At 25 years of age, French-Canadian director and professional overachiever Xavier Dolan has been touted by cinephiles as the next great auteur — an antidote to a global film industry bloated with high-budget, low IQ franchises. Once a child actor, Dolan's fifth film, Mommy, won some insanely high praise and the Jury Prize at last year's Cannes Film Festival. In vivid colours and an Instgram-like 1:1 ratio, Mommy declares its arrival as loudly as its attention-seeking protagonist, Steve. An at-risk 15-year-old emblematic of Quebec’s forgotten underclass, Steve (a hyper-charismatic Antoine-Olivier Pilon) has been expelled from his disciplinarian boarding school. His young, widowed mum, Die (Anne Dorval), is just as funny and street-smart and gutsy as her son, but ill-equipped to deal with his angry delinquency. Steve seems to get back on track thanks to a conveniently kindly neighbour who, despite her own barely discussed traumas, begins tutoring and putting boundaries on him, but begins to stray once again. Rather than frame these social-issue themes in a gritty, crime-flecked drama, Dolan opts for a set of stylish character studies about the volatile mother-son relationship, positioning his actors boldly in the middle of the square screen and pushing them to noisy, dramatic limits. The film is much less innovative than its stylistic choices promise, however, because it swerves towards predictably tragic plot points that we, as viewers, have learned to spot from sitcoms and indie dramas. ‘Indie’ has become a genre in its own right rather than a way of working outside the studio systems. The checklist for indie filmmakers working towards that sought-after ‘quirky charm’ seems to include an over- or under-saturated colour palette, blurry soft-focus camera work, a cast of loveable yet flawed characters (including a friendly stranger), a slowly revealed tragic backstory, a shot at redemption against hardship, a lip-synching musical sequence, a domestic disturbance, an ambiguous ending and so on. Like the filmmakers of the recent Skeleton Twins and Kumiko: Treasure Hunter, Dolan wilfully checks all these boxes. It’s all about self-conscious style over substance, perhaps to compensate for an underwritten script that floats slackly over two hours. Like so much cinema, Mommy functions at a gut level — you either instinctively get it or you don't, which makes it inexplicably polarising. Whether you find the dialogue and performances accurate or OTT, the characters unbearably stereotypical or eye-openingly new, all comes down to your personal taste. From everything from the blaring musical choices (supposedly a '90s mixtape Steve's father made) to an emotional daydream sequence, this is showy filmmaking. Dolan has a tendency to push his actors to broad, melodramatic extremes to the point where I sometimes felt I was watching a Francophone Neighbours. Despite all the distractions, Mommy feels alive and young. There’s something really interesting and energetic going on here — a director not working on autopilot, turning over big passions at high speed and with a great love of cinema. As to whether or not it amounts to much more than a French-Canadian, ADHD-style Instagram film, well, I’m unconvinced, but fascinated as to the director’s next moves.
UPDATE Wednesday, June 23: Due to the latest outbreak of COVID-19, Bondi Festival has been postponed until Tuesday, June 29. You can find the latest information at the Bondi Festival website and stay up to date with the developing COVID-19 situation in Sydney, as well as current restrictions, at NSW Health. Usually, when winter rolls around, Bondi becomes a hub of ferris wheel rides, art shows, live music, history walks and fringe events for the annual Winter Magic and Bondi Feast events. Last year, because of COVID-19, those events were combined to create a mega-festival of art, food and soaring through the sky dubbed Bondi Festival — and the fest is returning again in 2021. Setting up once more will be Bondi Vista, a ferris wheel that'll send you soaring 22 metres above the sand. From Tuesday, June 29–Sunday, July 11, you can go for a spin and feast your eyes on 360-degree views. On one side, you'll be gazing at wild waves, endless horizon and open sky. On the other, look out for glimpses of the city skyline. If you prefer to spin in circles on the ground, you can do just that at an ice-skating rink. Between rides on both circular attractions, you can check out an extravaganza of circus, burlesque, comedy and theatre, with shows popping up throughout the suburb. Walking tours and events for families will also be on the bill, and all in a COVID-safe way, of course. So far, only the basic details have been announced, with the full program due to release in May. But, you can start pencilling some frosty beachside action into your calendar anyway.
While your newsfeeds have been inundated with restaurant closures, travel bans, and many event cancellations, there has been some uplifting news, too. One of them is Cream Town: an online art shop showcasing works by Australian artists financially impacted by COVID-19. The initiative was sparked by the need to support local creatives in a time where a lot of exhibitions, freelance gigs and general work have dried up. So, if you're in the market for some new art, you can now invest for a good cause. Started by photographer Isaebella Doherty, Cream Town has already sold roughly $4000 worth of prints since launching last week on Thursday, March 19. The project has a very egalitarian ethos, with any out-of-work artist — emerging or well-known — able to put their works up for sale. "We're all in the same situation at the moment," Doherty told Concrete Playground. You won't find the usual art-world elitism here. What you will find is a diverse selection of eye-catching prints, from photography to collage and illustration. Each work is priced at $100, which is a whole let less than what you'd usually spend to adorn your walls. And, seeing as you're spending so much time at home currently, you may as well do a little redecoration and buy yourself one (or a few). If you can't splash that cash right now (or want to contribute more), you can make a donation, which will be evenly distributed between all artists. Works are currently being printed by Melbourne studio Hound & Bone, have a limited run of ten and can be shipped around Australia for a flat postage fee of $12.95. [caption id="attachment_766131" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Maree Downs' by Madi Whyte[/caption] Even though Cream Town came to fruition in these uncertain times, it hopes to continue supporting the arts community — even when the world is back to normal. Head to Cream Town to check it out and buy yourself a piece of $100 art. If you're an artist and would like to get involved, you can express interest via Instagram or the website. Top mages: Brodie Clark, 'Shlurp'; Ella Fitzgerald, 'Gaia'; Quince Frances. 'Riparian ecosystems'; Dani Marano, 'Roman Holiday'; Isaebella Doherty, 'Pretty Things #2'.
And sell it. Mostly sell it. But you'll actually earn some money too. Despite original fears that digital music downloads would kill the industry and steal artists' royalties, the new distribution channel has been welcomed by many and often brings artists and their fans closer together. Some have even experimented with the medium and how to sell music online: Radiohead let fans pay what they want, and online concerts are now nothing out of the ordinary. Kaiser Chiefs have come up with an ingenious way of involving their fans in their new album The Future Is Medieval, asking them to create their own customised version of 10 tracks from the 20 on offer, and create the cover art. If you think your producing/artwork is pretty awesome, you can put your version up for sale on their Album H.Q. and if others buy it, you'll earn a portion of each sale. Gimmick? Perhaps. A clever way to get fans to pay for an album twice? Definitely. But the band could really be on to something here. Giving fans a role in the creation of the album, however token, gives them a sense of ownership and connection with the band/brand; the Album H.Q. provides a space for the community; and the cash reward means that fans get to share in the band's success. If the experiment proves a success, expect others to follow suit or push the envelope even further. The world of print media, whose death has often been falsely predicted, could perhaps take a leaf out of music's book when it comes to competing in a digital world. [Via PSFK]
Sydneysiders and coffee addicts can temporarily detach their caffeinated IV drips, wipe the sleep out of their eyes and sip the last of their espressos — the Aroma festival is setting up at The Rocks and it's about to wake you up to all kinds of coffee experiences, culminating with festival day on Sunday. To get you through the week, we've got five of the best coffee workshops on offer in five java-filled days. Wednesday: Pablo & Rusty's Coffee Roasters Deconstructing Espresso Get to know your beans inside and out and deconstruct your morning cuppa at this informative workshop by Pablo & Rusty. Meet the team behind Sydney's specialty coffee roasters, who'll teach you the basic characteristics of espresso and how to evaluate a good roast. You’ll get an insider's look into current coffee trends, popular regions and their flavours and what beans and blends are best suited to the way you drink your brew. Wednesday, July 17, and Thursday, July 18, 12.30pm (also Thursday); Shop 2.04 and 2.05, 140 George Street, The Rocks; tickets $10. Limited places, book to secure yours. Thursday: High Coffee We're sure even the Queen needs her daily caffeine hit. Drink your espresso like royalty and experience 'High Coffee' at Baroque Bistro Patisserie. As you sip your signature single origin espresso martini, treat yourself to coffee-infused petit-fours by Baroque's head pastry chef Jean Michel Raynaud plus savoury canapes by chef Drew Bolton. Your caffeinated treats include a coffee macaron, coffee eclair, coffee cake, coffee tartlets and coffee chocolate truffle. Don't expect to go to bed early that night. Tuesday, July 16, to Saturday, July 20, 3pm; Baroque Bistro Patisserie, 88 George Street, The Rocks; tickets $60 with espresso martini/$45 without. Limited places, book to secure yours. Friday: Coffee Cup Candle Workshops There's nothing better than the aroma of a coffee shop. But besides kidnapping your favourite barista and his precious espresso machine, it can be hard to replicate the same smells in your living room. Get the next best scent at this Coffee Cup Candle workshop. Bring along a coffee mug, tea-cup or glass and fill it with a coffee, mocha, hot chocolate or chai latte scented candle. The Candle Factory are Sydney's favourite candle company and will show you how to measure, blend, colour and fragrance the soy wax into a day's worth of delicious coffee smells. Thursday, July 18, to Sunday, July 21, 10am and 11am; The Candle Factory, Shop 5 Metcalfe Arcade, 80-84 George Street, The Rocks; tickets $5. Limited places, book to secure yours. Saturday: Delano - The Pour Over at Home Coffee snobs take note, 'pour over coffee' is gaining popularity among caffeine fiends all over the world, and here's your chance to see what all the fuss is about. Learn to brew your own filter-roasted single origin coffee and get advice to perfect the method at home. You'll get all the tips from the award-winning coffee connoisseurs Delano and have the chance to purchase brew equipment packs to make sure you've got all the right tools to brew your perfect cup yourself. Saturday, July 20, 3pm; Shop 2.04 and 2.05, 140 George Street, The Rocks; tickets $10. Limited places, book to secure yours. Sunday: Reuben Hills - Comparative Regional and Cultivar Cupping Ever tasted notes of wood, nuts or fruit in your cappuccino? Maybe there were wafts of caramel, smoke or flowers in your last latte. Hopefully there were no signs of leather, sweat or fur in your espresso this morning, but all these aromas can be found in your coffee during a coffee cupping. The team from Surry Hills' favourite brekkie spot, Reuben Hills, will help you measure the flavours, aromas, body and characteristics of your coffee and discover the influence region and climates play in the overall taste of your brew. Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21, 11am; Shop 2.04 and 2.05, 140 George Street, The Rocks; tickets $10. Limited places, book to secure yours. Check out the full program of Aroma workshops and special events at their website.
After more than three months devoid of art galleries, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is helping Sydneysider's get their art fix in a big way with two massive exhibitions running in conjunction. Ticketed exhibition Matisse: Life & Spirit, Masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou, Paris is set to begin on Monday, November 22, but in the meantime you can head to the inner-city gallery and experience its free companion Matisse Alive. Running Saturday, October 23–Sunday, April 3, Matisse Alive is a showcase of four new projects that have been influenced by visionary Henri Matisse. The exhibition will celebrate Matisse through art, music and performance that presents a modern perspective on his artistry. The four artists on display are New York's Nina Chanel Abney and multimedia artist Sally Smart, plus Angela Tiatia and Robin White who's work will explore the relationship between Matisse and the pacific. "We are excited to turn our attention to community and culture with the stunning display of new, and older treasured, tivaevae created by hand, by women from our region," AGNSW special exhibitions curator Jackie Dunn says. "These vibrant works, selected with guest curator Mereana Taruia, celebrate Matisse's strong connection to tivaevae and other Pacific textile traditions, which profoundly influenced his late great works, the cut-outs." Accompanying the artworks by Abneym Smart, Tiatia and White, more than 70 works from the AGNSW collection that take inspiration from the work of Matisse will be on display. Those looking to learn more about the exhibition can head to the In the Frame online talk with Smart and White on Tuesday, November 30, or tivaevae demonstrations and weaving workshops that will be led by Sione Falemaka throughout summer. Plus, you can pop down after work on either Wednesday, January 12 or 19 for Art After Hours: Matisse Alive which will see the gallery remain open until 9pm. Images: Matisse Alive featuring works from Angela Tiatia, Sally Smart, Robin White and Nina Chanel Abney, Art Gallery of New South Wales, by Diana Panuccio
To ring in the year of the rabbit, dumpling master Din Tai Fung created cute chocolate and Biscoff bunny buns, continuing its annual tradition of welcoming the Lunar New Year with an adorable addition to its menu (see also: its tiger buns from 2022 and the ox buns it brought out in 2021). But creative dishes aren't just a once-a-year thing here. Now that Easter is almost upon us, the chain is serving up something else to tempt your tastebuds: hot cross bao. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like, with the bao only available for a limited time. And, while you might be familiar with the concept from previous years' incarnations, Din Tai Fung has changed things up a bit for 2023. The treats are made to look like traditional hot cross buns, only they're crafted on fluffy steamed bread and filled with gooey molten chocolate lava instead of the usual raisins or sultanas. And this time around, the dough is also made on cocoa, so it's all as chocolatey as ever. The hot cross bao are available at all Aussie Din Tai Fung restaurants and food court outlets. Sydneysiders will want to hit up its World Square, Westfield Chatswood, Westfield Miranda, Westfield Sydney, Broadway Shopping Centre, Gateway Sydney, The Star, Greenwood Plaza and MLC Centre venues. In Melbourne, you have one spot to head to, with the bao on offer at Emporium Melbourne. If you'd rather have them brought right to your door, they're also available for delivery in frozen form. If you're keen to stock your freezer and enjoy them once Easter passes, that's an option as well. The only problem we can foresee with this Easter hybrid dish? Wanting to devour as many as possible. They'll cost you $8.90 for two in-store, and $12 for a three-pack of frozen dumplings. Hot cross bun bao are available for $8.90 for two at all Din Tai Fung stores. They're also available for delivery.
There are loads of exciting events happening in the Sydney CBD this summer — fom the Doug Aitken exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art to the annual Sydney Festival and the brand new, six-day Elevate Sydney event happening atop the Cahill Expressway that kicks off on New Year's Day. There's no shortage of ways to be entertained in the city centre during the warmer months. To make the most of your time in the CBD, we've handpicked a bunch of venues to visit before and after getting your summer culture fix. Whether you want a bev with a side of sunshine and harbour views or to cool down with a cocktail at a veiled laneway bar, we've found a place that'll complement all kinds of cultural kick ons for you and your crew.
Fond of zipping around Sydney on a brightly coloured, two-wheeled mode of transport? If you're making your way across the inner city, you now have another choice. While Beam's purple e-bikes have been available since 2020, Sydneysiders can now also go orange by jumping on one of Neuron Mobility's electric bicycles. The Singapore-based outfit has unleashed 250 of its vibrant vehicles on the Harbour City's streets, starting in the Sydney CBD, Waverley and Randwick. That means that if you're keen to hop on one of Neuron's e-bikes, you'll need to be in the company's ride zone boundary — which, at the moment, spans out to Pyrmont and Circular Quay in the inner city, also includes Newtown and Green Square in the inner west, and encompasses Bondi and Coogee for beachside rides, too. As well as helmets, Neuron's bikes come with in-built geo-fencing technology, which means that the orange modes of transport can't venture beyond a specific zone. The geo-fencing also controls how fast the bikes can travel, as well as where they can be parked — but Neuron have set up incentivised parking stations across its operating area. Also, the e-bikes are linked to Google Maps, which means that you can use the latter to find one of Neuron's e-bikes, and to get information on your ride. That spans directions, details on how long it will you to get to your destination, price estimates, battery range and expected ETA. You'll unlock the bike and pay for it via the Neuron app, however. Price-wise, Neuron's e-bikes cost $1 to unlock, then 45 cents per minute to ride. Or, you can buy Neuron Passes, which let you ride as many times as you like for up to 90 minutes per day — starting at $3.30 a day, depending on whether you get a one-day ($15) three-day ($25), weekly ($33) or monthly ($99) version. And if Neuron sounds familiar — or its orange-hued vehicles look familiar, more likely — that's because you might've come across them in other Australian cities. Its move into Sydney marks the company's first location in New South Wales, but also now sees it operating e-scooters, e-bikes or both in every Aussie capital. Neuron Mobility's e-bikes are now available around Sydney. For further details, visit the company's website.
Two months ago, Australia and New Zealand finally introduced the trans-Tasman bubble, which allows folks from either country to travel across the ditch without needing to go into quarantine upon arrival. During that time, the arrangement has been suspended on several occasions on a state-by-state basis — including during Victoria's recent lockdown, and in response to New South Wales' current outbreak — and now, with COVID-19 cases growing across Australia, NZ has put a pause on the bubble nationwide. Announced on Saturday, June 26 and in effect until at least 11.59pm NZ time (9.59pm AEST) on Tuesday, June 29, the suspension applies to quarantine-free travel from all Aussie states and territories. The initial timeframe will span 72 hours, which is NZ's usual first step. Whether it extends that period or not will obviously depend on coronavirus case numbers. "There are now multiple cases and outbreaks in Australia in differing stages of containment and the health risk for New Zealand in response to these cases is increasing," said NZ COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins in a statement. "As a result, the Government has taken the precautionary step of temporarily widening the current pause with New South Wales to include all of Australia." https://twitter.com/covid19nz/status/1408712957630902282 When NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the two-way bubble between Australia and New Zealand back in April, she noted that it could and would be paused if and when outbreaks occur — so none of the suspensions so far, including this one, are surprising. The NZ Government advised that this current pause will not only give it "time to get a better understanding of the developing situation," but will also enable it "to consider the potential implementation of a range of measures to make the bubble safer, such as the introduction of pre-departure testing for all flights from Australia to New Zealand." At the moment, Sydney's Bondi cluster keeps growing, with 112 locally acquired cases reported as at 8pm on Saturday, June 26. The Greater Sydney area is currently in a two-week lockdown, while positive cases — some linked, some not — have also been reported in Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Whether you're an Australian on holiday in NZ or a New Zealander who has recently returned from across the ditch, anyone now in NZ who has been in Australia since Friday, June 21 is asked to monitor their health, and keep an eye on the exposure sites lists in various Australian states — such as NSW, Victoria, Queensland, the NT and WA. You're also requested to contact NZ's Healthline if you experience any symptoms. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. To find out more about the virus and travel restrictions in New Zealand, head over to the NZ Government's COVID-19 hub.
There are plenty of ways to mark a movie milestone. Whenever one of your favourite flicks notches up five, ten, 20, 30 or more years since first hitting screens, watching it is the easiest way to celebrate, of course. That's definitely in order when the original animated version of The Lion King — not the recent live-action take — hits three decades in 2024. How to truly do justice to the Disney smash that spawned a musical, ample sequels and oh-so-much enduring affection? Seeing it show at an in-concert session with a live orchestra playing its songs and score. Yes, The Lion King in Concert is coming to Australia, with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra doing the honours. The blockbuster movie-and-music performance was announced as part of MSO's just-unveiled 2024 season, and will take over The Plenary at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, February 3. This is an Aussie premiere, too, featuring Hans Zimmer's score and Elton John and Tim Rice's songs performed live as the movie once again graces a silver screen. As Nicholas Buc conducts, audiences will be feeling the love that night — and day, thanks to both 1pm and 7.30pm sessions — and celebrating the circle of life as well. Just can't wait to commemorate 30 years since the film debuted, instantly becoming an all-ages favourite? Add this chance to revisit Simba's journey to your calendar. Both John and Rice's tunes, and Zimmer's music, won Oscars. The former were nominated three times in the same field, in fact, with 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight?' winning out over 'Circle of Life' and 'Hakuna Matata'. So, yes, seeing any film as its score is played live is a rousing experience, but this one will feel particularly powerful. There's no word yet whether The Lion King in Concert will be a Melbourne exclusive in addition to being an Aussie premiere, or if it'll make the rounds of other city-based symphony orchestras. Some such shows hop around the country, as Star Wars, Harry Potter and Zimmer-focused gigs have. Others have stuck to one place, as seen with past The Princess Bride, Home Alone and Toy Story performances, and the upcoming Black Panther. Sydneysiders, Brisbanites and folks elsewhere, perhaps cross your fingers while you channel a "hakuna matata" mindset. You can always stream the sing-along version while you wait for local dates. Check out the trailer for The Lion King below: The Lion King in Concert will play The Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Head to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra website for further details, and tickets from Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
Since mid-August, residents of Sydney's Local Government Areas of concern haven't just been under stricter lockdown restrictions than folks across the rest of the city — they've also been under a nighttime curfew that's limited movement even further between the hours of 9pm–5am. But from tonight, Wednesday, September 15, that'll no longer be the case, with New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announcing that the curfew will be ditched. "Pleasingly, after receiving advice from both police and [NSW] Health, given we've hit the 80-percent milestone across the state, we're able to lift the curfew in those areas of concern from tonight," said the Premier, who made her second appearance at NSW's daily COVID-19 press conferences this week (after announcing last week that she'd only be fronting up when there was significant news). "This is a whole-of-government decision based on a number of factors, but I want to send this strong message: we can't move on anything else just now. We need everybody to hold the line. Please make sure that if you live in those Local Government Areas of concern that you stick to every other rule that's in place," the Premier continued. Accordingly, people who live in the Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta and Strathfield LGAs, as well as 12 suburbs in the Penrith, can now leave their homes at any time — as long as they're abiding by the other lockdown rules. That includes the two-hour rule around outdoor recreation, the strict five-kilometre rule when it comes to venturing away from your home, and all of the other stay-at-home conditions around what is and isn't permitted under lockdown. NSW recorded 1,259 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Two new cases were acquired overseas, and 36 previously reported cases have been excluded following further investigation. pic.twitter.com/BADIDtqn2Z — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) September 15, 2021 The news came as Berejiklian announced 1259 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the last 24-hour reporting period, and also revealed that aforementioned 80-percent milestone — with 80 percent of eligible NSW residents having received a single dose of a coronavirus vaccine. That mark is notable as it means the government can reasonably expect the state to get to the 80-percent double jabbed threshold, because if someone has had one dose of the vax then they're likely to get the second dose. At the 70-percent fully vaxxed mark, NSW's roadmap to easing restrictions will kick in, with more rules then relaxing again when 80 percent of eligible people in NSW have been fully jabbed. Asked why other restrictions aren't yet loosening in hotspot LGAs as yet, the Premier said that "the best advice we have is that it's too early and too risky to do anything further today. But as a token of our appreciation for reaching the 80-percent milestone, given feedback from police, who suggest that compliance is improving in many areas where perhaps previously it was not, plus the health advice about mental health challenges and the risks of not providing people a little bit of relief, all of that was balanced up and has been balanced up over some time. We review those restrictions, we review what we're imposing on the community matched against the data every single day and it's just not feasible at this time ahead of any further health advice to move on anything else." As always, Sydneysiders are also asked to continue to frequently check NSW Health's long list of locations and venues that positive coronavirus cases have visited. If you've been to anywhere listed on the specific dates and times, you'll need to get tested immediately and follow NSW Health's self-isolation instructions. In terms of symptoms, you should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste — and getting tested at a clinic if you have any. The curfew in Sydney's 12 LGAs of concern will lift from tonight, Wednesday, September 15. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website. Top image: Stilgherrian via Flickr.
For the second year in a row, North Narrabeen will play host to the GWM Sydney Surf Pro, part of the World Surf League's Challenger Series, from May 9–16. You'll get the chance to see 80 men and 48 women compete for 10,000 points to take to the remaining 2024 events in South Africa, California, Portugal and Brazil. Last year, Queenslander Isabella Nichols — who was once Blake Lively's stunt double — and Californian Cole Houshmand were the victors. If you're keen to see who will take the crowns this time around, make tracks to the Northern Beaches to catch a few heats and enjoy the scenic views. The tournament lasts all week so you can dip in and out as you please. The best part? It's all free. Images: Matt Dunbar/World Surf League
Australia has always had a small but active community of specialist knife fiends and nowhere has this been more pronounced than in Melbourne. We've never really been spoilt for choice and true connoisseurs often have to travel abroad to add to their collections… until now. QT Melbourne has announced the opening of Tanto, a unbearably chic, high-end knife shop coming to the hotel's Russell Street residence this spring. Tanto is the embodiment of high-end Japanese design. No expense has been spared to deck out the functional but luxurious new Melbourne store. QT's group managing director and lead man on the project David Seargeant says the audience they had in mind for this project was a combination of the city's hospitality crowd, Melbourne foodies and all-round design lovers. "We wanted to attract chefs and restaurant workers and serve them up Asian, street-inspired food," he says. "But then we wanted to activate the laneway space, with a high-end Japanese knife shop. It's about offering a very authentic Japanese knife sharpening service. It's not just hospitality workers with an interest in high end knives; it's also foodies and home chefs too." Seargeant travelled all over Japan searching for the right family to liaise with on the project. His search led him to Sakai, a relatively small city in Osaka Prefecture that's home to many of Japan's shokunin, or master craftsmen. Shokunin specialise in many types of craftsmen but the Sakai branch David had in mind has been forging katanas for samurai since the fourteenth century. He linked up with the Aoki family, of the Aoki Knife Craft brand, who have been making fine knives for seven generations. In 1990 they adapted their traditional practices which more modern techniques and produce some of the most coveted knives on today's market. Their knives, the most famous of which are the Suisin collection, are sold around the world including in the Korin, arguably the most famous speciality knife shop on the planet (which is obviously located in New York City). The Aoki family have collaborated with QT to bring some of Japanese best knives to Australia for the first time. But they're importing more than just knives at Tanto. A shokunin (master) knife sharpener has been invited over from Sakai and is undergoing a three-month residency at Tanto. "Mr Takai is a very highly regarded sharpener," David says — implicitly meaning don't bring your budget IKEA three-pack knives into this workshop and expect to be taken seriously. Tanto is joined by Hot Sauce Laneway Bar, the complementary piece in the late-night puzzle. They're serving up street style Asian food paired with fancy cocktails, the perfect accompaniment to a satisfyingly sharp knife. Images: Jam on Your Collar, Alexandra Anderson. Tanto is open 10am – 6pm, Monday to Saturday, at QT, 133 Russell Street, Melbourne.
When a venue has been kicking around for 30 years you know they must be doing a few things right. For the team behind The Bridge Hotel in Rozelle, one of those things includes playing host to range of incredible live performances. The diverse lineup of acts has been attracting large audiences for decades, making it a go to for many Inner West culture vultures looking to inject some live entertainment into their schedules. On the calendar for 2022 are classic artists like Alex Lloyd, The Screaming Jets and The Angels as well as a few tribute bands and 15-hour dance parties from the team at Community Chest. No matter your age or interest, the venue has something for all musical tastes and preferred bed times.
If you're a fan of chicken wings, then you might already have July 29 marked in your calendar. It's your annual excuse to tuck into plenty of chook, because that's what National Chicken Wing Day is all about. At Rockpool Dining Group's various German-themed venues — aka Munich Brauhaus, The Bavarian and Beerhaus — you won't just find a whole heap of chicken, however. Wings will also be on special all day for just ten cents each. You can nab up to 20 at a time for just $2, although you will also need to buy a full-priced drink. If you fancy more than 20, that's fine — you'll just need to get more drinks, which we're sure no one will be complaining about. All wings come with buffalo sauce, but if you're keen on ramping up the heat, you can also take part in the Hot Wing Ghost Chilli Eating Challenge at Munich Brauhaus and The Bavarian. Those wings will be smothered in cayenne, habanero and ghost pepper, and if you can eat more than anyone else in a minute, you'll receive a $100 voucher. Ten-cent wings are available at all Sydney outposts of Munich Brauhaus, Beerhaus and the Bavarian.
In response to Melbourne's growing Holiday Inn COVID-19 cluster, the entire state of Victoria will enter a five-day lockdown from 11.59pm on Friday, February 12 until the same time on Wednesday, February 17. That means that stage four restrictions will be back in effect, and you'll only be able to leave your house for the now-familiar four reasons. The lockdown is happening in the middle of one of Melbourne's biggest annual sporting events, too: the Australian Open. It's running from Monday, February 8–Sunday, February 21, with big-name stars including Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal flying in (and quarantining) for the event. The good news is that the Australian Open will go ahead during the five-day lockdown. The bad: no spectators will be allowed to attend. https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1360069954800807938 Under the new stage four restriction rules, professional athletes are considered 'essential workers', so they are allowed to leave their homes and their five-kilometre radius to go to work. This means, not only can the Australian Open games go ahead — but so can the AFLW games that are scheduled for this weekend. Once again, without crowds. It does mean, however, that you can't head out in person to cheer on Ashleigh Barty, Carlton or North Melbourne, but you can order in a feast for you and your housemates (or intimate partner) and yell as loud as you want from the comfort of your house. In regards to tonight's matches, in particular the much-hyped 7pm game between Nick Kyrgios and Dominic Thiem, the AO has said "sessions today and tonight will continue as planned with COVIDSafe protocols in place". But, do remember that stage four restrictions begin at 11.59pm. All of Victoria will revert back to stage four restrictions from 11.59pm on Friday, February 12 to 11.59pm on Wednesday, February 17. For more information about the rules, head to the Victorian Department of Health website. Top image: Australian Open 2020 by Rob Keating via Wikimedia Commons
Returning for 2025, SMASH!, the much-loved annual Sydney Manga and Anime Show, will take over the ICC Sydney from Friday, July 11–Sunday, July 13. It's set to be a weekend filled with lots of dancing, good food and tasty drinks. During the weekend, live DJ performances will take place from 12–4pm, featuring anime-inspired tunes and party beats to get you in the mood. At the convention, visitors can also expect an artist market, unique panels and workshops, as well as a host of free activities. A range of international guests, including cosplayer Thames Malerose, voice actor Erica Mendez, VTuber Virtulantes and illustrator Hokuyuu will also be taking the stage. Just a short walk from Darling Square, there is a range of food and drink options and exclusive deals for SMASH!-goers. Dress up in cosplay and get 10 percent off your order at Toastiesmith, or 10 percent off at authentic Indonesian eatery Dapur Sate. You can also find deals at pasta shop Spago, as well as everyone's favourite place for chicken, Wingboys. To drink, 15cenchi and Batch Brewing Co. have teamed up to bring you the perfect dessert and drink combo. Purchase a slice of 15cenchi's basque cheesecake and enjoy a small glass of Elsie the Milk Stout or sparkling white from Batch Brewing Co. for just $5. Images: Supplied.
Ever wondered what it would be like to have a festival on a freeway? Well, Sydneysiders, prepare yourselves because people are going to be replacing cars at this blockbuster street party that's set to take over a highway in the CBD this summer. From New Year's Day until Thursday, January 6, the Cahill Expressway, perched above Circular Quay Station, will be blocked off for the very first time and transformed into a world-class live music and arts destination for a six-day celebration of music and entertainment at the inaugural Elevate Sydney. And the best part? Its entire hefty program, packed with over 180 performers, is free to attend. The festival will dish up a jam-packed offering of live music and performance across two stages and three dedicated entertainment zones, headlined by some of Australia's biggest names. With a diverse program packing events into each morning, afternoon and night, and happenings for festival-goers of all ages, this one's set to be Sydney's ultimate summer shindig. [caption id="attachment_834561" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination New South Wales[/caption] It all kicks off on January 1 with a dazzling First Nations celebration, featuring a special Call to Country, followed by live sounds from iconic Indigenous acts Electric Fields and Baker Boy. Deeper into the festival, Courtney Act will host the glamorous 70s-inspired Elevate discotheque with the inimitable Marcia Hines and Leo Sayer on the bill; while Todd McKenney, David Campbell and John Paul Young join forces for a sparkling celebration of musical theatre. There'll be a series of family-friendly variety shows and performances as part of the Elevate Kids program including the nation's favourite fruit salad fiends The Wiggles; nightly live DJ sets by Nicole Tania; a rising stars showcase; and a never-before-seen drone spectacular descending over Sydney Harbour each evening for the Elevate SkyShow. Plus, the Elevate Arena program is filled with opportunities for you to meet your favourite sports stars like Andrew Wong, Mariafe Artacho Del Solar and Tom Papley. And, wrapping up the festival's final evening on January 5, you'll catch a supercharged headline show featuring Tones And I, Tim Minchin and Courtney Act. Want to kick off the New Year with an incredible celebration of music and art? Tickets are available from Thursday, December 2. For more information and to book, visit the Elevate Sydney website.
The Valonz Group has been leading the way in hair fashion since 1986. Creators Jim and Renya Xydis have garnered a reputation with a long list of high-profile clientele and offering their expertise at Australian, New York and London Fashion Week shows. The Valonz salon in Paddington remains a go-to destination for the latest treatments and hair services. The team consists of highly skilled stylists who strive to be on the cutting edge of innovative techniques and technologies in the industry — leaving a trail of happy and loyal clients in its wake.
After six years on south King Street, much-loved cafe Rolling Penny is set to close its doors for good next month. Owners Robin and Duncan announced that the cafe's last day of service will be Sunday, October 9, via a statement on Instagram. "All good things apparently must come to an end," their post reads. "Over the past 6 years we've seen loving couples have children, we've had pandemics and natural disasters come through the wazoo, we've seen south king street develop into the thriving amazing community it is now. The memories we have made serving all you amazing people can never be forgotten and the impact rolling penny has made on all of us will surely not be forgotten and will be remembered by every single person that has stepped through those doors." While we don't have any news on what's next for the Rolling Penny team, the owners' statement did finish by hinting at the possibility of future ventures, stating: "For now its time for a well earned break and we promise you in some shape or other that rolling penny will be back. This isn't a goodbye, it's a casual see ya later darling." Rolling Penny has built a cult following over the years through its commitment to fresh produce and interesting takes on breakfast classics, including its top-notch burgers and brekky rolls. It also hosted a range of events and pop-ups throughout the years, even acting as the initial home to the Baba's Place team before they would go on to open their Marrickville warehouse restaurant. The cafe is open seven days a week and is walk-in only, so if you want to head in for one last roast chicken or smoked bacon roll before it closes, you'll have to make the journey to Newtown and hope you can nab a table. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rolling Penny (@rollingpenny) Rolling Penny is located at 583A King Street, Newtown. It will be closing on Sunday, October 9.
This Miranda-based butcher puts an emphasis on provenance and transparency, to help support Australian livestock farmers. Along with showcasing meats, it also showcases specialty farms, including the Gourmet Goat Lady, Bergalia Beef, Camden Valley Veal, Canowindra Farm Chicken, Maremma Free Range Ducks and Leadoux Turkey. To this end, you can find beautiful hunks of veal osso bucco, free-range butterflied chickens and marbled wagyu rump cap. It also has a great selection of bottled goods, including Truff Hot Sauce, McLure's Pickles, Malfroy Gold Honey, and Old Bones smoked garlic chilli sauce. Image: Leigh Griffiths
Maru stuck in too-small cardboard boxes. Grumpy Cat being genuinely unable to help the shape of his own face. Lil Bub hangin' with Whoopi Goldberg. Sure, you could load all three of these superstars on your screen right now, but what if some know-your-freakin-audience genius decided they'd take things next level make an entire film festival of internet cat videos? Celebrating their love of cats and videos of cats doing stupid, stupid things, RSCPA NSW are hosting the first ever International Internet Cat Film Furstival in Australia. Presented in conjunction with Minneapolis's Walker Art Centre, this why-hasn't-this-already-happened-here event stems from the globally-toured Internet Cat Video Festival. "Cats are the second most searched topic on the internet and millions of cat internet videos are shared around the world every day — think Colonel Meow, Grumpy Cat and many, many more. We have gathered the best of the best together and we want to share them with you under the stars," say the straight-up legendary RSCPA team. Genius, I mean who doesn't want to watch a giant screen version of Maru screwing up again? And again. And again. Or this little responsible-for-heart-explosion jerk: Or whatever the hell this is: From short films to six-second Vine videos, the screening will visit all your favourite feline celebrities and raise funds for the RSPCA. But the night won't just be sitting and pointing every time Grumpy Cat hates on life or Colonel Meow looks like the demon from the end of Fantasia. You can visit the 'Cattoo Parlour', nom on some tasty food truck treats or throw back some milk in the Cat's Meow Club (for a little extra kibble). The RSPCA's International Cat Film Furstival is happening at Bicentennial Park, Glebe Foreshore on Sunday, October 5 from 6pm - 10pm (gates at 6, screening at 8). These tickets are going to be snapped up fast, so get amongst it here — if not just to please Inception Cat. Still. Terrifying. https://youtube.com/watch?v=CLDSE7RHvno
Ah, the joy of gift-giving. And by 'joy,' we mean the stressful task of finding the perfect present for your loved ones who seem to have it all. But fear not, fellow gift-giver, we've got a guide that's as picky as your loved ones. Together with House of Suntory, we've put together this handy guide so you can find something perfect, no matter how niche. FOR LOVERS OF JAPANESE CRAFT SPIRITS There are scotch buffs and bourbon fans, but nobody is more discerning than a Japanese whisky enthusiast. People who have great respect for Japanese culture can be pretty specific when it comes to their spirit preferences. Nothing says "I appreciate your refined taste", like a bottle of Toki Whisky from House of Suntory. Toki means time, and this dram aims to combine different eras in one effortless blend. It combines whisky from three Japanese distilleries: Chita, Hakushu and Yamazaki. The palate is brimming with grapefruit, green grapes, peppermint and thyme with a subtle sweet and spicy finish with hints of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger. It's ideal in a classic highball. Want to go all out with craft spirits? Suntory has just released its Hibiki Japanese Harmony 100th-anniversary edition. It's a delicate blend of malt and grain whiskies that promises a honeylike sweetness of candied orange peel and white chocolate on the palate and a nose bursting with rose, lychee, rosemary and sandalwood. FOR THE ONE WHO DOESN'T HAVE ANY PROPER GLASSWARE There's no point gifting an awesome whisky if they are just going to sip it out of some crappy mug they got for free at a festival three years ago. Level up their glassware with some luxury high-ball super-thin (but durable) glasses, like these Usuhari High-Ball Glass Set from Bokksu. Made in Japan and sent in a classy wooden case, they are a perfect gift for the whisky-lover who desperately needs some high-quality glassware. FOR YOUR MATE WHOSE VINYL COLLECTION IS TAKING OVER THEIR HOME Vinyl collectors are on another level and living in another era. Given the heaving shelves in their living room, there's little point trying to source their next favourite vinyl — because, likely, they already have that planned out. Instead, think outside the box for something that showcases their love for vinyl but is also useful, like Vinyl Coasters. It is ideal for the vinyl-lover who loves coffee or whisky and cares about protecting their coffee table. There are many options out there, but these novelty nostalgia ones from Retro Room have titles on the vinyls like Tea Time (Don't Spill This) and Topo Hot To Handle by The Nostaligics. Want to go further? Get them a vintage-inspired suitcase record player from Crosley to add some retro charm to their place. FOR THE FASHIONISTA WHO ALWAYS DRESSES THEIR BEST We all have that one friend who looks effortlessly fabulous. Who buys high-end wardrobe staples and with the addition of classic accessories like a silk scarf, stunning jewellery, or even on-point makeup can elevate even the most relaxed sweatpants look. If your fashion-forward bestie is in need of classic footwear, look no further than Onitsuka Tiger, currently having something of a resurgence in the fashion world. And what's a completed outfit without a signature fragrance? Check out Comme des Garçons (CDG) unisex scents, the brainchild of Japanese fashion rebel Rei Kawakubo. The range is inspired by 'anti-perfumes', like the scent of gunpowder or laundry — we're partial to the concrete fragrance. FOR SCREEN BUFFS WHO LOVE A TIPPLE WITH THEIR FAVOURITE MOVIE OR TV SHOW Lights, camera, action...and a good cocktail. If your mate can't go five minutes without referencing a movie or television show, then Cocktails of the Movies and Cheers to TV are two deep cuts to gift them. These books are the perfect blend of screen magic and mixology, ensuring your friend's movie night is Oscar-worthy, even if their cocktail skills are still in the supporting actor category. The movie book includes iconic cocktail recipes from Marilyn's Manhattan in Some Like It Hot to The Dude's white russian in The Big Lebowski, whereas the television version includes cocktails inspired by Game of Thrones, Fleabag and Jerry Seinfeld. They're the ultimate pop-culture accessory and make for excellent coffee table books, with each cocktail accompanied by a history of the beverage, some movie or television show insight and original artwork. [caption id="attachment_862472" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble (Unsplash)[/caption] FOR THE PLANT PARENT WHO HAS COVERED EVERY SURFACE Normal planters are so last season, and your green-thumbed friend has probably used up all their surfaces with devil's ivy vines and monstera cuttings. Help them spruce up their home and their plant collection with a hanging disco ball planter. Now your friend can turn their house into a disco jungle, where even the plants groove to the beat of the water droplets. FOR THE TRAVELLER WHO IS PROBABLY ALREADY ON THEIR NEXT ADVENTURE If your mate returns from one adventure only to start planning the next one, their passport probably needs some protection. And what better way to keep their most treasured item than by gifting a luxe leather passport holder embossed with their initials? Perfect for the seasoned globetrotter, it's like a first-class ticket for their travel documents. Toki Whisky is available from all premium liquor outlets. For more information, check out the website.
Underground Cinema — Melbourne-born innovators of secret immersive film experiences — have announced their latest Sydney instalment: Patriot. These are the people who take cinema out of the cinema and into boatyards, beaches and after-hours schools, creating a world in sync with the evening's film though real-life actors, evocative food, intricate sets and costumes. It's all themed to set the scene and get guests guessing, because the film, of course, is a secret. So what do we know? We know that UGC Patriot will transport guests back to the 1950s for a cinema event that's more like walking onto a film set than anything else. Think Cold War, blacklists, espionage and presidential motorcades. Dress is "1950s city sleek", and you're mysteriously required to bring an A4 envelope, a notepad and pen. The dates confirmed for Sydney are Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, at 7pm. Whatever the film is, viewers can expect immersion bordering on camp. In the past they've taken toga-clad cinema-goers to ancient Rome (for Life of Brian) and given out white jumpsuits, student cards and medical examinations before filing people into a snow-covered Swedish academy (Let the Right One In). As distinct from World Movies Secret Cinema, the focus is really on interactivity, immersion and theatricality, quite like the UK institution Secret Cinema. Sometimes the screening location takes a back seat (the Life of Brian space was in Moore Park; the screening, Hoyts). Tickets are on sale on Tuesday, February 24, at 1pm sharp. There's a cash bar and hot food on site, and all ticketholders will be sent details of the location via SMS on the day. Keep an eye on the UGC Facebook page for more details.
Art enthusiasts, collectors and creators, we have news for you. The Other Art Fair is returning to Sydney this October for its second stop in the Harbour City for 2023. From Thursday, October 12–Sunday, October 15, you'll find the Fair in the sandstone expanse of The Cutaway at Barangaroo. This supersized concrete void of a venue boasts immense ceiling height, acoustics and ample natural light — perfect for an event with this much colour and popularity. If you aren't already in the know, The Other Art Fair is a roaming international art show that allows you to view, discuss and purchase art directly from an emerging artist, rather than deal with the red tape and hurdles of buying through a gallery or agencies. It's not only a good thing for those who appreciate and collect art, but it's also a great set up for artists who are yet to land representation or have the means to market their work to a broader audience. The Fair boasts an extensive roster of 130 artistic talents across multiple mediums — each selected by a committee of experts so you'll be purchasing quality work and supporting the local creative scene. And there's more than just the artwork — there'll be immersive installations, performances, DJs and a fully stocked bar. Some of the highlights you can expect at October's edition include a create-your-own animation station with cartoonist John Paine, a futuristic mind-reading robot locked in an indestructible cube and a pop-up tattoo parlour from Nah Mate Pokes and Ink Sphinx. Opening night tickets are available now for $35 before they go up to $40 on the door. If you head along to the first night, you'll be treated to free entry for the rest of the weekend. If you're just keen to attend between Friday–Sunday, you can score a $9 discount and purchase a $21 ticket in advance, or pay $30 on the door throughout the weekend.
This winter may not have been excruciating, but you can't help admitting that you're a little bit happy it's over. Sure, the nights spent in front of the fireplace and snuggled up under a cosy blanket were nice. And yes, you had a fair crack at your Netflix queue — your office small talk is all the better for it, too. But you can do that anywhere. What makes living in Sydney so special is how the city comes alive as the seasons change. You've got a cracking few months of beach visits, backyard barbecues and outdoor adventures ahead of you — and we know just the thing to get you in the mood. We've teamed up with the award-winning BATI & RATU by RUM Co of Fiji to throw a huge summer party at a luxe Sydney beachside house on Saturday, November 30. And, to help you score a spot at this exclusive shindig, the brand has teamed up with three Sydney bars to serve up a very special cocktail. The Fijian daiquiri is a take on the Caribbean classic, which uses the spiced Fijian rum, coconut water, falernum syrup and lime. Between September 13 and October 13, order the cocktail at any of these spots and you can enter the draw for tickets to the shindig. Hope to see you there. MANLY WINE, MANLY Setting yourself at a spot by the sea is a surefire way to bring on the beachy spirit — and Manly Wine, which is a stone's throw from Manly Beach, is just the spot. It may be more East Hamptons than Fijian oasis, with its white slated and tiled walls, wicker chairs and chic decor — but once you've got a Fijian daiquiri in-hand, that'll change. To keep the summery vibes coming, you can enjoy a selection of seafood dishes — think Sydney Rock oysters, lobster and prawn rolls, and steamed mussels served with pearl barley risotto. BUNGALOW 8, CBD As much as we love Sydney in spring, the city does have a habit of saving its most glorious weather for when you need to go to work — and there's precisely nothing tropical about spreadsheets and deadlines. Instead, you can achieve the spring-summer dream at knock-off time right in the centre of the city. Make tracks to Bungalow 8, King Street Wharf's buzzing tiki-style bar, order yourself a Fijian daiquiri and let the stress of the workday melt away. From here, you can continue on to one of Barangaroo's many restaurants — or order yourself some freshly shucked oysters, prawn toast and spiced barbecue chicken wings, and keep the good times (and the cocktails) coming. THE FORRESTERS, SURRY HILLS The ol' hip pocket can take a nasty hit in the warmer months, so finding a watering hole that'll guarantee you a good feed and top-notch drinks on the cheap is vital. And for the eastern suburbs, The Forresters is it. Here, you can score a great deal every night of the week to enjoy with your Fijian daiquiri — think $5 steaks on Mondays, $15 burgers and fries on Tuesdays and one kilo of wings for $15 on Thursdays. The pub also has a busy roster of entertainment, too, including trivia, improv and stand-up comedy. Feeling Adventurous? Start planning for the warmer seasons and learn more about BATI & RATU by RUM Co of Fiji here.
You know the photo. The day after the Tiananmen Square massacre, a single protester, shopping bags in hand, stands in front of a column of tanks, bringing them to a standstill. It is arguably one of the defining images of the 20th century, yet its subject remains an enigma. Later this month, STC delves into the mystery of 'Tank Man's' identity and the difficult topic of US-China relations with Lucy Kirkwood's Chimerica. Director Kip Williams describes the play as a "detective story" which uses the events at Tiananmen as its jumping-off point. The play tells the story of Joe (Helpmann Award winner Mark Leonard Winter), a photojournalist who witnessed the protests in China. Twenty years later, he receives word from a contact that Tank Man could still be alive. As Joe begins his search, the United States and China, whose relationship till this point has been limited to tense formality and diplomatic argy-bargy, threatens to escalate into open conflict. With recent political developments being what they are, Chimerica is the perfect chance to brush up on your geopolitics before things start to get interesting in the South China Sea. Images: Brett Boardman — Mark Leonard Winter, Brent Hill and Jason Chong in Sydney Theatre Company's Chimerica.
Found on Avenue Road, Heirloom Specialty Coffee stands out among its competitors by serving the best caffeine in the vicinity. The outdoor seating area is often busy and, if you have the time, it's the perfect place to sip slowly while watching the world go by. Peckish? The cafe offers a delicious range of pastries (all baked in-house), and the more substantial brekkie bun, piled high with bacon and house-made tomato relish.
Why spend your treasured lunch hour sitting in the same old spot, eating the same old sandwich? Swedes have discovered the magic of an off-beat lunch break by introducing a little mid-day clubbing. Lunch Beat, a trendy, non-profit lunchtime event, originated in Stockholm in June 2010 with a measly crowd of 14. Today, the monthly Stockholm events attract hundreds and have inspired copycat events throughout other European cities. For 100 kroner (around $15), attendees can dance to club beats beneath the flashing disco lights, enjoy a sandwich, and then return to their various jobs sweaty and energised. The party starts at noon, and lasts for an hour. "You just have to get in there and dance, because the hour ends pretty quickly," says organizer Daniel Odelstad. Lunch Beat only has two rules: no alcohol, and dance. "If you don't want to dance during your lunch hour, then you should eat your lunch somewhere else," says Odelstad. Lunch Beat draws an eclectic crowd, from the young to the old, and from secretaries to business-suited bigwigs; all have come looking for a good time. "It is absolutely fantastic!" says Asa Anderson, a coffee shop employee and Lunch Beat newcomer. "It is the first time I'm here. I'm totally happy and ecstatic, totally covered in sweat, and I'm full of energy. It does not get any better than this." [via Gawker]
Stories of Love and Hate draws upon a fairly unpleasant event in Australia's recent past. The Cronulla Riots in 2005 saw a crowd of mostly white young men take to the streets with violent passion to reclaim the beach from those of Middle Eastern appearance. Instead of dismissing it as an unfortunate act of racism, director Roslyn Oades has attempted to understand what, but more importantly, why the riots occurred. The play, developed by Sydney's Urban Theatre Projects, the Bankstown-based company renowned for presenting gritty stories of contemporary Australian life, weaves together personal stories about the often tenuous bonds that hold us together and how easily they can begin to fall apart. More importantly, it considers the idea that hate is a consequence of feeling the things we love most are under threat. The piece was created through two years of research alongside those affected by the riots from Bankstown and the Sutherland Shire. Rather than reiterating media hype or erring on the side of judgment, the project attempts to grasp the issues from firsthand accounts, with just the right amount of humour to make you appreciate things without wringing your hands in a fit of communal cultural guilt. Presented by the Sydney Theatre Company as part of it's education series, the play uses a technique they're dubbing 'Headphone Verbatim', where the actors wear headphones and recite their lines in accordance with a carefully edited audio script, channelling multiple characters, to recreate every cough, tic, stumble and inarticulation of authentic human communication.
Sydney Theatre Company is lauded as one of the most exciting and original theatre companies in the world, with actors like Mel Gibson, Toni Collette, Cate Blanchett and Rose Byrne all once on its call sheet. Its home, The Wharf Theatres, is under construction until 2021, but the Company continues to perform at harbourside venues Roslyn Packer Theatre in Walsh Bay and the Sydney Opera House. Currently under the direction of Kip Williams, its program features everything from hilarious comedies to harrowing dramas, haunting true crime and captivating rom-com performances. If you're after one-of-a-kind, exciting storytelling, check out Sydney Theatre Company's upcoming shows over here. Image: Wiki Commons
The Murray River flows right through the heart of Tocumwal, and 24 riverside beaches within close proximity to town ensure you can make the most of every sunny day. With this stretch of Australia's longest river lined with shady red gums and native bushland, there's a quiet patch of shoreline with your name on it. Just a short drive from other stellar river beaches — like Tocumwal Beach, Apex Beach and Finley Beach — sits Smithers Beach. It's the perfect spot for swimming, kayaking and camping. Image: Emily Godfrey, Visit Victoria
The ABC has published a stunning report, based on months of investigations, alleging a toxic culture of sexual abuse, misogyny and drug use among staff and patrons at the major Australian hospitality group Merivale. The report alleges that following interviews with dozens of former staff at the juggernaut hospitality company, a picture emerged of unsafe work environments for women, drug use by both staff and patrons that was not only tolerated but encouraged, and failures of management that downplayed or dismissed allegations of sexual abuse and rape by staff. The ABC report also cited complaints from two female patrons — Jess Helinski and her unidentified friend — who claim they were mistaken for sex workers at Ivy nightclub and directed by staff to a VIP area to socialise with a group of men. When Helinski confirmed she and her friend were not sex workers, one of the male patrons allegedly told them: "You girls need to leave. I'm sorry, it's not safe for you in this situation." While an internal Merivale investigation found that CCTV footage failed to provide clear evidence of "untoward or inappropriate behaviour" by either staff or the male patrons, the matter is nonetheless being investigated by NSW police. [caption id="attachment_834655" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jordan K Munns[/caption] Among the most shocking allegations from former Merivale staff is an account from a woman working at the Coogee Pavilion, who told the ABC that she was raped by a male colleague at his home in 2018. Despite informing her manager and Merivale HR about the assault, the woman, who requested her identity remain anonymous, continued to be rostered to work alongside her alleged rapist, as at the time she was unable to provide a police report. Of her experience, the former staff member told the ABC: "It's not okay to think there could be people working there now that are going through the same thing, and I doubt HR's changed their processes, and it'll keep happening until someone says you need to change." Another former Merivale employee, also speaking to the ABC anonymously, shared her experience of being inappropriately touched by male patrons while working a night shift at cocktail bar Hemmesphere in the Sydney CBD in 2021. She believes was tolerated because young female staff were encouraged to flirt with customers. Drug use was also common at Hemmesphere, according to the same former staff member. "The managers were fully aware of whatever kind of drugs were being done in the bathrooms. The managers themselves would be doing this in the bathrooms and they would be giving it to staff," she told the ABC. When approached for comment by the ABC, Merivale issued a statement saying: "We have no record of the incidents that have been described. We are therefore unable to respond to what we consider to be unfair questions." This latest report follows in the wake of a similar exposé by The Sydney Morning Herald and Good Food, published on Wednesday, August 21, which uncovered a culture of sexual abuse, normalised misogyny and failures of management at Swillhouse Group, who operate top Sydney venues including Restaurant Hubert and The Caterpillar Club. The fallout from that report resulted in Swillhouse cancelling its much-anticipated music and food festival Swillfest. Gourmet Traveller also removed Restaurant Hubert from the digital edition of their prestigious annual restaurant guide and Swillhouse Group CEO Anton Forte was forced to step down from his position on the board of the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association. One day after the Swillhouse report was published, Swillhouse Group issued an apology, saying: "While we cannot right the wrongs of the past, we acknowledge them and apologise for any hurt caused. We assure our people, our customers, our friends and our patrons that we currently have best practice policies and processes in place to ensure our people work in the safest possible environment today and tomorrow." A follow-up article published by The Herald and Good Food on Thursday, August 22, written by journalist Dani Valent, alleged systemic failures across Australia's hospitality sector, representing "endemic" levels of widespread gender-based violence and sexual danger in the workplace. If you need to speak to someone about an experience you have had or are seeking information, please contact 1800Respect on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au.
If you're a fan of musical theatre, then you know the name Jonathan Larson, the creator and composer behind smash-hit production Rent. And, you likely know his story, too, with the playwright and lyricist passing away at the age of 35 on the day that that now-huge show premiered its first off-Broadway preview performance, and never seeing the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning phenomenon that it would become. Before that, Larson also created another musical called tick, tick…BOOM!; however, it didn't chart the same path. Instead, the semi-autobiographical piece was performed as a solo work before his death, following a character called Jon who worried that he'd made the wrong decision by chasing his dream of becoming a composer. After Larson died, tick, tick…BOOM! was reimagined as a three-actor show, then made its way from off-Broadway to off-West End, as well as West End itself. And, in 2021, it took the leap to the screen, too, courtesy of Netflix — in a film directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield, the latter turning in an Oscar-nominated performance as Larson. That's a whole lot of history behind Sydney's latest big musical announcement: that tick, tick…BOOM! will bring its Australian mainstage debut tour to the Harbour City in 2023. First, it'll run seasons at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre and Brisbane's QPAC Playhouse, before arriving at Sydney's Lyric Theatre from Thursday, April 20–Sunday, April 23. If you're wondering about tick, tick…BOOM!'s narrative, the rock musical is set in 1990, with promising young composer Jon as its focus. He's almost 30, living in New York City, and life as an artist isn't turning out as he planned — so he has to decide what to do next. The production is an ode to theatre and a tribute to New York, too, and has kept proving popular since it premiered in its current format off-Broadway in 2001. Playing Larson in Australia: multiple Logie-winner Hugh Sheridan (Packed to the Rafters, House Husbands, Five Bedrooms), with Elenoa Rokobaro (Rent) as Susan, Finn Alexander (Urinetown) as Michael, and Sheridan Adams (Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical) and Andrew Coshan (A View From a Bridge) also among the cast. Also, tick, tick…BOOM!'s upcoming Aussie seasons will be produced by Adrian Storey from StoreyBoard Entertainment (Chess the Musical, Barnum, Follies, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) and directed by Tyran Parke (Chess the Musical, Barnum, Follies, Sunday in the Park with George). The Australian production doesn't yet have any footage, either, but you can check out the trailer for the Netflix film below: tick, tick…BOOM! will play Sydney's Lyric Theatre from Thursday, April 20–Sunday, April 23, 2023. For further details and tickets, head to the musical's Australian website.
Back in 2018, the big friendly giant of the streaming world announced that it had found itself a golden ticket, with Netflix planning to bring the work of beloved author Roald Dahl to its platform. But if that news made you more excited than Charlie Bucket walking into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, you've probably noticed that nothing else has happened over the past year — until now. While Netflix's new Dahl-based shows aren't hitting the streamer just yet, the company has revealed just what it's focusing on to begin with — and who they're working with. To the surprise of no one given that it has already been adapted into a movie twice, as well as into a stage musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the first book getting the Netflix treatment. To the delight of fans of Boy, What We Do in the Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Thor: Ragnarok, Taika Waititi will be writing, directing and executive producing two series based on the beloved tale about a poverty-stricken boy visiting a sweet and wondrous place. The first, called Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, will be based on the world and characters of the book — so you can probably expect everlasting gobstoppers and chocolate rivers aplenty, plus appearances not only by the Bucket family, but by Veruca Salt, Augustus Gloop and Willy Wonka, too. If you noticed that we didn't mention Oompa-Loompas above, that's because they're getting their own show. It's named The Oompa-Loompas, naturally, and it'll offer a new take on the factory's small human workers. [caption id="attachment_573711" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Hunt for the Wilderpeople[/caption] Fresh from winning an Oscar for Jojo Rabbit, Waititi is presumably slotting the two animated programs onto his schedule after upcoming Marvel sequel Thor: Love and Thunder. Whenever the Netflix shows do join the New Zealand filmmaker's increasingly busy resume, they'll "retain the quintessential spirit and tone of the original story while building out the world and characters far beyond the pages of the Dahl book for the very first time," according to the streaming platform's announcement. In total, a whopping 16 of Dahl's classic books are in Netflix's sights. Teaming up with The Roald Dahl Story Company, the outfit is turning everything from Matilda to The Twits into new animated television shows — and The BFG, Esio Trot, George's Marvellous Medicine, The Enormous Crocodile, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, Henry Sugar, Billy and the Minpins, The Magic Finger, Dirty Beasts and Rhyme Stew as well. Dahl's autobiographical efforts Boy – Tales of Childhood and Going Solo will also hit the service, with one detailing Dahl's youth and the other delving into his journeys to Africa as well as his service in World War II. For many, including the tales about the author himself, it'll be the first time that they've been adapted for the screen. Netflix plans to turn Dahl's stories into event series and specials — so limited-run shows across a number of episodes, plus one-offs. There's still no word on when work will start, however, or when Waititi's or any of the other series will start dropping on the platform — although you can watch the 90s live-action versions of Matilda and The Witches on the streamer right now. If you're keen for a taste of the first-ever screen adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, revisit the trailer for 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cBja3AbahY Top image: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
As a filmmaker, he co-created the Saw and Insidious franchises, and has since been tackling iconic horror tales with The Invisible Man and 2025 release Wolf Man. As an actor, he popped up in The Matrix Reloaded. Before all of that, he was a film critic on beloved late-90s Saturday-morning music TV show Recovery. That's a helluva career so far — and next, Leigh Whannell is heading to AACTA Festival to chat about it. In 2024, the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Awards launched a festival to sit alongside its accolades, and to celebrate the latter's move to the Gold Coast. That event is returning in 2025 in a bigger guise, running for five days between Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9, and hosting more than 100 sessions. The initial program details were revealed in November 2024, but a few more high-profile names have just been added. AACTA Festival will also welcome Australian The Greatest Showman filmmaker Michael Gracey, who has been earning some love from the academy of late. Better Man, his unconventional Robbie Williams biopic, topped the 2025 AACTA nominations — and attendees will hear all about the film at his festival session. Equally huge news is enlisting Paul Kelly to perform at the live How to Make Gravy concert, which also features Meg Washington, Brendan Maclean and Beddy Rays — and yes, it's easy to predict what the Australian icon will be singing. Plus, Late Night with the Devil is in the spotlight via filmmakers Colin and Cameron Cairnes getting talking, while Netflix's upcoming Apple Cider Vinegar series will score a behind-the-scenes look. [caption id="attachment_926549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moshcam[/caption] Featuring 20-plus new sessions, the expanded lineup builds upon a roster of events that already boasted plenty of highlights. One such drawcard: the Working Dog team, aka Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy, Michael Hirsh and Rob Sitch, coming together for an in-conversation session that's bound to touch upon everything from The Castle, Frontline, Thank God You're Here and Utopia to The Dish, The Hollowmen and Have You Been Paying Attention?. The Dish is also the screening program, and the Working Dog team will receive the prestigious AACTA Longford Lyell Award. Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser, who won an Oscar for Dune and is highly tipped for another one for Dune: Part Two, is another big-name inclusion, chatting about his Hollywood work. Also in the same category: John Seale, who took home an Academy Award for The English Patient, and was nominated for Witness, Rain Man, Cold Mountain and Mad Max: Fury Road. Everyone can also look forward to authors Trent Dalton and Holly Ringland returning from 2024's lineup, chatting about Boy Swallows Universe and The Lost Flowers of Alice on the small screen, respectively; a dive into the Heartbreak High soundtrack; a panel on queer storytelling with RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season two winner Spankie Jackzon and Deadloch's Nina Oyama; and a session with First Nations filmmakers. And if you're keen to watch movies, Gettin' Square followup Spit will enjoy its Queensland premiere, complete with star David Wenham (Fake) chatting about the feature's journey; Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up will make its Australian debut, at Movie World, of course; and upcoming action film Homeward with Nathan Phillips (Kid Snow) and Jake Ryan (Territory) will take viewers behind the scenes. [caption id="attachment_985262" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Netflix © 2024[/caption] [caption id="attachment_927965" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix © 2023[/caption] AACTA Festival will run from Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9, 2025 at HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise Gold Coast. For further details, head to the fest's website.
In 2009 Phoenix Keating, at the young age of 17, was immediately put into the fashion spotlight when his first collection caught the eye of music icon Lady Gaga. And he became a legend in 2011 when Lady Gaga wore two of Keating's outfits at her spontaneous show in Sydney. His designs are unique and striking, mixtures of classic and avant-garde with a touch of vintage flare. Since then, Keating has gathered quite the media following and his career has quickly developed into a successful label. His debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia without a doubt took Keating's label to the next level. Keating's sophisticated, dramatic and powerful designs contradict his age and the low-key, relaxed attitude of many other Australian designers. Keating has brought a new drama to the Australian fashion industry, similar to that of Europe's industry. Some fashion experts even say that the industry is looking much more promising because of Keating. His response to this? Surprise! And gratitude. We chat to Keating about fashion, success at a (absurdly) young age, the outer space/spaghetti western nexus and Lady Gaga. What was it like preparing for your first solo show? It was incredibly nerve-racking. I wasn't sure what people were going to think of the collection. I'm still not sure what people are going to think of the collection. And I was a big perfectionist, to my team's dismay for this collection. But it was so great to have the support of my team. What was your inspiration behind the collection shown today? The story from today's collection, well, it's about an alien who comes to Earth and is trying to blend in. She can only study humans through film so she studies a lot of films. She stumbles across spaghetti western films, like Clint Eastwood films. And she becomes obsessed, absolutely obsessed by these films. She also becomes obsessed with Clint Eastwood. So she does herself up in a western way, she's taken a bit from the '40s and a bit from the '50s, [but] she comes to Earth and she looks a bit off. She's trying to look human but she's not really looking too human. The collection develops and then it's about her journey to find Clint Eastwood. And when she finds Clint Eastwood, she is a little bit let down because he dismisses her. And when he does this she becomes completely evil. So the colour scheme of the collection goes from white to black and I've developed these big black shapes. So,what I did with this collection is take the western and really modernise it and I made it alien — so it's alien western I guess you could say. It's about how no matter which worlds we can travel to and no matter how advanced we've become we can still feel that deep pain and deep sorrow. That's so interesting. Does each collection have a background story like that? Every single collection I've done. How does it feel to be done with your debut? It's bittersweet and it's also lovely. What are your next steps now that the show is over? Next collection! I've started to design it but nothing too solid yet. So, you emerged as a designer in 2009. Do you feel your artistic style has changed or evolved since then? It's a lot more cohesive than before. I'm not doing things in a rushed fashion like I used to. And I think it's just me growing as a designer, I finish things now. How would you describe your signature look as a designer? I just feel like I juxtapose. I take opposites and make them work together. I love vintage and I love past eras. I love Lauren Bacall and I love Audrey Hepburn. I always get my inspiration from those types of women but I take it somewhere modern and quite new and fresh. You're only 21, but many fashion experts and writers say that you have the talent of a designer twice your age, what do you think about that? I'm very passionate about what I do and I think that reflects in my work. It hasn't just been a two-minute affair with fashion; it's been a prevalent thing for many, many, many, many years. In high school all I did was sit there and draw, and I guess I knew that I had something from that age on. Everything I designed from then on I look at now. I think it's just something that I really, really love to do. So, fashion has been prevalent in your life for quite some time. When did you know that you wanted to be a designer? At the age of 13. I wanted to be an actor before then and I don't know why but my dreams were dashed. And I don't know why I did it, but I made a dress for my year eight project and I just fell in love with the way it looked. It was like a '50s dress and it was pretty cool actually. I fell in love with it (designing clothes) then. Your career seemed to skyrocket after Lady Gaga was seen wearing your clothing in 2011. How has your career developed since Lady Gaga? Undoubtedly she has propelled me much faster then I would have on my own. I probably owe this to her right now. I probably owe this show to her right now. I have a great deal of respect for her helping me and helping other young designers around the world. It's priceless and it helps so much!
Skiing and snowboarding aren't the only things to do at Thredbo, but they're the main reason that most folks head to the snowy resort in Kosciuszko National Park in winter. The spot in New South Wales' Snowy Mountains also prides itself on its unique attractions, however, including Australia's only alpine gondola, plus the country's only lift-accessed mountain bike park with more than 40 kilometres of trails — and, soon, the first alpine coaster in the southern hemisphere as well. What's an alpine coaster? It is indeed a rollercoaster-like attraction, but features individual sleds on a track. Get zooming on the Thredbo Alpine Coaster, then, and you'll travel along a 1.5-kilometre expanse while controlling your own pace. The maximum is 40 kilometres per hour, but whether you feel the need for that speed or you're keen on something cruisier is completely up to you. Whichever you pick — fast, slow, in-between — you'll traverse both uphill and downhill tracks. You'll also go through a tunnel and over a bridge. And while this new addition to Thredbo is called an alpine coaster and is set to open for winter 2024, it will operate all year round. So, it'll be a drawcard in summer, too. Construction started in October 2023, with bulk civil excavation works and concreting already finished, and the track currently being installed. In autumn, independent third-party engineers will undertake safety testing. Then, come the coldest season of the year — with an exact launch date not yet announced — it'll be open to everyone. Thredbo General Manager Stuart Diver said that the Thredbo Alpine Coaster "will build upon our wide range of outdoor adventures in summer as a drawcard for new tourists to the village in the shoulder seasons". "This new development is a testament to Thredbo's commitment to provide a premium experience for our guests 365 days a year," he continued. The Thredbo Alpine Coaster is set to be operational by winter 2024 — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced. Head to the Thredbo website for further details in the interim.
Get ready to meet your dream tail-wagging pal at BrewDog South Eveleigh, as the crew partners with Greyhounds As Pets NSW (GAP NSW) for a Greyhound Adoption Day on Saturday, July 26. Running from 11am–2pm, this is your chance to take a greyhound from shelter to snuggles. About 30 adorable greyhounds will be up for adoption on the day. These rapid couch potatoes make dog ownership a breeze, with their gentle, affectionate and sleepy personalities perfect for apartment dwellers and families. Plus, you won't have to worry about huge piles of hair, non-stop barking or doggy smell taking over your space. Best of all, the adoption process is super simple. Just head along to the pub to meet-and-greet the doggos. If there's a match to be made, the team can approve an on-the-spot adoption, complete with a discounted rate. A standard adoption is $150 (down from $250), while a sweet senior of seven years or older is half the usual rate at $75. Just realise that saying no will be almost impossible. Bringing the winter vibes, each greyhound will be styled in colourful Kazoo pyjamas, ensuring a cuteness overload. Meanwhile, BrewDog South Eveleigh is offering ten percent off food and drink to anyone who arrives in their own PJs. By the time you're heading home, you might just have someone new to cuddle on the couch.
Feeling spiritual this winter? The Paddo Inn is embracing all things divine and otherworldly this July, serving up a special Tarot & Tannins experience. Blending bold wines, Italian bites and an interactive tarot card workshop, the boutique pub's candlelit ambience is the ideal venue for this intimate affair. Held from 7pm on Monday, July 14, professional tarot card reader Ginny Shearer will use all 25 years of her experience to intuitively interpret the possible paths that lie ahead. She'll also delve into the basics of tarot, revealing how the cards offer insight and reflection for everyday life. You won't need to predict the future to know the accompanying cuisine will hit the spot. Feast on canapés by Il Baretto, like rigatoni alla norma, fennel salami with seasonal fruit compote, and homemade focaccia al rosmarino. These pair with a flight of three Alphabox & Dice wines, spanning prosecco, pinot grigio and grenache. Between the feel-good flavours and tarot insights, this session is bound to bring guests closer together. With tickets priced at $55, the Paddo Inn's latest happening is the ideal way to launch into the week, thanks to its holy combination of sips, snacks and stories.
Perhaps Tony Irving was born a little too late. His current exhibit, Are we there yet?, at Eva Breuer Art Dealer in Woollahra, feels like an homage to modernism. Irving is a perfect fit in Eva Breuer's stable of artists. The works shown in the Eastern suburbs gallery are unfailingly conservative and pretty, but that's cool. Not everyone wants to look at drawings of Tracey Emin's vagina. Irving cites Canaletto (Italian guy. Painted slightly insipid portraits of 18th Century Venetian life.) as one of his favourite artists. Unsurprisingly, Irving's works are incredibly staid. That said, they're also lovely. The paintings are like Edward Hoppers but without the darkness. Giorgio De Chiricos but without the creepiness. There is a quietness and stillness in them but he uses symbolism terrifically well and it adds a fantastic surrealist flavour to the works. Each painting is a snapshot of urban life – cars, vistas, streetscapes - primarily Italian but there are a handful of American scenes in there just to mix it up. "The street is the starting point for most of my paintings", Irving explains, "but in recent years as I've started travelling more again, that has moved from Australia's urban environment to a wider world. That world is often surprising or inspirational, but the street is still there, people still go about their business and as an artist, my imagination conjures a narrative that might be playing out." Several studies and smaller versions of the paintings are included in the exhibition. Usually when galleries throw these into the mix it's to show the artist's creative process or somehow enhance the viewer's engagement with the final product. It's meant to be enlightening but in the Irving show it feels like filler. There are also a few little drawings included. They seem to serve no purpose other than to cover space on the wall and they're hung over a desk, so you can't pass by them easily. They feel like an afterthought. The works are beautiful, and you will enjoy seeing the exhibition. Even if your taste is more Munch than Monet, it's worth a visit. Just don't expect them to set your world on fire. Image by Tony Irving, care of Eva Breuer Art Dealer.
All The Feels are about to return to Sydney; German pianist and electronic mastermind Nils Frahm is heading back to the Opera House. Following his wildly talked-about, sold-out Vivid LIVE debut this year, the 31-year-old composer will play an intimate show in the Studio on Sunday, 12 October. The Opera House set is locked in after Frahm's Melbourne Festival stints in the Foxtel Festival Hub on October 10 and 11. "Nils Frahm was one of my highlights of Vivid LIVE this year and while we rarely present the same artist again so soon, I jumped at the chance to have him back in here," said Ben Marshall, head of contemporary music at Sydney Opera House. Frahm respects the keyboard like nothing else; the virtuoso has been likened to a Philip Glass-meets-Thelonious Monk style of piano-loving goodness. The Berlin-based serial collaborator has worked with the dreamy likes of Ólafur Arnalds and Arcade Fire's Sarah Neufeld, as well as Ludovico Einaudi, Anne Müller and Max Richter. His most recent album, the celebrated live LP Spaces, is a good place to start if you haven't delved into the Frahm before — an epic two year journey through his collected live performances. "His warmth, precision and utterly sublime music just can't be heard live too often," says Marshall. "Neoclassical is too alienating a description for what he does, he's taken in an enormous range of influences and fashioned them into something new and transportative. I'm thrilled he's coming back in October for this intimate show at the Opera House." Nils Frahm will play the Studio at Sydney Opera House on Sunday, October 12. Tickets from $50 + booking fee; available from 10am, Thursday, July 31 at SOH or 9250 7777. Now get amongst the Frahm Feels: https://youtube.com/watch?v=dIwwjy4slI8
Six months after a group of ten adorable platypuses were introduced into the Royal National Park, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has reported that the duck-billed buddies are thriving in their new home. The iconic native animal had been extinct from the area for 50 years up until 2023, but now they're back and they're loving it, with nine of the ten platypuses reportedly adapting well to their new environment. As for the tenth, it has travelled beyond the established tracking area, but the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service said: "we are confident the little adventurer is just exploring other creeks". Originally announced back in 2021, the project is the first-ever translocation program for platypuses in New South Wales, coming from collaborative work between NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, UNSW Sydney and WWF-Australia. The ten ultra-cute pioneers were collected from southern NSW before being given health checks and fitted with transmitters at Taronga Zoo's platypus refugee. They were then brought to the national park and shown their new digs, where they've been hanging out ever since. The project was started after a 2020 UNSW study that found that the areas where platypuses live in Australia had shrunk by 22 percent in the last three decades. The group of furry trailblazers will be monitored through 2024, with hopes that they might breed and rear young — a milestone moment for the project if it does occur. If you want to head out and explore this expansive stretch of nature — and possibly catch a sighting of a platypus — there are plenty of walks and stays that you can plan in the Royal National Park. Find out more about the platypus reintroduction project via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Facebook page.
Former Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning has announced a huge, 17-date national tour — including several all-ages shows — to promote his debut album, Battleships, out June 7 on Dew Process/Universal. It's been a long wait for Fanning fans (which, in keeping with the precedent set by Beliebers and Directioners, we'll henceforth be calling Fan-nings), with this tour their first opportunity to see the great man since Powderfinger's farewell tour in 2010. He'll be traversing the country, from Nambour to Hobart, along with his special guests, Big Scary and Vance Joy. And if you're in Townsville on August 17, you'll get a special mini-festival when that already-awesome lineup is bolstered by The Rubens, The Medics AND Snakadaktal. With Fanning also announced for Splendour in the Grass following hot on the heels of the release of the album's debut single (and title track), it's sure to be a busy few months for one of Australia's favourite songwriters. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 7, via an exclusive fan club presale through bernardfanning.com. The Telstra Thanks presale is available from Wednesday, May 8, before the public on-sale kicks off on Friday, May 10. Concert dates below: Sunday 14 July: Nambour Civic Centre, Nambour (18+) Tuesday 16 July: Empire Theatre, Toowoomba (All Ages) Thursday 18 July: The Tivoli, Brisbane (18+) Friday 19 July: Arts Theatre: The Arts Centre, Gold Coast (18+) Friday 26 – Sunday 28 July: Splendour In The Grass Tuesday 30 July: Newcastle Civic Theatre, Newcastle (All Ages) Thursday 1 August: Anita's Theatre, Wollongong (18+) Friday 2 August: Enmore Theatre, Sydney (All Ages) Sunday 4 August: Royal Theatre – National Convention Centre, Canberra (All Ages) Friday 9 August: Palace Theatre, Melbourne (18+) Saturday 10 August: Geelong Performing Arts Centre – Costa Hall, Geelong (All Ages) Tuesday 13 August: Wrest Point, Hobart (18+) Thursday 15 August: Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (All Ages) Saturday 17 August: Kuranda Amphitheatre, Cairns (All Ages) With Additional Special Guests: The Rubens, The Medics and Snakadaktal Sunday 18 August: The Venue, Townsville (18+) Tuesday 20 August: Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton (All Ages) Wednesday 21 August: Entertainment Convention Centre – Plenary Halls, Mackay (18+) Sunday 25 August: Astor Theatre, Perth (18+) https://youtube.com/watch?v=Fi8OciiVIA4
In a Venn diagram of people who love musical theatre and awe-inspiring acrobatics, the ideal audience for Pippin sits in the centre. The Tony Award-winning revival of the 1972 musical first burst onto Broadway in 2013 and amassed critical attention for its extraordinary stunts — from jumping through hoops to balancing on medicine balls and dangling from death defying heights. Its new look won the production four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. [caption id="attachment_784142" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Terry Shapiro[/caption] The musical tells the story of Pippin, a medieval prince searching for his place in the world. The play within a play is told by a travelling troupe of actors and acrobats who often address the audience directly. And, in addition to the edge-of-your-seat action, it's also packed with memorable tunes like 'Corner of the Sky', 'No Time at All' and 'Magic to Do', all composed by Oscar- and Grammy Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked and Godspell). This summer, Australian audiences can experience the entertaining Australian production for themselves when Pippin comes to Sydney Lyric at The Star. As we live in uncertain times, there are flexible ticket options available, which might suit those planning to travel to Sydney especially for the show. Sydney Lyric at The Star also has a COVID-19 safety plan in place, in accordance with NSW Health. Pippin is showing exclusively in Sydney from November 24 to January 31. Tickets start at $69.90. Top image: Joan Marcus
The nine to five can be tough. Sometimes there's just too much to do, and not enough time to do it — and sometimes you just struggle to put a sentence together without any typos. But before heading to the cafe next door for another short black, you might want to consider Silicon Valley's pick-me-up alternative: psychedelics. Yep, acid is the new caffeine. It's called 'microdosing' and apparently it's the new thing for overachieving, overworked Silicon Valley yo pros to partake in when they're having a bit of an off one. It involves taking about a tenth of the 'normal' dose of a psychedelic drug (usually LSD or mushrooms) which has an energising and insightful 'subperceptual' — rather than a tripping — effect on the body. And, according to this Rolling Stone article, it's helping them concentrate, and be more productive and creative at work. The concept itself isn't entirely new. Author of The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide James Fadiman introduced microdosing into the mainstream when speaking at a psychedelic research conference back in 2011. Since then, however, the practice has become more widespread, particularly with twenty-something professionals in the San Francisco area, according to Fadiman. Although the dose of the (illegal) drugs is minute, their effects are still hard to predict. So for now, perhaps stick to your single origin coffee beans and a selection of cat GIFs to get the creative juices flowing. Via Rolling Stone.
From the summery banks of the Seine to the howling winds of Sydney's waterfront, the eternally stylish artisans behind Hermès are about to hit the Museum of Contemporary Art for an insider's look into their trade. From October 2 – 6, the brand's world-renowned Festival des Métiers exhibition will be visiting Sydney, and it'll be leaving a whirlwind of silk scarves and luxurious leather goods in its glorious wake. For those sceptical of luxury brands or dismissive of sentences that involve too many accented French words, Hermès is the fashion house behind those giant leather bags rich heiresses carry small dogs in. They're also well known for their glorious silk scarves that will set you back a hefty portion of your rent. But this upcoming exhibition is anything but snobby. Featuring a leather craftsperson, saddle maker, silk painter, silk engraver, tie maker, painter, gem setter and watchmaker, Festival des Métiers offers unprecedented personal access to the artisans behind the world-famous fashion brand. The MCA will be decked out in Hermès finest threads (and leathers) and visitors are encouraged to interact with the craftspeople while they create their signature goods. Here you'll see the ornate process involved in making those bags and scarves you lust over, and pick the brains of those who craft some of the world's most adored watches, gloves and jewels. The exhibition has already toured around the US, the UK and Asia to rave reviews. Around a quarter of a million people visited the event at Singapore and its time at Saatchi Gallery in London was an understandably lush affair. Originally launched in 2011 to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the label, Festival des Métiers looks to be much less a gaudy celebration of the brand and much more an inspiring celebration of the craft itself. Sure, the goods are still crazy expensive, but at least after seeing the très chic Parisian hand stitching the leather, you'll have a little more understanding as to where all that money goes. Hermès' Festival des Métiers will be exhibiting at the Museum of Contemporary Art from October 2-6. Admission will be free of charge.
