Six Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend

Hex

After critical accolades at the Next Wave festival in May, James Welsby's evocative dance production Hex returns for a limited six-show run at the Malthouse. The show is one of several major cultural events taking place in conjunction with the 20th International AIDS Conference. Partly inspired by a controversial HIV/AIDS awareness ad from 1987, Welsby's show uses movement, music and allegorical imagery to chronicle the gay community's relationship with the devastating disease.

Saturday and Sunday (Until July 22) at the Malthouse. More info here.

Vinyl Records Pop-Up Store

Convinced that the world sounds just that little bit better on vinyl? Then head on down to Northcote Social Club on Saturday, July 19, and you'll find shiny new and beloved second-hand records for sale across a pretty mindblowing range of genres — some you weren't even aware were a Thing. The impromptu store, based out of the NSC bandroom, opens its doors for business at midday on the dot.

Saturday, June 19, at Northcote Social Club. More info here.

The Myth Project: Twin

As part of this year's NEON Festival, The Myth Project: Twin by Arthur (the surrealist adventurers behind Cut Snake) is exploring the depths of the human psyche and the strength of blood ties. After the disappearance of her twin sister, Ana falls into a dark alternative reality, a world ruled by dreams and riddles. Described as a mix of opera-noir, cabaret and naturalistic drama, The Myth Project: Twin is the first instalment of Arthur's multi-play episodic exploration of the Australian psyche.

Saturday and Sunday at the Southbank Theatre. More info here.

Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton screening

The legendary Stones Throw Records is home to a metric bucket-tonne of vinyl. The LA-based hip hop label is known for their left-of-centre artists, avant garde nature and ability to break artists well before dinner table fame. Feature length documentary Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton takes a close look at the label and its master, commander and founder Chris Manak, aka Peanut Butter Wolf — an exceptional DJ and producer in his own right. Manak is in the country for Splendour in the Grass later this month, but will be hanging at Howler for the screening and a special Q&A on the night.

Sunday, July 20, at Howler. More info here.

Sunday Afternoons in July

As part of the City of Yarra’s annual Leaps and Bounds music festival, Ali Bird and Richard Stanley of Aarght Records are making Sundays a little more tune-filled for everyone. Kicking off at midday for three Sundays in July, a solid lineup of bands, top notch vinyl record market and smorgasbord of treats await to round off your weekend. It's Harmony, Bitch Prefect and Empat Lima on July 20.

Sunday, July 20, at Copacabana International. More info here.

Charlie's Country

There are very few faces as synonymous with Australian cinema as that of actor David Gulpilil. His third and most recent film with Rolf de Heer marks the last part in a loose thematic trilogy — one that began with The Tracker in 2002 and continued with Ten Canoes four years later. Gulpilil looks far older than his 61 years, but as Charlie he may never have been better — he's just taken home a best actor award at Cannes for it. It's a performance loaded with understated feeling, one that's obviously informed by a wealth of personal experience. His very face tells a story, about a country, its people, and its cultural and cinematic history. What a wonderful piece of acting in a likewise remarkable film.

All weekend long at Palace Verona. Full review here.