When cabaret and comedy are fuelled in a control-free environment, you know great things are in store. A perfect eye-opener for the over-committed, Confessions of a Control Freak attempts to trade in the frantic with the free-living-lifestyle all in one live performance. What happen’s when the suit up business woman trades corporate wear for yoga pants? When is it okay to switch mergers for margaritas? Confessions of a Control Freak has already had successful runs and sold shows in Melbourne and Adelaide, and now it’s Brisbane’s turn for a little Namaste. The show stars former ballerina and self-confessed control freak Belinda Raisin, as well as pianist Jamie Teh. Whether you’re a soccer mum who needs a reality check, a lawyer who has more suits than sense, or you’ve already discovered what happens when you let go a little, you best trot along to this live-show awakening – it’ll be more motivational than any book, and probably around the same price.
Want to serenade your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, but can’t carry a tune? Let Brisbane’s buskers do it for you while you enjoy the show — or several, and then several more. On the annual day dedicated to love, the Cultural Precinct will become a love-in for all things artistic and musical. At Valentine’s Busk, there’ll be singing, dancing, comedy and magic, across eight stages from the Gallery of Modern Art right across South Bank. There’ll also be an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest busk. Of course, there’s more — and we don’t just mean the activities on offer at the nearby Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the State Library, and the Queensland Museum, all linking in with their current programs. On the street is where the action is, whether checking out the city’s best buskers all afternoon, or enjoying a free, all-ages concert by The Basics once the sun goes down.
The world is grey and there are few absolutes. That slavery is abhorrent, however, is not a matter for debate. It is a black and white issue based on the black and white issue that ought never have been an issue in the first place. For some reason, though, cinema — so often the most effective form of public debate — has either largely steered clear of it or, at best, touched upon it with altogether reckless abandon (Django Unchained). Not so, 12 Years A Slave. In its own right, Steve McQueen's new movie is an extraordinarily accomplished and captivating piece, yet in the wider context of American history, both literary and filmic, it is nothing short of revelatory. Adapted from the 1853 memoir of the same name, it chronicles with undaunting authenticity the story of Solomon Northup, a free man of the north who was abducted under the pretence of observing the Fugitive Slave Act, then secreted across the Mason-Dixie line where he was sold into slavery for the next 12 years. Playing Northup is British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor in an assured and career-defining role. Subjected to countless closeups by McQueen, Ejiofor's every expression speaks volumes, with his near-impercetible parting of lips or minisucle tilt of his shoulders marking the difference between irrepressible joy and despairing submission into subservience. There are no weak links in the packed cast that also boasts Michael Fassbender, Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano and Brad Pitt (who produced the film); however, it is newcomer Lupita Nyong'o who best supports Eijofor as 'Patsey' — his fellow slave and the subject of a violent, destructive infatuation by their master, Epps (Fassbender). This is an unquestionably difficult film to watch; uncomfortable and unsettling for reasons that extend far beyond what transpires on screen. The enslavement of Northup — an educated, respectful and respected family man — feels an affront at every stage: he is conned, drugged, kidnapped, blackmailed, transported in secret, beaten and betrayed — even by those who were smart enough to recognise he was clearly never meant to be there. And therein lies perhaps the most discomforting layer of all, because, of course, no one was meant to be there. Slavery was the affront, and the realisation that Northup's tragedy feels somehow more unjust than (for want of a less despicable expression) those of the 'normal slaves', is at once confronting and embarrassing. This imagined distinction between 'slavery' and 'unfair slavery' is as redundant as Todd Aiken's 2012 reference to 'legitimate rape', yet in 12 Years a Slave the sense that gradations of cruelty exist visits you repeatedly. There are good slavers and bad, you feel; cruel overseers and kinder ones, despicable racists and the just mostly despicable. In his short carrer McQueen has already established himself as a director both prepared and determined to capture honest and unflinching representations of life, no matter how unattractive. Both Shame and Hunger cast their lights upon dark areas of the human condition, yet in 12 Years A Slave McQueen somehow goes even further. One extended scene, for example, involves an uninterrupted and excrutiatingly graphic lashing that was so horrific it momentarily warranted turning away from the screen. As my eyes met those of my neighbour, it was clear we were far from alone in doing so, yet our temporary retreat from the film was in no way an indictment upon it. It should be unbearable to watch, and it is, but you must persist, because in 12 Years A Slave McQueen has crafted an enthralling, thoughtful and necessary modern classic. https://youtube.com/watch?v=z02Ie8wKKRg
The hotly anticipated resurgence of Melbourne MC, Illy, will explode on to Brisbane’s own Zoo Stage this week. Assisted by pals of the highest calibre, Illy will be celebrating the success of his latest album Cinematic by way of an extended tour, which is already proving a sold-out success. The album is the fourth from the hip-hop highroller, this time joined by various cameo appearances from friends Daniel Merriweather, Hilltop Hoods and Drapht, and was produced by heavyweight M-Phazes. Illy has made strides since his first release, proving his own relatable charms, when matched with his admirable determination and finesse for the craft, are unstoppable. He’ll be joined by party favourites Jackie Onassis, as well as the cheeky Remi. Be sure to grab your tickets early - this is sure to be a hotly sought after gig for his ever-growing following, and in such a small arena it’s sure to be a unique experience.
Love vintage and pre-loved outfits? Tired of the hassle of trying to find things online? That's where Her Wardrobe — and its market of clothes, shoes and accessories — comes in. Off-line browsing and buying was a thing long before the days of eBay purchases, and at this shopping get-together, it's here to stay. In what promises to be a fabulous day for fashion, more than 10,000 items will be available to bulk up your clothing choices. You'll not only see them with your own eyes, but you'll also get to meet the folks behind the sartorial gems as you're scouring for bargains. And, if you have your own trove of vintage treasure that you're willing to part with, or if your closet just needs clearing out so that you can fill it with more stylish threads, you can sell your own stuff too. That's right, you can refresh your wardrobe, part with your unwanted attire and make some cash at the same time. That's a fashion trend we can get used to.
Rummaging through someone else's stuff for secondhand bargains is a pretty great way to spend a Sunday morning, but The Scratch have found a way to make it even better. Proving that even if it ain't broke, you can still fix it, they've combined a garage sale with refreshing beverages. Yes, they're geniuses. The Scratch Trash 'N’ Treasure is exactly what it sounds like: a flea market in a dive bar. Trawl through all the junk, toys, bric-a-brac, books, comics and beer memorabilia on offer, haggle your way to a great price and then wash down the taste of victory with your pint of choice. It's the only place where you can walk around drinking a beer while you shop — or while you sell all those trinkets you no longer need. If you've got your own pile of pre-loved goods you're happy to part with for cash, you can also become a stallholder by contacting the bar in advance.
Thirsty? If you're not now, you will be once you've read this. That's the only appropriate reaction to a festival of beer, after all. Just think of all the amber liquids and foamy goodness. Okay, enough drooling; here are the important details every ale lover needs: More than 130 beers and ciders will be on offer, plus an international food court. To set the mood for a full day of booze and food, there'll also be live music and DJs. Eating and drinking might be the main attractions at Brisbane Beer Fest's 2015 outing, but this is also an event for those serious about their beverages. Amid the tasting and the sampling of more tipples than you could dream of, you can also meet the folks behind 20-plus breweries and find out their tricks of the trade. If there's a beer heaven, this is it. Image via Green Beacon Brewing.
Everyone has their own Australia Day traditions. In the country town of Coriole, theirs includes eskies filled with beer, many a snag on many a barbecue, and the biggest party they can possibly throw — and they'll do anything to make sure that it all comes to fruition. Well, they will if the planning committee can first work through a few issues. Their topics of disagreement: what it means to be a true blue Aussie, and what a celebration of that fact should look like. Of course, everyone has a different opinion. Both writing and directing, playwright Jonathan Biggins tackles the country's annual day of days, but he's doing more than slinging a heap of slang-fuelled sayings and inspiring a few love-filled laughs about a beloved public holiday. Both reflecting and dissecting the Australian psyche, he crafts a comedy that channels the continuing debate about our national identity in contemporary times.
Minions: they’re cute, yellow and mostly unintelligible — and they’re everywhere. Off screen, it certainly feels that way, with every store seemingly filled with brightly coloured merchandise. On screen, it definitely feels that way in their first stand-alone film. That's the point, though. Those mumbling, bumbling critters first sighted in Despicable Me and its sequel are inescapable, both in the antics they cause, and to audiences. In fact, minions aren't just prevalent in every frame of the movie that shares their name; as the film makes plain, the overalls-and-goggles-wearing fellows have always been here. An amusing introduction big on revisionist history and narrated by Australia's own Geoffrey Rush charts their evolution from the sea to swarming around a host of bad guys — dinosaurs, pharaohs, Dracula and Napoleon included. Those with short memories might need reminding that the titular figures are the ultimate henchmen, living to serve villainous masters. That's what they seek in 1968, and wreak havoc across several continents to find. After bad luck with their previous horrible bosses, and centuries spent holed up in an icy Antarctic cave as a result, leader Kevin, teddy bear-clutching Bob and guitar-playing Stuart (all voiced by co-director and Despicable Me veteran Pierre Coffin) trundle back to civilisation to find a new scoundrel to trail. At a convention for rogues and rascals, they team up with the scheming Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock), who tasks them with stealing the crown of Queen Elizabeth II (Jennifer Saunders). To say things don't go smoothly is an understatement. Soon, the trio is fleeing from their would-be overlord and her inventor husband (Jon Hamm). Expect slapstick hijinks aplenty, with much of the mayhem designed with the minions' adorable nature in mind and little else. In general, the golden, rounded figures don't make that much sense, so it follows that neither does the madcap movie and its frantic array of gags. Eschewing logic, abandoning emotional awakenings and avoiding imparting a message add to the delight of the film in this day and age of lesson-centric all-ages affairs. As they flit across the screen to a period-appropriate soundtrack of the Rolling Stones, the Doors, the Who and the Beatles, the sidekicks turned stars simply enjoy revelling in silliness and anarchy. That's what Minions is: chaotic, amusing fun, albeit of the slight, sweet and ultimately disposable variety. In what amounts to an origin story, Coffin and his crew never take anything too seriously, including shoehorning in as many nods to other genres as they can — such as superhero flicks, of course, as well as royal comedies and even monster movies. They also never forget that, in their first two big screen outings, the minions were the primary source of comic relief. No doubt they'll be fulfilling that role again in Despicable Me 3, due out in 2017, but for now, they do just fine lapping up the limelight all by themselves.
Since Kwan Brothers opened in Alfred Street last May, it has earned fans by knowing what people want. Yes, everyone wants to grab a bite to eat well into the evening, no one wants to book ahead, and sharing is caring. Kwan Brothers caters for all of this, complete with delivery and pick-up options, as well as cocktails and beer. Now everyone’s favourite Chinese restaurant is at it again, safe in the knowledge that you can’t get too much of a good thing. Why celebrate an occasion just once? Why not revel in happy times again and again? For Chinese New Year, they’re serving up ten days of fun, starting with their delicious banquet. Sure, you can devour their meals any time, but when else can you see lion dancers perform, sing karaoke in the hidden bar and possibly win a trip to Hong Kong just by going along — and then do it all again night after night for over a week?
Ever feel like there’s a new food truck event every week? You’re not alone. Of course, we’re not complaining. If the powers that be keep rounding up Brisbane’s best mobile eateries in one spot, we’ll keep coming along. This time, drop by Roma Street Parklands to devour a delicious meal — or several, plus dessert and snacks. The inaugural Park the Truck event is exactly what it sounds like, with 13 of Brisbane’s well-known food trucks driving on to the Celebration Lawn, parking and getting busy cooking and serving their tasty dishes to the hungry hordes. The Bun Mobile, Goat Pie Guy, Oi! Taco, King of the Wings, Fiery Deli, Fire ‘n’ Dough, Yummi Fruit, Vira Lata, German Hut, Juicy Jungle, Flinders Coffee, Chip Tease and Little Back are all confirmed attendees, if you wanted to know what you’ll have to choose from. Food is the main attraction, but that’s not all there is, with a dash of live music also helping to set the Friday night mood.
Skills like sewing used to be passed down from generation to generation, but the times, they are a-changin’. Well, actually, they’ve already changed. Being handy with a needle and thread is no longer something many of us can boast, as much as we might like to. Those dreaming of becoming a sewing wiz need dream no more, thanks to the folks at Needlefruit and their tailor-made workshop program. If you’ve ever wanted to make your own cute dress or cool skirt, or be able to say that the funky cushion on your couch was just something you stitched together, now you can. Or at least learn how. Everyone from sewing novices to embroidery experts can find a class to cater for their existing talents (or lack thereof) — and everyone in between, too. Check out the website for the latest sessions. And don’t think this is just for the ladies. Sewing for Dudes is exactly what it sounds like — and it sounds awesome.
If you live in Brisbane, you’ve heard all about the city’s connections with Asia; we are the home of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and the new Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival, after all. Since 2013, the BrisAsia Festival has also been on that list, paying homage to the culture of our neighbours. This year’s program features another mix of traditional and contemporary Asian arts, channelled into events across Brisbane. It all kicks off at the Opening Night party on February 6 at Reddacliff Place, as headlined by The Bombay Royale, but the fun really is just beginning. Dance in cosplay to DJs, cook a variety of South-East Asian desserts or learn how to play Mahjong. Hear traditional Japanese music in Mt Coot-tha’s Japanese garden, watch Asian short films in Chinatown for Lunar New Year, or paddle a 12-metre dragon boat from Breakfast Creek. Then there’s our pick: the too-cute-for words world of amigurumi — or knitted and crocheted small stuffed animals — as found in the city’s oldest laneways.
Woolloongabba Art Gallery’s first 2015 installation showcases the practices of intaglio printmaking (that's etching and engraving) in Western Cape York since 2012. The Western Cape Region is well known for its totemic three-dimensional carvings; however, little is known about the printed paper works of the region. As such, the exhibition Ground provides a window into the lesser known aspect of this region’s art, with many of the works on show being displayed for the first time. Featuring artists based in Mapoon, Weipa, Naprunam and Aurukun, Ground derives most of its work and focus from the Num Print School program. The Num Print School was developed by Wei’Num to collate and document the region’s growing printmaking sector, introducing new artists to audiences and buyers. The travelling workshop allowed artists to develop, design and proof ongoing works with reoccurring visits.
Whether you’re digging something special out of the back of your wardrobe or whipping up a new one just for the occasion, one thing’s for certain: you need to be donning your best costume on Saturday night. Cosplay isn’t just for pop culture conventions – it’s also for celebrations of all things gaming. Like an 8-BIT Party, of course. Yes, slip into some spandex and head along to The Motor Room, where the geeks will inherit a patch of West End for the evening. There’ll be night markets, street food, themed art exhibitions by Laneous and Drapyl, an audiovisual extravaganza courtesy of VJ Tesla and live video game music by Boss Fight and Spirit Bunny. Oh, and games. Lots of games. Hopefully Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Frogger, Super Mario Bros. and the like. The shenanigans are open to everyone, young and old — and if you have an old console at home, you can even bring your own fun. Let the gang at Earshot know in advance, and they’ll set you up with a TV and couch. That’s how you level-up not just in the game, but in life.
Remember life without food trucks? Thankfully, that’s no longer an option. These days, all your favourite meals are always wheeling around town, ready to serve scrumptious bites to anyone, anywhere. And sometimes, they all even pop up in the same spot. Downey Park Food Trucks is the latest gathering of mobile eateries, bringing the craze to the green surrounds of Windsor. In the same spirit as the Yarraville Gardens Food Trucks events in Melbourne, there’ll be a convoy of vans serving a variety of cuisines, as well as a comfy patch of lawn to sit on and enjoy your feast. From the finger lickin’ good King of the Wings to the Mexican selection of Oi Taco, all usual suspects will be there, including Chiptease’s sweet potato sensations, Fire’N’Dough’s smokey pizzas, How We Rolls’ barbecue and bread combination, and the Chocolate Komberry Co’s sweet treats as well. You won’t find a tastier way to wind down your weekend. All you need to bring is a picnic rug to sit on, and a healthy appetite.
Over his 17-year tenure as the host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart has become known as one of America’s shrewdest political commentators. From behind his fake news desk, armed with a mix of satire and editorial scorn, the comedian and his team of writers have exposed hypocrisy and corruption, ridiculing dictators, presidents and CEOs alike. You’d imagine, then, that his first foray into filmmaking would be a similarly tongue-in-cheek affair — full of all the snark and cynicism that his viewers have come to expect. Instead, Stewart plays it straight, and in doing so reveals a side of himself that audiences rarely get to see. A powerful true tale told with grace and endless compassion, Rosewater is an outstanding directorial debut. Gael Garcia Bernal plays Maziar Bahari, a Canadian-Iranian journalist detained by Iran’s security forces amid the widespread civil unrest following the country’s 2009 elections. Held for more than four months, Bahari was accused of being an American spy, in part because of a satirical interview he gave on Stewart’s program just a week before his arrest. “Why would a spy have a TV show?” the baffled journalist asks, a question that perfectly encapsulates the absurdity of his situation. For weeks on end, Bahari is beaten and berated, unable to provide the answers that his captors wish to hear. In his moments alone, his memories turn to the plights of his father and sister, both of whom were imprisoned under previous Iranian regimes. Garcia Bernal gives a first-rate performance as Bahari, a man out of his element who discovers a remarkable inner strength. But the standout of the film is Danish actor Kim Bodnia, who plays Bahari’s nameless interrogator. While the man’s actions are often appalling, he’s never depicted as anything less than human. Like Bahari, he’s a person trapped by circumstances; a working stiff with a boss to answer to and a wife who wishes he was home. In humanising Bahari’s captors, Stewart helps us to understand them. The cruelty and stubbornness of those who propagate oppression is not born out of inherent evil, but rather out of fear. Fear of weakness. Fear of change. As the movie progresses, we increasingly come to pity these men, whose desperate attempts to cling to an old way of life seem all but destined to fail.
Loving Fleetwood Mac is the right thing to do, even if their lyrics try to tell us otherwise. The Triffid clearly agrees, so they've put together an evening of song to celebrate. The Newstead venue is calling it a tribute, but we're calling it a rock 'n' roll party. How else can you bask in the glory of a band that has sold over 100 million records, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and still remains popular almost fifty years after they first formed, after all? Five acts will offer their spin on twenty of the Mac's classic tracks, and you can dance, sing and pretend it's the '70s. Expect Mosman Adler, Avaberée, Born Joy Dead,Greg Chiapello and the duo of Jackie Marshall and Melissa Fraser to tackle the likes of 'Landslide', 'Tusk', 'Dreams', 'Seven Wonders' and more — aka some of the biggest singles of the last few decades. Classic rock covers never seemed so cool, and with a night of reimagined hits to look forward to, you won't stop thinking about tomorrow.
There's something about a good food and drink pairing, the flavours of one enhancing the other and vice versa. Wine and cheese is great. So is beer and burgers. Meat and whisky, though — now that's the real deal. The folks at Che Asado & Bar and Cobbler certainly think so, joining forces to share a mix of steak, Scotch and other hearty morsels with the hungry, thirsty masses. To celebrate the mouth-watering matrimony of meat and liquor, they're putting on a three-course meal that showcases premium cuts and unique blends. Hosted by Martin Lange and Simon Gelling, Cobbler's owner and Che Asado's head chef, the tasty feast includes Argentinian-inspired dishes and rare whisky tastings, pus an all-round education about why one matches the other. If it sounds like an expensive night out, that's because it is — but $120 per head really is a small price to pay for the ultimate mingling of meat and malty goodness.
The latest slate of films from the chilly Nordic north is headed to a Palace Cinema near you. Returning for just its second year, the Scandinavian Film Festival will showcase 22 movies from Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Expect kitchen-sink dramas, edge-of-your-seat crime stories and a road movie about a struggling furniture salesman who hatches a plan to kidnap the founder of Ikea. That last one is actually Norwegian, not Swedish, but should make for a fun watch on opening night. Other comedies in the lineup include oddball Icelandic film Rams, which won the Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes earlier this year; as well as the middle-aged rom-com Hello Hello, which proved an audience favourite at festivals in its native Sweden. Those after something a little bit more serious can check out Danish police procedural The Absent One or drug-fuelled Finnish thriller They Have Escaped, among numerous others. The festival comes to a close with a documentary about Ingrid Bergman, the Swedish actress who went on to become one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Image: Young Sophie Bell.
There are music festivals, and then there's the Queensland Music Festival — and never should the two be confused. There's nothing quite like the whole-of-state, 17-day-long music frenzy, with QMF so jam-packed, so extensive in its program and touring schedule, and so logistically intricate, that it only happens once every two years. That means odd-numbered calendars are ones to savour, for those who like all kinds of tunes. Under artistic director James Morrison, the festival does everything it can to showcase the joy of music. In fact, the multi-instrumentalist himself even teams up with Megan Washington and Marian Petrescu for a one-of-a-kind jazz performance. Local icons Topology are also on the QMF bill of course, partnering with the Australian Voices on Unrepresentative Swill: Sing, Prime Minister. Their unique show takes words right out of our former leaders' mouths, sets them to music, and features narration by Adam Spencer. Venturing to different parts of Queensland is all part of the QMF experience, such as attending the Opera at Jimbour. It's the kind of event to make a whole day of, with market stalls taking care of your food and drink needs, plus free waltzing lessons getting you moving and grooving. Those seeking more free fun but wanting to stay closer to home best head to Seed, which champions the very best local independent bands before they’ve hit the mainstream airwaves. Or, there's Logan's Under This Sky premiere production, boasting a cast of 700 singing, dancing and playing on a football field. But wait, there's more — including the interactive fun of Keys to the City. Pods of pianos will pop-up across 40 locations, combining special guest performers with anyone in the vicinity who wants to tickle the ivories. Then, a free outdoor concert brings it to a close. Yes, QMF really does know how to throw a festival.
It's bands like Bloods that make you proud of the Australian music scene. Their crazy addictive fusion of pop and garage punk are just the kind of tunes for letting loose on the dance floor, with their catchy guitar riffs and gritty vocals calling back to an era of Joan Jett bad-assery. After previously supporting bands like the Dum Dum Girls and DZ Deathrays, it's great seeing Bloods embarking on a nationwide headline tour of their own to promote their debut album. While they've released a steady stream of singles and EPs since first coming onto the scene in 2011 – Golden Fang, We Are Bloods, among others — it was only this year that the trio have finally put together their first full-length, Work It Out. It has everything you'd expect from a Bloods record: hook-filled headbangers spliced with a couple of mellow slow burners (just to catch your breath a little). Bloods are one of the most loved local live acts around right now, and for good reason. Catch 'em in these cosy venues before they get snapped up by the big ones. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9QNxOsDeot8
Those masters of dark yet joyful surf rock are back with a one more album and one less band member. After weathering a near-breakup, this newly downsized dup are returning to Australia for a full national tour to usher in the lazy summer months. If one thing's for sure, fans will get something different from what they've seen before. The band's new album Encyclopedia is a blunter, simpler take on their classic sound. The Drums' own brand of misanthropy is more persistent and when paired with their characteristic whistling and hand clapping give the band a new eerie quality. In the face of original member Connor Hanwick's desertion earlier in the year and a fan base that seems to have gradually forgotten their favourite kings of the summer roadtrip soundtrack, The Drums have come back with a new kind of emotion behind the same sound. Get set for a new incarnation of The Drums, clapping their hands and shaking their fists. https://youtube.com/watch?v=nWc4mZoGK2k
What better way to celebrate all that Brisbane has to offer than to offer simply the best? To coincide with the G20 Summit and its accompanying public cultural celebrations, our fair city is offering 24 days of free live music. Artists from the far reaches of Queensland are going to descend on Brisbane to show off their talents, taking to stages across the inner city suburbs to perform one-off treats. Some will be indulging in unforeseen collaborations and special performances. Artists on the bill include Emma Louise, The Medics, Velociraptor and We All Want To, to name a few. Head to the website to check out the full program. As this does take place in conjunction with the Summit, it’s been advised that attendees catch public transport to save themselves the headache of blocked traffic areas.
Imagine the movie Groundhog Day, except that instead of augmenting his knowledge and skill base with each nightly reset, Bill Murray's memory simply resets with it and he spends every day like it was the first: scared, confused and trying to figure out what's going on. Not as interesting, right? Well, therein lies the critical flaw in Before I Go To Sleep, a new 'thriller' starring Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong. Kidman plays Christine, an amnesiac whose memory wipes itself clear every 24 hours, meaning with each new morning she must relearn who she is, what's happened to her and who that man lying next to her is — aka her husband, Ben (Firth). Helping her attempt to break the cycle is neuropsychiatrist Dr Nash (Strong), who compels Christine to leave a video message to herself each night so that she can slowly build upon her own memories the following day. Slowly, the memories begin to linger beyond the nightly reset and with them come growing suspicions that neither man in her life is being completely honest about the source of her condition. The film is based upon S.J. Watson's 2011 bestseller, but its slow-burn plot and predictable twists are far less forgiving on screen, where no amount of Kidman's trademark harrowed stares can engender the kind of tension it purports to have. The closest you come to frights in this film are courtesy of tactless incidental surprises like the sudden horn of a passing truck, and the lack of characters (with a suspects list of two) means the ultimate revelation is far from the scale a true climax deserves. Between the cast and the conceit, Before I Go To Sleep had the potential to explore some genuinely compelling ideas and offer a fresh spin on the Groundhog / Memento / Edge of Tomorrow premise, but instead it flounders in tawdry melodrama and leaves you largely unsatisfied. https://youtube.com/watch?v=L6ckwpaFbBM
The first rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club. Now that we have established the ground rules, I am going to give you some homework. You will leave the house on Wednesday night and you will go see Fight Club at the New Globe Theatre in celebration of the movie’s 15th anniversary. It’s hard to believe that this classic film is 15 years old. Fight Club started as a marvellous piece of transgressive literature and was subsequently turned into one of the most memorable movies of the decade. Brad Pitt and Edward Norton star as two simple men living on the edge of society. Their disdain for life as it stands leads them to discover a primal and visceral form of physical therapy. Featuring a twist that will leave your head spinning and great supporting performances by Jared Leto and Helena Bonham Carter, Fight Club has aged well and is worth a watch whenever you get a chance. Head over to the New Globe Theatre on Wednesday for special screening. No fights though, please.
Detective Robbie Green (Jonathan LaPaglia) is called in to investigate the murder of his former partner, Detective Jason Pearson (Luke Hemsworth). Green and his new partner, Detective Jane Lambert (Viva Bianca), find themselves on the tail of two runaways, ultra-religious cancer-ridden Rachel (Hannah Mangan Lawrence) and her unstable boyfriend, AJ (Alex Williams), who are filming a "documentary" as they seek Biblical retribution for the drug-related death of Rachel's sister. If this sounds like the type of story (and character naming conventions) of an American film circa 1993, you wouldn't be far off. The Reckoning, despite being filmed in Perth and featuring an Australian cast, feels like as if its main concern is ensuring that every element be a facsimile of US thriller tropes. LaPaglia's Green is a short-tempered alcoholic who is trying to be a good father despite being married to the job. Priests wait in candlelit gothic churches to talk wisely to those seeking guidance. High-tech, CSI-style equipment can be used to facially identify anyone spotted on a security camera. And so on. This aping isn't inherently a bad thing. Even the best Australian films are criticised for not even trying to appeal to mass audiences, and the ones that do are so often dismissed as being populist. An industry that produces as few films as ours does cannot afford sub-genres, and so there's little patience for films that are not all things to all people. So with the wider context established, let's pull back before we fall into the trap of reviewing the industry instead of the film. As a gritty crime thriller, The Reckoning is moderately successful. It's diversionary, predictable, derivative and silly, and there's no denying that there's an audience for that. It's slick, too. The kind of slickness that will make it palatable to someone who wants to have something on in the background when it finally does the home video and TV rounds. But there's little in here that would interest a modern audience looking to plonk nearly $20 down for a night out at the cinema. It's not just the story and style that feels dated, but the idea that this possesses anything to distinguish it from a thousand other similarly themed thrillers. Everything in The Reckoning is achingly American, and this would be annoying if it wasn't so obviously deliberate. This is a film with its eye firmly on international sales and goes out of its way to filter out anything that makes it feel Australian. The religious angle, for instance, is weirdly anachronistic, with a priests talking in haughty "my child" this and "the Lord says" that dialogue. Blurry number plates are zoomed in on and enhanced into the sort of clarity that only made sense about twenty years ago when nobody knew how video worked. If all this sounds like nitpicking, well, yes, it is. But it is these details that make or break a film, and with a plot that is as by-the-numbers as this one is, we rely on details to turn it into something more interesting or unique. The Reckoning is a fascinating film for all the wrong reasons. It is out of time, decades too late to be of any interest, and so desperate to cover up its country of origin that its edges are sanded down into something that is ultimately of zero consequence. https://youtube.com/watch?v=gjJgFijldaw
It's not every day that a city gets a new film festival — and yet, in just the last year, Brisbane has opened its doors to two. When the death of the long-running Brisbane International Film Festival saw the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival pop up as a replacement, it also inspired the Queensland Film Festival. In fact, QFF aims to help fill the void left by BIFF's cancellation, and to showcase the kind of international movie gems that no longer make it to Brisbane. The festival's full inaugural program is filled with films that will never, ever show in a multiplex near you. That includes documentaries about land-locked fisherman to comedies about submission and domination. You know the types of flicks we're talking about. Festival co-directors Dr Huw Walmsley-Evans and John Edmond are starting small, with 12 features, two shorts and three free discussion panels — including four Australian premieres — largely concentrated over a three-day period in one venue. Of course, it's quality, not quantity that matters. Given the movies on offer from July 24 to 26 at New Farm Cinemas, there's plenty of the former. Academy Award nominee and Cesar winner Timbuktu opens the festival, kicking things off with a powerful portrait of life under jihadist rule. At the other end of the spectrum, both in terms of QFF's schedule and in tone, the previously announced The Forbidden Room brings everything to a close with a delightfully unhinged love letter to the very medium of film. In between, Brisbane cinephiles can feast on features such as The Strange Colour of Your Body's Tears, a freak-out horror movie that ravishes the senses and then some in its Australian premiere. There's also the Viggo Mortensen-starring colonialist Argentinian western Jauja, minimalist gem The Strange Little Cat, blockbuster French TV miniseries P’tit Quinquin, and a restoration of the landmark The Colour of Pomegranates. For movie fans that just can't wait for QFF to get started, a free screening of the otherworldly The Vanquishing of the Witch Baba Yaga precedes the festival. And for those keen on chatting and contemplating as well as watching, two discussions about film criticism talk the talk about analysing movies. Yes, it sounds like a film festival all right, as well as an ideal way to spend a cold July weekend. That's when BIFF once used to run, those with long memories might recall. Hopefully QFF can follow in its footsteps for years to come. The Queensland Film Festival runs from July 24 to 26 at New Farm Cinemas. Check out the festival website for more details.
If GOMA's Harvest has taught us anything, it's that food and art pair better than nutella and waffles. From Momento Mori to Vines of dogs eating icecream, we tend to react most strongly to images of the edible, and there's one artist whose been utilising this in his art for over 20 years. Franz Ehmann is an internationality renowned artist and master of installation, video and turning just about anything in the fridge into gallery-worthy craft. Now, Ehmann is bringing his latest exhibition Many Things (it's a colourful world) to Spiro Grace Art Gallery. Displaying everyday objects in ways that simultaneously confront and resolve humanistic concerns, Ehman explores the meaning of the language, material and imagery we tend to take for granted. Unique theatrical language and metaphorical significance play core to the objects she uses in her unique translation of the everyday. Many Things (it's a colourful world) shows from September 11 to 27.
My job with Concrete Playground involves a lot of writing. It’s true; you’re reading my work right now. Being a writer is great, but it can be a lot of hard work too. Grammar and sentence structure aside, you have to constantly think on how to make you mind words be good when you think them on paper (See what I mean?!). The Brisbane Writers Festival celebrates those who can convey their thoughts well through the written form. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays, it’s all gravy – everyone featured in the Brisbane Writers Festival Program is pretty savvy around pen and paper, so come see what they have to say about their craft, including famed Brisbane novellist, Nick Earls (pictured). The team behind the festival have done us all a favour and posted their recommended panels to check out. If you are someone who would rather make their own decisions, then hit up the general program and sift through the amazing and informative panels on offer.
Head along to The Hold Artspace for an exhibition that is all-too familiar, but perhaps not as you’d think. Artists Carolyn McKenzie-Craig and Heidi Stevens present together their new works, considering and exploring the experience of the human body within contemporary society, how one constructs itself in relation to its surroundings. McKenzie-Craig deconstructs the idea of gender and the perceived norms of reality that are placed upon an individual, as well as that which an individual must navigate through the human experience. Through performance, McKenzie-Craig looks to examine stereotyping - how it originated, and how it affixes itself to an individual by means of behaviour. While McKenzie-Craig looks at the outward performance, Stevens delves within, looking at female-specific subdued and silenced sexual psychology. By inverting the norms and examining the inner dialogue, it’s surprising how much can be revealed, leading to more questions rather than answering them. No matter the focus, the works of these two inspired artists is something of excitement, and should be seen while the chance presents itself.
Get your fix of guilty pleasure flicks each month at Tragic Tuesdays, the monthly screening of a cult classic, a forgotten favourite or perhaps a movie you’ll never admit to watching on the regular. For the launch of Tragic Tuesdays is perhaps the most dreadful of them all. Head along to see Zardoz, the movie so woeful, starring iconic lad, Sean Connery, who would probably rather forget he donned a loincloth, suspenders and thigh-high boots for the role. And that ponytail… Zardoz, the story of the future and a trained killer finds his humanity in a community of immortals as they seek to preserve humankind’s treasures. Yep… so bad, it’s good. Grab your ticket (popcorn is included) and grab your prime seat in the New Globe Theatre. Then, when it’s all over, mark it in your diary again for next month - you can catch Tragic Tuesdays on the 4th Tuesday of every month!
This review was written about the Melbourne run of this Absinthe production in April 2015. What do you get when you combine seriously chiseled muscles, cheeky lace underwear, a few nipples, death defying acts, and more laughs than you’ve had in a while? Oh, how we wish we knew where all your minds went first. But we’ll put you out of your misery. The answer, Absinthe by Spiegelworld, currently touring Australia. Did we mention it’s MA15+? After opening in Las Vegas in 2011 and then hitting the streets of New York, this show has drawn sold-out crowds for four years straight. The modern circus is a constantly rotating door of performers, dancers, singers, burlesque performers, and comedians from all over the world with unique abilities, leaving you with no clue what will come up next. And it’s hosted by the somewhat sleazy Gazillionaire and his weirdly funny sidekick Penny. Word of warning, the things that come out of her mouth are not for the faint-hearted. As the performance is inspired by the booze-soaked cabarets of the late 19th Century, the Spiegelworld tent is the perfect location for the show. The rooftop of Crown, for the night, feels like a secluded and sensual bar — ideal for saucy acts and dirty comedy. Without ruining too many surprises, the show opens with a pile of ten or so chairs and one small man doing handstands on top of it, we move to an almost naked girl and a very large balloon, to fire breathing, to towers of just men who drink shots of absinthe between acts, to girls who swing on a hoop and each other while kissing in the meantime. Don’t be surprised if you gasp, a few times for the sexy, sexy performers and a few times for when you think they're going to fall right in front of your eyes. This show literally keeps you on the edge of your seat, a cliché we wouldn’t use lightly.
Brisbane, prepare to be WOWed. There's no other way to describe the Women of the World festival, an event that celebrates the achievements of women and tackles the barriers that hold ladies back. It's also the festival's name, of course. WOW started in London in 2011, and now takes place in 24 cities around the globe. Its first ever stopover in Brisbane is something special, and it has the program to prove it. Stars, scientists, writers, artists, business leaders and more all feature in a three-day showcase of girl power. Jude Kelly, the festival's creator, is on the bill, for those keen to hear from WOW's main woman herself — and she's joined by everyone from Kath and Kim’s Jane Turner to feminist funny woman Kathy Lette. They'll be sharing insights and dissecting issues, on topics as varied as women in technology, ladies leading the way in business, modern perceptions of sex, the scrutiny of appearance that comes with fame, and the process of ageing. The workshop lineup dives into journalism, coding, scriptwriting, self defence and combatting everyday sexism, among others, and also includes a daily dance session. Through this wide-ranging array of speakers, subjects and sessions, WOW endeavours to inform and inspire, an aim it looks like it has well and truly covered. The festival also attempts to leave a long-lasting legacy through conversations, networks and instilling the belief that change can happen. Now, that's a wow moment.
Who wouldn't want to live in a community that throws a celebration to say hello its new arrivals? If you happen to call anywhere near Annerley, Greenslopes or any adjacent inner-south suburbs home, then that's exactly where you happen to live. And WELCOMEfest is that greeting party. In fact, WELCOMEfest offers friendly and hearty salutations to all fresh inhabitants — not just of the area, city or state, but of the country too. The annual shindig is part of World Refugee Week, and ranks among Australia’s largest multicultural festivals. Bringing Brisbane’s diverse cultural communities together is its aim, as is showcasing everyone’s contribution to the nation. More than 17,000 people attend each year, so this really is a festival that the whole region gets behind. International cuisine, world music, dance performances, DJs, workshops, sports — WELCOMEfest really has it all. And like all good get-togethers, there's even an afterparty.
How often can you say that you'll be drinking Belgian, barrel-aged, sour beers made in the Flemish red style? We're talking about Rodenbach's beverages, concocted with special malt, aged for over a year, and flavoured with fruit, for those not in the know — and you can't say you'll be drinking them very often. That changes this Friday, thanks to the folks at Brewski — well, it changes for one night only. The Petrie Terrace craft beer bar is turning over their taps to the kind of beverages you won't just find in your local bottle-o, and you might never have had the opportunity to try otherwise. Expect three of Rodenbach's essential brews, including the delectable Rosso that tastes like sour cherries, raspberries and cranberries. As an extra treat, the famed unfiltered, unpasteurised and unblended Foederbier will also be available for the first time in Australia. And those after the best of the best better grab a glass of the bottle-only, super fruity Caractère Rouge, voted Europe's Best Fruit Flavoured Beer in 2013. Read our feature 'Pucker up for sour beers: The cult brew you've never heard of'. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Want to weave yourself into this city's rich narrative? Tying in with the exhibition of works by street photographer Alfred Elliott, Capturing Place is a photography workshop and window into an inspired way of looking at our beauty of a home. It is open to camera wielders of all experience levels. Run by local photographer Carl Warner, this walking workshops takes you past Brisbane's best buildings and places while you're taught a variety of methods to capture our city. Warner is a Brisbane photographer who has shown work extensively throughout Australia and uses the camera to record the detail he observes in urban, industrial and natural environments. He will lead the group on the exploration of the city's richest visual opportunities (i.e. not just Town Hall and South Bank). Make sure to bring your own camera, water and walking shoes.
May 2 might be known as Free Comic Book Day around the world; however, Junky Comics — aka Brisbane's new and creative comic book store — is giving it a different spin. They're focusing on zines, and they're thinking closer to home. As well as enjoying the sales on stock from Fantagraphics, Drawn and Quarterly, Nobrow, Topshelf, DC, Marvel and Vertigo, customers can take home work created by local zine makers for free. Or, they can take them out the door and up the road to the End, where the afterparty will start rocking from 6pm. The zine theme is also in full swing in the store's first workshop, hosted by Holly Riding. For a gold coin donation, you can learn tips of the trade, such as the best printing facilities, how to source contributors and how to put your ideas on paper. You can also design, write and create a zine on the day, while mingling with like-minded creative folks. Book now as spaces are limited, and then start thinking about how great it will be to make your own publication. Read our feature on Junky Comics.
When a Gossip Girl leaves the world of backstabbing teen chatter behind, she becomes an ageless woman. Well, at least, that's the path Blake Lively has taken. After flirting with a few supporting film roles around the television series that made her famous, she has found a star vehicle. It feels fitting that Lively plays Adaline Bowman, a character most notable for continuing to look strikingly youthful even as the years pass. That's the type of obvious film The Age of Adaline is as it tells a lovesick tale of a long life half lived. Even when heavy-handed narration is explaining the movie's gimmick through cosmic forces and lightning strikes (yes, really), it takes the most earnest path. Adaline was born in 1908, growing from a child into an adult in an unremarkable fashion. She marries, becomes a mother and then a widow, before an unusually snowy evening sees her car veer off the road. After the accident, she's inexplicably trapped at the age of 29 and immune to the ravages of time. As the decades roll by, Adaline changes her identity and moves around to avoid arousing suspicion, with only her daughter, Flemming (first played by Cate Richardson, and then by Ellen Burstyn), aware of her secret. A celebration of eternal youth, this is not, with the film taking a more dramatic approach to remaining young in appearance but getting older in the heart. The Age of Adaline is a gentle story of sacrifice and yearning told as such, gliding slowly by as it recounts Adaline's fate. It's also a sentimental account of the power and necessity of love, as her lonely life is changed on the eve of her 107th birthday. That's when she meets philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman), his instantly smitten perseverance threatening to crack through her time-hardened shell. Cue the kind of sweeping, star-crossed romance typically relegated to the cheesiest, sappiest movies, though much better made, more genuine in its emotions, and with stronger-written characters here. The usual suspension of disbelief is required, and the standard complications arise, involving reconciling the past with the future. It's a considerable change of pace for director Lee Toland Krieger, making his first feature after his breakout hit Celeste & Jesse Forever; however, he never flounders in such drastically different territory. Indeed, he takes to telling a leisurely love story with elegance and enthusiasm, never more so than in his affectionate eye for period details. From the costumes to the sets, this is a movie as handsome as it is unashamedly heartfelt. As for Lively, she may be the star of The Age of Adaline, looking the part and acting suitably restrained, but she's far from the film's shining light. Instead, that honour goes to Huisman, ramping up his Game of Thrones charm to maximum levels. Though he shows up late in the game, Harrison Ford also does well as a blast from Adaline's past. They're exactly the kind of modest highlights that help the movie stick together so well, making something that could've been silly surprisingly sincere from start to finish — and somewhat timeless, too, as far as old-fashioned fantasies are concerned.
Dust off your sombreros, amigos. The latest international excuse for a good time to reach our shores is Cinco de Mayo — a celebration of all things Mexican (which, if we’re being nit-picky, is really more of an Americanisation than anything but shh, let us party). In celebration, the folks at Corona and Beach Burrito Company Bondi are putting together a fiesta, complete with face painting by local street artists and the first ever Taco Time Trials Eating Contest. For the less competitively inclined but equally taco-happy, Cinco de Mayo falls conveniently on a Tuesday, and Beach Burrito Co’s regular $3 taco deal applies, so your pesos’ll stretch further. With what you’ve got left, you can sip salt-rimmed margaritas, down trays of tequila shots (not recommended) or share a bucket of ice-cold Coronas. And, of course, come prepared to smash and whack your way to glory, because they wouldn’t be doing Mexico right without pinatas.
The third time's the charm for Scott Wings, as he brings his latest show to Anywhere Theatre Festival for the third year in a row. Well, each time has proven the charm for the award-winning performance artist, really; however, here, he's trying something his fans might not expect. In Colossi, imaginary creatures clash with imaginary friends in a playful one-man piece that promises to be physical and poetic. Wings himself describes it as "a yin to the yang of my previous show, Icarus Falling", and it takes place on a bridge in a mini-rainforest, so audiences really are in for something different. May 7-8, 14-17 and 21-24, 6.00pm. This is one of our top five picks of the Anywhere Festival. Check out the rest.
So, you want to get a glimpse into life in another country, but you can't actually afford to travel anywhere? That's where film festivals come in, taking audiences on a cinematic journey without anyone needing to leave their comfy, movie theatre seats. This month, it's Germany's turn in the spotlight. Making its way around Australia from May 13–31, the Audi Festival of German Films delves into everything the country has to offer in the movie realm. That includes 50 new German-language films, spanning efforts as varied as action comedy Not My Day and twisted fairy tale The Bunker. It also includes an interesting schedule of panel discussions and themed evenings, if you want to do more than watch. Whatever your tastes or interests, there's certain to be something to tickle your fancy. Want to take a peek at an Alps-set western, laugh along with a hitman comedy or strap in for a time-travelling romance? Well, here you can. You can also delve into the history of cinema, and into a key figure in East Berlin's radical underground art world. For the full Audi Festival of German Films lineup, visit the festival website.
Burger-loving Brisbanites no longer need feel pangs of hunger and envy whenever Huxtaburger comes up in conversation. Well, for one day, that is. Melbourne's American-style hamburger haven is venturing up north, but it's for a limited time only. Huxtaburger head honcho Daniel Wilson will actually be in town to share his culinary style as part of the annual James St Food & Wine Trail, but he couldn't leave without sharing his famed meat-and-bread combination as well. At 12.30pm on Saturday August 1, he'll be signing copies of his new cookbook — aptly called The Huxtaburger Book, of course — at Scrumptious Reads, with the first twenty patrons to buy a copy receiving a free, freshly-made burger. Arriving early is advised, obviously, but if you do miss out, don't despair. Remember, you can also glean his burger secrets in printed form, and then go home and try to make your own.
There is nothing better than a good vintage shopping haul. No matter what amount you choose to spend, there is always something that is worth a purchase. Are you into clothes, books or jewellery? Odds are you can find is this weekend at the Winn Lane Yard Sale. Everything on sale is second-hand, meaning there are tons of pre-loved goods you can grab for a bargain. In addition to the usual fair, you will be able to nab some furniture, records and even plants (that’s right, plants!). These markets are on bi-monthly and have been running on and off for the past few years. In addition to the amazing stalls being set up, all permanent shopkeepers will have sales going all day, so there is double the value on offer. Check out the Winn Lane Facebook page for more details. It will be a great day for shopping, make sure you take advantage of it!
It has been a long time between albums for Straight Arrows, but after 3 and a bit years in the wilderness they are back with their second LP, Rising. The garage-punks are highly respected amongst the Australian music community for their music, garage ethos and highly entertaining live show. Their 2010 effort, It’s Happening, was a perfect example of guitar fuzz executed to perfect and Rising follows that trend. With lead single, ‘Petrified’, the band has shown that they haven’t lost a step in their time off working on other projects and now they are ready to hit the road and show Australian crowds that they are still as energetic as ever. The band is playing The Brightside this Friday with support from acclaimed Canberra outfit, TV Colours and local punks Woodboot. TV Colours had a massive 2013 and are sure to be a highlight for any music fan. Tickets are $12 and are available from Moshtix.
Metaphor in its sublime power brings together some very talented Brisbane illustrators for a special exhibition, showing throughout July. Phoebe Paradise, a local aficionado of the visual arts, works with the humble process of putting pen to paper, making watercolours shine and gouache imagery. Her work is inspired by punk aesthetics, grungy and unpolished, accessible and low-brow, fun and playful yet intriguing as it casts the mind back to decades ago. Erin Michelle Ward is a visual artist who specialises in animation. Her Prismacolor pencil works, infused with watercolour paints and paper cut-outs help to showcase her talents as a multimedia artist, while her recent focus on plants, dinosaurs and tortoises prove her playful side, endearing her to her audiences and entertaining in the strict circumstances. Finally, Elle-Louise Burguez works with textas, pens, ink and watercolours to play with light and colour in her works. She encompasses happiness in her images, playing with mediums and making a statement to create the illusive double-take. Come along to see the works of these very different but equally-talented ladies, and to perhaps purchase a unique piece as the ultimate souvenir.
Less sophisticated than a high-brow concert, but no where less impressive. More than your average gig, but relaxed and friendly, accessible and enjoyable. Welcome to Dots+Loops, the show where you won’t be pushed around by manic punters on the way to the bar, but your moving around between stages and amenities won’t disrupt the performance, followed by the usual snooty shushes of a seated show. No sweating or swearing, no pretension or pettiness. We’re there for the show. Some of the country’s most talented will be shining brightly in some of the most unique performances available for viewing at the moment. Nico Muhly, the New York-based composer, unstitches the parameters of music of the classics and of contemporary radio; his work is best known in the composition of songs by Grizzly Bear, The National, even Usher, all while working in orchestral spheres since his graduating from Juilliard a decade ago. He brings to us Drones with viola, violin and piano, with live electronics to further impress the senses. In Teaching Others We Teach Ourselves is the work of Judd Greenstein, the work of a viola septet inspired by Greenstein’s previous works in the NY indie-classical scene. Ensemble works help to enforce Greenstein’s passion for rhythm and texture, haunting lows and soaring highs, a treat for Dots+Loops.
Have you ever wondered what drives that certain talented person to pursue the cut-throat passion of dance? What happens behind the curtain, and how did they end up here in the first place? Virtuosi, the feature-length documentary by award-winning choreographer and filmmaker Sue Healy, sound tracked by New Zealand’s own Mike Nock, is the answer to all your questions about those who make a name for themselves through the art of dance, and what it takes to turn their craft into a successful career. Healy delves into the lives of eight New Zealand dance artists. Intimate and revealing, astounding and awe-inspiring, this documentary uncovers the lives that were always destined for great things on the stage, often a rare opportunity that comes at a great price. These stories are told with great care and respect by Healy, whose own understanding has informed her approach to create a truly unique viewing experience.
There are few bands with enough unfaltering stamina to line up a debaucherous, beer-fuelled pub crawl to kick off every night of their Australian tour. But Brissy's Dune Rats leave the rules at home, abiding by one big ol' proviso: "no kooks, no gutties." Whatever the blazes that means, these bloody corker dudes surf self-generated waves of laidback party-fuelled philosophy. Dune Rats' BC Michaels, Danny Beusa and Brett Jansch have been away from home for some time now, heading to the US, staying in a New York AirBnB warehouse, driving along the West Coast from San Diego to Vancouver and filming their own (sorta) web series American Death Trip of Dreams. Then they bailed over to Europe and the UK. After months on the road, the Dunies will head back home to Australia for a national tour, showcasing their debut album set for release on June 1. It'll be the first time the trio have played to home audiences for months. The tour kicks off on the west coast and ends up back where they all started — right here in Brisbane. "I'm pretty fucking excited to get home, that's for sure. We haven't played in Brissy for ages," says bass player Brett Jansch. "We've been away for so long and hopefully we can just get back and hang out with our buddies and just talk about anything else, find out what they're doin'. Pieced together like a rambunctious escapade of regrets, the Dunies will host a pub crawl in every city before the gig for fans who've preordered their debut album (out June 1). Dune Rats is a rambunctious ride through moments of pure silliness ('Dalai Lama' has five words in total: "Dalai Lama, Big Banana, marijuana,") and heartfelt bouts ('Home Sick'). "Well I guess you just want to get as fucked up as possible before the gig with all our friends and buddies that have preordered the album in order to come to the pub crawl," Jansch says in a wink-wink, nudge-nudge moment of please-buy-our-albumness. "We'll find the right place where we can all hang out together near the venue or whatever and just go pub to pub. "So honestly, we'll be going on a pub crawl all around Australia I guess. I wonder if anyone will come all the way with us. If someone does, they can definitely have a fuckin' t-shirt! They can have a hangover as well." Supporting Dune Rats will be different buds in each state. "We've kind of put together just all our fucking favourite bands and our friends to play, you know... So it's going to be a fucking party every night, especially now with our pub crawls and shit.," Jasnch realises. "Fuck, I think it's going to be a full wash up by the end of it." Check out our chat with Dune Rats bass player Brett Jansch over here. TO REGISTER FOR THE DUNIES PRE PARTIES: 1. Pre-order the album Dune Rats for ten beans at iTunes or JB HiFi. 2. Forward your iTunes or JB HiFi album preorder receipt and your mobile number to stuff@ratbagrecords.com. 3. Let the Dunies you're off to the Brisbane show at The Zoo. 4. Wait. Recieve the deets on the morning of the show. Then party on dudes. For more details about the Dune Rats pub crawls and to preorder the album head over here. Dune Rats debut album is out Sunday, June 1. https://youtube.com/watch?v=lU3n6vRX8yY
Chris Flynn has accomplished much in his career. He has written (as of now) two novels; one of which, named A Tiger in Eden, was shortlisted for the 2013 Commonwealth Book Prize. The Irish-born writer moved to Australia in 1999, and has had work featured in numerous publications such as The Paris Review, The Big Issue, The Age and Meanjin. His newest novel, The Glass Kingdom, is reportedly a wickedly inventive look into the lives of a pair of never-do-well carnival workers and their attempts to turn their salt of the earth jobs into a high-earning, meth-dealing operation. Sounds pretty interesting, huh? If you are curious to know more, Chris Flynn will be having a chat with 4ZZZ’ Sky Kirkham at Avid Reader Bookshop. In addition to this much anticipated conversation, several new writers will be introduced. Salon is a regular event sponsored by Arts Queensland; each event allows keen readers to sit in on one-on-one conversations with notable authors. Bookings are essential as space is limited. Secure your spot through the Avid Reader website.
