Missed La Soiree last time it played in Brisbane? Heard everyone you know — and everyone they know — talk about it? You'd best redress that gap in your theatre-going this time, or prepare for another year or so of being told how great it is. For ten years, La Soiree has travelled the world showcasing their blend of cabaret, new burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary vaudeville. So far, so standard; however, their efforts really do defy definition, let alone expectation. You've never been to a show quite like it, to put it plainly. Take everything you think you know about acrobats, contortionists and chanteuses, and throw it out the window. Developed by the performers behind La Clique and featuring an ever-changing lineup of performers, La Soiree is spicier, stranger and funnier — and with more glamour and fewer inhibitions — than an average night's entertainment, or an unusual evening's show, come to think of it. You'll not only find out why it has won awards and hearts in tandem, but you'll also get up close and personal to the action. Here, every audience member sits on stage within touching distance of the performers. Yes really. Image by Prudence Upton.
If you're fond of all things French, then you're probably fond of a certain annual event. That'd be So Frenchy So Chic, aka Australia's yearly dose of Francophile heaven. Melbourne and Sydney get a day in the park to celebrate, while Brisbane gets an intimate evening of Gallic crooning. So Frenchy So Chic has been bringing the best of everyone's favourite European country to our shores for a few years now; however their 2016 offering might just blow their previous lineups out of the water. None other than Lou Doillon tops the bill — and if you don't know who the French Grammy award-winner is, then prepare to get excited. Doillon is the daughter of Jane Birkin and half-sister of Charlotte Gainsbourg, which makes her French pop royalty. She's also a talented purveyor of dreamy folk-blues tunes in her own right, and she's keen to celebrate the release of Lay Low, her latest album. Ooh la la.
When it comes to progressive, psychedelic '70s rock of both the mind-expanding and brain-melting variety, no one comes close to Pink Floyd. They took listeners to The Dark Side of the Moon and over The Wall — and those two albums became two of the best-selling records of all time. Yes, Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and company certainly made an impact as they experimented their way through a hallucinogenic soundscape. The Triffid agrees, which is why they're dedicating an evening to all things Pink Floyd. Get excited, because the Newstead venue is throwing another one of their tribute nights. Twin Haus, TSUN, Magenta Voyeur, Lucy Star Satellite and Micropsia will be doing the honours — i.e. giving their respective spins to the Floyd's iconic back catalogue. Each will play four tracks by the British band, plus two of their own, and yes, they'll be simultaneously trying to make audiences overflow with prog-rock bliss and feel comfortably numb.
When artist Charles Blackman made the journey from Sydney to Brisbane in the late 1940s, his work was forever changed. The city gave birth to some of his most famous pieces, and Queensland would continue to be influential in his output for the rest of his career. That makes the Queensland Art Gallery a rather fitting venue for an exhibition of Blackman's Sunshine State-inspired efforts. Amassing more than 50 paintings and works on paper — as sourced from more than 12 private and state collections — Lure of the Sun: Charles Blackman in Queensland explores his development, the connections and friendships he made while living north of the border, and their ongoing impact. Appropriately, it also displays his work alongside the likes of fellow Australian artists Laurence Hope, Laurence Collinson and Jon Molvig, compiling a trip through Blackman's artistic history both on and off the canvas. Think of it as a snapshot not only of one of the nation's most important painters, but of a creative social network. Image: Blackman, Charles. Australia b.1928 / The Blue Alice 1956-57 / Tempera, oil and household enamel on composition board / Purchased 2000. The Queensland Government's special Centenary Fund / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
All good things must come to an end, but not without a last hurrah. That's the role of the after party, where everyone lets their hair down after a big event, and things get weird and wonderful. Of course, such a task is tricky following something like Wonderland, Brisbane Powerhouse's festival dedicated to all things offbeat and unusual. How do you outdo three weeks of eclectic and eccentric arts programming? With everything from big-name cabaret acts to tiny underground cult artists, of course — and with Velvet Helmet, Ruckus Slam, Brisbane Powerhouse and the New Globe Theatre joining forces. Live street art painting, storytelling boudoirs and a dance floor will also feature across three rooms, multiple performance stages and an all-round frenzy of performance. That's not all, thanks to a bustling bill that includes Lady Longdrop, Kristian Santic, Dani Cabs, Daz Buckley, Anna Straker and BADCLOWN, just to name a few. There's a reason this shindig is called The Best After Party Ever, after all. To find out if it lives up to its name, you'll just have to be there.
We've all done it at some point: drawn or painted a picture of ourselves. You were probably made to in high school, and before that you definitely committed your likeness to paper in primary school. Think of them as the original selfies. Every two years, the University of Queensland invites a selection of artists to craft a new self-portrait — and every two years, one of them wins $50,000 for their troubles. In 2015, that honour went to Fiona McMonagle. She painted a single portrait at 7pm every day over 100 days, then turned it into a 16-second animation. Her piece is currently on display at the National Self-Portrait Prize 2015 exhibition, alongside the introspective offerings of her fellow contenders. Perusing their efforts, you'll be fascinated by the way these creative folks see themselves — and you'll likely be inspired to make your own attempt.
Remember the way you looked at things when you were a kid? Ordinary sights such as suburban streets and houses seemed extraordinary. Your local neighbourhood was a place of wonder. Every trip outside of the house was an adventure. Brisbane artist J Valenzuela Didi doesn't just remember that feeling — he wants to recapture it. His current solo exhibition, Stillness in Transit, is his attempt to view the world with the awe and excitement of a child. Across a series of pieces, he paints familiar scenes as alien landscapes and lone figures as solitary explorers. With evocative names such as Summertime Sadness, One More Saturday and Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day, Didi's latest work does exactly what he intends: examines everyday images in a new light. It's just the latest impressive feat for the emerging creative, who boasts a swag of art show awards and placings on his resume, including the best of show prize at the Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular 2015.
Keen on a trip to the Gold Coast, but short on an excuse to do so? If heading to the beach isn't reason enough, then maybe enjoying a few brews is. That's the aim of the game at Craft Beer Day — The Gold Coast Way, aka the tourist hotspot's take on everyone's favourite drinking trend. The details are simple: converge upon RSL Club Southport, try over 20 different beers from local brewers, and relish the combination of coastal vibes and craft beverages. Okay, there's more to the event than that, with beer appreciation classes also on offer, complete with your own glasses to take home with you. Local legend and triple j Unearthed star Matt Armitage will provide a few afternoon tunes, while the likes of Black Hops, Burleigh Brewing, Byron Bay Brewery, Matilda Bay, Cricketers Arms, Fortitude, Calibre, Holgate and Green Beacon have the booze side of things covered. When it comes to ways to spend a Sunday, this sounds like bliss. Image: Ricky Kharawala, Stocksnap.
Last year, the Brightside welcomed fried chicken joint Lucky Egg to the fold; however that's not the Fortitude Valley venue's only source of edible fun. They also invited some of the city's favourite sources of meals on wheels to stop by for a laneway party, aka Truck-It. And now they're back with a second version, celebrating Brisbane's obsession with street food once more. This time around, The Bun Mobile will be making Warner Street their temporary home yet again, and they'll be joined by a bunch of others that are yet to be announced. Whoever they happen to be, we're sure they'll ensure Truck-It 2 is yet another scrumptious way to end a Friday. As always, we recommend arriving hungry. If you didn't make it along last time but you have been to one of Brighty's regular shindigs, no doubt you're already keen — and no doubt you already know that it's not just your stomach that'll be satisfied. Fun is also on the menu, courtesy of a FIFA comp projected onto the walls of the venue's car park, a round of musical bingo or several, and — what else? — a food challenge. Image via The Bun Mobile.
Another week, another new market — the dream scenario of weekend shoppers across the city, let's be honest. This time around, Metre Market joins the fold. Fashion is their main domain, but you'll also find music, food and arts among their stalls. In fact, with giving Brisbanites an opportunity to sell their pre-loved clothes the main reason the market came to fruition, you can even get in on the action by applying for a metre or two of space. And if all you want to do is browse and buy, there's plenty of that on offer too. The first Metre Market will take place on February 7 at the Morningside School of the Arts, and promises to set quite the precedent for future events. Not only is it free, but it features pretty posies from In Bloom Flower Co., homewares by T-leaf Collections and Axsher, outfits from local labels Evangeline and Jada Blue, and creative prints by Ellamee Art and Illustration — among other stalls, of course. Just where and when they'll pop up next is yet to be announced, so heading along to their inaugural outing is highly recommended. Plus, their first Morningside site is less than a block away from the Southside Tea Room and Death Valley, should you need some pre-market sustenance or post-market beverages. Find Metre Market at the Morningside School of the Arts, on the corner Wynnum Road and Ison Street, from 9am to 2pm on February 7. For more information, check out their website or Facebook page.
A teenager runs away with her best friend. Her distraught parents search for her. A retired detective lends a hand — and the situation he uncovers is both quite ordinary and a little bit odd. If there's one thing that Looking for Grace recognises, it's that daily life can be equally routine and strange. A tense scenario can have a lighter side. Stress can turn to laughter. In dramatic circumstances, people don't always know how to behave. No one — not the eponymous Grace (Odessa Young), her pal Sappho (Kenya Pearson), mother Denise (Radha Mitchell), father Dan (Richard Roxburgh) or former cop Tom (Terry Norris) — really knows what they're doing, particularly after the girls and a secret stash of cash goes missing. Trekking across Western Australia to attend a concert, Grace is happy flirting with a charismatic traveller (Harry Richardson), though Sappho is less content being the third wheel. At home, Denise tries to remain calm, while Dan is distracted by the affair he's been trying but failing to have with an employee (Tasma Walton). Their individual tales are offered up in chapters, splitting the broader narrative into separate but interlocking strands. Some details are revealed early, with Grace's section served up first, while other inclusions — the brief segment focusing on truck driver Bruce (Myles Pollard), for example — only become significant once all the pieces have been put together. Such fragmentation may help extend an otherwise slight effort, but it proves the least convincing aspect of the film. Thankfully, the feature's structure also highlights its strengths: the characters, the multitude of realistic reactions to their various predicaments, and the fine-tuned performances of the actors who play them. Indeed, Looking for Grace works best both as a series of character studies and as a showcase for the talents of its key cast. Writer/director Sue Brooks fleshes out the former more than the slender story might seem to indicate, and benefits from the latter, especially where the trio of Young, Roxburgh and Mitchell are involved. Young sells a crucial mix of confidence and restlessness, while Roxburgh ensures his troubled everyman never comes across as pathetic, even when Looking for Grace veers into suburban parody. Often caught between the two, the pitch-perfect Mitchell proves the feature's standout player, as well as a weathervane for its mood and fortunes. When she's hitting the mark, so is the film. Elsewhere, Brooks continues the love affair with the Australian landscape she started in 1997's Road to Nhill and furthered in 2003's Japanese Story. In fact, cinematographer Katie Milwright's dusty visuals provide the perfect counterpoint to the helmer's fondness for stylisation, with Looking for Grace also an exercise in contrasts. Brooks frequently layers conflicting elements over the top of each other, such as jaunty music over sparse images, to ensure the clash of the usual and the not so is always apparent. The movie veers in tone as a result, sometimes jarringly so — but just like life, it works much more often than it doesn't.
Think of art school, and a very particular image probably pops into your head. The room is sparse and solemn, the models are quiet and unclothed, and wannabe artists draw what they see onto big sheets of paper. Offering the very opposite of that experience is exactly why Dr Sketchy's creative extravaganza has been deemed an anti-art school. Here, newcomers and experienced artists alike can gaze upon burlesque performers instead of traditional life models, soak up an atmosphere of boozy chaos and generally have fun. BYO drawing equipment from home and drink from the Powerhouse bar. The latter is just as important as the former.
If you like your jazz drum-free and heavy on the guitar and violin — aka in the style called hot gypsy — then prepare to spend four days in music heaven. The annual OzManouche Festival of Hot Gypsy Jazz is back for another run, and it's taking over the Brisbane Jazz Club. Actually, OzManouche isn't rolling out just another yearly event — it's celebrating its tenth birthday. With concerts, workshops, masterclasses, film screenings and food on the bill, including Hank Marvin Gypsy Jazz, The Cope Street Parade and Salon de Swing serving up their best jazzy tunes, it seems that they have the perfect program for the occasion. OzManouche belongs to a bustling tradition of similar festivals around the world, including the famed Samois Festival du Django Reinhardt in France. That's why performers flock from all over Australia to take part, and why Brisbanites should rush to enjoy the experience in their own backyard.
Labels. What are they good for? Well, we all know the answer to that: absolutely nothing. That's Jessica McKerlie's attitude, and she feels strongly about it. In fact, she feels so strongly about it that she has written several songs, poems and burlesque performances about the topic. And she's bring it all together in her MELT Festival show, Gender Spanner. Her ditties and musings endeavour to dissect gender stereotypes, as based on McKerlie's own explorations. Sure, you've probably been on this kind of journey before, but we're sure you haven't experienced it through McKerlie's words and music — or with spinning plates, dance moves and a tiny ukulele.
Before the internet loved cats, the stage did too. Back in the early '80s, musical maestro Andrew Lloyd Webber took T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, turned it into a tale of feisty felines, and triumphed in West End and on Broadway. Even if you haven't seen it, you've heard of it. Indeed, CATS is one of those productions that always seems to be on in a theatre somewhere; it has played to 73 million people in over 300 cities around the world, after all. In Australia, the latest staging is doing the rounds, with Brisbane its next stopover. The Olivier Award-nominated revival once again follows the Jellicle Cats as they come out to play in a larger-than-life junkyard, with plenty of memories made — and the song 'Memory' sung — in the antics that follow. Even if that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, we know you're fond of the cute creatures at the show's centre. Don't make us check your YouTube history. Image: CATS the Musical.
Laundry: everyone does it, albeit begrudgingly. Washing, drying and folding clothes, towels and sheets isn't really a fun activity — but, if you delve a little deeper, it is an interesting one. Yes, we just said that one of the least liked household chores can be fascinating. Yes, we meant it. It's the history and significance of this routine task, including clothesline aesthetics, gendered labour and environmental sustainability, that intrigues — and forms the basis of Hung Out to Dry: Space, Memory and Domestic Laundry Practices at the UQ Art Museum. More than just a pseudo-celebration of the humble Hills Hoist, although that's included as well, Hung Out to Dry takes a playful look at the act that inspires its name. Sixteen artworks by the likes of Chris Bennie, Bill Henson, Mari Hirata, Adrienne Kneebone, Tracey Moffatt, Georgie Roxby Smith and Arryn Snowball offer their spin, accompanied by an interactive installation charting the oral history of laundry around the world. Washing your clothes might still be a drag, but you'll be thinking about it in a whole new way. Image: Adrienne Kneebone - As rough as grass undies 2006/2015
You won't want to be late to this very important date, even if it suits the occasion. It's not every day that all things Alice in Wonderland take over the Brightside, after all. Think mad hatters, giant rabbits, teacup cocktails and much, much more. Feeling curious? A lantern-lit forest awaits upon entry, and the beer garden will become a whole lot rosier. Feeling curiouser and curiouser? There'll also be bunny ears for early arrivals, plus a soundtrack by A Night in Texas, Tomb of Doom, Enfield, Wildheart and Thriller DJs. Yes, it really be a land of wonder. The theming is only the beginning of the fun, with the rest coming from you. Whichever interpretation of Lewis Carroll's story you love, here's your chance to celebrate. The best dressed will win prizes, but everyone who tumbles down the rabbit hole really should break out their best Cheshire cat grin, too.
"Crocodile, kangaroo, ants and unicorns. No meat is safe." Their words, not ours. Head along to this quirky beer degustation dinner as Pig ‘N’ Whistle, Stone & Wood and Fortitude Brewing Co join forces to match street-style food with brews. Dive into six courses and put your tastebuds to the test as they have to guess the protein used. PS Unicorn tastes like rainbows.
Prepare to step inside the mind of a cinematic genius. It’s a big call, sure, but when it comes to David Lynch, it’s true. No one makes movies quite like the man who brought us Eraserhead, Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, and we mean no one. As part of the David Lynch: Between Two Worlds exhibition and his accompanying visit to Brisbane, the Gallery of Modern Art is diving deep into his distinctive audiovisual catalogue, screening every feature he has ever made. That means you can watch the sci-fi flick he took his name off of, Dune; his Palme d’Or winner, Wild at Heart; and his old-man-on-a-lawnmower tale, The Straight Story — and that’s only the beginning of a very eclectic bunch of movies. Reaching beyond the obvious stuff to the obscure as well, nine programs of short films will show his abridged slices of absurdity, covering almost 50 years of his career. Documentaries will delve into his films, art, fondness for meditation and a Duran Duran concert. Yes really. And then there’s the thing we’ve all been waiting for: the chance to see the two-hour Twin Peaks pilot episode as well as the series’ horror sequel/prequel Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, on the big screen. BYO damn fine cup of coffee.
Everyone knows that music is best when it is live and loud, and Brisbane has the event to prove it. That’d be the aptly named Brisbane Live Music Week, a seven-day showcase of the city’s sonic shenanigans presented by community radio station 4ZZZ. Any and all gigs taking place in Brisbane from March 22 to 28 technically fit the bill, but there’s much more to this celebration of the city’s thriving music scene than that. There’s also one-off shows, album launches and a boutique bohemian festival, championing a variety of acts, styles and venues. Horrorshow, Katie Noonan, Sticky Fingers, Uriah Heap, The Furrs, Kingswood and Megadeth’s David Ellefson all feature on a lineup that any event would dream of having, spanning local legends, home-grown up-and-comers and international stars. Keep checking the BLMW website for the latest additions, and for those who can’t make it in person, there’ll be special live-to-air performances across 4ZZZ and their online outlets.
Australians devour approximately 190,000 tonnes of meat per year. This equates to 120kg per person per annum, which is almost three times as much as the world average. Despite the phenomenal increase in meat consumption over the last few decades, particularly in pork and poultry, the number of pig producers in the country has reduced by 94 percent and there are only two major producers of chicken. This is largely why two-thirds of the world's meat now comes from factory farming. So what can you do about the animal cruelty and health problems this gross over-consumption is causing? Take part in Meat Free Week from March 23 - 29 to help spread the word and raise funds for this important issue. Money raised from the initiative goes to charities such as Voiceless, who help protect factory farmed animals in Australia. And they're not trying to persuade you to become an avid vegan or vegetarian; it's simply about modifying meat consumption: limiting meat intake and only choosing free-range animal products in order to reduce the amount of factory farming in Australia. You could also improve your own health in the process, as eating excessive amounts of meat can lead to heart disease, kidney failure or even cancer. Head to the Meat Free Week website to read more and sign up.
Coming-of-age tales of teens and dreams may be a cinema staple, but they're common theatre fodder too. In Samson, young hearts run free, but they also weather the ups and downs of life in a Queensland country town. That's where Essie, Beth and Sid are simply trying to get through days filled with too much sun and too little hope. It might sound like a bleak scenario, yet Samson looks like a darkly beautiful story of the resilience of the youth. Think melancholy over melodrama, and a big heart to counteract the brutality, all wrapped up with a sense of humour. This is a world premiere of a new work, plus a Brisbane stage debut. The production stems from the pen of Julia-Rose Lewis, returning to La Boite after holding the position of their playwright-in-residence in 2013. It also marks the first time rising star Ashleigh Cummings of Puberty Blues and Tomorrow When the War Began fame has tread the local boards. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll see something you won't see elsewhere — even at the movies.
I’m sure the thought has crossed your mind. Your love affair with beer is momentous, and beer has never let you down, yelled at you in public or asked you to take the bins out. Beer encourages you to play the field and see other people, and doesn’t complain if you’re out too late. While marrying beer is not a reality, the next best thing is coming to Brewsvegas. Brisbane Brewing Co and Ekim Brewing invite all to join a day of merriment as they commemorate a special brewnion with fancy brews, food, prizes, wedding singers, hilarious speeches and more.
We’re going on a beer hunt. We’re going to find the best one. What a beer-iful night We’re not scared. Oh yes! A river, A cold, golden river. We can’t go over it We can’t go under it, We’ll have to drink through it! Gulp gulp, gulp gulp... Gather a crew of four to six and meet at Super Whatnot for your first brew from 6.30pm. Here you will receive your first mystery clue as to where you’ll end up next. Grab a Holgate beer at each venue to receive a playing card and clue. Continue your card hunt around the city. The group with the best poker hand at the end wins.
A much-loved staple in the Port Douglas community, Origin Espresso specialises in sourcing sustainably produced beans. Pull up a cushion-topped beer keg and order a signature blend or single origin. Either way, the coffee beans are roasted in-house, and the coffee goes exceptionally well with a baked treat — think custard-filled spiced pumpkin doughnuts from local baker Duke's Doughnuts or a gluten-free brownie. Image: Andrew Watson via Tourism and Events Queensland.
You can't help but conjure up images of the romanticised '60s Woodstock era while listening to Richard In Your Mind. Putting forward a Beatles-ish pop sound swathed with psychedelic and krautrock rythyms, the Sydney five-piece have just released their newest album, Ponderosa via Rice Is Nice, the local record label boasting a host of Sydney talent such as Donny Benet and SPOD. RIYM's tunes are a fun and light-hearted affair, exploring overarching themes of things like nature, exploration and escapism — no doubt influenced by the band's hours spent in the Blue Mountains, where they recorded the tracks. To launch Ponderosa, Richard In Your Mind are playing a couple of intimate shows along the East Coast. This Brisbane leg sees the crew supporting New York-based (via Japan) avant-garde legends Cibo Matto on their first trip to Australia, joining Regurgitator's Ben Ely. It might not be the 1960s anymore, but these guys are definitely making sure the crazy psychedelia still lives on. And if you haven't seen the video for latest single 'Hammered in the Daytime', do yourself a favour and click the tab above. It's the family TV show we truly wish existed. https://youtube.com/watch?v=kMyxjFAyLMU
"I've never wanted to look young; I want to look great". Great is an understatement: Joyce Carpati's ensemble is unashamedly chic. Dressed in head-to-toe black, the octogenarian sports a classic braided up-do, flashes a statement lip and is positively dripping in pearls. Pearls, feathers and fur aplenty — not mention many an outrageous hat — make Advanced Style a visual feast. Based on the blog of the same name by Ari Seth Cohen, the documentary flies in the face of today's youth-obsessed fashion culture, exploring the eclectic flair of seven New Yorkers aged between 62 and 95. Cohen teamed up with Lithuanian-born filmmaker Lina Plioplyte to spend four years shooting the low-budget documentary with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. The small scale of the production comes through in the intimacy of the finished feature. The documentary give us insight into the lives of these unique New Yorkers, weaving together vignettes of their personal stories in a structure that is at times rambling yet nevertheless engaging. You simply can't help but be captivated by the bright red eyelashes of Ilona Royce Smithkin, a 93-year-old art teacher whose falsies are cut from her own flame-coloured hair. Or take Tziporah Salamon, the 64-year-old who spends seven years perfecting a single ensemble and refuses to cycle with a helmet because "every outfit has a hat". The documentary skilfully portrays the diversity of these seven women. They range in age, taste and socioeconomic background; one has a penchant for Chanel handbags, while another worries about rent and (somehow) manages to create striking jewellery from used toilet paper rolls. At the same time, however, the film doesn't shy away from the shared reality of ageing. Concerns over lost loved ones, responsibilities as carers and missing out on motherhood arise, as well as the difficulties of physical disabilities that come with getting older — ex-dancer Jacquie Tajah Murdock is legally blind and still looks fabulous. These more serious moments lend real humanity to the individual women and depth to the film as a bold and refreshing celebration of ageing. These seven women are a testament to a future the rest of us can all look forward to — an age when we'll also have the self-confidence to team bright red eyelashes with look-at-me lipstick and a giant feather boa. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9g5FOEG99yo
In an age of GPS navigation and Siri-dependency, the idea of using of a hand-held, pull-out map seems a little dated. But one Brisbane artist, Sue Beyer, is exercising her cartography skills liberally to construct meaningful, allegorical masterpieces that combine her painting skills with the rigid, boundary-heavy outlines of maps. Her latest exhibition, Betwixt and Between, is driven by Beyer’s unique set of interests in painting, roller-skating and motor biking, and the role location can have on each. Her pieces show the concept of place as a continually fluid and shifting set of experiences — her work incorporates traditional lines and shapes that give maps their structure but combine it with puddles and patches of colour. This combination makes for bold and dynamic abstract forms, with information and illusion coming together to on the canvas.
The 1962 novel, by Ken Kesey, is considered one of literature’s greatest, as well as one of its most frequently banned. The 1975 film, directed by Milos Forman, won five Academy Awards, including best picture and best actor for Jack Nicholson. Now One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest treads the boards, with a new stage production bringing the classic to Brisbane Arts Theatre. Adapted by Dale Wasserman, and featuring a cast of up-and-coming performers, the play once more delves into the hierarchy of a mental institution. Randle P. McMurphy is a charming rogue who has chosen a stint in the asylum over a prison sentence, but his brand of rebellion clashes with the icy efficiency of Nurse Ratched. The penultimate work in Brisbane Arts Theatre’s 2014 season, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest caps a great year for screen-to-stage offerings after successful productions of The Breakfast Club and The Addams Family.
Miss Destiny churn out a brand of no-nonsense rock and roll with a personal twist of glam rock influence. The Melbourne band feature a few Brisbane expats and are touring the country to promote their new single ‘House Of Wax’, released recently on US label Hozac Records. The band is playing two shows in Brisbane, alongside some of the best local acts around. Saturday the 20th will see Miss Destiny play the Chardons Corner Hotel with Blank Realm, Martyr Privates and Thigh Master. If you can’t make the show, Miss Destiny will also be performing at the 4ZZZ carpark on Sunday afternoon with Multiple Man and Concrete Lips. Be sure to catch this amazing band while you still can. Either show will be amazing and will provide a nice glimpse into the hottest bands in the Australian underground. Watch the new video for ‘House of Wax’ here.
The distinction between American and Australian cop dramas is about as close to black and white as you can get before literally stripping them of colour. Thematically, the US genre is driven by 'heroism' — brave (and usually maverick) police officers who go above and beyond the line of duty to save anything, from a family member to an entire city. Not so in Australia. Here, it is 'corruption' that most frequently forms the basis of plot lines, reflecting either a sorry state of confidence in our law enforcement agencies, or acceptance that action films don't really work in Australia (ie: Mission Impossible II). The latest offering, Felony, takes place in Sydney's inner west and was written, produced and starred in by Joel Edgerton. Edgerton plays Malcolm Toohey, a hero cop whose near miss during a drug raid (he's shot by a fleeing suspect in the film's frantic opening scene) leads to a heavy night of drinking alongside the other officers involved. Later, as he drives home (narrowly avoiding an RBT arrest thanks to a 'cop to cop' password), he accidentally knocks a young boy off his bike and makes the split-second decision to lie about how he came to be first on scene. From that moment on Felony becomes a story about the toxicity of deception and its capacity for infecting all those who are touched by it. It's one of those films that almost immediately registers in that part of your brain where uncomfortable truths reside, refusing to let you dismiss the story as 'mere fiction'. It's all very real, and human and confronting in its simplicity. One lie builds upon another so quickly that you soon find yourself gasping for air on behalf of the characters, and you can never shake the feeling that it will all eventually come crashing down. Worse, you can't quite decide if you want it to. Edgerton managed to pull together an impressive cast to star alongside him, including Tom Wilkinson as the senior cop spearheading the coverup, Jai Courtney as Wilkinson's eager young partner and Melissa George as Edgerton's wife; however, it's Edgerton who most impresses. He neatly captures his character's confusion, fear, conflict and self-loathing without ever threatening to overplay any of it, and his performance is strong enough to rise above the occasional misteps in the script. The ending is unnecessarily symmetrical, certainly, and there's a subplot that goes confusingly AWOL somewhere in the third act, but overall it's a solid film with an excellent turn from its lead. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qjHvfnB8SRI
Another week, another Shakespeare adaptation treads the boards ‚ but don’t dare think you’ve seen it all before. As theatrical minds continue to be driven to tweak the bard’s texts in different directions, much of the fun stems from the varying interpretations, as well as the many modernising touches that often result. In both areas, La Boite’s new take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream promises to deliver beyond the enchanted lovers, fools and fairies fans already know and love. Here, writer and director Benjamin Schostakowski (of A Tribute of Sorts) uproots the charmed romantic tale from Athens to a nostalgia-tinged vision of the ordinary Australian neighbourhood. The story still centres on a love rectangle, amateur actors rehearsing a play, an impending wedding and the interference of magical creatures. Just add lava lamps, slide nights and macrame wall-hangings for an over-the-top local spin both offbeat and amusing.
This time last year Tkay Maidza received a bunch of international attention for her release of 'Brontosaurus' (ft. Badcop). But to us, she sounded just like any another artist making miscellaneous party noises reminiscent of that act who plays those festivals we try to avoid. That being said, within the year she's developed into something special. Her latest EP Switch Tape offers '90s inspired breaks, with interesting production and confident vocal performances throughout. Adelaide's answer to Azealia Banks, Maidza brings so much energy to her recordings and we can't wait to see her on stage. After touring the UK and US, she's now returning home and hitting the road with a national tour for the new EP. Hitting up Sydeny's Chinese Laundry, Melbourne's Can't Say and Brisbane's Alhambra Lounge, Maidza's sure to bring a pretty big party. Even Adelaide is getting some love — this local kid definitely has definitely done good.
Who hasn't gazed up at the stars above and wanted to know more? Well, here's your chance. Professor Brian Cox, rock star of the particle physics world and an advisor on Danny Boyle's Sunshine, is coming to Brisbane for a four-day celebration of music, film and the wonders of the universe. A series of concerts is the main attraction of Journey Through the Cosmos, focused on the planets in our solar system. Professor Cox's insights accompany a performance of Gustav Holst's The Planets Suite, considered one of the most spectacular works in all symphonic literature. Want to learn more? Lectures and talks round out the busy program. Learn from Professor Cox's discussions on The Physics of Time and Einstein’s Universe, each with a special musical performance. Or find out more about the art of composing for Hollywood movies from Academy and Golden Globe award-winner Dario Marianelli of Atonement fame, who also recently constructed a concerto to represent the journey of the Voyager spacecraft.
The event aptly known as Pedal was initiated by two friends as they met up in Copenhagen’s summer of 2013. Falling for the city’s successful cycling culture, they decided to bring the sentiment back to their home town of Brisbane, and along with it, positive messages about cycling by way of the arts. After the widely talked about and celebrated event of Pedal Brisbane last year, the 2014 edition is set to take over the Queensland Museum with an outdoor cinema, a photography exhibition, stalls for cycling fanatics and even bicycle giveaways. But what better way to show off the benefits of riding than by actually going for a ride? The inaugural group ride will take place in King George Square, aiming to showcase the fun and style of pushbike transport.
Sydney trio Little May could be Australia's answer to folk warblers First Aid Kit. They've certainly been compared to the Swedish duo, and to New Zealand's Tiny Ruins, but at the moment they are carving out their own path. They've recently put out their debut, self-titled EP and just wrapped up an Australian tour with the legendary Rodriguez. But there's no rest for the wicked (or the wickedly charming, in this case). Little May are about to embark on a 12-date national headline tour to promote the EP. They'll be spreading the good vibes around Black Bear Lodge on December 6 supported by Winterbourne. To find out more, check out our interview. We asked them for their best tips for summer road trips.
That annual occasion to eat, drink and be merry has come around; no, not Christmas, although foodies can forgiven for thinking so. Prepare to sample good food and drink good wine at The Good Food and Wine Show. It's all there in the title. If devouring delicious treats is your thing –—and it is, let’s be honest — then your tastes are catered for. Try local and regional produce in the show’s themed zones, such as dairy-lover’s wonderland Cheese Alley, and food truck mustering ground Nip of Courage Grazing Garden. Or learn from the best, as famed chefs Alastair McLeod, Matt Golinski, Matt Moran, Miguel Maestre, Maggie Beer and Matt Stone cook up a storm in The Courier Mail Theatre. For the first time ever, even beer-drinkers can choose a brew over a tipple at their own seminars. From coffee to chocolate, and market-style browsing to masterclasses, there’s something for everyone.
Annabelle opens with unnecessary intertitles, advising that dolls are liked by children and collectors, and used in occult rituals. Next, the spin-off from The Conjuring links to its predecessor, revisiting that feature's introductory snippet of three housemates quivering in fear over a frightening figurine. So far, so standard — and so it continues in the same obvious, uninteresting vein. The scene is set for haunted horror cliches centred on a possessed porcelain plaything, sans punch or personality. A year prior, doctor-in-training John (Ward Horton) bought it to complete the antique collection of his pregnant wife, Mia (Annabelle Wallis). When murderous satanic cultists break into their Santa Monica home, it is the doll they covet, leaving it splattered in blood. Strange things soon start happening around the house, but moving to a Pasadena apartment doesn't solve their problems. Even throwing Annabelle away proves pointless, while seeking the assistance of a friendly bookstore owner (Alfre Woodard) and local priest (Tony Amendola) just immerses others in their supernatural troubles. As things go bump in the night, lights flicker and doors slam, Annabelle doesn't deviate from run-of-the-mill scares, employing the same techniques as its predecessor. What's missing is subtlety and suspense, with everything telegraphed so far in advance that eliciting genuine jumps becomes impossible. The usual inexplicably moving items are handled well enough, though the same can't be said for cheap-looking CGI as demonic forces manifest. Lingering shots of the titular toy benefit from slow panning and zooming; however, simply staring at something isn't particularly terrifying. The Conjuring isn't the only film cinematographer-turned-director John R. Leonetti unsuccessfully attempts to imitate — and sadly, it isn't Child's Play's off-kilter chaos he evokes, either. Though the movie's central mother gives birth early, the idea of her home alone, afraid and exercising her maternal protective instincts recalls Rosemary's Baby, albeit dulled and dumbed down, not to mention plagued by highly questionable character decisions. When Annabelle resurfaces from the trash, wouldn't disposing of her again be the clear option? Sure, the feature would be over, but so would its patchy pastiche of poorly rendered tropes. Leads Horton and Wallis do little to lift B-movie writer Gary Dauberman's script, their wooden reading of equally stilted dialogue giving the film a TV movie-of-the-week flavour. As they talk about ignoring the bizarre occurrences because they've moved their clothes, furniture and good memories to their new apartment and should keep playing happy families, it's hard not to laugh, particularly with nothing remotely spooky offered as distraction. Making a bad horror film is forgivable; making a bland one, less so. Where Annabelle best succeeds is in enthusing audiences for next year's The Conjuring sequel, hopefully a blatant departure from this and the proper follow-up the series deserves. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZlCkrl7ZRjU
The Emirates British Film Festival is back for another year, with more Benedict Cumberbatch than ever before. The Sherlock star gives a sure-to-be-Oscar-nominated performance in The Imitation Game, about mathematician Alan Turing, the man who cracked Nazi Germany's Enigma code and, in doing so, helped turn the tide of the war. The historical thriller is one of 15 recent films on the festival program, which kicks into gear at select Palace Cinemas this week. Other standouts include the Belle & Sebastian-infused musical God Help the Girl and the intense action-drama '71, set on the streets of Belfast during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. There are also new films from acclaimed directors including Liv Ullmann, Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, in the form of Miss Julie, Jimmy's Hall and Mr. Turner, respectively. The contemporary contingent is bolstered by a selection of six beloved classics from the 1960s. Get a dose of kitchen-sink realism with Billy Liar, go on the run with Michael Caine in The Italian Job or experience full-blown Beatlemania with A Hard Day's Night.
Class is over, Santa's been and gone, and chances are you’ve got time up your sleeves to kill. Uniform sleeves, that is. Brightside is hosting a hell of a school-themed bash, where uniforms – moth-eaten or not – are the only dress code. Slick your hair and pray your braces will be off before Sunday, December 28, because there’s going to be a photo booth to snap class photos. Math, history, geography, biology and chemistry quizzes will be dotted around the club, so study up – get them right, and you might be in line for a gold star and some treats from the bar. Aversions Crown, A Night in Texas, As Paradise Falls and Sedation will be providing tunes throughout the night, and Alex Crook and Andrew Power will be playing acoustic sets in the beer garden.
4ZZZ are pulling out all the stops for their Radiothon this year. Not only do we have HappyFest to look forward to, but we also have a massive session of fierce, live music on Sunday. Taking over The Underdog will be dozens of bands including Stone Chimp, Sons of the Soil, The 52 Pickups, Weezal. Eat City, Sabrina Lawrie & the Hunting Party (pictured), Flangipanis, Dirty Liars, Le Murd and heaps more. Also, there will be a 4ZZZ themed menu for those of you who like something tasty to go with their live music. Entry is cheap ($12), and even cheaper ($10) if you have subscribed to 4ZZZ (the perks are real) so get in early and stay for a massive night of music. Make sure you head to the 4ZZZ website to check out the event details or to become a subscriber. 4ZZZ is an institution and a massive provider of entertaining events in Brisbane – let’s keep it around.
Jess, the mastermind behind art/illustration label Winnifred’s Daughter, brings to you the works that are all her own. Inspired by her own upbringing as a child of the outdoors, Jess’ works are laced with nature. She claims her own childhood was spent under the sun, her hands caked with dirt and the vast farming areas of her parents’ livelihoods as her playground. The result in current day’s creative pursuits for Jess are characters who, like her, thrive in the unstructured wonder of outdoors, who revel in flora and dance with the fauna, and find the roots of mankind a homely place to be. Her media are as varied as her inspirations. Humble sketches and watercolours stretch towards the limitless bounds of childhood play and the area in which it took place for Jess. Head along to the opening night of this wonderful exhibition, indulge in drinks and nibbles and immerse yourself in Jess’ creative journey.
Most would trek to Istanbul to check out the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and or to grab a snazzy carpet, but that was far off artist Cailtin Franzmann’s agenda abroad. For three months, she worked at torna as a guest artist, and worked from this studio. But really, she cleaned cat poo from arcade corridors, ignored the smell, walked past strange patches of colour on the floor, and lost interest in looking at men walking in and out of the toilet at the end of her corridor She made friends with a coffee-house’s owner, they made a film, he read the newspaper, drank tea, offered some to Caitlin, and they both tolerated flickering lights. She listened to a water pipe in her studio, put dots on paper, turned the lights on and off, and in between all of this pieced together Invisible Movements, an exhibition of new work that explores the experience of the body in motion – its internal rhythms in relation to stimuli, spaces and speed. Invisible Movements will be hosted by Metro Arts, from July 16 to August 2. You can catch Caitlin talk about the exhibition and her experiences on July 23 – don’t bring up the cat smell.
When we take that first sip of our barista-brewed coffee on a workday morning, we often say to ourselves, and our friends, "I can't imagine living without coffee." Well, what about living without a roof over your head or a guaranteed meal? Unfortunately, this is what many homeless people around Australia face each day, but on Friday, August 8, you can help out simply by purchasing a coffee as part of CafeSmart. CafeSmart is an annual event from StreetSmart that raises money and awareness for the homeless and is back for its fourth year running, aiming to build on the $83,950 raised last year. From every coffee purchased at a participating cafe, $1 will be donated towards local projects, so if your cafe is not participating, head to one that is, just for one day. You can also donate at the counter, so if you prefer a hot chocolate, then you can still help out. It's one day when the little things can definitely make a big difference.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Rekorderlig. The words 'Full Moon Party' might usually bring to mind sandy, sunburnt backpackers in their tens of thousands lost in a cocktail-bucket-fuelled dance frenzy on some remote Thai island, but Thredbo's reclaiming their wintry potential on Australian soil. On three separate occasions this ski season, the Thredbo Alpine Hotel's Keller Bar is being transformed into a black-lit, werewolf-ridden dance cave, where you're pretty much invisible unless you've donned your white or fluorescent best. Just in case you're the forgetful type, you'll be presented with face paint and glow sticks as you walk through the door — free of charge (as is entry). For a beautifully Swedish start your night, arrive at the firepit-lined courtyard nice and early. The tunes start at 3pm and the Rekorderlig Hot Pool will be steaming (bonus: delicious mulled Winter Cider will be steaming too). The first part in the three-act series took part on July 12, with sets from SOSUEME DJs and Purple Sneakers, but the good news is, you've still two more opportunities to get in on the action. On August 10, you'll catch the Crooked Colour DJs, who were recently shortlisted in the Stoney Roads Producer of the Year Awards, and the I Oh You DJs. Then, on September 9, you'll be hearing from The L D R U, fresh from their crowd-wowing Splendour appearance, and Leah Mencel, 2012 winner of EMI's She Can DJ Comp.
Catherine Sagin and Kate Woodcroft are at it again. They’ve taken their relationship to a new level, this time entertaining their audience in the unlikeliest of places. “Catherine or Kate” as a Brisbane-based duo seek out the extremes of performance to entertain (and perhaps challenge the status quo) by any means possible. Their previous conquests (or questionable experiences) include posing as Queensland Maritime Museum chairmen, surveying service station attendants regarding their attractiveness, and having it out in the liveliest of fencing duels. Performance, videography, photography, even sculpture are their modes and “why not” are their means. Now, they are taking stage within a humble White Lady Funeral Home for An Occasion, where they'll be chatting about their experiences studying comedy, as well as their work together in individual interests in the arts. They’ve invited along the talents of Erika Scott, Courtney Coombs, Martin Smith, Joseph Breikers, Tim Kerr and David M. Thomas to create a work that isn't funny. Immerse yourself in the bizarre and absurd; it's for an occasion!
The future Maloufs, Keats and Wintons have to arise from somewhere, and your best bet at catching them is at Yarn: Second Helpings. For two years Yarn has pushed Brisbane’s finest story spinners in front of crowds, with there latest installment showing off the crème de la crème of our local wordsmiths. On the bill will be a few Yarn favourites – Andrew Last is a living legend in Brisbane whose stories tend to induce more laughter than lethargy. He’s as much a spinner of the spoken word as the written, and has long been in high demand on the local story-telling circuit. David Ridley, Daniel Lynch, Alice Elwell, Sam Maguire and Georgina Moserrat will be indulging listeners in some juicy tales, with Jack Vening hosting the evening. If you’ve ears to hear, an open mind, and care for streamers, party poppers and birthday cake, head along to Blackbear Lodge and check out these talented story tellers to what they do best.
Peter Kozak, winner of the Marie Ellis OAM Prize in 2012, presents an exhibition that is alluring and ignites curiosity. Snow is Flesh examines the idea and experience of decay — a concept so vast and involved, brought so eloquently to visual planes by simply putting pencil to paper. The aim is to conceptualise fraying fibres of strands of wool; the result are tangled, heaving bodies on the page, each with a mind and motivation of their own, working together to show the life that remains on the page, while tearing apart in an act of struggle or release. The “inevitable and uncontrollable changes that effect the human body on which we are all precariously dependent” will present a different meaning to each person who views Kozak’s work, and yet each illustration manages to collate the individual into one image. Assess and reflect in your own way; some describe viewing Kozak’s works as sharing in a meditative state, an opportunity to think about shared human experiences as well as the individuality of transience.
Held from the 1st of August to the 20th of September at Griffith Art Gallery is the Churchie National Emerging Art Prize exhibition. This exhibition showcases the cream of the crop of up and coming artists. The public are invited to mosey around the gallery and view a range of pieces from mediums such as contemporary, traditional and new media. This award has been running since 1987 and it aims to celebrate excellence in artist. The overall winner will receive a $15,000 prize sponsored by Brand and Slater architects. The artists on display at the Griffith Art Gallery are the chosen few whose pieces excelled. One such finalist is Kate Tucker, who was also a finalist in the Archibald Prize for her portrait of Missy Higgins. The official opening night and prize announcement will be held on Friday 1 August 6-8pm.
Love all things creative? Gather your artsy friends and head along to The Hold Artspace which will be home to Middle Ground 2 until 2 August. This exhibition is a collection of various art forms such as painting, sculpture, installation, printmaking and jewellery. The creative geniuses behind the intriguing pieces are Fine Ars Honours candidates from the Queensland College of Art. These students have been slaving away at their individual research projects for the past year and are excited to share the finished product. After a year of blood, sweat and tears, wandering around the gallery soaking in the creativity is the least you could do for these hard-working students. So why not spend a few hours taking in the work of Brisbane's next crop of artists. We guarantee they are a talented bunch indeed. The artist talk will be held on Thursday 31st July from 6-8pm.
