Here's a restaurant pop-up not to miss. Anyone with Melbourne friends who rave about Supernormal will know you're in for a mighty fine feast. For one afternoon only, Supernormal's head chef Andrew McConnell is coming up to Sydney to serve his ingenious Asian-inspired creations out of Icebergs Dining Room & Bar. Coming off the back of the Belles Hot Chicken pop-up, Icebergs restaurateur Maurice Terzini chose this collaboration to kick off 2015, stating "Andrew McConnell and I have been friends for years and both stared our careers at the same time and are huge fans of each others work. In Melbourne I live 500m from Supernormal and am there every night!" So from 2pm on January 25, you can take your pick from three of McConnell's signature dishes: a New England lobster roll; Cobia fillet with yuzu kosho, fennel and seaweed cracker; and smoked beef tartare with clam mayonnaise and pickled shallot and smoked beef tartare. Each dish is accompanied by your choice of Besserat de Bellefon Champagne or Kirei Shuzo Karahucki 80 Junmai Nama Genshu (2013) sake. And for those wishing to push the festivities on into the night, $10 Aperol Icebergs Sundays will start as usual from 4pm (DJs included). Blending Bondi's breathtaking beach views with Flinders Lane fine dining, this is one Sunday dinner we think you'll want to remember.
Sometimes, watching a movie is all about escapism. Sometimes, it's a thought-provoking and eye-opening experience. You won't forget the world's troubles at the Environmental Film Festival Australia, but you will find out more about them — especially as they relate to the state of this planet we all call home. As its name makes plain, EFFA shines a spotlight on cinema that puts the environment in firmly focus. The 2021 event is going virtual, hosting its lineup online; however, the same remit remains between Thursday, October 14–Sunday, November 14. So, eco-conscious cinephiles can explore the struggles and splendours of the natural world, all from their couches. Leading the charge is The Weather Diaries, which sees Australian director Kathy Drayton chronicle her daughter's teen years as the planet is increasingly affected by climate change — and it's joined by The Fourth Kingdom, about illegal immigrants living in a New York recycling centre; That's Wild, where teens traverse Colorado's mountains; and The Forum, focusing on the World Economic Forum. The list of flicks goes on, including documentaries about everything from Nobel Prize-winning scientist Jacques Duboche and local farmers on the French island of Martinique to the School Strike 4 Climate movement.
The Abbotsford Anglers are a lousy, Saturday morning, suburban cricket team, led by Ted (Stephen Curry), a sweet but kinda hopeless guy who lives in a mate's garage and works at a sports store. When his best mate, Rick (Brendan Cowell), announces his plans to marry and have children (which, to the boyish Ted, amounts to no less than treason), Ted can see his beloved cricket team will be overtaken by nappies, wives and all the other dreadful trappings of manhood. Oblivious to the inevitable fact that the times and the nature of his friendships are a-changing, Ted leads his D-grade team into the depths of India for a tour of glorified park cricket. It’s here that tensions arise, friendships are frayed, life lessons are learned and Ted must finally man up, grow up and fondly leave his teenage dreams behind. Save Your Legs! is about as blokey and Strayne, and silly as you’d expect a cricket bromance penned by Brendan Cowell to be. There's alot of toilet humour and alot of Channel Nine's "Wide World of Sports" theme music going on. Admittedly, I’m not the film’s target audience member (in other words, I’m not a cricket-obsessed, "nice Aussie bloke"), but it’s lovely to see a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Until it does, when the cricket metaphors start coming thick and fast (“There’s only one innings in life. You only get once chance” and so forth). Underlying all the beer and bravado, Save Your Legs! is about mateship and coming of age, with an affectionate portrait of everyday Aussie battlers that puts it in the same cinematic bracket as The Castle and Kenny. If the idea of a crew of drink-addled guys swanning around stoking chaos sounds familiar, it's because the film is also a bit of an Australianisation of The Hangover. Cowell and Curry give endearing performances as man-boys who are forcefully and finally shoved out of adolescence and into adulthood at the ripe old age of thirty-five. As a lighthearted, nostalgia-drenched film, Save Your Legs! hits a six.
When Tandem, Newtown's Copenhagen-inspired neighbourhood bar, arrived on the scene in 2018, it promised to break us out of our comfort zone. And with its brand new cocktail menu, it's doing just that. At its heart is aquavit, a spirit that Scandinavians have been making for more than 700 years. It's a bit like gin but is distilled from caraway seeds, instead of juniper, which means that you end up with a heady explosion of herbs and spices, like dill, anise and cardamom. Yep, it's exactly what you need to drink your way through a long, snowy, Danish winter — or a cool Newtown autumn. And, to mark the coming of the cold, Tandem founder Peter Lynn has created seven signature cocktails all inspired by aquavit. It's a versatile spirit, so, at one at end of the spectrum, you might find a light drop like the traditional Danish Aalborg in a fruity spritz and, at the other, a barrel-aged version such as Linie — which is aged on the top decks of ships travelling the world — in a stirred-down, late-night drink. "Aquavit's slightly savoury notes are so evocative of Danish hospitality and cuisine," says Lynn. "Every home in Scandinavia would have bottles of Aquavit in the pantry — after all, that's why it means 'water of life'." Keen to try it out? You're in luck — we're giving away a night out a Tandem. You and a mate will enjoy an aquavit cocktail each, an aquavit tasting experience and a large cheese board to share. You'll be enjoying them in Tandem's cosy quarters, designed to feel like a lounge room in a Copenhagen apartment and inspired by Lynn's mum and his adventures as a bartender in the city. Enter with your details below for a chance to win. [competition]716455[/competition] Images: Nic Newland and Newtown Photography.
On the streets of Cuba, music and politics are inseparable entities. In a country where musicians critically shape national identity, the influence wielded by one group of innovative artists in the face of socialism is nothing short of, well, beautifully revolucionario. Los Van Van — highly acclaimed as a crucial social influence on post-revolution Cuba — is a storytelling, ideological whirlwind with nothing gimmicky about their use of a cowbell. With bass guitar and idealism held high, founding father, Juan Formell, lead the first Cuban fusion of synthesisers and traditional rhythms over four decades ago, with their unique melange of Afrofunk, hip-hop, dance and rock — even grabbing a shiny Latin Grammy Award in 2000. The recipe here is a dish of charanga; a festive Cuban ensemble style Mambo-esque marching group, that conjures visions of palm fronds and light Spanish breezes at the drop of a timbale. With this post-revolutionary tour de force barrelling through Sydney, this Cuban dance orchestra is sure to vividly melt the senses and sultrily infuse the mind with a castanet or two. With such an adaptable sound and over 40 years of fire, Formell's son Samuel has now effectively taken the band reigns, with favourites such as "Soy Todo" still sending dancers into a furious Latin spin of colour, rhythm and wild hot fusion. Joined by special guests Latin Block Party, this dangerously infectious blend of Cuban changui and son montuno is sure to light your cigar with gusto, and have you donning a white linen suit faster than you can say "Llego Van Van!"
The annual Surry Hills Festival is back on Saturday, September 27, in a celebration of everything there is to love about the inner-city suburb. From the 9am dog show to the after-dark art takeover of a laneway, and with plenty of gourmet picnics hampers and market-stall tastings in between, it's a choose-your-own adventure of artisanal, community-minded promenading. Headlining the music program is Donny Benet, his eccentric tunes harking back to a time of kitschy disco meets funk (his new track with Kirin J. Callinan is everything you'd expect from the duo; an '80s throwback to perfection). Also headlining are Sydney psychedelic rockers, The Laurels, who have recently toured alongside the likes of Tame Impala and The Black Angels. There's also Spookyland — helmed by Marcus Gordan — aptly named thanks to their haunting folk tunes. For dancing after dark, Sydney electronic outfit Canyons will be playing a DJ set, as will Goodgod's rock 'n' roll dancehall favourites, Yo Grito!. Indie-pop band The Lulu Raes, electro-rock two-piece Tales In Space, singer-songwriter Little Fox, and the fantastic genre defying Spirit Valley (think Brian Jonestown Massacre but with chaotic drone) will also be bringing good vibes to the 'hood. For a chance to support local up-and-comers, AIM will be showcasing some of the best musical talent from its tiers. If you still can't think of an excuse to come down, proceeds raised will go towards a fundraiser for the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre for vital community projects to keep the suburb alive and going. The festival will be spread out over Shannon Reserve, Ward Park and (in the case of the psychedelic Velvet Cave) in a cluster of lanes behind Taylor Square. The Surry Hills Festival will run 10am-11pm. Check out the day's program on the festival website.
What would happen if you welded Nirvana and Bach together? You'd get classical with some serious sass. In fact, the result might come close to the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s electro-acoustic collective, specialising in covering an eclectic range of music. In this genre twist, classically trained musicians will swap the concert hall for the grimy rock cellar of Oxford Art Factory. With guest performers Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes) and Jim MoginIe (Midnight Oil), expect a broad musical repertoire that will range from reimagined versions of Nine Inch Nails and Phil Spector through to contemporary homages to Igor Stravinsky and George Crumb. The operation is the brainchild of assistant leader of the ACO Satu Vänskä. Having spent her youth playing violin in German nightclubs, the fusion between high and low culture is not necessarily new terrain. For this one-off performance, she has also curated some pre-show goodies including an audiovisual installation by Lost Boy and a performance by punk-turned-shout poet Marcie. Last year the ACO Underground performed to a full house at The Standard, featuring a surprise appearance from Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood. Jump on this unique musical mash-up before it sells out.
In the biggest shock extinction since Google Reader, Jurassic Lounge organisers have announced that the certainly not-obsolete event's next season will be its last. Having led the evolution of after-hours art parties in Sydney, Jurassic Lounge is now an icon of the Sydney scene we're sad to say goodbye to. That said, it's presence is felt in a helluva lot of places, including other events from The Festivalists team such as the Sydney Film Festival Hub, Possible Worlds and World Movies Secret Cinema. So goodbye isn't really goodbye. Here's the formula: every Tuesday night, the Australian Museum is swamped with a thousand punters partaking in drinks, live music, games and performance. The intelligently curated programs combine off-kilter stuff like slam poetry, alternative stand-up comedy, DJs from FBi Radio, dance lessons, science experiments, palm reading, and storytelling from emerging writers. For the last of its six seasons, running September 3 to November 5, Jurassic Lounge will host ten "outrageous end-of-the-world parties", culminating in the final night, the asteroid collision of fun times. Starting things off on September 3 is the Time Machine Party, a place where the Gatsby '20s and Clueless '90s are just one room apart. For the first five weeks of the season, all visitors will also be free to check out the Australian Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition with their Jurassic Lounge ticket.
The savoury branch of Sydney's cult-favourite gelateria is at it again. Next up on the Messina Eats world tour is a South American collab. This time around, it's teaming up with famed Melbourne hospitality group San Telmo — which owns Palermo and Asado — for a two-night feast in Sydney on Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 As usual, the party will go down in the carpark of Messina's Rosebery headquarters, which will, this time, be transformed into an Argentinean restaurant complete with a parrilla and asado firepit. At midday and 7pm each day, the team will be carving up slow-cooked lamb and stuffing it in rolls with cabbage slaw and chimichurri ($15). There'll also be choripan ($14) — rolls of chorizo, chimichurri and salsa — loaded fries ($8) and three types of empanadas (three for $15): beef and boiled egg, sweetcorn and mozzarella, and pork shoulder and chipotle. For dessert, always a highlight at a Messina-run event, there'll be deep-fried empanadas filled with dulce de leche ($9) served atop a scoop of fior de late gelato and leche flan with dulce de leche gelato ($9). Messina Eats: The San Telmo Group runs from 12–9pm (or sold out).
Sydney is getting a visit from a major player in the Hong Kong dining scene this March, when famed yakitori eatery Yardbird finds its way to our city. Head chef Matt Abergel, who's run the restaurant with partner Lindsay Jang since 2011, will join chef Dan Hong in the kitchen at Ms. G's for a collaboration lunch on Sunday, March 3. Abergel is known worldwide for his 'beak-to-tail' yakitori, and he'll be grilling a chef's choice trio on the day. Other specialties include his popular katsu sando, sweetcorn tempura and smoked fish fried rice. Of course, Ms. G's signature cheeseburger spring rolls will also make the menu, alongside its prawn toast with yuzu aioli, black fungus and prawn wontons, and the burrata with sesame sauce, chilli oil and peanuts. To check out the full menu, head here. You can just order off the menu, with each dish coming in at around $20. Reservations are fully booked but walk-ins are welcome to grab a seat at the bar from 2pm.
With the future of Oxford Art Factory currently in the hands of City of Sydney Council (the venue has two DAs in consideration), now is the time to show some support for Sydney's live music scene. This Thursday night, new local band Ernest Ellis will take to the stage of the Oxford Street indie mecca to kick off their east coast tour. With a well-received debut album, Hunting, already behind them, this four-piece play laidback, floating pop-rock that clears the mind like a walk through the park on a cold, crisp afternoon. Songwriter and frontman Roland Ellis writes of journeys and voyages, lyrics inspired by the classic adventure tale. And with tracks recorded at the peak of a mountaintop, from the depths of a valley and in a bathtub, this band's unique approach to making music will no doubt transfer beautifully onto the stage. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9ia4N_ABYk8
When Elle Woods ditched her fashion merchandising studies for a stint at Harvard Law School, one of the big comedy box office hits of the 2000s was born. Legally Blonde spawned a sequel as well as a musical, and a third film in the franchise is actually set to reach cinemas in 2022; however, in exciting news for Sydneysiders this October, the Reese Witherspoon-starring flick is getting the Queer Table Reads treatment. The concept is right there in the name: at Queer Table Reads, an all-queer cast of local comedians read through the scripts of beloved movies, bringing it to life in front of your eyes with their vocal performances. Heteronormative films that the LGBTQIA+ community adore aren't just thrown some extra love here — they're adapted from a queer perspective. At 7.30pm on Saturday, October 30, it's Legally Blonde's turn, with producer and host Jenna Suffern overseeing a cast that spans Gemma Bird Matheson, Nina Oyama, Vic Zerbst, Tommy Misa, Brendan Hancock, Natali Caro, Maeve Marsden, Rowdie Walden and Mây Trần. Head along to Darlinghurst Theatre Company to see the results — and dressing up like it's still 2001 is highly encouraged. Wearing pink would suit the occasion, clearly, but there's plenty of other 00s fashion trends to revive. While you're doing just that, there'll also be a So Fresh soundtrack and 00s-themed cocktails, too. Top image: Robert Catto.
If you remember UNKLE's debut album Psyence Fiction (1996), then chances are that like me, you could be thinking about hanging up those dancing shoes. It's almost 20 years since the release of the seminal debut and I know my joints are getting a bit creaky. Well fear not, UNKLE are bringing their new live show to the comfortably adult confines of the Sydney Opera House. The full band (in its latest incarnation anyway) replete with string section, will be taking over the Concert Hall with an array of LED screens, video projections and lights. They'll be performing both new and old material, in what will be a truly spectacular sensory and auditory experience. Founding member James Lavelle was a pioneer of the fusion of hip hop with classic breaks back in the mid-90s. As owner of the former Mo'Wax Records, he helped launch the careers of DJ Shadow, DJ Krush and Money Mark. His innovative approach to music has kept the UNKLE sound continually evolving and has led to many artist collaborations with the likes of Richard Ashcroft, Ian Brown, Thom Yorke, Mike D from the Beastie Boys, Badly Drawn Boy, both Mark Lanegan and Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, and 3D from Massive Attack to name but a few, all lending their creative talents over the years. Last year's release of the acclaimed Where Did the Night Fall (2010) marked yet another change in direction for the group and displays influences as diverse as krautrock, psychedelia, techno, afrobeat, alongside their grass roots sample sound.
No longer just the realms of Monica Trapaga residencies and kiddie-aimed pantomimes, Twilight at Taronga — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps the best view of Sydney Harbour as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven it's got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. The 2017 lineup featured the likes of Peter Garrett, Kurt Vile and Killing Heidi and, from the looks of things, 2018 will be even bigger. Held in Taronga Zoo's natural amphitheatre, the concert series kicks off on Friday, February 2 with a set by Sydney legends The Jezebels. They'll be followed on Saturday by Dan Sultan, who'll perform alongside Melbourne's The Teskey Brothers. Other standouts include Neil and Liam Finn, The Preatures, Cloud Control and Julia Jacklin, retro faves The Lemonheads and a Valentine's Day special edition of the cult rock music trivia show, RocKwiz. They've also announced partnerships with Electric Lady presenting Tired Lion and Sloan Peterson and Future Classic presenting Mount Kimbie, Kučka and Christopher Port. And yes, ABBA tribute act Bjorn Again will be back by popular demand. Picnic-bringing is encouraged, but there'll also be hampers available onsite. Tickets are on sale now and include same-day entry into the zoo plus free select public transport. As always, all proceeds will go back into Taronga's ongoing conservation work. To celebrate the 2018 lineup, and to help ease the strain on your wallets after the festive season, we're giving away a double pass to the concert of your choice (subject to availability). Die-hard ABBA fan? Can't stop singing "Is This How You Feel"? Dancing around the office to Cloud Control? We've got you, and your beloved plus one. To enter, see details below. TWILIGHT AT TARONGA 2018 LINEUP Friday, February 2 - The Jezabels Saturday, February 3 - Dan Sultan with The Teskey Brothers Friday, February 9 - Paul Dempsey Sunday, February 11 - Neil and Liam Finn Wednesday, February 14 - RocKwiz Thursday, February 15 - RocKwiz Saturday, February 17 - Cloud Control and Julia Jacklin Friday, February 23 - Bjorn Again Saturday, February 24 - Bjorn Again Thursday, March 1 - The Lemonheads and Jebediah Friday, March 2 - The Preatures supported by The Creases Saturday, March 3 - Electric Lady presents - Tired Lion and Sloan Peterson Friday, March 9 - Future Classic presents - Mount Kimbie, Kučka and Christopher Port Saturday, March 10 - James Morrison Sunday, March 11 - James Reyne Plays All Crawl Friday, March 16 - Kate Miller-Heidke supported by Odette Saturday, March 17 - Tex, Don and Charlie [competition]654486[/competition]
One of the best new openings in town is also one of the savviest. Teddy welcomed its first guests in early September with Sydney still very much in the throes of the cost-of-living crisis. With this fact front of mind, happy hours, discounts and enticing deals are a cornerstone of their offering, proving that neighbourhood diners can still be an affordable night out, even in such economically turbulent times. Monday to Saturday between 4–6pm, punters can take advantage of the generous happy hour, where a selection of signature cocktails are on offer for just $12 and glasses of house wines are available for just $10. On Sunday, the same offer applies, except it's available all day long — perfect for a cheeky end-of-the-weekend sesh that won't break the bank. On top of that, there are also dining offers every day of the week. On Mondays, BYO is available with zero corkage fee while on Tuesdays, the minute steak is available for the discounted price of $29. On Wednesdays, the pasta and vino offer will get you a pasta main and glass of wine for just $29 and on Thursday, the raid the cellar night offers $50 bin end bottles. On Fridays, you can start the weekend as you mean to go on with the "business women's special" (although you don't need to be in business or even a woman to take advantage), which offers a main and marg for $35 during the lunch service. And because lunchtime margs on a Friday often lead to bleary-eyed hangovers on a Saturday, bloody marys, the classic hair-of-the-dog cure-all, are available for $12.
Bardo Pond make huge washes of explorative sound, using noise elements of distortion and drone to carve out space and time. Does that description make me sound like an acid casualty? So be it, because I'd be well at home in the Bardo family. Any band who, since they formed in 1991, have released albums with wink-wink drug references in their titles (um ... Dilate, anyone?) should be okay with that. Not to mention that the band splinters off into side projects with names like 500mg, Third Troll, Prairie Dog Flesh and Hash Jar Tempo. Truly influential amongst younger psychedelic-leaning bands and their contemporaries, they appear in Sydney at the invitation of Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed as part of the Vivid festival. Signed between, for the most part, two record labels — Matador and ATP — Bardo Pond aren't a particularly prolific band, but their releases range into the hundreds via furtive bootlegging amongst loyal fans intent on stretching those moments of bliss into an eternity. That's the sound the band is all about, the feedback fever dreams and trip-on-this space rock akin to the music of My Bloody Valentine and Spacemen 3. To see them hold court in the Studio at the Opera House is something of a small triumph for totally, ahem, jazzed fans. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WjXDVim-ylg
Just because your bank account is looking a little empty, doesn't mean you've got to resort to sad, uninspiring lunchtime fare. At least, not this week, with food app Ritual dishing up tasty meals for just $1 a pop. Having launched in Sydney late last year, the mobile order and pay app is offering a very sweet deal to tempt CBD workers, from now until November 8. It's dropping the price of select menu items from 250 of its restaurants to just $1 a pop. In this budget-friendly lineup you'll find feeds from some of your favourite CBD, Barangaroo and North Sydney vendors, which normally clock in at around $15. We're talking the terriyaki salmon bowl from Nudefish, Dutch Smuggler's famed mie goreng toastie, salt and pepper chicken bao from Bing's Bao and Beer, pitas from Zeus Street Greek and American burgers from Burger Project. There are also $1 toasties from Bistro Guillaume, french toast from Hills Bros, six pan-fried dumplings from Dainty Sichuan, an eight-inch pizza from Fratelli Famous and a cold brew bubble cup from Industry Beans (pictured below). Just remember that you do need to pick up your drink or meal, so make sure the eatery is in walking distance. [caption id="attachment_706984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bubble Cup from Industry Beans[/caption] Download the app and you'll be able to tap into three of these $1 deals over the week the offer is running. Which means a few mornings of extra shut-eye, thanks to not having to whip up lunch yourself. You'll also get to road test some of Ritual's nifty features, including a 'skip the line' function that allows you to order ahead and avoid queues, and 'skip the trip', where you can group together multiple orders from the one office to save everyone from making the same trek. There are a couple of restrictions, though. The deal is only valid between 5am and 5pm daily, and you can only order once per day and once per restaurant. If you've previously ordered on Ritual, you'll need to refer a friend to get access to the deal — new users can access it straight away. You can check out all the nitty-gritty details over here. Ritual is offering three $1 meals or drinks per user through its app (for Android or iOS) until 5pm on Friday, November 8.
There was a note stuck to the back of a Darlinghurst bus stop seat. "ROSE," it read, "Gone up the Cross. Ring me! Trevor." The year wasn't 1970, it was 2009 and I was on my way home from a bookshop opening. I don't know if Rose ever found Trevor, but Kings Cross has a rich history of fateful meetings, missings and other miscreant behaviour. In the summer of '70-'71, photographers Rennie Ellis and Wesley Stacey were in town to capture exactly that. While local artists gathered in the Yellow House on Macleay Street laying the groundwork for the future of the Sydney experimental scene, American Vietnam soldiers trundled the streets on leave looking for a good time. The girls of Les Girls fanned both their longs legs and slobbering onlookers on break from their office jobs a little ways down William Street. Carlotta held court, Hare Krishnas clapped and danced, red lights glowed, the fountain dribbled. In other words, you could walk down the street without tripping over the cast and crew of Underbelly shooting a nightclub scene. Ellis and Stacey's photographs of this sliver of Sydney life are currently on display at the Museum of Sydney, and while you're tripping over the city scenes, have a look out for Rosie and Trevor. Maybe they'll be in the gift shop.
Yoko Ono. The name carries a lot of associations. John Lennon. The Beatles and their subsequent break-up. Weird clothing designs and weirder musical experimentations. Regardless of what Yoko means to you, her retrospective, War Is Over! (if you want it), at the Museum of Contemporary Art is well worth a look. She's a powerhouse of an artist and she's racked up a surprising amount of achievements in her 80 years, many of which have been eclipsed by the spectre of Lennon. Yoko's life has been peppered with hardship. Born in 1933 in Tokyo, her father got a job in San Francisco and the family spent the next few years moving from Japan to the U.S. and back again. They were living in Tokyo when the U.S. decided to firebomb the city. Her father was held in a concentration camp while his once wealthy family was forced to carry their possessions in a wheelbarrow and beg for food. Fast-forward a few years. Her second husband, Anthony Cox, has abducted the daughter she had with him, changed the child's name and absconded to an underground Christian sect. She found love with Lennon but the years she spent with him were no walk in the park, either. She suffered a miscarriage, served as the target of crushing hatred and vitriol following the break-up of the Beatles and then, in 1980, she witnessed her husband's brutal murder at the entrance to the Dakota Building in New York. It's a litany of woe and what is most remarkable is that in the face of all this, Yoko has become a tireless proponent of peace and love. What is striking about War Is Over! (if you want it) is the sheer joyfulness of the pieces. The exhibition is ridiculously happy-making. The works are highly conceptual but very, very accessible and many encourage viewer interaction. When first entering the gallery, you'll be greeted by several tables with chess sets atop them. It will take a moment to notice that all the pieces are white. In order to effectively play the game, both participants need to actively engage in discussion. It's tremendous fun. Glass Keys to Open the Skies is another notable work. The small keys sit, evenly spaced, in a small Perspex box. It’s such a wonderful trigger for the imagination. Another work invites you to write a small message to your mother which you then tack to the gallery wall, allowing everyone to broadcast a message to your mum on one of the most 'important' walls in Australia. Many of the works involve wishing or hope for something better. There's a box where you can make a travel wish and up on the terrace there are a few of Yoko's Wish Trees. You write a wish on a small piece of paper then attach it with twine to the branches of the tree. The effect of the paper and twine amongst the leaves is beautiful. Perhaps the real magic of the work lies in the reading of other people's wishes. It can be a profoundly affecting exercise. You're reminded that we all pretty much want the same things. Most of the wishes fall into the same category - the desire for happiness both for ourselves and the people we love. Would she be as famous today had she not married Lennon? Probably not, but does it matter? She's a wonderful artist.
This October, the streets of Marrickville will be flooded with over 120 stalls boasting local produce, indie artwork and emerging artists, all set to the backdrop of live music pouring from the main stage. Yep, Marrickville Festival is back for 2017. The entertainment lineup not only includes the fest's usual array of talent belting out tunes from its central spot, but also The Break music competition, showcasing the best local acts around. Or, if you're keen to throw some shapes, head to the international dance floor. Taking place from 10am on October 22 on Marrickville and Illawarra Roads, the festival promises a sensational day out in the sun for both small and big kids alike. Whatever you're into, it's as good a reason as any to spend a Sunday in Marrickville Image: Wendy Kimpton.
If stargazing isn't the world's oldest pastime, then it'd have to be right up there. At the very least, it's an ace way to spend a winter evening in the great outdoors, away from the bright artificial lights and hustle and bustle of Sydney's daily grind. On Friday, August 17, you'll be able to do have your own starry escape when Centennial Park hosts its annual astronomy session. Arrive at 5.30pm and spend the evening staring at the stars and discovering the science and stories behind them. An astronomer from Western Sydney University will be on-hand to point out all the good stuff as you wander around the park and, when you're ready to wind down, you can take a seat by the campfire and listen to traditional Aboriginal stories about the night sky.
In life and in horror movies, don't pick up a book bound in human skin. Just don't. Anthropodermic bibliopegy is the name of that gruesome covering process, and it isn't a fictional creation of the Evil Dead world — so heeding this guidance really is sensible. Of course, there wouldn't be any films in the boomstick-waving franchise if its characters listened to such a warning. There'd be no cabin-visiting folks battling Deadites again and again, and no chainsaws coming in mighty handy, either. Evil Dead Rise, the fifth big-screen instalment in the saga that also started Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell's careers long before the OG Spider-Man flicks, Burn Notice and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, does indeed include that flesh-wrapped Necronomicon Ex-Mortis. Also, the terrifying tome is grabbed, opened and unwittingly allowed to unleash its gory chaos. The body count rises, demons hop into bodies, and shotguns and power tools become necessary weapons. That said, while Evil Dead Rise definitely knows the series it's in, it's no mere exercise in blasting expected targets. There will be blood in this addition to the Evil Dead fold, and not just inking The Book of the Dead's pages. There's gallons of it, in fact, with assistance from an elevator overflowing with crimson liquid. Writer/director Lee Cronin is clearly happy to jump from his 2019 debut The Hole in the Ground to this beloved horror franchise while giving The Shining some love as well. And yet, nods to past Evil Dead films and scary fare in general aren't the main point of Evil Dead Rise, even though they're still there — loudly when "dead by dawn", words that are also part of Evil Dead II's title, is yelled. It shouldn't feel so rare to see a feature that isn't solely kept beating by gobbling up as many pieces of its predecessors as possible, but that's these nothing-must-die times. (When intellectual property is revived repeatedly by Hollywood's intonations, bringing back Evil Dead over and over couldn't be more appropriate.) Consider this another play around with recognisable parts — and with mutilating them, with Cronin showing no signs of holding back with his setpieces, gleefully unhinged onslaught of carnage or visual compositions. Or, think of it as striding into a lived-in hut with a keenness to make something already-beloved new again. With Raimi and Campbell only involved as executive producers, the film also doesn't ever feel like Cronin wrote a different script, then just dumped in a Necronomicon here and a Deadite there. Again, it's well-aware of the path it's treading, and of what's done so before. Still, amid the ample guts, the obligatory creepy pages and the eerie incantations (which for viewers unlike the movie's characters, are well-worth listening to closely), this saga-extender finds the right balance between affectionately savouring Evil Dead's groovy history and being its own fright-inducing meal. Familiar swooping and whooshing camerawork kicks Evil Dead Rise into gear, though, knowingly so. In a clever touch, it stems from a is doing the shooting, not due to supernatural nefariousness. There's a remote abode in the woods — an A-frame shack this time, levelled up to match 2023's travel aesthetic — and unsettling things afoot; however, the bulk of the film takes place a day earlier. That's when guitar technician Beth (Lily Sullivan, Picnic at Hanging Rock) cuts out a the worldwide tour to surprise her sister Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland, New Gold Mountain). The latter is a tattoo artist and mother of three who has recently been left parenting solo, and is interrupted dying her hair 'cool mum' red when her sibling arrives. There's baggage between the pair, but there'll soon be viscera as well when Ellie's teenage son Danny (Morgan Davies, Blaze) finds a certain text — and, because he's a budding DJ, some dusty vinyl sporting words that no one in an Evil Dead movie should be saying or hearing. There's that trusty advice being disregarded. Danny's sister Bridget (Gabrielle Echols, Reminiscence) is on hand with an "I told you so" or several, mirroring what viewers are thinking. Actually, Evil Dead Rise inspires a new take on the old "don't pick up a book bound in human skin" counsel: don't go plunging into a hole in the ground when the condemned high-rise you're living in cracks in an earthquake and you spot an old bank vault in the newly opened void, then 100-percent don't pick up some literally underground tunes and the entombed, flesh-packaged tome they're buried near. But Danny does all that, thinking the volume might be worth something to help his mum's money worries. Bridget scolds and youngest sister Kassie (Nell Fisher, My Life Is Murder) is quickly scared by the aftermath. The trapped inhabitants of the about-to-be-demolished building are all unnerved, to say the least, as the Evil Dead realm's wicked spirits let loose their hellish waking nightmare. There will be splatter, too, as the 1981 original introduced on a supremely low budget. Each Evil Dead chapter loves imparting its own vibe, after the second film got funnier, 1992's third effort Army of Darkness became a dark fantasy, then 2013's Evil Dead snatched out every trace of absurdity — and, on the small screen, Ash vs Evil Dead got amusing again — but gore usually flows eagerly. Like grated cheese, there's no such thing as too much in Cronin's eyes. Like making that shredded dairy, a particular kitchen utensil gets a workout. With cinematographer Dave Garbett, an Ash vs Evil Dead alum, Cronin also frequently draws attention to the act of seeing, while making sure there's almost always something savage to lock one's peepers on. A fish-eye peephole earns some savvy use, and the overall cavalcade of mayhem just keeps mounting to the point where it's so purposefully ridiculous that you can't look away. Evil Dead Rise isn't going for a Raimi-and-Campbell mood. It isn't aiming for the pair's laughs and slapstick since the OG flick, either. But it spies that constantly ramping up the slashing, stabbing, scalping, ripping and gouging is as relentless as it is OTT, especially when paired with devilishly delivered lines like "mommy's with the maggots now". And, although its guiding force takes too long establishing the new characters' family dynamic, then does too little with the themes of trauma and parenthood it starts flirting with, the franchise's latest cast is up to the task when things get demonic. Australian trio Sutherland, Sullivan and Davies each leave an imprint, with one also giving the saga one of its best Deadite performances. No Evil Dead fan will ever want Raimi and Campbell to stray too far from this series, but this latest bite doesn't ever feel like it needs them, or leave its audience wishing it was watching Ash J Williams instead.
It's no secret that here at Concrete Playground, we love an event or two. Every single day, our fair city is buzzing with a variety of happenings. Sure, the daily grind can often leave you wanting to crawl straight into bed at tools down, but that inner culture vulture of yours needs to be fed. So, we've rounded up the best things to do in Sydney after work tonight (that's Thursday, May 17). Rather than heading straight home, check out a whole bunch of free art (with a glass of bubbly), warm up with ramen in Bondi or see Sydney Dance Company's newest show and have something interesting to talk about at work tomorrow.
For five hours on Sunday, March 20, restaurant Baba's Place in Marrickville will be transformed into a gallery. On display: Suburban Ghosts, an original photo series that tackles topics such as immigration, suburban beauty and cultural resilience. All photos — framed and unframed — will be available to purchase, and the images will also be printed in the first issue of Baba's new zine, which will be available to buy as well. The issue will also include other works, including an essay on the doily, plus half of the restaurant's recipe for its bouillabaisse bolognese. In addition to all those pics to peruse — and the zine to read — the event will also feature an exclusive range of t-shirts, a special Solo-inspired cocktail and the one-day-only return of Baba's cherry kofta wrap. Head along from 1–6pm, with Munasib and 700Feel providing the soundtrack to get you on the dance floor.
There's this wondrous thing about magic: it almost never fails to capture the imagination of even the most ardent cynic. It might just be for a split second, maybe even less, but in that fleeting moment as the card reappears or the coin vanishes or god knows what else, you can't help but ask yourself "...how the hell did they just do that?" Because of course we all know magic doesn't exist, not real magic, yet our inability to reconcile that which we know from what we've just seen needles away at our curiosity like a splinter under the skin. It's baffling and frustrating and utterly beguiling. But then there's this awful thing about magic in film: it almost never succeeds in capturing the imagination of even the most hopeful viewer. That's because film, unlike real life, already possess the ability to do everything the imagination can muster. The transformation of a pigeon into a pocket square can never hope to impress when space ships can warp into black holes, child wizards can drag race dragons and Hulks can smash. Good movies about magic (such as 2006's The Prestige) aren't about magic, they're about the magicians, and yet the problem with Now You See Me, is that it never really commits to being about either. At the start of the film (when the only genuine magic trick takes place and is legitimately good enough to elicit an audible response from the audience), we meet four magicians played by Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco and Woody Harrelson. All are performing independently until a mysterious benefactor brings them together with the challenge of executing the "greatest magic trick ever conceived". Fast forward a year and they pull it off: a live televised robbery of a French bank vault without ever leaving their stage in Las Vegas. With the promise of even greater robberies to follow, the FBI brings in cynical agent Mark Ruffalo to stop them, whilst professional 'debunker' Morgan Freeman sets out to expose the means behind the magic. There are some nice performances from Harrelson and Mélanie Laurent (Inglourious Basterds); however, the plot is utterly ridiculous and the magic isn't even remotely engrossing. It's a sort of 'pop heist movie'; an Ocean's Eleven for Gen-Y that's more concerned with looking cool than being it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=KzJNYYkkhzc
After being hauled back from the financial brink in 2016 and then making the move from central Sydney to Parramatta earlier this year, Tropfest has seen a lot of change over the past few years. But it seems that the world's biggest short film festival has found some security in a few big multi-year partnerships, with Tropfest founder and director John Polson this morning announcing that it will return to Parramatta Park in 2018. Like last year, the festival will be held on a Saturday, with a series of events (like the Tropfest Talks program) to run in the lead-up to the main event. This year's 'signature item' is rose, which entrants can interpret or include in their seven-minute-max film at their discretion. After finally reaching an equal gender split this year (that is, 50 percent female filmmakers and 50 percent male), Polson is pushing for more cultural diversity for Tropfest 2018. "Australia is one of the most multicultural countries on Earth, which makes for some unique perspectives," he said. "We are calling for diverse stories from filmmakers of all backgrounds to showcase in the heart of Parramatta, western Sydney — one of Australia's most ethnically vibrant communities." If you're thinking of giving it a go, entries open for submissions will open on October 15 and close on January 11 next year. Tropfest will take place on Saturday, February 17 at Parramatta Park, Parramatta. For more info, visit tropfest.com. Updated: November 29, 2017.
Forget every "find someone who looks at you" meme you've ever seen. When it comes to gazes that'll make you dream of being adored in the same way, Loving just can't be beaten. Jeff Nichols' latest film is affectionate by name and by nature, and so is its central couple. From the moment that the movie opens with the life-changing words "I'm pregnant", Mildred (Ruth Negga) and Richard Loving (Joel Edgerton) are clearly head over heels. The looks that they direct at each other at every chance possible, make the extent of their feelings obvious. Neither gets weak at the knees; they're not that kind of people. They easily could though, as could those of us sitting in the audience. Of course, for anyone who has seen Shotgun Stories, Take Shelter, Mud or Midnight Special, it won't come as a surprise that Nichols pays such keen attention to their glances. As he's demonstrated in all his films over the past decade, he's a filmmaker who trades in intimate tales that bubble with big emotions. What's more personal, devoted and overflowing with feeling than sending a yearning look someone's way or silently locking eyes? As you watch Negga and Edgerton watch one another, you'll know the answer: nothing. Indeed, as Nichols' delves into the details of the Lovings' real-life romance, it's soon apparent that his quiet, patient approach really couldn't be more appropriate to such an important story. Falling in love in the segregated state of Virginia in 1958 where interracial marriage was against the law, the pair made history with their fight to be together. That said, despite the threats of imprisonment and legal persecution, Loving isn't a big, fist-pumping courtroom drama, although it probably would've been in lesser hands. Instead, taking its cues from the couple at its centre, it's a contemplative, considered, sensitive and sincere account of a relationship attacked from the outside, but never under threat from within. That leaves Negga and Edgerton with a considerable task, though it's one they achieve with the same grace and tenderness that marks the movie from start to finish. Nominated for an Academy Award for her performance, Negga imbues Mildred with growing resolve — not about her marriage, which she never doubts, but about doing what she needs to live the modest life she wants with her husband. One of the many pleasures of the film is seeing Mildred grow more and more confident about taking action against inequality, and witnessing Edgerton's hard-working, plain-spoken Richard grow increasingly enamoured with her passion. They never discuss this, and they don't need to. As with everything in Loving, it's all there in their eyes. Throw in Nichols regular Michael Shannon in a brief but memorable part as a photographer, plus Nick Kroll leaving his usual comedic antics behind in his roll as a civil rights lawyer, and Loving couldn't be more convincingly cast. Add honeyed tones that layer the film's gentle sights with a warm glow, and it couldn't look any better, either. Both help make a subtle yet sweeping effort even more rich and resonant. Ultimately though, it's in conveying the power and significance of Mildred and Richard's love that Nichols' latest movie really shines. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7YeyiNVHXY
Some forms of pasta are simply better than others. That includes the humble lasagne. Soft flat sheets of the good stuff caked between pork and beef ragu, bechamel sauce, tomato and parmesan — what's not to love? To celebrate National Lasagne Day on Thursday, July 29, Italian chain Fratelli Fresh is offering northern beach residents $10 stacks of cheese and pasta from its Manly outpost. To ensure you make the most of the pasta promotion you should pre-order a lasagne from Fratelli before 5pm on Wednesday by calling (02) 9259 5674. If you come a little late to the party, or if you just like your pasta a little less layered, the beachside spot has a full Italian takeaway menu on offer seven days a week including rigatoni lamb ragu, truffle ravioli, pumpkin and prosciutto pizza and tiramisu. Or, if you want to get in on the lasagne action yourself while you have ample cooking time, Fratelli has uploaded its lasagne recipe to its Facebook along with a recipe for banoffee torta to enjoy after.
11 years after the release of An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore is back and more powerful than we could have possibly imagined. Well, no actually. The content of An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power still packs a punch, and as far as composition goes it's a stunner. At the same time, we can't help but feel that after a decade of discussion surrounding climate change, the potency of Gore's central message has been somewhat diluted. Think of it this way: if An Inconvenient Truth was a diagnosis, An Inconvenient Sequel is a check-up. The outlook is still grim, as Gore illustrates with evidence from around the world – melting ice sheets in Greenland, devastating weather events across South-East Asia, flooding in the streets of Miami. But the effect isn't quite as shocking as in the original, although this may be a comment on society's apathy rather than the content of the documentary itself. Naturally, this follow-up has a decidedly political bent. Shot and edited in 2016, the film captures a snapshot of the international atmosphere in the lead up the US election, and there's an extra layer of tragedy that comes watching from the other side. While the original movie battled against the widespread ignorance of climate change, the antagonist in the sequel is the political machinations that prevent a real and widespread response to the threat. And the looming spectre of Donald Trump is the perfect embodiment of this theme. The most compelling part of the doco is the intimate glimpse it gives at the workings at the UNFCCC Paris Climate Change Conference. It was a tumultuous time politically, with a terrorist attack in the French capital having claimed the lives of more than 130 people just days before. But the most interesting element is the negotiations between signatories. Gore, it would seem, played an integral role in helping the united countries reach a voluntary agreement, and the behind-the-scenes look at the negotiations are fascinating – if rather heavily edited. Admittedly, the film does feel a bit heavy on Gore – there are some rambling asides about his political come-up and education programs that stretch a little too long. Viewers may also feel a little worn down by the grim subject matter, although at least the movie finishes on a somewhat positive note. The call to action in the dying minutes of An Inconvenient Sequel – to speak up, to protest, and to be heard to enable change – is a vitally important one. That's true now more than ever before. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huX1bmfdkyA
There's lotsa bonza stuff in Straya. But let's face it, team, we could be doing a tad better. If you want to get chatting about how to make this happen, get yourself along to the Sydney Opera House on May 3 for a new talk series dubbed 'Ideas for a Better Australia'. Created by the crew responsible for the Festival of Dangerous Ideas and All About Women, the all-day event will feature five sessions, each committed to a different issue. 'Freedom of Speech', hosted by Chris Berg and Julian Burnside, will tackle the murky and complex topic of saying whatever you like — whether you're a journalist who's discovered dodgy operations in the secret intelligence sector or a citizen who defends the right to be offensive. Meanwhile, a panel made up of Rebecca Huntley, Benjamin Law, Tony Windsor and Ann Sherry will take on the rather infinite subject, 'What's wrong with politics?'. Why do we keep on electing leaders we dislike, even though we know our health, education and environment are in their hands? The final three sessions are 'Which Australia?' with Mark Colvin, Nick Bryant, Rebecca Huntley and Marcia Langton; 'Doing Good' with Peter Singer and Ann Sherry; and 'Young and Old' with Jan Owen, Holly Ransom, Everald Compton and Andrew Charlton. Tix are selling faster than Tony Abbott's popularity is dropping, but for now, both full day and single session passes are available.
Forest Lodge. That often overlooked suburb wedged in between Glebe and Annandale. You've got the essentials any decent suburb needs: local video shop, good coffee, a standard Thai joint and a pub for the boozers. And now the residents of Flodge even have their very own official beer club, the newest venture from the Roxbury. Craft Beer Club is held on the last Thursday of every month (except for December) with the next event on 29 November. This month's Beer Club will showcase three interstate breweries and one local brewery. "Beer Club is designed to support Australian micro brewers and great beer, something that we're very passionate about here at the Roxbury," says bar manager, Craig McVea, "The night is very casual with each brewery sampling one to two brews with the first usually being a flagship beer and the second a limited release brew."
A multi-channel video installation entitled Vertigo and photographic work from her, Tidal Walk, contextualise Fiona McGregor's new series at Artspace. Against the ground of documentation of her previous performance work, she will present durational performance pieces that reflect on water as a necessary resource for the body, and as a major element of the environment in which the human body exists. "When I see a tap running unattended, I feel like I am watching someone bleed," say McGregor, and her Water Series explore similarities between how the circulatory and digestive systems of the human body and the movement of water through physical environments. It's an accumulative project in which the first work, Water 1: Descent sees the artist lying still covered in salts for 24 hours as rainwater equal to her body weight is released onto her forehead in drips. The second 24-hour piece, Water 2: Passage brings saltwater into the artist's body via an IV drip while another tube extracts her blood; this performance culminates in McGregor's back being tattooed with water. Water 3: Expulsion moves the water-body interaction to its final stage, from impact upon to journey through to production, wherein throughout a final 24 hour period McGregor will consume large quantities of water and use the resulting urine to power a small fountain.
From the shaken to the stirred and everything in-between — this May, the country's world-class mixology scene will be celebrated in a very big way at a month-long drinks festival. The inaugural Australian Cocktail Month is set to kick off Sunday, May 1, descending on venues across a heap of Aussie cities with a diverse lineup of crafty collaborations and exclusive concoctions. In total, 145 bars are taking part in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Wollongong — and in Sydney, of course. Here in the Harbour City, 25 spots will help Australian Cocktail Month celebrate its second year. And, both boozy and alcohol-free cocktails will be on the menu. Wondering where you'll be heading? Hit up local favourites such as About Time, Frank Mac's, Hickson House, Jangling Jacks, Maybe Sammy, PS40 and Re, for starters. Along with the other venues taking part, they'll spend the month whipping up creative-charged festival cocktails (and mocktails) using drops from both local brands — think: Brix Distillers, Four Pillars and Archie Rose — and international labels. To get among the best of it, grab a $20 Australian Cocktail Month ticket and enjoy full access to all of the participating venues' cocktail creations. Alcoholic drinks will be priced at $14 a pop, with low-alcohol and booze-free options clocking in at $10. Top image: Hickson House, Steven Woodburn.
The Manly Jazz festival is heading back into town this October long weekend, bringing its blend of New Orleans jazz, gospel, Latin and roots to the beachside suburb for the 41st time. So jump on a ferry and get over to the northern beaches for three days of smooth sounds this spring. Held in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues dotted along the beach, the jam-packed program features over 100 free performances. On the lineup you'll find jazz drummer Carl Allen, who's flying in from the US to take the stage by the water, fusion group Back to Back and 'Sydney's first lady of blues' Alice Terry. A tribute show to one of the greatest singers of all time — Aretha Franklin — is also on the program. Those wanting to get a bit more hands on can also head to a workshop, or to the pop-up garden, which will be stocked to the nines with craft beers, cider, wine and Mexican snacks from local eatery Bar Troubadour.
For dazzling views of the Grose Valley and wombat spotting, head to Mount Banks. The 2.4-kilometre return trail starts at the Mount Banks picnic area and begins with a short yet steep climb before ascending gradually to the summit. Most peaks in the Blue Mountains are sandstone but this still has a basalt covering created by volcanoes 20 million years ago. For the flora fiends among you, take in smooth-barked monkey gums and native wildflowers. Once you hit the top, the view of Grose Valley from the summit is awesome. If you'd like to extend the hike, opt to link up with the Mount Banks Road cycle route, which will make the trek about 4.7 kilometres all up. Image: Elinor Sheargold, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
Who knew that a simple zoom out could be so heartbreaking? Iranian-Kurdish journalist and Manus Island detainee Behrouz Boochani, that's who. Secretly recording his indefinite detention in Papua New Guinea's controversial facility for asylum seekers, it's a filmmaking flourish he uses several times throughout Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time. Shooting his restrained surroundings on a mobile phone, his camera captures images both scenic and ordinary — a beach and a communal space, for example — only to then lurch backwards to reveal bars obscuring the view. The statement Boochani makes with this stylistic choice might be obvious, but it's important. For the incarcerated, freedom and normality is so close and yet so far. That applies not only to peering beyond their fenced-in confines, but trying to flee oppression in search of a better life. They're ostensibly right next door to their ideal destination, Australia, and yet the place they're forced to inhabit couldn't be further from their dreams. Indeed, as they struggle with their imprisonment, endure a climate of violence, and make calls to their families back home, their situation more closely resembles a nightmare. Of course, this has all been splashed across countless news headlines; in fact, when the documentary was released in June last year, the Australian government had just that week settled a $70 million lawsuit with Manus Island detainees. But as 2016's Chasing Asylum demonstrated, there's a difference between hearing about the harsh conditions Boochani and company suffer through, and seeing them first-hand; just as there's a difference between seeing asylum seekers as a faceless mass, and getting to know their individual stories. A collaboration with Iranian-Dutch filmmaker Arash Kamali Sarvestani, who produced, edited and composed the suitably emotive score, the movie is less an interview-filled expose, and more a moody portrait of the daily reality of life on Manus Island. Men share tales of bleak incidents within the facility, and try to speak to wives, children and mothers left behind. In between, the camera roams — sometimes over bunk beds no one would want their worst enemy to sleep in, sometimes finding a kitten fenced in behind the wire. Poetic in its depiction of the banality of detainment while offering an impassioned polemic on a punitive regime, Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time is a film of juxtapositions — its subjects yearn for beauty while experiencing abject horror. It's no wonder, then, that Boochani and Sarvestani have chosen to name their feature after a term with a significant double meaning. 'Chauka' refers to both a local bird known for emitting noises at specific times, and the solitary confinement facility within the camp. The film is showing on Sunday, April 22 at the MCA as part of the 21st Biennale of Sydney. Tickets are only $10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwaVMPYEzrA
Think back to your kindergarten years and there’s probably a few things that still stick in your mind, whether it’s snuggling with your favourite plush at nap time or getting your hands sticky with glitter at the craft table. But what happens when you turn these fond memories of normalcy and childhood on their head? If you’ve seen Annette Messager’s latest retrospective exhibition at the MCA, you’ll know that such cherished toys can instantly be transformed into ghoulish terrors more likely to be found in a nightmare than a five-year-old’s playpen. Now you too can follow Messager’s creative footsteps and try a hand at reinventing everyday objects into works of art, grotesque or not. MCA’s series of Subversive Stitching workshops, led by textile expert and artist Nicole Barakat, promises to teach embroidering, stitching and sewing for you to apply to your dolls, soft toys and clothing, with the twist that results need not be pretty. Beginners are welcome and materials are provided. It’s certainly high time we all sit down at the craft table again.
This year, Parramatta has joined in on the Good Food Month action, with events spreading beyond Sydney's inner city and into the new suburban hubs. Over four days this October, see laneways, car parks and squares transformed into themed hubs of foodie heaven. Don't miss the stalls at the Middle Eastern bazaar, or the cocktails at the neon playground that pays homage to Tokyo after dark. There'll be discos and desserts, boutique beers, live entertainment and the Art Amble, a specially curated outdoor art-walk through installations and innovative video art. Download the full program of Parramatta Lanes here.
At the heart of Love, Loss and What I Wore is the idea that objects, such as clothing, hold memories for us. For some people this leads to hoarding in an effort to keep as many facets of our past close at hand, while others need to cleanse their wardrobes and shelves every few months. It makes sense in a culture of consumption that, if you are what you eat, then maybe you're also what you wear. Romantic comedy sisters Nora and Delia Ephron — creators of When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail — developed this Off-Broadway hit from the book of the same title by Ilene Beckerman and fleshed it out with anecdotes from amongst their circle of friends. Now, this successful suite of monologues is premiering at the Sydney Opera House. This is a show that's unashamedly pitching itself at women, though men with a penchant for feminine labels will also enjoy its stories woven out of encounters with dresses, shoes and accessories. Bringing these tales to life is an ensemble of well-known Australian performers, led by Magda Szubanski and Natalie Bassingthwaighte. At 90 minutes, this theatrical event makes for a perfect dinner-show-drinks combo for a gang of fashion-focused friends.
A birthday celebration calls for an abundance of food, friends and of course a few beverages. And this Friday, March 30, Cake Wines is celebrating the second birthday of its Redfern cellar door with all three. Its birthday bash will feature US soul and R&B singer Amp Fiddler playing alongside a lineup of local musicians. Tickets are $35 and include access to a giant charcuterie board, but make sure to arrive promptly as it's sure to disappear. There'll also be woodfired pizzas available to order and, of course, plenty of wine by the glass and bottle — as well as a selection of local beers and spirits (if wine is not your thing). While the cellar door is only a youngster, the Adelaide Hills wine label has been around for seven years. And if you haven't yet tried the label's wines — or had a chance to check out its impressive cellar door — now's your chance. Come and talk wine, drink wine and explore the hype of Cake Wines. This is your Easter long weekend social fix. Cake Wines' Second Birthday will run from 3–10pm on Friday, March 30, at 16 Eveleigh Street, Redfern.
So did anyone else shed a tear at the close of season one of Puberty Blues on Channel Ten last Wednesday night? I surely did. Not just for the lack of quality television currently (now no longer) showing on free-to-air but for the kick-ass girls Debbie and Sue who finally came out swinging. This shouldn't be sad, but it is, because it still actually meant something in 2012 and in fact wasn't swamped in the nostalgia we all thought it would be. Either way, fret not that we have to wait a whole non-rating period for Puberty Blues to return, because this Friday night the Bondi Pavilion Theatre plays host to a fundraising evening in honour of Jad Capelja, who played Sue in the 1981 film. Capelja's battle with schizophrenia was documented recently in Australian Story, and Nell Schofield (the original Sue) has resolved to use the renewed interest in Puberty Blues to do something positive for people living with similar mental health issues. A screening of the original, Bruce Beresford-directed film will take place along with a performance by reggae band King Tide, headed by Tony Hughes (who played Danny in the original film). All profits from the evening will go directly to beyondblue. So get your moles on the landline, pull out your high-waisted flares, grab yourself a choccie milk and a chico roll, and take in a classic Australian film, all to the backdrop of our most famous beach.
For a little while, after seeing some great photos of insane looking parties in New York and London where brass bands and gypsy-punks like Gogol Bordello were all downing Wodka and getting rowdy, I thought gypsy was going to be the new black. It looked like it could take off... A few years later and it seems to have never quite gotten to that point here in Oz (though there has been a steady growth in gypsy influenced bands touring in their caravans and not washing much). We are lucky to be getting a visit and a lesson in authentic gypsy music from one of the finer proponents of the genre. The London based Paprika Balkanicus (not sure why they named themselves after the capsicum derived spice), with members from Slovenia, Serbia and Romania, are virtuosic performers who have graced almost every major world music stage. They have whipped up frenzy and furore at Edinburgh Fringe, Womad and Glastonbury and even picked up a BBC World Music award along the ride. Their music is lead by Bogdan Vacarescu who could be the East European equivalent of Slash with some serious violin shredding. The Crooked Fiddle Band will do their best to not get out-shredded in support. If you suddenly feel like you are in a Tony Gatlif movie then you'll be ok on the night because they have taken out the tables, so bring your dancing shoes.https://youtube.com/watch?v=KTN_cKD-MTE
If you and your partner have a little (or a lot) of pent-up energy, and you're looking for a different outlet to help ease it, here's an option: Sydney's axe-throwing joint Maniax is hosting Valentine's date-night sessions from Friday, February 11–Friday, February 18. The St Peters joint is doing two-hour public sessions that'll cost you and your other half $120 in total to hurl hatchets — and will let you do something different to mark the occasion. Also, that price also includes a beer, wine or canned spirit each afterwards to celebrate. For the uninitiated, Maniax gives you the chance to very safely throw a hunk of sharpened steel attached to a flimsy handle, and compete with your partner and/or friends to see who has the most Viking blood coursing through them. Chuck those axes, sink a bullseye, and then calm down after all the hatchet-lobbing excitement with a drink with your significant other.
Not into over-priced roses, cheesy cards and set-menu dinners? Regardless of how you feel about Valentine's Day and all the clichés that come with it, none of us want to be the one who let our date down with a mediocre meal or — gasp — nothing at all. So, rather than feign forgetfulness, you could treat your partner in crime to the ultimate staycation. To help you do that, we're giving away a lavish one-night getaway to the northern beaches not on February 14 — after all, you can celebrate love on any day of the year. The prize includes two of you living it up for an all-inclusive night at Lilypad Palm Beach — a lavish, resort-style escape on the water (literally). The floating paradise comes with a bottle of French bubbles courtesy of Dom Pérignon, and either prawns and oysters or charcuterie and cheese on arrival, plus your own private concierge and a self-drive boat so you can explore the surrounds. Winners will also get dinner, which includes eye fillet steaks, lamb and haloumi kebabs or fish (upon request) alongside prepared salads, and a breakfast of fruit, granola, croissants and banana bread. Drinks-wise, the lucky couple gets vino and alcoholic bevvies on top of a bottle of French bubbly. Or, hop in the boat and go to The Boathouse Palm Beach, which is a 15-minute ride away. Once you've indulged in everything you can on-board, you can make use of the accommodation's water equipment — think paddle boards, fishing rods and snorkel gear alongside your private boat. A night here usually costs a cool $1650, so make hay while the sun shines. If you want to check out how you could spend your time here, check out Lilypad Palm Beach's Instagram. Keen to treat your partner in crime without spending a dime? See details below to enter. [competition]759404[/competition]
Not to be confused with the god-awful metal band Dead Letter Circus (sorry if you are into that sort of thing), DL Chorus make wonderfully melodic rock, with dabblings of folk and acoustic elements. They have been kicking around for a while and have been building a faithful fan base who've fallen in love with their earnest songs of life and love, bounced back and forth by boy/girl lead singers. They released The August Magnificent, their self-produced debut album, last year, and have now decided to see what it's all 'aboot' when they head off to Canada to do a string of gigs and industry conferences. But before that they are providing you with a chance to see them on home soil, if you're keen to take a trip down Shire way, for a show at the Brass Monkey in Cronulla. https://youtube.com/watch?v=83oWsG0cJcc
Despite also serving up everything from all-day vegan breakfast to ice cream sandwiches, we still think that fries are the best thing about Lord of the Fries. It's right there in the name, after all. The chain's chips are particularly tasty — as made with Australian potatoes and cooked in a cottonseed sunflower oil blend. There is one thing better than Lord of the Fries' titular dish, however. That'd be free shoestring fries from the chip-loving establishment. And on Wednesday, July 13, the vegan fast food joint is giving away just that. Free. Fries. Yes, really. To snag free fries on Wednesday, you'll need to head to your chosen store in between 4–5pm and you'll be gifted a serving of shoestring deliciousness. You don't even have to purchase any vego nuggets to redeem them. There is a limit of one freebie per person, though, so take that into consideration if you're feeling particularly peckish. You'll get your choice of classic sauces, too. This is clearly great news for anyone who like fries, aka everyone — with folks in Sydney headed to Newtown. And if you're wondering why, that's because it's National Fry Day. Of course it is. There are a few caveats, as is always the case with this kind of giveaway. So, the freebies span one Lord of the Fries stickered cup of shoestring fries and one classic sauce, with the latter popped directly on top of the former. Again, you can only get one per person, and only in-store. And, it's only for shoestring fries — not the classic, chunky or sweet potato versions.
Biennale, Schmiennale. Okay, fine, I don't really mean that, but while famous people are putting on big shows at buildings with landmark status and getting schoolbusloads of guests of the "I also saw the Archibald" variety, it's awesome that little tiny galleries continue bringing you plastic cups of wine and laser-printed price lists. Happening in and around artist-run initiatives (the by-and-for alternative to museums and commercial galleries) in Chippendale, Waterloo and Surry Hills, safARI is a kind of off-Broadway component to May's visual arts schedule. MOP Projects, Firstdraft, Locksmith Project Space, Serial Space and FBi Radio are hosting, and 14 artists are showing. The month-long festival features parties, talks and guided walks as a way into what Sydney artists are doing now, and the event as a whole is an exploratory contribution to the atmosphere of a city being curated. As a first-time (ad)venture, and one that is based on new works that have been hunted down rather than evolved according to a theme, safARI is a suit with many pockets. Forget stranger danger and take the sweets it offers you. Image: Platform by Rolande Souliere.
"Imagine you're tracking a terrorist" begins the unseen voice in the opening shot of Dror Moreh's unnerving documentary The Gatekeepers. "You know they're planning an imminent attack and you know they're in a car that your teams have finally located." As he narrates, the clouds on the screen part to reveal footage from a drone flying high above a city. "What you don't know, though, is where they're going to be an hour from now, or who else is in the car with them. So…what do you do?" Moments later there's a flash, an explosion, and the car is destroyed in what you realise is real-world footage of an assassination. In the corner of the screen, an injured bystander slowly attempts to crawl away from the flaming carnage. This is the story of the Shin Bet — Israel's highly secretive internal security service — as told by all six surviving leaders, past and present (and, notably, the only members whose identities are ever made public). Divided into seven sections with austere headings like: 'Collateral Damage', 'Forget About Morality' and 'Victory Is to See You Suffer', The Gatekeepers offers an extraordinary insight into one of the most clandestine organisations in living history. Like 2003's Academy Award-winning film The Fog of War, these interviews reveal both the strategic and philosophical considerations behind some of the organisations most famous (and infamous) operations; however, unlike Robert S. McNamara, the disclosures of these men are remarkably unsentimental and make little attempt at any justification. With their stewardship spanning decades of momentous upheaval, including the 6-Day War, the hijacking of the 300 bus, the invasion of Lebanon, the two Intifadas and the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, there's no shortage of material for the narrators to delve into despite the large pockets of history that remain classified. Rarely do the scenarios veer even close to black-and-white morality, and, not surprisingly, it's questions of assassination and torture that prove most compelling. "What's unnatural is the power you have" , explains the Shin Bet's most recent chief Yuval Diskin, "the power you have to take three people, terrorists, and take their lives in an instant." In all, The Gatekeepers is a candid, revelatory and at times disturbing film that represents one of the 'must-sees' of 2013. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kpk71yrQUQM
