent act of telling a story is never that simple. The play explores the nature, freedom and responsibility of artists and asks to what extent is an artist responsible for the actions of others in response to their work”, says Luke.
“It’s the blurring of the lines between reality and fiction, comedy and violence, that make this a fascinating and gripping piece of theatre. The Pillowman weaves an extraordinary range of images into its theatrical vocabulary: from a gritty police-cell drama to Brothers Grimm-style fantasy."
"It’s a violent comedy of manipulation, misinformation and miscommunication where art itself is under interrogation and the legacy of what we leave behind is under threat.”
“Ultimately, this play is about the power of storytelling and our need to find meaning and answers within the worlds we create for ourselves. Sometimes there are many, often there are none."
"As Katurian says: ‘It’s puzzle without a solution’. Herein lies the suspense, the intrigue and the imaginative wonder of The Pillowman, where the sheer innocence of the words ʻOnce Upon A Time…ʼ become something so much more powerful, dangerous and threatening.
“I am delighted to be returning to New Theatre to work with a dynamic team of artists, to create an exciting new production of this fantastic play for this stage.”
The Pillowman
Season: 16 March - 13 April 2013
Venue: New Theatre
Address: 542 King St, Newtown NSW
Bookings: 1300 347 205 or online at: www.newtheatre.org.au
Image: Bob Seary
For more information, visit: www.newtheatre.org.au for details.
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Turner from the Tate
J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851) is one of Britain’s greatest artists, a key figure of the Romantic generation. He is celebrated as a highly modern painter, his work much admired for its experimental character.
Turner’s paintings and watercolours are highly coveted by museums and collectors, and widely dispersed internationally. Only at the Tate can we gain a full sense of Turner’s aims and achievements.
The artist’s gift to the British nation was originally limited to the finished paintings exhibited in his lifetime, many of which he retained or re-acquired with a view to his donation to the national collection. The larger settlement, after the artist’s death, meant these paintings were supplemented by the contents of his house and studio.
Turner’s paintings and watercolours are highly coveted by museums and collectors, and widely dispersed internationally. Only at the Tate can we gain a full sense of Turner’s aims and achievements.
The artist’s gift to the British nation was originally limited to the finished paintings exhibited in his lifetime, many of which he retained or re-acquired with a view to his donation to the national collection. The larger settlement, after the artist’s death, meant these paintings were supplemented by the contents of his house and studio.
Turner from the Tate reflects the diversity of this unique collection. It provides a comprehensive overview of Turner and his artistic development, while offering extraordinary insights into his working life and practices.
The exhibition consists of 40 oils complemented by 70 works on paper, from large watercolours to intimate sketches. It includes ambitious early works such as Buttermere Lake, with part of Cromackwater 1798 and the spectacular The fall of an avalanche in the Grisons 1810.
Elsewhere in the exhibition we see how Turner set himself up as the heir to the European landscape tradition. Turner from the Tate also features remarkable paintings of Turner’s late career including the exquisite Venice, the Bridge of Sighs 1840.
The exhibition culminates with powerful seascapes: A disaster at sea c.1835, for example, shows a notorious shipwreck of a convict ship bound for NSW in which many women drowned. The nearly monochrome Peace – Burial at sea 1842 and its striking companion, War. The exile and the rock limpet 1842, provide a dramatic final note.
The exhibition consists of 40 oils complemented by 70 works on paper, from large watercolours to intimate sketches. It includes ambitious early works such as Buttermere Lake, with part of Cromackwater 1798 and the spectacular The fall of an avalanche in the Grisons 1810.
Elsewhere in the exhibition we see how Turner set himself up as the heir to the European landscape tradition. Turner from the Tate also features remarkable paintings of Turner’s late career including the exquisite Venice, the Bridge of Sighs 1840.
The exhibition culminates with powerful seascapes: A disaster at sea c.1835, for example, shows a notorious shipwreck of a convict ship bound for NSW in which many women drowned. The nearly monochrome Peace – Burial at sea 1842 and its striking companion, War. The exile and the rock limpet 1842, provide a dramatic final note.
As well as many of Turner’s most famous paintings, Turner from the Tate highlights works never shown previously. The exhibition offers fresh perspectives on an artist who was valued as a master in his own time and whose impact was felt as far away as Australia.
Turner from the Tate is organised by Art Exhibitions Australia, and presented by the Tate in association with the Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, and the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.
Turner from the Tate
Venue: Art Gallery of South Australia
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA
Exhibition: 8 February - 19 May 2013
For more information: www.artgallery.sa.gov.au
Venue: National Gallery of Australia
Address: Parkes Place, Canberra ACT
Exhibition: 1 June - 8 September 2013
For more information: www.nga.gov.au
Image: J.M.W. Turner A Disaster at Sea c.1835 Tate, Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856
Photo: © Tate, 2013
Monday, 25 February 2013
I Love Todd Sampson
I Love Todd Sampson is a multi-disciplinary theatre work integrating architecture, music, light and performance. The work encompasses the creative involvement of more than nine professional architectural teams including nine registered architects, three university architectural teams, jazz composers, sound designers, installation artists, choreographers and performers.
The central character to the story is an incessantly lonely, middle-aged woman named Laura, supported by the “friends” who live inside her. Laura’s “friends” have manifested from paintings, furniture and walls to help her overcome traumatic childhood experiences, forming the anchors, which ultimately bring her back from taking her life over the edge.
In search of a new comfort, Laura immerses herself in the life of Todd Sampson (CEO of Leo Burnett Australia, co-creator of the Earth Hour initiative and commentator on The Gruen Transfer and The Project).
The reassuring and charming voice of the Canadian-born ad-man is played throughout the performance, the sound of which consumes Laura as she pieces together fragments of his life to construct her relationship with him.
The experiential nature of the work has the audience physically following Laura through the set as her “friends” seek to bring her back from her perilous obsession with Todd Sampson.
The Pier 2/3 setting at Walsh Bay was specifically selected due to its historic beauty and disquieting nature, which also becomes a metaphor for the lead character’s state of mind. The audience literally travels through her reality across two floors of this immense and haunted space.
Written, directed and performed by Michelle St. Anne, founder of The Living Room Theatre, I Love Todd Sampson is a sensory-rich play that deals with the community issues of mental health and loneliness in an engaging and unexpected way.
“Our work gives a voice to those vulnerable in our community. It’s about framing the everyday into beautiful artistic works so we can allow others to see into this world through a less confronting platform" says St. Anne.
“In I Love Todd Sampson, the audience becomes a part of the action – as they enter rooms to explore and discover images, atmospheric sounds and repeated moments. And yes, Todd Sampson does know about it."
I Love Todd Sampson
Season: 28 February - 10 March 2013
Venue: Pier 2 / 3
Address: Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, Sydney
Bookings: www.moshtix.com.au
For more information, visit: www.livingroomtheatre.org for details.
The central character to the story is an incessantly lonely, middle-aged woman named Laura, supported by the “friends” who live inside her. Laura’s “friends” have manifested from paintings, furniture and walls to help her overcome traumatic childhood experiences, forming the anchors, which ultimately bring her back from taking her life over the edge.
In search of a new comfort, Laura immerses herself in the life of Todd Sampson (CEO of Leo Burnett Australia, co-creator of the Earth Hour initiative and commentator on The Gruen Transfer and The Project).
The reassuring and charming voice of the Canadian-born ad-man is played throughout the performance, the sound of which consumes Laura as she pieces together fragments of his life to construct her relationship with him.
The experiential nature of the work has the audience physically following Laura through the set as her “friends” seek to bring her back from her perilous obsession with Todd Sampson.
The Pier 2/3 setting at Walsh Bay was specifically selected due to its historic beauty and disquieting nature, which also becomes a metaphor for the lead character’s state of mind. The audience literally travels through her reality across two floors of this immense and haunted space.
Written, directed and performed by Michelle St. Anne, founder of The Living Room Theatre, I Love Todd Sampson is a sensory-rich play that deals with the community issues of mental health and loneliness in an engaging and unexpected way.
“Our work gives a voice to those vulnerable in our community. It’s about framing the everyday into beautiful artistic works so we can allow others to see into this world through a less confronting platform" says St. Anne.
“In I Love Todd Sampson, the audience becomes a part of the action – as they enter rooms to explore and discover images, atmospheric sounds and repeated moments. And yes, Todd Sampson does know about it."
I Love Todd Sampson
Season: 28 February - 10 March 2013
Venue: Pier 2 / 3
Address: Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, Sydney
Bookings: www.moshtix.com.au
For more information, visit: www.livingroomtheatre.org for details.
De Novo
From the frontlines of dance comes a program of three revolutionary works – a suite of playful, subversive and inspired pieces that push at the boundaries of performance.
This is dance that doesn’t play it safe. From the minds of three esteemed choreographers, channelled through the exquisite dancers of Sydney Dance Company, comes a trio of works that break new ground.
Whether they’re mashing up pop culture or poking fun at the sacred cows of dance, these are pieces that throw caution to the wind and hurl themselves into the void of the new.
From an inspired collaboration with internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko and composer Nick Wales comes Emergence, a new dance work by Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company.
A breathtaking cross-genre leap, Emergence sees the entire company ensemble take to the stage as a stunning soundscape take sensual, physical form. Featuring the alluring costume creations of Australian fashion designer Dion Lee, the world premiere of Bonachela’s latest work is bound to be a highlight of the 2013 dance calendar.
Irreverent, humorous and brilliant, Cacti is the critically acclaimed brainchild of Swedish dance prodigy Alexander Ekman. At just 28 years old, Ekman is already in high demand internationally, and this piece, devised for the legendary Nederlands Dans Theater 2, shows exactly why.
Cacti is not only a subversive, entertaining commentary on the pretentions of contemporary dance, it is also a brilliantly conceived and bracingly physical piece of choreography.
From Australian rising star Larissa McGowan comes Fanatic, a hilarious pop-culture collision that pits Alien vs Predator in an interstellar dance throwdown between two titanic sci-fi film franchises.
The hit of the Spring Dance 2012 Contemporary Women program, this tongue-in-cheek exploration of fan culture is back for more pulse-pounding, chest-busting dance action.
Inspired and unexpected, De Novo promises a very different evening of entertainment, as it unleashes three fresh wily dance works on an unsuspecting Australia.
De Novo
Season: 1 - 23 March 2013
Venue: Sydney Theatre
Address: 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, Sydney
Bookings: (02) 9250 1999 or online at: www.sydneytheatre.org.au
Image: Photo by Ellis Parrinder
For more information, visit: www.sydneydancecompany.com for details.
This is dance that doesn’t play it safe. From the minds of three esteemed choreographers, channelled through the exquisite dancers of Sydney Dance Company, comes a trio of works that break new ground.
Whether they’re mashing up pop culture or poking fun at the sacred cows of dance, these are pieces that throw caution to the wind and hurl themselves into the void of the new.
From an inspired collaboration with internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko and composer Nick Wales comes Emergence, a new dance work by Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company.
A breathtaking cross-genre leap, Emergence sees the entire company ensemble take to the stage as a stunning soundscape take sensual, physical form. Featuring the alluring costume creations of Australian fashion designer Dion Lee, the world premiere of Bonachela’s latest work is bound to be a highlight of the 2013 dance calendar.
Irreverent, humorous and brilliant, Cacti is the critically acclaimed brainchild of Swedish dance prodigy Alexander Ekman. At just 28 years old, Ekman is already in high demand internationally, and this piece, devised for the legendary Nederlands Dans Theater 2, shows exactly why.
Cacti is not only a subversive, entertaining commentary on the pretentions of contemporary dance, it is also a brilliantly conceived and bracingly physical piece of choreography.
From Australian rising star Larissa McGowan comes Fanatic, a hilarious pop-culture collision that pits Alien vs Predator in an interstellar dance throwdown between two titanic sci-fi film franchises.
The hit of the Spring Dance 2012 Contemporary Women program, this tongue-in-cheek exploration of fan culture is back for more pulse-pounding, chest-busting dance action.
Inspired and unexpected, De Novo promises a very different evening of entertainment, as it unleashes three fresh wily dance works on an unsuspecting Australia.
De Novo
Season: 1 - 23 March 2013
Venue: Sydney Theatre
Address: 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, Sydney
Bookings: (02) 9250 1999 or online at: www.sydneytheatre.org.au
Image: Photo by Ellis Parrinder
For more information, visit: www.sydneydancecompany.com for details.
The Prophet
Joseph Tawadros collaborates with The Song Company for The Prophet, a stunning musical work based on excerpts from the much loved book The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
The Prophet, the best-known book by Lebanese poet, philosopher and artist Kahlil Gibran, is one of the most widely read books around the world and is still beloved by young and old alike. First published in the 1920s, The Prophet was credited with founding the New Age movement in the 1960s, and is now an intrinsic part of Western spirituality.
Joseph Tawadros has risen to prominence in Australia by successfully developing the ancient traditions of Arabic music in a Western environment. His engagement with the writings of Gibran resulted in his 2009 solo release for oud also titled The Prophet, as well as a number of works recorded for Concerto of The Greater Sea, recently released to great acclaim.
This new collaboration with the singers of The Song Company delves into the origins of musical expression, guided by the writings of Gibran, and is a stirring exploration of The Prophet’s themes of love, pain, work, reason and passion, children and friendship.
A virtuoso of amazing diversity and sensitivity, Joseph tours to concert halls worldwide, dazzling audiences with his brilliant technique, his passionate musicianship and his joyous style of performance.
Always willing to push the boundaries and challenge traditional music forms and rhythms, his efforts have led him to many unique collaborations with artists including Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Slava Grigoryan, Neil Finn, Lior and many others.
The Song Company is one of Australia’s leading vocal ensembles. It embraces music from across ages and around the world, and has a strong commitment to presenting music to the whole of Australia. In collaboration with artists of the highest calibre, it aims to create a distinctive and dynamic new voice, relevant to the audiences of today and tomorrow.
The Prophet
Season: 4 - 5 April 2013
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
Address: King Willian Street, Adelaide
Bookings: 13 12 46 or online at: www.bass.net.au
For more information, visit: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au for details.
The Prophet, the best-known book by Lebanese poet, philosopher and artist Kahlil Gibran, is one of the most widely read books around the world and is still beloved by young and old alike. First published in the 1920s, The Prophet was credited with founding the New Age movement in the 1960s, and is now an intrinsic part of Western spirituality.
Joseph Tawadros has risen to prominence in Australia by successfully developing the ancient traditions of Arabic music in a Western environment. His engagement with the writings of Gibran resulted in his 2009 solo release for oud also titled The Prophet, as well as a number of works recorded for Concerto of The Greater Sea, recently released to great acclaim.
This new collaboration with the singers of The Song Company delves into the origins of musical expression, guided by the writings of Gibran, and is a stirring exploration of The Prophet’s themes of love, pain, work, reason and passion, children and friendship.
A virtuoso of amazing diversity and sensitivity, Joseph tours to concert halls worldwide, dazzling audiences with his brilliant technique, his passionate musicianship and his joyous style of performance.
Always willing to push the boundaries and challenge traditional music forms and rhythms, his efforts have led him to many unique collaborations with artists including Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Slava Grigoryan, Neil Finn, Lior and many others.
The Song Company is one of Australia’s leading vocal ensembles. It embraces music from across ages and around the world, and has a strong commitment to presenting music to the whole of Australia. In collaboration with artists of the highest calibre, it aims to create a distinctive and dynamic new voice, relevant to the audiences of today and tomorrow.
The Prophet
Season: 4 - 5 April 2013
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
Address: King Willian Street, Adelaide
Bookings: 13 12 46 or online at: www.bass.net.au
For more information, visit: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au for details.
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Paul McDermott - The Dark Garden
For the first time Paul McDermott will display his artwork to the public in a free three-part exhibition, The Dark Garden, as part of the 2013 Adelaide Fringe Festival.
Paul’s work is comprised of various mediums including paintings, prints, banners, soundscapes and films with more than 100 pieces being displayed across three immersive environments.
Being shown in the basement of an abandoned building now turned into Fringe venue, The Tuxedo Cat, Paul’s dark and mysterious creatures will fill its void, taking audiences on an adventure of light, scale and sound.
Audiences will move through the space by the glow of their own torch light, with a unique soundscape accompanying each environment created by Mat Blackwell (comedy writer and Good News Week artist) and Stu Hunter (Musical Director of Paul Sings).
This exhibition has been a very personal journey for Paul, so personal that he is not prepared to part with his work and has taken over 20 years to show the public this side of his creativity.
The works were created in a very small room under his home in Sydney, a room which will be entirely recreated as part of the exhibition, enabling audiences to take a glimpse into his creative processes and dark imaginings.
The Dark Gardens - is a nouveau-colonial vision of a post-apocalypic future: a bleak black Eden, ravaged by avarice, diseased, destroyed and, yet, thriving. In The Dark Gardens mega-cute mega-fauna battle and consume other absurd hybridised lusus naturae.
Emile Kirst - is a boy who attends a new school. On his first day he notices he’s different from the other students. They are all Monsters. Emile is at a school for monsters. How incredibly cool! At first he’s frightened by the other students but he finds, over the course of the day, even monsters can be the best of friends.
Short Films:
The Girl Who Swallowed Bees - is the story of a confused and upset child who only sees one way out of her emotional turmoil. She settles on bizarre method to hasten her demise. Instead nature conspires to affect her in a life-altering and ultimately, a life-affirming way.
The Scree - five strange friends set out on an adventure in a tiny boat. They discover a mysterious island, an island filled with bizarre vegetation and deadly creatures. Are they doomed in this alien environment? Or will they survive the island and its most frightening resident - The terrifying Scree?
The Dark Garden
Exhibition: continues to 17 March 2013
Venue: The Tuxedo Cat
Address: 199 North Terrace, Adelaide
Image: courtesy of Paul McDermott
For more information, visit: www.adelaidefringe.com.au for details.
Exhibition: continues to 17 March 2013
Venue: The Tuxedo Cat
Address: 199 North Terrace, Adelaide
Image: courtesy of Paul McDermott
For more information, visit: www.adelaidefringe.com.au for details.
40 Reasons to Celebrate at the Adelaide Festival Centre
In 2013, the Adelaide Festival Centre celebrates 40 years of hosting arts, culture and entertainment from every corner of the world. Since its opening in 1973, the Festival Theatre remains Adelaide’s preeminent venue for the world’s finest artists, while also providing a venue of international standard for countless performances, community events, and local companies.
The iconic building is much more than a performance venue: it is impossible to imagine the city without the Festival Centre, which has come to symbolise the cultural heart of South Australia. Officially opened on 2 June, 1973, it was Australia’s first performing arts centre built in a capital city, beating the Sydney Opera House to completion at about one tenth of the cost.
The Festival Theatre also holds many memories for those who have performed on the stage, including Douglas Gautier, CEO and Artistic Director at the Festival Centre who performed on opening night 40 years ago:
“At the time I was a student at Flinders University and my first paid job was at the opening night of the Festival Theatre on 2 June as an extra in Beethoven’s Fidelio. The great spirit and possibilities of this place, and the people who are attracted to it have always been a source of pride and inspiration.
This year we are presenting a full calendar of events for South Australians to enjoy and take pride in. During the year we will be acknowledging the achievements of the past and looking forward to the future as the premier performing arts venue in the Festival State, for the next 40 years.”
A number of events have been planned throughout the 40th anniversary year including:
Beethoven’s 9th and Fanfare Festiva: A Fanfare for the Next 40 Years, presented in conjunction with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for two nights only 31 May – 1 June, the concert will reprise the Festival Theatre’s grand opening night with a performance of Beethoven’s magnificent Choral Symphony in D Minor.
The concert will also include the World Premiere of Fanfare Festiva – a fanfare for the next 40 years, commissioned by Adelaide Festival Centre by renowned Adelaide composer, Graeme Koehne.
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival will toast the 40th Anniversary with a special performance of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival Variety Gala on Thursday 6 June, dedicated to the Festival Theatre.
Every night in June, Adelaide Festival Centre will be radiant with projections from internationally acclaimed The Electric Canvas. House Lights will illuminate the distinctive white roof of Adelaide’s iconic building with a constantly changing palette of images that embody the spirit of the Festival Centre’s 40 fabulous years.
The anniversary wouldn’t be complete without a return of the Fezbah. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s it was one of Adelaide’s most popular late night clubs, where artists and audiences kicked up their heels on the dance floor to the vibrant sounds of South Australia’s best live bands.
The late night Fezbah will be revised and reinvigorated for one big celebratory weekend from 31 May – 1 June in the Piano Bar!
Throughout the year, Adelaide Festival Centre’s Visual Arts team and the Performing Arts Collection will curate exhibitions celebrating the anniversary year including:
1973: Signifying Change (10 April – 2 June, Festival Theatre foyer) celebrating the adventurous artists, who not only changed the face of contemporary art in the 1970s, but also whose works were commissioned or acquired for the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Works of Art Collection. These artists include Bert Flugelman, Stanislaw Ostoja Kotkowski, Rod Dudley, Indigenous artist Trevor Nickolls, and social observer Robert Boynes.
1973: the Dunstan Decade (April – June, Festival Theatre foyer) a tribute to Don Dunstan, the man credited with revitalising South Australia’s artistic and cultural life. During his time as Premier, Dunstan moved swiftly to put Adelaide on the arts map.
The celebrations will continue in September with Her Majesty’s Theatre turning 100. To mark this significant milestone and to celebrate the truly historic occasion, the Her Majesty’s Centennial Gala Concert will take place on Friday 6 September and will feature artists and companies for whom the theatre is an icon of history and performance.
Two books have been commissioned and feature the history and stories of the theatres, as well as of the performers and companies who have graced the stage, plus interviews with prominent people who have had an association with the Festival Centre and Her Majesty’s.
40 Years of Adelaide Festival Centre written by Lance Campbell and 100 Years of Her Majesty’s Theatre written by Frank van Straten will be launched on the Festival Centre Plaza on Thursday 30 May.
The anniversary celebrations will continue across the year round with more 40th anniversary events and performances announced throughout the year. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au for details.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Blow Up this Mardi Gras
It is 35 years since the first Mardi Gras blow up happened. This queer liberation protest rally would go on to radically reshape the social, cultural and political landscape of this nation. Over time it has become a highly valued defining annual event, and has opened awareness about a love that once dared not speak it’s name.
Blow Up brings together the work of leading queer emerging and established Australian artists, working across the generations of Mardi Gras existence, who use photography or photography methodology or photographic material to create their work.
Curated by guest artist Travis de Jonk, Blow Up features work by William Yang, Alison Bennett, Matto Lucas, Ross Brownsdon, Brenton Parry, Jeffrey Smith and George Popov.
Curated by guest artist Travis de Jonk, Blow Up features work by William Yang, Alison Bennett, Matto Lucas, Ross Brownsdon, Brenton Parry, Jeffrey Smith and George Popov.
These critically acclaimed artists are a snapshot of our current evolving social and cultural awareness, and an expression of the relevance of queer content and queer practitioners. Their thought provoking work challenges expectations, definitions of identity and sexual politics.
They challenge the way images are created, question what they mean and what they symbolize. Unashamedly fusing the personal and the political, their work explores burning issues encapsulated within the now and the digital age, fueled by the history of the time they grew up in.
They challenge the way images are created, question what they mean and what they symbolize. Unashamedly fusing the personal and the political, their work explores burning issues encapsulated within the now and the digital age, fueled by the history of the time they grew up in.
Mardi Gras is still here and so are queer artists. Blow Up aims to shed some light on the role of queer artists in society and help answer the riddle of why the queer perspective still needs to be shared.
Blow Up
Exhibition: 19 February - 5 March 2013
Venue: Platform 72
Address: 72 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW
Image: Travis de Jonk
For more information, visit: www.platform72.com.au for details.
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Tubular Bells for Two
Two very ambitious musicians take up more than 20 instruments to present Mike Oldfield's Celtic-folk-rock opus Tubular Bells in a unique musical - and often acrobatic - performance.
Oldfield's beautiful and sprawling progressive Tubular Bells shot to number one in charts around the world in 1973-74, throwing the young composer into the international spotlight and kick-starting Richard Branson's Virgin music empire as its inaugural album.
Oldfield recorded each instrument and layered them on multi-track tape. In Tubular Bells for Two, Holdsworth and Roberts juggle electric/acoustic/bass guitars, keyboards, percussion, drums, mandolin and, of course, tubular bells, to create a theatrical experience of wonder - and just a little chaos.
Composer and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Holdsworth has written music for film, theatre and dance as well as toured in many Australian bands. He is the guitarist/singer/songwriter of The Saturns, who won the 2006 BMA Award for Best Rock Band; a member of folk-psych-country outfit The Maple Trail; and plays lead guitar in the acoustic trio Ten Thumb Tom.
Aidan Roberts is a songwriter and guitarist for popular psychedelic rock band, Belles Will Ring, who have released the albums Crystal Theatre (2011), Mood Patterns (2007) and Broader Than Broadway (2008), and have toured Australia regularly, performing at festivals including Big Day Out.
Roberts is also songwriter and multi-instrumentalist for The Maple Trail. As a solo artist, he has toured Australia and the United States and released the albums Dirty Echo Spark (2007) and Radio Twilight Lost (2008).
Holdsworth and Roberts have been performing together for many years, with Holdsworth producing Roberts' first solo album Sounds of Planes (2000) as well as playing drums in The Maple Trail since 2006.
Tubular Bells for Two
Performance: Friday 15 February 2013 - 7.00pm / 9.15pm
Venue: Melbourne Recital Centre
Address: 31 Sturt St, Southbank
Bookings: (03) 9699 3333 or online at: www.melbournerecital.com.au
For more information, visit: www.melbournerecital.com.au for details.
The History Boys
Set in a fictional boys' grammar school in the north of England in the early 1980s, the play follows a group of history pupils preparing for the Oxford and Cambridge entrance examinations under the guidance of three teachers (Hector, Irwin and Lintott).
It's a thought provoking play that has played to sold-out houses around the world and won multiple awards, including the 2005 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play and the 2006 Tony Award for Best Play and was turned into a feature film.
Acting veteran John Wood will play Hector - a teacher whose intellect, enthusiasm and flair will create a world of brilliance, madness and wonderful comedy. Combine this with 8 bright, unruly boys - concentrated on sex, sport, and getting into a good university (generally in that order!).
Australian film luminary Paul Goddard (The Matrix) will play The Headmaster, whose stuffy sensibilities contrast wickedly with the eccentric, borderline teaching style of the brilliant Hector.
Heather Mitchell will round off this unstoppable theatrical trio as the sharp-witted matriarchal Mrs Lintott - the history teacher who has probably been working at the same private school for too long.
This sharp witted, high energy production is full of gusto and youth, and will be directed by young theatre director Jesse Peach, who has worked extensively through Australasia, directing work including this year's New Zealand season of Death of a Salesman.
Jesse has directed The History Boys in Auckland, and was praised for the vibrant, youthful energy which resonated through the show.
The History Boys
Season: 13 February - 2 March 2013
Venue: The Playhouse - Sydney Opera House
Bookings: (02) 9250 7777 or online at: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
For more information, visit: www.historyboys.com.au for details.
Monday, 11 February 2013
The Trip
Direct from Berlin and the headline act of The Famous Spiegeltent, The Trip is a daring, tongue-in-cheek circus show featuring seductive circus performances, including a contortion act inside a disco ball and a slippery acrobatics routine in a fish bowl filled with water.
Internationally acclaimed Polish stars of Royal-Variety and La Clique, The Caesar Twins star in this melange of contemporary vaudeville, new burlesque and circus alongside stunning Spanish boylesque contortionist David Pereira, larger than life darling of the New York drag scene Baby Jane and Ethiopian juggling sensation Girma Tsehai.
Berlin based pianist, singer and conferencier Jack Woodhead will feature as MC and the show also includes an acrobatic clown, and some of the world’s best in circus! The Trip is directed by Markus Pabst.
The all-star extravaganza The Trip has been lavishly assembled by David Pereira, the latest star to emerge from Base Berlin, a hub for creative artists established by The Caesar Twins. With his breathtaking disco ball contortion act, Spaniard David Pereira will amaze Melbourne audiences his unfathomable flexibility, strength and skill.
Having trained in ballet, David Pereira turned his hand acrobatics and won junior championships for the sport in Spain for five consecutive years. By the age of 18, David Pereira had found his calling on the stage for Cirque du Soleil and now regularly performs in self-produced work around the globe.
The Caesar Twins star alongside Pereira in this mélange of contemporary vaudeville, new burlesque and circus with their world-famous underwater routine.
The identical blonde twins Pablo and Pierre Caesar, described in The Observer as having sprung “fully formed from the fantasies of Jean-Paul Gaultier”, will perform their half-nude circus and gymnastics routine inside a large glass bowl filled with water.
The Caesar Twins have been performing together since their childhood, gaining notoriety for their act called “Wheel of Death”. However, in 2002, while performing this act, brother Pablo Caesar reportedly fell 16 metres and severely injured himself.
Nevertheless, after extensive surgery and months of rehabilitation, the brothers persevered and continue to train and perform together almost a decade on.
The Trip
Season: 12 February - 3 March 2013
Venue: The Famous Spiegeltent
Address: Arts Centre Forecourt, St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne
Bookings: 1300 182 183
For more information, visit: www.spiegel.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Internationally acclaimed Polish stars of Royal-Variety and La Clique, The Caesar Twins star in this melange of contemporary vaudeville, new burlesque and circus alongside stunning Spanish boylesque contortionist David Pereira, larger than life darling of the New York drag scene Baby Jane and Ethiopian juggling sensation Girma Tsehai.
Berlin based pianist, singer and conferencier Jack Woodhead will feature as MC and the show also includes an acrobatic clown, and some of the world’s best in circus! The Trip is directed by Markus Pabst.
The all-star extravaganza The Trip has been lavishly assembled by David Pereira, the latest star to emerge from Base Berlin, a hub for creative artists established by The Caesar Twins. With his breathtaking disco ball contortion act, Spaniard David Pereira will amaze Melbourne audiences his unfathomable flexibility, strength and skill.
Having trained in ballet, David Pereira turned his hand acrobatics and won junior championships for the sport in Spain for five consecutive years. By the age of 18, David Pereira had found his calling on the stage for Cirque du Soleil and now regularly performs in self-produced work around the globe.
The Caesar Twins star alongside Pereira in this mélange of contemporary vaudeville, new burlesque and circus with their world-famous underwater routine.
The identical blonde twins Pablo and Pierre Caesar, described in The Observer as having sprung “fully formed from the fantasies of Jean-Paul Gaultier”, will perform their half-nude circus and gymnastics routine inside a large glass bowl filled with water.
The Caesar Twins have been performing together since their childhood, gaining notoriety for their act called “Wheel of Death”. However, in 2002, while performing this act, brother Pablo Caesar reportedly fell 16 metres and severely injured himself.
Nevertheless, after extensive surgery and months of rehabilitation, the brothers persevered and continue to train and perform together almost a decade on.
The Trip
Season: 12 February - 3 March 2013
Venue: The Famous Spiegeltent
Address: Arts Centre Forecourt, St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne
Bookings: 1300 182 183
For more information, visit: www.spiegel.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Mother Courage
Set in Europe during the Thirty Years' War, Bertolt Brecht's 1939 play Mother Courage and Her Children follows Anna Fierling (the "Mother Courage" of the title) as she and her children pull a wagon of wares through bloodied, war-torn landscapes in an attempt to make a living by selling goods to soldiers.
Widely considered to be the greatest play of the 20th century, Mother Courage and Her Children has inspired and influenced many other artists' works, including a powerful new piece by Alice Springs-based filmmaker and artist Warwick Thornton (director of Samson and Delilah).
Commissioned by ACMI and dOCUMENTA (13), Mother Courage is an immersive video and sculptural installation that explores cultural displacement and the tensions between contemporary urban and traditional Indigenous lifestyles.
Like Brecht's leading character, the Mother Courage of Thornton's work lives a nomadic lifestyle; forced out of her community, she travels from gallery to gallery creating and selling paintings from the back of a van.
"I immediately saw a correlation between Brecht's Mother Courage...and the situation of Indigenous people in Central Australia today," says Thornton.
"There's a lot of social dysfunction in my community, with people being forced to leave their homes, their families and their friends, to economically survive."
In the same way that Brecht's heroine has a formidable will to survive, Thornton's Mother Courage possesses a self-determination to not only survive, but to stay true to her roots and culture.
"Some audiences will see Mother Courage as a victim, and that's a valid response," Thornton admits, but then adds: "The work encourages this ambiguity - the social situation and history I refer to is really complex and difficult. I trust my audience to find their own meaning and come to their own conclusions."
Mother Courage
Season: 7 February - 23 June 2013
Venue: Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
Address: Federation Square, Cnr Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne
Image: courtesy of Scarlett Pictures
Mother Courage
Season: 7 February - 23 June 2013
Venue: Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
Address: Federation Square, Cnr Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne
Image: courtesy of Scarlett Pictures
For more information, visit: www.acmi.net.au for details.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Holding the Man
Rehearsals are underway for David Berthold’s definitive original production of Holding the Man, adapted by Tommy Murphy from the book by Timothy Conigrave, ahead of the first performance at La Boite’s Roundhouse Theatre in February.
After sell-out seasons in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and London’s West End, Berthold will recreate his iconic production for a special encore season at La Boite as part of the company’s 2013 Mainstage season. The production features an all-new Queensland cast including Eugene Gilfedder, Jai Higgs, Helen Howard, Lauren Jackson, and QUT alumni Jerome Meyer and Alec Snow as John Caleo and Timothy Conigrave.
“It’s like coming back to an old friend,” Berthold said. “I’ve been with this show since 2006, but haven’t touched it since 2010 when we did it in London, so it will be terrific to rediscover the play.”
Breathtakingly honest and achingly funny, Holding the Man is one of Australia’s great love stories. It’s a heart-wrenching account of a 15-year relationship that weathered disapproval, separation, temptation and ultimately, death.
It’s a production that celebrates the theatrical, with more than 100 costumes and a versatile set designed by Tony Award-winning original designer Brian Thomson (The Rocky Horror Show, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert The Musical, The Boy From Oz Arena Tour).
“Four of the six actors play about ten different characters each, which means a lot of super-quick costumes and wig changes,” Berthold said. “Backstage is completely frantic. Meanwhile Alec Snow, as Tim Conigrave, never leaves the stage.”
Holding the Man smashed box office records for Griffin Theatre Company in 2006 and enjoyed four sell-out seasons in Sydney, transferring to the Sydney Opera House and Belvoir, before moving to the Brisbane Powerhouse, Melbourne Theatre Company and into London’s West End. At the Brisbane Powerhouse, the production played just six performances and sold out before opening night.
Tim Conigrave and John Caleo met in high school in the mid-1970s. Tim was in the school production of Romeo & Juliet and had a crush on John. John was the captain of the football team and wanted to play for Essendon. By the end of high school even their school yearbook acknowledged them as the year’s cutest couple.
“Mostly, I’m looking forward to seeing the audience reaction again. It’s a story that really does affect people deeply,” said Berthold.
Director: David Berthold Cast: Eugene Gilfedder, Jai Higgs, Helen Howard, Lauren Jackson, Jerome Meyer and Alec Snow
Designer: Brian Thomson Costumes and Puppets: Micka Agosta Lighting Designer: David Walters Composer & Sound Designer: Basil Hogios
Holding the Man
Season: 16 February - 16 March.
Venue: Roundhouse Theatre
Address: 6-8 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove Village
Bookings: (07) 3007 8600 or online at: www.laboite.com.au
For more information, visit: www.laboite.com.au for details.
Holding the Man
Season: 16 February - 16 March.
Venue: Roundhouse Theatre
Address: 6-8 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove Village
Bookings: (07) 3007 8600 or online at: www.laboite.com.au
For more information, visit: www.laboite.com.au for details.
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Anish Kapoor
Anish Kapoor has created some of the world’s most ambitious and recognisable contemporary artworks, including, Orbit (2012), a 115-metre-high tower created for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Leviathan (2011) for the Grand Palais in Paris, Cloud Gate (2004) in Millennium Park, Chicago, Sky Mirror (2006) for the Rockefeller Centre in New York and Marsyas (2002) for the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern.
See the first major exhibition in Australia by celebrated artist Anish Kapoor this summer as part of the Sydney International Art Series. In this selection of key works across two floors of the Museum, you can encounter Kapoor’s powerful artworks up close and in-depth.
Highlights include 1000 Names (1979-80), his early powdered pigment geometric sculptures; Void (1989), a large deep blue sculpture that changes from a convex to a concave form depending on your position.
See the first major exhibition in Australia by celebrated artist Anish Kapoor this summer as part of the Sydney International Art Series. In this selection of key works across two floors of the Museum, you can encounter Kapoor’s powerful artworks up close and in-depth.
Highlights include 1000 Names (1979-80), his early powdered pigment geometric sculptures; Void (1989), a large deep blue sculpture that changes from a convex to a concave form depending on your position.
One of the artist’s most ambitious works, the 24-ton Memory (2008) which completely fills one of the MCA’s spacious galleries as if squeezed between the white walls; and the monumental My Red Homeland (2003), which replicates the role of the artist. In this enormous circular sculpture, a large motorised steel blade slowly cuts a course through 25 tons of red wax, endlessly dissecting and re-shaping it into new forms.
Influenced by both his Indian heritage and western philosophy, in particular metaphysics, Kapoor’s artworks seek to understand what it is to be human. Explore Kapoor’s interest in the relationship between the contrasting forces of light and dark and see how he uses colour, form, size and medium to challenge perception, developing immersive and sometimes unsettling experiences.
Discover how Kapoor’s continual experimentation with structure and medium has led him to work with a wide variety of materials from clay, fibreglass and paint pigment, to steel and wax, creating beautiful, strange and intriguing works that counter conventional ideas of art.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see these impressive works by one of the world’s leading artists, in Sydney for a limited time.
Anish Kapoor
Exhibition: continues to 1 April 2013
Venue: Museum Of Contemporary Art
Address: 140 George St, The Rocks, Sydney
Entry fees apply
For more information, visit: www.mca.com.au for details.
Anish Kapoor
Exhibition: continues to 1 April 2013
Venue: Museum Of Contemporary Art
Address: 140 George St, The Rocks, Sydney
Entry fees apply
For more information, visit: www.mca.com.au for details.
Image: Anish Kapoor, Sky Mirror, 2006, MCA installation view 2012-13, stainless steel, courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Alex Davies
MilkMilkLemonade
A playful, outrageous and funny coming-of-age tale about sexual identity, growing up gay … and what happens when your best friend is a chicken.
Emory is an 11 year old boy who lives with his God-fearing grandmother on a chicken farm in the Bible Belt of rural America. His best friend Linda is a depressed giant chicken who wants to be a stand-up comic.
His favourite pastime is choreographing ribbon dances, he 'plays house' with Elliot, the 12 year old pyromaniac who lives down the road, and his greatest ambition is to be a contestant on a TV talent show.
Written by young New York based gay writer Joshua Conkel, New Theatre is proud to be presenting the Australian premiere of this seriously wonderful queer romp, as part of Sydney Mardi Gras 2013.
The play is full of delicious one-liners and absurd moments, but underlying the comedy is a real anger directed towards the homophobia, bullying and small-mindedness that constitutes daily life for many young gay people.
There has been much in the media lately about the high rates of suicide amongst young gay people, often triggered by a feeling of hopelessness, exacerbated by relentless bullying and contending with homophobic attitudes expressed both overtly and subliminally by peers, parents, teachers and the wider community.
In telling Emory’s story, Conkel has flipped the victim/bully paradigm on its head. How Emory navigates the dark side of growing up gay is at the heart of this play. He survives because of his imagination, his courage and his love of life.
MilkMilkLemonade is a painfully funny exploration of gender, sexuality, life, death and the need to dream up a world where you can be true to yourself.
Director: Melita Rowston Cast: Mark Dessaix, Leah Donovan, Sarah Easterman, Kieran Foster, Pete Nettell
Set and Costumes: Antoinette Barbouttis Lighting: Richard Whitehouse Sound: Kent Rowston Production Manager: Fern George Stage Manager: Gaëlle Clark Choreographer: Angela Blake Assistant Choreographer: Joel Thomas Vocal Coach: Helen Tonkin
MilkMilkLemonade
Season: 7 February - 2 March 2013
Venue: New Theatre
Address: 542 King St, Newtown
Bookings: 1300 347 205 or online: www.newtheatre.org.au
Image: Bob Seary
MilkMilkLemonade is presented as part of the 2013 Sydney Mardi Gras.
Emory is an 11 year old boy who lives with his God-fearing grandmother on a chicken farm in the Bible Belt of rural America. His best friend Linda is a depressed giant chicken who wants to be a stand-up comic.
His favourite pastime is choreographing ribbon dances, he 'plays house' with Elliot, the 12 year old pyromaniac who lives down the road, and his greatest ambition is to be a contestant on a TV talent show.
Written by young New York based gay writer Joshua Conkel, New Theatre is proud to be presenting the Australian premiere of this seriously wonderful queer romp, as part of Sydney Mardi Gras 2013.
The play is full of delicious one-liners and absurd moments, but underlying the comedy is a real anger directed towards the homophobia, bullying and small-mindedness that constitutes daily life for many young gay people.
There has been much in the media lately about the high rates of suicide amongst young gay people, often triggered by a feeling of hopelessness, exacerbated by relentless bullying and contending with homophobic attitudes expressed both overtly and subliminally by peers, parents, teachers and the wider community.
In telling Emory’s story, Conkel has flipped the victim/bully paradigm on its head. How Emory navigates the dark side of growing up gay is at the heart of this play. He survives because of his imagination, his courage and his love of life.
MilkMilkLemonade is a painfully funny exploration of gender, sexuality, life, death and the need to dream up a world where you can be true to yourself.
Director: Melita Rowston Cast: Mark Dessaix, Leah Donovan, Sarah Easterman, Kieran Foster, Pete Nettell
Set and Costumes: Antoinette Barbouttis Lighting: Richard Whitehouse Sound: Kent Rowston Production Manager: Fern George Stage Manager: Gaëlle Clark Choreographer: Angela Blake Assistant Choreographer: Joel Thomas Vocal Coach: Helen Tonkin
MilkMilkLemonade
Season: 7 February - 2 March 2013
Venue: New Theatre
Address: 542 King St, Newtown
Bookings: 1300 347 205 or online: www.newtheatre.org.au
Image: Bob Seary
MilkMilkLemonade is presented as part of the 2013 Sydney Mardi Gras.
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