Despite being one of the first businesses to snap up space at Tramsheds, Mama's Buoi has only just opened to customers. It's the Vietnamese eatery's third Sydney store — and fifth one in Australia. This one's been spearheaded by Vietnam-born Mama Hoang, who's the soul of the business. She works closely with her son Bao and food director Jonathan Alston to bring her culinary skills to the masses. "We're serving the food that Mama Hoang has been giving friends and family for decades," says Alston. "Everything is prepared in a strictly traditional manner and it's meant to be shared." If you've tried Mama's Buoi in Crows Nest or Surry Hills you'll be familiar with the clean, light cooking style they go for, which is, according to Alston, what authentic Vietnamese food should look like. He brings a wealth of management experience to the business — he has over 30 years of chef and management experience internationally, including in a couple of three Michelin-starred restaurants (under chefs Marco Pierre White and Michel Guérard). As a result, everything from food to decor is presented with meticulous detail. Mama's Buoi is certainly not cutting any corners. "Today, customers are incredibly discerning and well-travelled," says Alston. "They have excellent food knowledge and can often tell when something is not authentic." Try the rice paper rolls filled with soft-shell crab and avocado — it's a great starter with fruity flavours. The calamari is a memorable dish and it's clear that there's a lot more in the citrusy secret seasoning than salt and pepper. For vegetarians, the eggplant with aniseed basil and chilli is a strong choice. Then there's the pho, a filling house classic, which uses a traditional brand of Vietnamese noodles. There's also a colourful selection of drinks including the kombucha pink lemonade frozen cocktail and the Miss Saigon with gin, mint, strawberries and lime. Despite its stationing at bustling Tramsheds, Mama's Buoi is a more intimate space than other locations. In addition to being one of just a few Asian eateries at the heritage-listed site, the bright pastel colours, floral seats and hanging foliage make the eatery hard to miss. And a wall mural of Mama Hoang in her younger years watches over customers eating the dishes she's served to her friends and family for decades. Mama's Buoi is now open at Tramsheds, 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge. For more info, visit mamasbuoi.com.au.
The Kaldor Public Art Projects series is getting down and dirty for its latest edition, as it unveils Asad Raza's newest work: Absorption. The first Aussie exhibition for the New York-based artist, this unique installation sees the Clothing Store at Carriageworks transformed into a dynamic soil processing site. Watch as a team of 'cultivators' works through almost 300 tonnes of materials sourced from the region, including sand, clay, spent grain, silt, coffee and green waste, to whip up a whole new earthy concoction, or neosoil. You can even take some home for yourself. Backing up the dirty stuff, Raza has also invited a bunch of other artists to lend their own talents to the installation. The cultivators are decked out in wearable art designs by Agatha Gothe-Snape, a captivating light display comes courtesy of Daniel Boyd, and a turf creation by Khaled Sabsabi lies buried beneath the soil. Megan Alice Clune has also crafted a soundscape to complement the soil's ever-changing nature and a performance piece by Brian Fuata adds an eerie element to the whole space. Featured alongside is a broad-ranging public program of extras, including a reading hosted by feminist reading group Composting (Tuesday, May 7 from 6pm) and a synthy pop performances by singer-producer Chun Yin Rainbow Chan (Thursday, May 9 at 7pm). While all the after-hours events are free, you will need to sign-up via the website. Asad Raza's Absorption is open daily from 10am–6pm. Images: Kaldor Public Art Project 34: Asad Raza, Absorption. Photo: Pedro Greig.
When a film leaves you standing outside the cinema afterwards gasping for air, you know it has made a deep impact. The discomfort which Pedro Almodovar's latest film, The Skin I Live In, has imparted upon me is one I will be feeling for some time. The story follows the rather sinister Dr Ledgard (Antonio Banderas), an eminent plastic surgeon who has been developing an artificial skin in his own laboratory for the last 12 years — a skin which is sensitive to touch and yet resistant to external damage and which could have saved his wife, who was horribly burned in a car accident 12 years earlier. In his idyllic mansion near Toledo in Spain, Ledgard has been experimenting on his own human guinea pig, the enigmatic and elusive Vera (Elena Anaya). With the collusion of Marilia (Marisa Paredes), who has looked after Ledgard since he was a child, Vera is kept prisoner in an upstairs bedroom, wearing nothing but a flesh-coloured body suit to protect her new skin. As the movie jumps back and forth through time, the story begins to unfold. There is stunning mise en scene and camerawork, paying homage to cinema of the '40s and '50s, particularly to masters of the film noir genre such as Hitchcock, and a masterfully evocative music score. These provide the audience with various signs, clues and premonitions, gradually revealing the true nature of Dr Ledgard's most unethical experiment and the motives behind it. Questions of perception and external impressions are central to the film's theme. If you change someone on the outside by giving them a new skin, or a new body even, what happens to their identity underneath? As we come to realise that Vera ressembles Ledgard's dead wife, Gal, we wonder, could this be her? Or is it someone who Dr Ledgard has refashioned to look like her? Almodovar has always been one to question identity, but this time round he has gone much further. Moreover, with the generous dose of humour usually found in his work distinctly lacking here, this is possibly the darkest film he has ever made. The Skin I Live In feels much more a psychological thriller and marks a different direction for the director, yet his spirit still pervades. Almodovar has a talent for revealing humanity at its rawest and most preposterous in a way which, far from alienating the audience, usually tells us a great deal about ourselves, albeit it on a subconscious level. In this sense, it is still the same Almodovar at work here, but his investigations into the human condition have delved much deeper to produce a film that will get right under your skin. https://youtube.com/watch?v=EolQSTTTpI4
In a case of common sense prevailing — and, a cinema realising that charging more during peak times wasn't going to lure movie-goers in — Village Cinemas has cancelled their surge pricing trial on movie tickets. The theatre chain issued news.com.au with a statement, advising "we were running pricing variation trials over the summer period which we appreciate may have caused angst and concern to our customers." The company continues, "we can now confirm that all pricing variation trials have been stopped effective immediately... Our goal is to ensure movie going remains as an affordable entertainment choice for our guests." As first reported on Reddit, Village had been increasing ticket costs after 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays, to the tune of between 50 cents and $1 more per movie — and ramping up candy bar prices by between 30 cents and $1 per item as well. Yes, it's the same concept that Uber users hate during busy periods, on trial at multiplexes including Crown, Fountain Gate, Doncaster, Jam Factory, Southland and Werribee during the summer school holidays. While the idea of variable movie ticket prices isn't new — student discounts, cheap Tuesdays and the like — charging more during peak cinema-going slots was never going to be well-received given that Aussie ticket costs rose 31 percent in the decade to 2016. And though Village Cinemas was ramping up the cost in popular periods, it wasn't decreasing them for slow sessions and times. Via news.com.au
Questions flow freely in She Said, the powerful and methodical All the President's Men and Spotlight-style newspaper drama that tells the story behind the past decade's biggest entertainment story. On-screen, Zoe Kazan (Clickbait) and Carey Mulligan (The Dig) tend to be doing the asking, playing now Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. They query Harvey Weinstein's actions, including his treatment of women. They gently and respectfully press actors and Miramax employees about their traumatic dealings with the Hollywood honcho, and they politely see if some — if any — will go on the record about their experiences. And, they question Weinstein and others at his studio about accusations that'll lead to this famous headline: "Harvey Weinstein Paid Off Sexual Harassment Accusers for Decades". As the entire world read at the time, those nine words were published on October 5, 2017, along with the distressing article that detailed some — but definitely not all — of Weinstein's behaviour. Everyone has witnessed the fallout, too, with Kantor and Twohey's story helping spark the #MeToo movement, electrifying the ongoing fight against sexual assault and gender inequality in the entertainment industry, and shining a spotlight on the gross misuses of authority that have long plagued Tinseltown. The piece also brought about Weinstein's swift downfall. As well as being sentenced to 23 years in prison in New York in 2020, he's currently standing trial for further charges in Los Angeles. Watching She Said, however, more questions spring for the audience. Here's the biggest heartbreaker: how easily could Kantor and Twohey's article never have come to fruition at all, leaving Weinstein free to continue his predatory harassment? In a female-driven movie on- and off-screen — including director Maria Schrader (I'm Your Man), screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Small Axe) and cinematographer Natasha Braier (Honey Boy) — She Said details all the moments where the pivotal piece of reporting could've been forced to take no for an answer, something that Weinstein wasn't known for. At the NYT, assistant managing editor Rebecca Corbett (Patricia Clarkson, Sharp Objects) and executive editor Dean Baquet (Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) are always supportive, starting when Kantor picks up the story, and continuing when she brings in Twohey fresh off an investigative article into Donald Trump's sexual misconduct. But, unsurprisingly, the women made victims by Weinstein are wary. Many also signed non-disclosure agreements. Kantor and Twohey's pitch: by speaking out and ideally going on the record, they can assist in ensuring that what they endured doesn't happen to anyone else. Knowing the end result, and the whole reason that She Said exists, doesn't dampen the film's potency or tension. Instead, it heightens the appreciation for the bravery of those who spoke out — at first and afterwards — and the care with which Kantor and Twohey handled their task. The two reporters knew that they were asking women to revisit their darkest traumas, make their worst ordeals public and take on a man who'd been untouchable for decades (with the spate of NDAs and settlements with many of his targets to prove it). Even Rose McGowan (voiced by The Plot Against America's Keilly McQuail) is hesitant; she's mentioned but not quoted in the final piece. Persevering to bring Weinstein's crimes to attention, Kantor and Twohey keep digging, and keep trying to persuade their potential interviewees — and She Said doubles as a lesson in compassionately and respectfully doing just that. Some of the women approached are household names, with Ashley Judd appearing as herself and Gwyneth Paltrow referenced but not seen. Others worked in less visible roles in Weinstein's orbit — and She Said's moments with Samantha Morton (The Serpent Queen), Jennifer Ehle (Saint Maud) and Angela Yeoh (The Batman) as ex-Miramax employees Zelda Perkins, Laura Madden and Rowena Chiu, helping the feature explore why they agreed to talk, are electrifying and heartbreaking at the same time. In a blistering scene set in a London cafe, Morton plays someone toughened by and determined because of her 90s efforts to stand up for a colleague, her anger radiating from the screen. Ehle is the face of sorrowful regret, with the pain she conveys about being accosted as a young woman — a flashback to which opens the movie — just as palpable. And Chiu is devastating as someone who hasn't even told her husband about what happened, such was is misplaced shame and lingering fear. Great procedurals, of which She Said is one, know the importance of three things: diligently putting pieces together, charting the dedicated efforts making that happen and showing the impact of a job well done. Not all such films get as satisfying an IRL ending — Zodiac is an all-timer and the serial killer it focuses on has never been caught — but conveying why the work matters is one of the genre's key aims. No one needs a movie to stress that fact here, obviously. The results of Kantor and Twohey's efforts have garnered headlines for five years now and will continue to. Still, consider She Said a testament to that hard work, and a film eager to ensure that toiling gets its due. It isn't a self-congratulatory flick, but a solidly compelling, sensitive and astute one. It never even lets Weinstein's face be sighted. And, it tells its tale with naturalistic, lived-in visuals, including in the NYT's offices and cafeteria, always emphasising that its details are real and tangible. Where 2019's chilling and exceptional The Assistant fictionalised a film production company led by a Weinstein type and the culture of sexual harassment it enabled, She Said always dwells in fact. Both movies are gripping, engaging, moving and essential, however, as well as attentively directed and outstandingly cast. For the second time in the past few years, Mulligan confronts the abhorrent treatment of women by men, and strikes back — and while this feature couldn't be more different tonally from Promising Young Woman, she's a firmly committed presence in both. Quiet strength emanates from Mulligan and Kazan alike, while their characters are doing their jobs and as they're balancing home lives. That juggling act is never the point of She Said, which seamlessly works in the pair's respective children, plus Twohey's pregnancy and post-natal depression. Nonetheless, including it helps reinforce the variety of ways that this is a women-centric story — crucially so — and what that means on an array of levels.
New South Wales residents, it's holiday time. After almost two years largely spent staring at your own four walls, you probably don't need much motivation to head absolutely anywhere else, but the State Government is giving you some anyway. In an effort to encourage everyone to take a vacation across NSW — including a staycation in the city, Sydneysiders — it's handing out $50 vouchers for accommodation. Every adult in the state will receive a voucher, which'll fall under the NSW Government's Stay & Rediscover scheme — to the tune of $250 million all up. You'll need to apply, however, and the initiative won't open until March 2022. But, you'll be able to redeem your voucher at accommodation premises throughout the state. Details are still fairly scarce for now otherwise, although the government has revealed that you'll only be able to use the vouchers at registered accommodation providers. Businesses with a physical location in the City of Sydney Local Government Area can sign up now, ahead of a pilot run in the area. Businesses elsewhere across the state will then be able to register from late January 2022. Also, you'll need to be over 18 to get a voucher, and you'll only be able to redeem it for room bookings — not other products and services at hotels. That said, you can combine your own vouchers with your partner's or friends', to get more cash off your reservation. And, access-wise, you'll have multiple options — including via the Service NSW app, printed vouchers, PDFs and text messages. [caption id="attachment_676653" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Crystalbrook Albion[/caption] If this sounds familiar, that's because former Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced something similar in March. Back then, 200,000 vouchers worth $100 each were set to be handed out on a first come, first served basis around June, for use in Sydney's inner city. Then Sydney went into lockdown, followed the rest of the rest of the state. Now resurrected just as Sydney has come out of an almost four-month-long period of stay-at-home conditions, the accommodation voucher program has two obvious aims: enticing folks in NSW to go venturing throughout the state, and helping support local businesses. Victoria and Queensland have also run similar schemes, too, because throwing some love towards the Aussie tourism industry has understandably been a big focus during the pandemic. Announcing the news today, Wednesday, October 20, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said that "millions of people around the world dream of visiting Sydney and our regional areas. This package not only ensures they can, but that they'll experience the very best of what we have to offer." He continued: "it's also great news for people right across our state, reviving events and businesses and bringing our major drawcards back to life. Importantly, more than 300,000 people rely on our tourism industry and our aim is to reclaim our position as one of the world's favourite destinations." As well as confirming the Stay & Rediscover vouchers, the Premier also announced a broader tourism and events support package — offering $530 million in total, including the $250 million for the accommodation scheme. The announcement only covers the broad strokes for now, with the minutiae set to be revealed at a later date; however, $150 million will go to major events, including $50 million for events in regional NSW; $60 million is earmarked to give international airlines an incentive to restart flights to Sydney; and $6 million will be put towards bringing business events back to the city. Also, $50 million will go towards supporting events and activations in CBDs across Greater Sydney and surrounding areas, $25 million is targeted at relaunching festivals and $10 million will be put into a marketing campaign — and an event saver fund will also be set up for organisers, for use if events are cancelled or disrupted by restrictions and lockdowns over this coming summer. Some of this funding overlaps with cash already announced earlier this week, on Sunday, October 17, which focused on supporting the arts industry as it reopens after lockdown. The NSW Government's Stay & Rediscover scheme will kick off sometime in March 2022. We'll update you when further details are announced — and you can check out additional information via the Stay & Rediscover website.
Music festival fans, it's time to take your horse to the old town road — hat down, cross-town, livin' like a rock star. New South Wales end-of-year staple Lost Paradise has announced its return for 2022, and it's making a comeback with two huge headliners: Lil Nas X, clearly, as well as Arctic Monkeys. Since first unleashing its specific flavour of festival fun back in 2014, Lost Paradise has become an end-of-year staple — and the Glenworth Valley event returns from Wednesday, December 28–Sunday, January 1 for another packed year. Joining Lil Nas X and Arctic Monkeys will be a massive lineup of genre-diverse artists ranging from local up-and-coming bands, powerhouse international DJs, Tik Tok sensations and festival favourites. Across the festival's four stages you can catch the likes of Jamie xx, Ocean Alley, Spacey Jane, Ben Bohmer, G Flip, PinkPantheress, Cub Sport and Genesis Owusu performing live, as well as Peggy Gou, Mall Grab, Folamour, DJ Boring, HAAi, TSHA, Ebony Boadu, CC:Disco!, Dameeeela and Latifa Tee jumping on the decks. [caption id="attachment_687549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] Also on the lineup: Young Franco, The Vanns, May-A, KiNK, Furnace and the Fundamentals, King Stingray, 1300, Big Twisty & the Funknasty, Elsy Wameyo, Heidi, X Club, Flava D, Telanova, Lazywax, and Wongo DJing back-to-back with Little Fritter. Outside of the music, there will be talks from Dr Karl and Dancewize, DJing workshops with Luen, a full yoga program, hula hooping sessions, and a whole lot more — all as part of a four-day camping festival. So, there's plenty to get excited about and to tempt you to make the journey an hour out of Sydney. Lost Paradise 2022 will introduce a ban on single-use plastics, too — which'll mean that you'll need to acknowledge the 'Paradisian Pledge' to minimise pollution and leave the campsite with no waste in order to purchase tickets. Also, this year's event will only use building materials built from 100-percent recyclable materials, and produce zero landfill. [caption id="attachment_687550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] LOST PARADISE 2022 LINEUP Music: Arctic Monkeys Lil Nas X Jamie xx Ocean Alley Spacey Jane G Flip Pinkpantheress Cub Sport Genesis Owusu Young Franco The Vanns MAY-A Furnace & The Fundamentals King Stingray Pacific Avenue Telenova 1300 Stumps Big Twisty & The Funknasty Egoism Yung Mtyr Lazywax Elsy Wamayo Eagle Eye Jones Abby Bella May Greatest Hits Sweetie Liyah Knight Coconut Cream Liquid Time Casual Fan Peggy Gou Mall Grab Ben Böhmer Folamour DJ Boring KiNK HAAi TSHA CC:DISCO! Heidi X Club. Flava D Shanti Celeste Moxie Loods Wax'o Paradiso Wongo Little Fritter Merve Luen Ebony Boadu Ayebatonye Crush3d James Pepper Elijah Something Latifa Tee Willo Dameeeela Mincy Conspiracy Crew Luke Alessi Troy Beman Mintox Waxlily Uncle Ru Girlthing Dj's Cleo Clutch 4 Love Roxy Lotz Madami Shambhala Fields: Yoga Sharing Loving Energy with Simon Borg-olivier Restorative Yin Acro Yoga Laughter Yoga Primal Flow Intro to Vedic Meditation Mindfulness Mastering the Handstand Workshops Move & Manifest with Mimi DJing 101 With Luen Effigies & Idols Pottery Hula Hooping Re-Wilding Women and the Feminime Soul Drumming Foraging & Bushcraft Skills Breathwork Cacao Love Ritual Samba Reggae Belly & Bootydance Love Out Loud Movement Talks Messages of Good Hope With Dr Karl A Human's Guide to the Future Party Safe with Dancewize Nsw Transformational Mindsets & Rites Of Passage Ai And the Future of Humanity Open Up With One Eighty Culture Weaving Workshop Wyappa Wurk: Aboriginal Yoga & Movement Seeds Of Peace with Uncle Phil Indigenous Dance Moving Beyond Sustainability Yidaki (Didgeridoo) Sound Of Moon & Healing Healing Haven Remedial Massage Tarot & Astrology Reiki Healing Energetic Healing Ambience After Dark Baran Yildiz Dave Leha AKA Radical Son Billsbry Luminous Sounds With Sati Delojaan: Sydney Sufi Ensemble Nye Cacao Ceremony Top images: Ruby Boland
Film festivals seem to be coming thick and fast at the moment, and the 2013 Spanish Film Festival is joining the party this June. In its 16th year, it will fill 23 days with more than 20 films. In true festival style, you can expect a little from column A and a little from column B: comedy, romance, horror, political tales, triller and coming-of-age stories. Some of the highlights include the winner of 10 Argentinian Academy Awards, Clandestine Childhood, a tale of a boy finding his place in the world; A Gun in Each Hand, a witty look at gender roles and growing up; and the Spanish box office hit I Want You, a love story filled with new beginnings and a rocking soundtrack. The Spanish Film Festival is set to entertain and get you thinking. The question is, how many will you see?
Continuing its (highly successful) quest to separate the world of art from elitism, The Other Art Fair is back in Sydney for 2022. The boundary-pushing multi-day exhibit is bringing the works of 120 artists to the staggering sandstone-walled Barangaroo venue The Cutaway. From Thursday, July 21 till Sunday, July 24, you can expect accessible art (read: affordable, starting at just $100) and good-time vibes (courtesy of live DJs, diverse street eats and a fully stocked bar), all in service of delivering the fruits of our creative outputs differently. Whether your love of art is long-held and you've curated a collection to rival the best, or you simply appreciate artistic expression and are looking to discover emerging and independent artists (and perhaps procure your first forever-piece), The Other Art Fair will have thousands (literally) of impressive pieces for you to discover. Taking it one step further, the creative collective is giving away an arty night out — the perfect prize for anyone looking for another way to enjoy a Thursday evening. The winner will score a double pass to opening night on July 21, two drinks to sip on arrival and a $250 voucher to spend on artwork (bought directly from the artist) to take home (and make all your friends jealous). Not loving your odds? The Other Art Fair is keeping another 40 people happy, too, with 20 double passes up for grabs for entry to the Fair from Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24. Ready to raise a glass to curious encounters? Enter your details below. [competition]859590[/competition]
Since TAFE NSW announced three weeks ago it was offering 21 free online short courses to help Sydneysiders upskill during COVID-19, a whopping 85,000 people have enrolled. As a result, some of the courses are full — the medical administration course alone has 10,000 participants — but if you were keen to enrol, and just hadn't gotten around to it yet, you haven't missed out: new courses have just been unveiled. Announced by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian this morning, Thursday, April 30, the 13 new fee-free short courses replace the oversubscribed courses and are now available to complete online via TAFE NSW. The 21 total fee-free accredited courses are open to people over 17 who live or work in NSW and are an Australia or NZ citizen, permanent resident or humanitarian visa holder. You can also only enrol in a maximum of two courses. If you tick those boxes, you can now grow your digital skills with an introductory course to coding or cyber security, increase your medical knowledge with an introduction to infection prevention (with a focus on hand washing, PPE equipment and temperature control) or up your management nous with a Statement of Attainment in Leading Teams. Courses range in commitment from 3–11 hours a week for up to 26 weeks. These new courses add to TAFE NSW's existing fee-free short courses, which are available to those impacted by this season's devastating bushfires and women looking to launch a small business. Early last year, NSW Government also announced it was subsidising up to 100,000 TAFE courses and apprenticeships under its Smart and Skilled program. TAFE NSW has paused face-to-face courses. You can find out more about its COVID-19 response over here. To find out more about and enrol in one of TAFE NSW's fee-free online short courses, head to the TAFE NSW website.
If summer always leaves you reminiscing about the balmy school holidays of your youth, you're going to be all about the latest line of frosty creations from Gelatissimo. The gelato chain is throwing back hard and digging up plenty of fond memories with its newly launched Aussie Favourites range — a trio of flavours that includes chocolate crackle, fairy bread and Weet-Bix with honey and banana. They're scooping now at all Gelatissimo stores nationwide, up for grabs until the end of January 2020. Sure to transport you straight back to some childhood birthday party, the fairy bread flavour pays homage to a true Aussie icon. Expect buttery vanilla gelato — made with real butter, mind you — scattered with 100s and 1000s, and crunchy pieces of lightly toasted fairy bread. Cleverly blurring that line between breakfast and dessert, the Weet-Bix concoction is another riff on a favourite, though one you're probably less inclined to scoff a bowl of before netball practice. It teams real Weet-Bix chunks with creamy banana gelato and a splash of Australian wildflower honey. And the nostalgia runs extra deep with the chocolate crackle creation, a sweet tribute to one of the most recognisable party treats in all of Australian history. It boasts rich chocolate gelato infused with chunks of real chocolate crackle, crafted just like Mum used to make, with rice puffs, cocoa powder, desiccated coconut and plenty of chocolate sauce. Of course, Gelatissimo's no stranger to dreaming up wild and innovative new creations. In the past year alone, the brand's launched a dog-friendly peanut butter gelato, a boozy frosé sorbet and even a frozen take on the iconic Bundaberg Ginger Beer. Gelatissimo's Aussie Favourites range is available from all stores nationwide, from Friday, November 29, until the end of January.
Wandering beneath shining red lanterns, grabbing a bite to eat from an array of food trucks, checking out live performances — sounds like a top-notch itinerary, doesn't it? Forget running around town to fit everything in, however, with this list of activities all on offer at this year's brand-new Lunar Lane Night Markets. Every evening between Thursday, February 11–Saturday, February 13, this Sydney Olympic Park event will celebrate the Year of the Ox with bright lights, roving performances, plenty of food and ample space for a picnic. That's what Sydneysiders will find at Yulang, next to Cathy Freeman Park, from 4–9pm — plus DJs spinning tunes, local bars serving beverages, and wooden seating for you and your mates to gather around. Food-wise, Bao Brothers, Bubble Tea Truck, Birdman Korean fried chicken and Yan Asian are just some of the joints that'll be keeping your hunger in check, with the culinary lineup spanning meals-on-wheels ventures as well as eateries in the area. Entry to this family-friendly affair is free, although you'll want to bring your wallet so that you can fill up your stomach.
It's been 12 years since Superbad released in cinemas, made stars out of Jonah Hill and Emma Stone, and earned a spot in the teen party genre. Over that period, every coming-of-age flick about outsiders trying to enjoy high school life to the fullest has been compared to the 2007 hit. Now, two more are joining the fold. Premiering at SXSW over the past week, Booksmart and Good Boys have a few things in common with their thematic predecessor, and not just because they both feature protagonists who can't wait to experience a proper party. In the former, Hill's sister and Lady Bird actor Beanie Feldstein leads the charge alongside Beautiful Boy's Kaitlyn Dever, giving the idea a female-centric spin. In the latter, Seth Rogen co-produces — as he did with Superbad — with the movie following a group of 12-year-olds. Focusing on graduating pals Molly (Feldstein) and Amy (Dever) as they put away their studies and try to show everyone that they're fun, Booksmart marks the directorial debut of actress Olivia Wilde, and it's been getting rave reviews. Cast-wise, it also features Jessica Williams, Will Forte, Lisa Kudrow and Jason Sudeikis. As for Good Boys, it's the first stint behind the camera for The Office and Hello Ladies writer Gene Stupnitsky — and centres on three kids played by Room's Jacob Tremblay, Last Man on Earth's Keith L. Williams and Boardwalk Empire's Brady Noon. The likes of Will Forte (again), Retta and Lil Rel Howery help round out the cast. Check out the trailers below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkrY-jboiqA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeeyM8cRinI Booksmart opens in Australian cinemas on July 11, and Good Boys opens on August 15. Good Boys image: Universal Pictures.
Much has happened in the world of Marvel this year. Black Panther started things off on a high, Spider-Man is about to return to its animated roots, and the man who started it all, Stan Lee, sadly passed away. Oh, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe completely changed the game with the snap of a few fingers. We know that you know what we're talking about — Avengers: Infinity War sits atop the box office Down Under for 2018. Of course, ever since the third Avengers movie hit screens, excitement for its follow-up has been feverish to say the least. Now, the first look at Avengers: Endgame has finally arrived — and yes, that's the film's brand new title. It all starts with a despondent Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), before giving a taste of how the remaining heroes are facing their new predicament. Check out the trailer below — and start counting down the days until Avengers: Endgame makes its way to cinemas on April 25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA6hldpSTF8 Plus, if you need a bit more excitement, Marvel also dropped the next Captain Marvel trailer earlier this week — with the first film featuring Brie Larson's superhero arriving prior to Avengers: Endgame, on March 7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LHxvxdRnYc
Flo Rida has the silliest name in rap, but Beyonce is a fan of his which makes me think twice before throwing criticisms. He also wrote one of the catchiest rap jams of 2008, Low, featuring T-Pain. I seriously love that song. AND he toured with the 2 Live Crew when he was just starting out as a rapper. I think I’m sold! Before supporting Beyonce on her Australian tour, Flo Rida (aka Tramar Dillard from Florida â€" get it?) is touring Australia with his second album R.O.O.T.S. He’s enlisted Australia’s very own Beyonce protégé Jessica Mauboy to accompany him for his Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth shows after he guested on her debut single Runaway earlier in the year. How low will they go? You’ll only know if you spend your pocket money on tickets to the show.https://youtube.com/watch?v=3VVuMIB2hC0
Move over croquembouche, there's a new dessert tower in Adriano Zumbo's life. The popular dessert wizard has come together with boutique hotel chain QT to launch a next-level QTea experience at the boutique chain's Sydney CBD outpost. The weekly dose of indulgence will be centred around a tower of Zumbo-specialty sweet treats paired with high tea classics like scones and champagne. So, what's on the menu? Macarons (or Zumborons as Zumbo has named them)? Of course. Croquembouche? Maybe not, but there are plenty of classic Zumbo desserts to snack your way through. Work your way up from the savoury selections at the bottom which include mini lobster rolls and caesar salad sliders, plus a selection of quiches and Zumbo's take on the humble scone that mixes brioche and shortbread. While the savoury options are enticing, you'll want to save room for the sweets. As you make your way up the tower you'll find the chef's famous passionfruit tart alongside new creations like a glistening heart-shaped chocolate mousse, raspberry and pistachio dessert, a white chocolate and yuzu vanilla cake and plenty of macarons. Zumbo also has plans to change things up as the team working on the high tea finds its feet. He told Concrete Playground he wants to incorporate more plant-based options, more classics from his back catalogue and large share plates. "The first change will probably be to put that little miniature V8 cake onto the stand," he said. "I would like to bring a couple of my favourite Zumbo's Just Desserts dishes." Accompanying the food in the lobby of the hotel and QT Sydney's Studio Q is a memorable array of beverages and a side of fun and theatrics. DJs will be on hand, as will be a collection of roaming champagne trollies. Perrier Jouet Champagne will be paired with the desserts and lobster rolls, or diners can choose from QT's collection of 60 different champagnes. Plus, a limited-edition burnt blueberry tea. QTea is available on Saturdays and Sundays starting from Saturday, May 29 and will set you back $95pp for food and tea, $115 with paired Mumm sparkling wine or $125 with paired NV Perrier-Jouet 'Grand Brut'.
Already this year, the Biennale of Sydney has filled the city with dazzling art. In its long-awaited return this winter, Vivid Sydney did the same, too. The next event set to get the Harbour City all creative: Sydney Contemporary, which'll make a comeback at Carriageworks in September for the first time since 2019. The reason for that gap is obvious. When the art fair returns for its sixth edition from Thursday, September 8–Sunday, September 11, it's understandably going big to celebrate. More than 90 galleries will take over the multi-arts centre, featuring works by 450 artists from 34 countries — including a specific focus on large-scale artworks. Galleries making their presence known — emerging and established alike, and spanning both Australian and New Zealand institutions — include Melbourne's Neon Parc and Niagara Galleries, Station and This Is No Fantasy; Edwina Corlette from Brisbane; Sydney's own Sullivan+Strumpf, Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery and Martin Browne Contemporary; and Gow Langsford Gallery and Michael Lett from Auckland. APY Art Centre Collective, which operates across Adelaide and Sydney, will also hit the fair, as will Singapore and Sydney's Yavuz Gallery. [caption id="attachment_859304" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] The list goes on — with Sydney Contemporary newcomers Mangkaja Arts (from Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia), C Gallery (Melbourne), N Smith Gallery and Formist Editions (Sydney), and A Secondary Eye and Onespace Gallery (Brisbane) also set to be represented. And, in terms of the art that'll be on display, it'll hail from artists from Australia, NZ, the UK, the US, China, Germany and Indonesia, as well as Japan, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey — among other nations. [caption id="attachment_859309" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view: Callum Morton, The End #3, 2020, polyurethane, timber, steel, glass, synthetic polymer paint, lights, sound, 240 x 360 x 50 cm. photo: Luis Power, courtesy the artist and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney.[/caption] As just announced, the newly renamed Installation Contemporary lineup — now called Amplify — will be a hefty feature, focusing on large-scale pieces. Annika Kristensen, Visual Arts Curator at Perth Festival and Associate Curator at Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, curates the selection. Like most things at Sydney Contemporary, her program isn't holding back. Peta Clancy's Undercurrent, a photographic series, will be projected across Carriageworks' exterior facade; Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro have made a huge papier-machè representation of the moon's surface; and Callum Morton's sizeable wall sculptures are actually exact-scale replicas of the iconic Sirius Building's window frames. 2020 Archibald Prize-winner Vincent Namatjira will display The Royal Tour (Diana, Vincent and Charles), while Catherine O'Donnell is set to create a drawing directly onto one of the fair's walls — that'll prove specific to the site and stay for Sydney Contemporary's duration. That's just a taste of the Amplify lineup, of course. [caption id="attachment_859312" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Claire Healy & Sean Cordeiro, ごめんえ素直じゃなくて GOMEN NE SUNAO JANAKUTE (Sorry, I'm not straightforward), 2021, papier machè and styrene core, metal strap, metal plates, 256cm in diameter. Courtesy of the artists and N Smith Gallery.[/caption] Elsewhere across the fair, the Performance Contemporary program will focus on artists WeiZen Ho, Rakini Devi, Salote Tawale and Alli Sebastian Wolf — and the Talk Contemporary rundown will be announced in August. Whatever catches your eye, expect to have company. More than 112,000 visitors have attended in past years, and more than AU$85million in art sales have been notched up. "Sydney Contemporary has been firmly established as the most influential fair in the region, and the sixth edition of Sydney Contemporary promises to be our strongest fair yet," said Sydney Contemporary founder Tim Etchells. "The fair provides the largest concentration of art sales annually in Australia and we expect 2022 to be no exception." [caption id="attachment_859307" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] Sydney Contemporary 2022 runs from Thursday, September 8–Sunday, September 11 at Carriageworks. For further information and to buy tickets, head to the art fair's website. Top image: Zan Wimberley.
If you thought those cult favourite Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts were a one-hit wonder, think again. The masterminds behind the famed sweet treats are also responsible for another Japanese-inspired dessert craze: Pafu. The apple pastry puffs loaded with fuji apple and warm custard have seen perpetual queues since their launch in the Melbourne's QV Centre last December. Now, they've hit Sydney. The Macquarie Centre store launched in June with free pastries — and while you'll have to pay $4.20 per piece now, the flaky fusion desserts are well work handing over a fiver for. Half apple turnover and half Japanese cream puff, these palm-sized pastries are crunchy, creamy and completely moreish.
Over in The Rocks, The Glenmore's rooftop is one of Sydney's most scenic spots, boasting primo views across to the Sydney Opera House and the harbour. Usually, these sweeping views are perfectly accompanied by a pint or a cocktail, but head on up on the last Thursday of July and you'll find yourself involved in a different activity with TMPL's Rise on the Rooftop series of morning workouts. Across two morning classes (6.30am and 7.30am) on Thursday, July 28, this sky-high session will have you working up a sweat. TMPL is located in Republic Square in Darlinghurst. Its usual studio brings nightclub-style lighting and DJs serving up big dance tunes to your daily workout and this is the energy TMPL will be bringing to these picturesque sessions at The Glenmore. The workouts will consist of high-intensity interval training, where you push yourself through short bursts of intense exercise between active recovery time. Tickets to the classes are $30 each.
Early in Phoenix, Nelly (Nina Hoss) wakes up after facial reconstruction surgery and follows another bandaged woman into an office. There, she spots a noticeboard featuring a few photos from her past — and discovers that she's not only trailing someone in a hallway, but confronting the ghost of her former self. Yes, the film tells a tale of duality and doppelgangers, but it's not quite what that description might lead you to expect. Set amidst the rubble of post-war Berlin, it is haunted by the difficulties of moving forward when the past remains ever-present. Of course, getting a makeover, righting previous wrongs, seeking revenge and starting life anew are all familiar film tropes. Luckily, there's little that's routine or commonplace about the way writer-director Christian Petzold and his frequent co-scribe Harun Farocki bring Hubert Monteilhet's 1961 detective novel The Return from the Ashes to the screen. Their effort is part atmospheric drama, part slow-burning thriller. Phoenix is composed and compelling, rather than pulpy or clichéd. In other hands, it might've been exaggerated and cheesy; here, it's understated and moving. WWII is over and cabaret singer Nelly has survived not just a German concentration camp but a bullet to the head, though her nearest and dearest — including her husband Johnny (Ronald Zehrfeld), who might've sold her out to the Nazis — think otherwise. Despite her friend Lene (Nina Kunzendorf) urging her to escape her troubles and move to Palestine, Nina is determined to return home. Alas, when husband and wife cross paths at the nightclub that gives the film its name, Johnny doesn't recognise her; instead, he thinks she merely resembles Nelly, and asks for her assistance in obtaining his wife's hefty inheritance. Forget Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, and Wes Anderson and Bill Murray: Petzold and Hoss are this generation's quintessential director-star duo. Here they reteam for their sixth film together and once again make movie magic, conjuring up strong reminders of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo in the process. His choices — the smoke and shadows that linger around Nelly, the repeated sounds of the song 'Speak Low', the gradual build to a quietly powerful ending — are masterful. Her performance — conveying so much conflict with little more than a look or a gesture — is equally as commanding. Indeed, taking your eyes off of Hoss proves close to impossible, though Phoenix is a polished affair all round. Zehrfeld, who also co-starred in Petzold and Hoss' last pairing, Barbara, is equally hypnotic in a far less sympathetic but just as complicated role. Together, they help convey two sides of a nation struggling with its identity in the aftermath of a great tragedy — a recurrent topic for Petzold. That's not a cause for concern; his characters might be toying with the past, but his layered, lingering film does much, much more than just recreate his former glories.
Three studio albums in and tUnE-yArDs (real name Merrill Garbus) is still showing no signs of creative predictability. She might have proclaimed to have become "bored with herself" following the 2011 release of breakthrough record Whokill, but listening to new full-length Nikki Nack (released in May) you'd never guess it. Rousing tribal beats and vocal gymnastics of Olympic proportions rub shoulders with lazy Sunday afternoon reggae grooves and no-holds-barred, politicised lyrics. "I don't want to just say, 'Let's dance all night', as if there's nothing wrong with the world," Garbus told The Guardian in a recent interview. "Because that's a big old lie." She certainly doesn't preach, but she does write about things that matter: Western culpability in developing world poverty, racism and disintegrating American neighbourhoods. At the same time, she's all about seeing some serious "arse shaking" at her shows. Winging our way to play Splendour, she'll also treat us to two servings on the side: one at Melbourne's Howler on July 24 and the other at Sydney's OAF on July 28. https://youtube.com/watch?v=jbiFcPhccu8
The inner west suburb of Dulwich Hill will soon be home to an exciting new tamaleria and Mexican deli. It'll be the first permanent eatery from Rosa Cienfuegos . You may recognise the name from her twice monthly — and super popular — La Casa Latina pop-up at the Marrickville Market and her regular pop-ups at Young Henrys and The Grifter Brewing Co. As of September 16, Cienfuegos will launch her own digs along the budding strip of Marrickville Road. The takeaway-only shop will offer a range of signature Mexico City and Oaxaca-style hot tamales — think chicken with mole sauce, pineapple pork in green sauce and the vegetarian rajas con queso (poblano chillies with cheese). Cienfuegos hails from Mexico City, so you can trust her when it comes to authenticity. "Tamales are a pre-Hispanic dish that is well preserved in Mexico and is one of the most common breakfast items, served on many street corners in Mexico," says Cienfuegos. "Every state has its own style and can go from being wrapped in a corn husk or in a banana leaf, from huge to small and from spicy to sweet." Pre-packed, street-style tacos will also be on offer at the deli counter — ranging from slow-cooked brisket and lamb barbacoa to marinated pulled pork and a spicy cactus salad. Plus, rotating specials like chiles rellenos, empanadas, tuna croquettes and vegan ceviche will make the way onto the menu, along with sides like refried beans and verdolagas (Mexican greens). Apart from the prepared food options, Cienfuegos will also sell branded small goods, including her homemade salsas, sauces, specialty Mexican ingredients and DIY kits for at-home cooking. "There aren't many authentic Mexican options in Sydney, and even though you can buy the ingredients from different suppliers and shops, people are not sure how to use them or what they are for," says Cienfuegos. "I'll be at the shop to help and share recipes with the correct ingredients." The fit-out aims to fit-in with surrounding Dulwich Hill vibe, including with the signage (designed by Jocelyn Eng) that uses images of the surrounding main street. The simple interior focuses on wooden decor, with a bit of Mexican flare coming from the hanging sarapes (brightly coloured rugs). Rosa Cienfuegos will open on Sunday, September 16 at 463 Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill. Opening hours are Tuesday–Sunday from 8am–6pm, and Thursdays from 8am–8pm.
If there's one surefire way to warm yourself up, it's by helping someone else. With that in mind, winter is the perfect time to get involved with the community. And what better way to do that than through hearty, delicious food? Whether you're rescuing it, cooking it, giving it away or sharing it, food has a way of making everyone feel better while strengthening community connections. Here are five ways to give back over the next few months — from channelling your inner MasterChef to eating brunch in Surry Hills to volunteering your green thumb at a local community garden. HELP PROVIDE MEALS FOR THOSE WHO NEED THEM BY EATING BRUNCH Giving back to the community doesn't get any easier than this. All you have to do is eat. Surry Hills eatery Gratia donates 100 percent of its profits to charity and, this winter, every cent is going to OzHarvest, which rescues leftover food from restaurants and delivers it to charities across Australia. To make this clear, OzHarvest has taken over Gratia with the organisation's signature yellow and a waste-conscious menu created by executive chef Travis Harvey. Not all items are rescues, but many are — look out for the ramen noodles made from old loaves of Brasserie Bread, the jam made with discarded watermelon rind from Black Star Pastry's signature cake and donated produce from Select Fresh. Best part is that, for every dollar you spend at the cafe, you could help provide two meals to someone who needs it via OzHarvest's services. That should erase any regret when you hand over $25 for brunch. [caption id="attachment_678178" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] CHALLENGE YOUR FRIENDS TO A COOK-OFF FOR CHARITY With another season of MasterChef almost over (the finale's on Tuesday), it's now time to put all those hours of viewing to good use — and make a sweet donation to charity. Jacob's Creek has set up a temporary MasterChef-inspired kitchen in Surry Hills for those who want to both refine their chef and wine-pairing skills and put their total viewed hours to good use. Here's how it'll work: on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until August 12, award-winning chef Daniel Wilson, who has been a MasterChef guest several times, will guide attendees through a two-course cooking demonstration of one entree and one dessert — naturally, there will be a little friendly competition (but no tears, only prizes). Of course, you'll get to sit down and eat your creations. To take some pressure off, Studio Neon will take care of your main course and Jacob's Creek Barossa Signature wines will be matched to each course. Tickets are $95, but here's the kicker: 100 percent of profits are being donated to SecondBite, a charity that provides food and support for those in need. The pop-up is aiming to raise enough money to feed over 100,000 Australians — if you ask us, that's a pretty good excuse to don an apron. TRY GEORGIAN FOOD AND SUPPORT A LOCAL REFUGEE FAMILY Another spot where you can do your bit by simply feasting is Four Brave Women in Summer Hill. Operated via not-for-profit The Trading Circle, this restaurant is run by a refugee family, which changes every eight weeks. Right now, Yulia and Iana, owners of catering business The Magic Tablecloth, are in the kitchen, cooking up Georgian and Eastern European goodness. They serve lunch and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Meanwhile, through the week, the venue is a cafe, where Adi serves Ethiopian-inspired hot brekkies, lunches, snacks and drinks. Food is served as a buffet, allowing you to chat with the chefs while you fill up a bowl of your choosing. Having a meal here will not only financially support the family, but it will give the individuals the skills and training to start their own business beyond Four Brave Women. LEND A HAND AT OUR BIG KITCHEN Like OzHarvest, Our Big Kitchen rescues food that would otherwise be thrown out, then transforms it into meals and delivers them to charities such as Wayside Chapel, Redfern Community Centre and Oasis Youth Support. The kitchen is in Bondi and you're invited to lend a hand with the cooking — an array of jobs need doing, from food prep and packaging to cleaning and distributing. Before signing up, you'll need a working with children check. If you're unable to volunteer, but still want to help, consider giving a donation, be it money, equipment or food. Another option is to hire the kitchen for a catering job of your own: proceeds go straight to the charity. VOLUNTEER AT A COMMUNITY GARDEN There are 20 volunteer-run community gardens across the City of Sydney, so, if you're keen to get your hands dirty, you don't have to travel far. Community gardens play an important role in bringing people together, plus they help the environment, by reducing waste through composting and protecting diverse plants and seeds. What's more, they add to the city's total green space, providing people with places to rest, think and breathe easy. On top of that, you can eat the results — or share them with someone else. To get the ball rolling, give your nearest community garden group a buzz. There's a list over here. Jacob's Creek Kitchen Collective will take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until August 12. Only 16 seats are available for each session, so move quickly and nab your spot here. 100 percent of your ticket will go straight to SecondBite.
Discussing complex issues like climate change can be difficult even for the most skilled orators. But, if we are going to make a difference when it comes to sustainability, more of us are going to need to speak up. This class welcomes prominent author and climate campaigner Anna Rose, who'll provide you with the necessary tools to not only feel comfortable talking about climate issues but also use your own power to affect real change. Across this interactive session, you'll learn the strategies that work best when you need to motivate people in your life to get engaged with climate science. Plus, you'll be encouraged to stay in contact with your fellow attendees to put your newfound skills into action. Anna Rose's interactive session about how to talk about climate change will take place on Saturday, June 1 from 11.30am–1pm and Sunday, June 2 from 10.30am–12pm. Tickets cost $45 per person ($36 for members). This event forms part of the Museum of Contemporary Art's Conversation Starters 2019: Temperature Rising program. To see the full program, head this way.
A huge celebration of Greek food, music and culture is coming to Burwood on Sunday, November 12. The Greek Street Fair will takeover Railway Parade and Burleigh Street (just near Burwood train station) from 11am–5pm with food trucks, market stalls, performances, mascots and family-friendly activities. You'll be able to buy goods made by members of the local Greek community, feast on a garlic-laced array of traditional Greek eats and catch live performances and Greek tunes. Heading up the program are the Paradise Band, DJ Krazy Kon who is hosting his Greece Mix, Vol 28 (20 Years Edition) album launch, and much-loved viral food and TikTok personality YiaYia's Kitchen who will be there cooking up a storm. There will also be a couple of giveaways on the day, with the chance to win a two-night stay at Crown Plaza Burwood by entering the free draw, or a $50 Westfield voucher by uploading a photo with Mitos the Greek Street Fair Donkey who, we must inform you, is in fact a human dressed in a donkey outfit and not an actual braying creature on four legs.
Sometimes cocktails enter the zeitgeist and quickly fade away again. But with a tome like The Madrusan Cocktail Companion, staying on top of classic drinks and modern twists becomes much easier. Crafted by Michael and Zara Madrusan — the brains behind acclaimed Melbourne venues like The Everleigh — they've transformed what began as an in-house manual into a treasured resource spanning 2800 cocktail recipes. With the recent release of the book capturing headlines, the duo are doing the rounds on the cocktail-making scene, next appearing at Rozelle's Red Mill Distillery on Tuesday, November 25. Presented by Balmain's Roaring Stories Bookshop, guests are served up a fascinating evening that combines art, history and cocktails. From 7pm, Michael will showcase how to create world-class cocktails bound to impress your friends and family over the holiday season. Leaning into sophisticated drinks heavy on the Red Mill Rum, guests are treated to two tasting cocktails on the night. Plus, you'll be able to purchase more tasty concoctions, as well as take home a signed copy of the duo's landmark book. And if you have bartending questions, Michael and Zara will be on hand to provide their revered advice. The setting for this masterclass could hardly be more appropriate, either. Set inside the reimagined 150-year-old White Bay Steelworks, Red Mill has established a stellar reputation for small-batch, high-quality rum. With the entire production handled in-house, this historic distillery is also home to a sprawling barrel hall, housing over 300 casks, from which the goods undoubtedly make their way into countless cocktails.
During COVID-19, there have been reports across the globe of animals taking over cities while humans are in lockdown. Mountain goats have run amok in Wales, wild boar have strolled through the streets of Barcelona and deer have reclaimed a now quiet corner of East London. Down here in Australia, we're playing right into the stereotypes. Yep, old mate Skippy has been videoed hopping through the streets of Adelaide. In footage posted to South Australia Police's Twitter account, you can see a kangaroo casually bouncing through the CBD's quiet streets. The post is captioned with the local police saying "a suspect wearing a grey fur coat... was last seen on foot heading into the West Parklands". There's no word yet on whether the suspect was breaching any of the government's stay-at-home restrictions, however. If you've been trying to convince your American mates that you do indeed ride 'roos to work Down Under, this may finally be the proof you need. https://twitter.com/SAPoliceNews/status/1251721467189813250 While the above stories are true, if you've been hanging out on Twitter of late, you would have seen many fake images of animals returning to cities as part of the viral 'Nature is Healing' meme. There have been reports of dolphins swimming through the canals of Venice and elephants getting drunk in Chinese tea fields, but as National Geographic has pointed out, they are indeed fake. Regardless, some are quite clever and may elicit a bit of a chuckle. So, we'll leave you with a few of our favourites: https://twitter.com/TPZanetic/status/1249116743555002368 https://twitter.com/Julian_Epp/status/1243992034324746240 https://twitter.com/roobeekeane/status/1244320113958019073 https://twitter.com/willjennings80/status/1241497390735069184
The party people at Frankie's are looking to add some rock 'n' roll to your after-work routine. The venue's popular TNT Trivia is back in action, running every Tuesday from October 6. True to form, this will not be your average weeknight trivia. Expect hard rock-themed questions, a live band and some seriously cool prizes to boot. Those prizes are courtesy of music companies BMG and Maric Media, who will be shouting rare collectibles for hard rock music fans. Those include the 50th anniversary box set of Black Sabbath's 1970 album Paranoid and the 40th anniversary deluxe collectors box set of Motorhead's 1980 album Ace Of Spades. Alongside the music prizes, Newtown's Young Henrys will be offering up heaps of free beer, gift boxes, brewery tours and beer tastings at its inner west bar. New prizes will be on the docket each week, with trivia on each and every Tuesday from 8pm. Images: Katje Ford
Sydney's Cambridge Markets are coming to the Shire for the first this holiday season when the Kurnell Christmas Market takes over the Bonna Point Reserve on Sunday, November 25 from 10am–4pm. The gift bazaar will feature 120 stalls offering everything from artisan clothing, accessories, sustainable homewares and pet goods to Christmas trees, puddings, organic hams and turkeys. Apart from packaged smallgoods, an array of hot food stalls — ranging from vegan hamburgers to Vietnamese food — will help you fuel up for the shopping frenzy. Live music is on the docket too, along with rides, henna and face painting booths for little ones. For commuters, there will be a special market bus running from Cronulla station to Bonna Point Reserve from 9.30am–4.10pm that day. As in previous years, The Cambridge Markets will also host the Watson's Bay Twilight Market on December 7 from 3pm and the Entertainment Quarter Christmas Market on December 15 from 8am (at the market's headquarters in Moore Park). Keep an eye on the Cambridge Markets Facebook page for further Christmas market details and updates.
Break out the pink and don't even dream of wearing sweatpants: it's Mean Girls brunch time. Come April, themed mid-morning meals dedicated to the 2004 teen classic will be popping up in yet-to-be-disclosed locations in Sydney and Melbourne. Yes, like Gretchen's devotion to the word "fetch", someone is trying to make this happen. On offer is a get-together filled with prosecco, cocktails and something edible, plus the flick itself playing in the background. It's the latest in what's proving a growing trend, given the enormous popularity of the already sold-out Harry Potter-themed Wizard's Brunch. If the Plastics were to give their opinion on it, however, we're not certain it'd get the Regina George stamp of approval. Other than the pink-hued outfits and just generally gossiping about the Tina Fey-written, Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams-starring movie, there's not that much else to really throw into the mix. Will attendees eat in a school cafeteria-like setting? Will it feature an all-carb menu to go with Regina's all-carb diet? Will tables be split into cliques like "actual human beings" and "desperate wannabes"? Will Kalteen bars feature? Perhaps a Spring Fling King and Queen will be crowned, which is what's happening at London's version of the event. Also on the agenda is immersive entertainment, although just what that'll be hasn't been revealed. The Mean Girls Brunch will take place at locations in Sydney and Melbourne later this year. We'll let you know when you can buy tickets, and you can sign up for updates here.
The haunting and atmospheric imagery created by Singapore-born, Sydney-based artist Ben Ali Ong will be on show at Artereal Gallery this month. The artist usually works across photo media, film, and mixed media; however, his newest series Nyctophilia is a nocturnal suite of black and white photographs. This understated and contemplative exhibition is aimed at inviting ideas rather than expressing them. Among the new batch of photographs, there are foggy nights with slivers of moon, spot-lit mannequins, creased love letters, and verses of censored poetry. Many of the works featured contain suggestive fragments. In combination, they take on the air of an arthouse murder mystery. Ong found himself in hot water a few years ago when he was accused of plagiarism. Back in 2012, he was an artist on the rise, exhibiting as a finalist across multiple art prizes and major galleries. The controversy ignited the familiar debate around originality in the art world. Three years later, it seems he's back on the path toward cementing himself as a significant Australian photographer.
Been meaning to get into stargazing but don't know where to start? This could be your gateway event. On Wednesday, March 23, you can join thousands of Aussies attempting to smash the World Record for Most People Stargazing Simultaneously Across Multiple Locations in Centennial Park. There is lots of starry-eyed fun going down across the country, but the Centennial Park celebrations kick off at 7pm. There'll be a little something for stargazers of all levels, including a Q&A with CSIRO and UNSW astronomers, and Indigenous educators telling traditional Aboriginal stories about the stars. From 8pm, catch the ABC's live stargazing broadcast on the huge outdoor screen, hosted by Julia Zemiro and physicist Brian Cox. There'll also be telescopes available to order, and food trucks on hand in case all that gazing leaves you feeling peckish.
In I Am Mother's vision of the future, humanity has almost become extinct, the earth is a wasteland and the only known person alive is a teenager (Clara Rugaard) born, raised and living in an underground facility. Known only as Daughter, the adolescent has been brought up by a robot that she calls Mother (voiced by Rose Byrne) — but when a woman (Hilary Swank) comes knocking on their door, the girl begins to doubt everything she knows, including her android protector's motives. So far, so familiar, especially if you're a fan of sci-fi thrillers and dystopian tales. Australia has made a few, including the hugely successful Mad Max franchise; however this homegrown sci-fi thriller definitely finds its own niche. Shot in Adelaide, screening as a work in progress at the 2018 Adelaide Film Festival, premiering internationally at this year's Sundance and also slated for this year's Sydney Film Festival, it's now heading to Netflix from June 7 as well. Get ready for a bleak, tense and twisty effort that makes the most of its premise, nods to both the Alien and Terminator sagas, features immersive production design, and should bring its stellar young Danish lead Rugaard to further attention. It's also the debut feature from Australian filmmaker Grant Sputore, who directs and co-penned the underlying story with fellow big-screen first-timer Michael Lloyd Green. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5BKctcZxrM I Am Mother drops on Netflix on June 7.
A new omakase ramen restaurant from one of Sydney's most renowned Japanese chefs is coming to Chatswood. Chase Kojima (Sokyo, Gojima, Chuuka) is opening Senpai Ramen in Sydney's lower north shore. The 25-seat restaurant will open in February 2022 with a focus on presenting ramen in a new and exciting way. Senpai Ramen will be based around a series of ever-changing set menus. Omakase is a Japanese dining tradition that translates to 'leave it to the chef'. Diners at the Chatswood restaurant will be offered five, six or seven-course meals that begin with smaller plates and build towards the signature ramen varieties. Ramen on offer will include a tonkotsu ramen with seasonal flavours and unexpected toppings such as 13-hour cooked abalone and A5-grade charcoal wagyu. The initial smaller dishes will also be paired with cocktails created in collaboration with PS40 bartender Michael Chiem. The feast will set patrons back between $69 and $109 depending on how many courses you choose. "The concept of the restaurant will be comforting, relaxing service but very professional," Kojima says. "I want to help take our guests a little bit out of their comfort zone and let them try something they have never had before: an entirely new ramen experience." Senpai Ramen will run as a sister venue to Kojima's new sushi and sashimi venue Simulation Senpai which opened in Haymarket earlier this year. A centralised kitchen has been set up in Artarmon that will support both venues once Senpai Ramen opens up. The kitchen contains a new machine designed to make ramen-making safer and less labour intensive. "Making ramen, and particularly tonkotsu ramen, is very labour intensive. Traditionally to make the broth, the pork bones must be boiled and stirred by hand for eight hours. A lot of chefs get injured during this process," Kojima says. [caption id="attachment_666031" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sokyo[/caption] Senpai Ramen will open at G05, 88 Archer Street, Chatswood in February 2022. Top image: Alan Richardson
Once, Ned Kelly and Mark "Chopper" Read called it home. Soon, a microbrewery, pub, 15-screen cinema and apartments will do just that instead. Yes, the times are certainly a-changin' at Coburg's Pentridge Prison, with 2017 marking 20 years since the site stopped its incarceration operations — and also marking the first time they're throwing a two-day festival. What was formerly Victoria's longest running gaol will host an all-ages fest filled live music, market stalls and food trucks on April 8 and 9, in what is hoped will become a yearly event. Attendees keen to get a dose of the facility's past can break up the eating and tunes with hourly tours of the prison's B Division, exercise yards and solitary confinement cells. Music-wise, the lineup features local acts such as Big Words, Cumbia Massive, Billy Davis and Funkalleros, while meals on wheels will be served up by Mr Burger, Beatbox Kitchen, Pasta Face, White Guy Cooks Thai and Billy Van Creamy, among others. Indeed, the fest has lured the likes of Zero 95 and Fancy Hanks to turn into food truck vendors for the event, treating visitors to their tasty fare beyond their usual four walls. It wouldn't be an outdoor food festival without picnic rugs aplenty — with everyone in the vicinity encouraged to hang out on the grass in the Pentridge piazza — or a beer garden bringing some booze to the celebration. Best of all, the event is free. Unlike the site's residents from times gone by, you won't want to leave. Pentridge Festival takes place at Pentridge Prison, Coburg on April 8 and 9. For more information, visit pentridgecoburg.com.au.
Sissy Ball, one of the biggest events on the Mardi Gras Festival calendar, is returning on Saturday, February 22. Making the move from Carriageworks to Enmore Theatre for the first time, the event will again shine a light on the Asia Pacific ballroom scene with an epic vogueing championship soundtracked by a lineup of international DJs. Multidisciplinary artist and founder of western Sydney artist collective House of Slé Bhenji Ra has curated the lineup, which'll see ballroom DJs from across the world come together for "disco house bounce pop" tunes. [caption id="attachment_758346" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ann-marie Calilhanna[/caption] Meanwhile, houses and individual walkers will be battling it out as hand performers, runway models, glam faces, sex sirens and voguers. The action kicks off at 6pm and you can grab final release tickets for $75 — we suggest you snap one up quick smart if you're keen to head along. Image: Ann-marie Calilhanna
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is celebrating the legacy of Pintupi artists and the 21st anniversary of the Western Desert Dialysis Appeal with The Purple House, a new exhibition featuring eight historically significant artworks created between 1999 and 2015. The West Desert Dialysis Appeal was held at AGNSW in 2000 and raised more than one-million dollars for Pintupi communities which led to the establishment of the community-controlled health service Purple House. The organisation provides dialysis care to communities across the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. Reflecting on the 2000 auction, Purple House director Irene Nangala said, "I was in Sydney for that auction 21 years ago. We were dreaming for one dialysis machine in Kintore so that our families could come home. It was a great night. We were all so proud and happy. People were very kind. The money raised that night helped us get our family home to Kintore and then we kept going and going." This new free exhibition will see three of the four major collaborative work that were part of the West Desert Dialysis Appeal placed on public display for the first time in over 20 years. Works on display include the Kiwirrkura men's painting, which was painted by nine artists in 1999 and depicts a water site in Tjangimanta, north-east of Kiwirrkura; and Untitled (Two Goanna Ancestor), which portrays the travels of the goanna ancestors. The exhibition is free and will run through until Sunday, February 27 2022. If you'd like to learn more about the exhibition and Purple House, you can also join the free online In the Frame talk on Tuesday, October 26 which will feature Chief Executive Officer of the Purple House, Sarah Brown, Pintupi artist Bobby West Tjupurrula and exhibition curator Coby Edgar. If you want to donate to The Purple House, the organisation has just launched its Balgo Dialysis Appeal campaign. [caption id="attachment_829628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Barney Campbell Tjakamarra, Charlie Tjapangati, George Tjapanangka, Hilary Tjapaltjarri, John John Bennett Tjapangati, Joseph Jurra Tjapaltjarri, Kenny Williams Tjampitjinpa, Morris Tjapaltjarri, Nolan Tjapangati, Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula, Willy Tjungurrayi, 'Kintore men's painting' 1999, synthetic polymer on canvas, 257 x 212 cm, Collection of Peter and Agnes Cooke[/caption] Top image: Installation view, featuring works by Patrick Olodoodi Tjungurrayi and Helicopter Tjungurrayi, from the exhibition The Purple House, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2021. Photo © AGNSW, Mim Stirling
Earlier this year, we had a cupcake ATM. Now, just in time for the warm weather, we're getting an ice cream ATM. Yup, it's a dispensary filled with ice cream instead of money. It's part of Campbelltown's pop-up Macarthur Beach Club, which is bringing a bit of sand and sun to Macarthur Square Shopping Centre from September 29 to October 14. The ATM is courtesy of The Scoop Gelato, who is dolling it out for free. In order to access the goods inside the machine, visitors will have to first nab a 'credit card' — 150 will be hidden inside the sandpit every Saturday and Sunday of the pop-up, and another 30 will be given away on weekdays from noon–1pm. Apart from the sandpit and free (though gimmicky) ice cream ATM, there'll be a ball-pit to jump in, a giant carnival-esque deck chair to lounge in, board games to play and a sand castle competition. The first 100 people through the door on opening day will also nab a free beach towel, and local food vendors and DJs are on the docket, too. The Ice Cream ATM is open from 12–1pm weekdays and 11am–3pm on weekends.
What matters most: good food, good drinks, good vibes or good prices? Well, the team behind Don Casamigos says: why not all of them? This classy, curtain-draped Mexican hotspot is from the same team behind Fortuna Drink and Eat, a colourful and energetic Italian eatery in Darlinghurst. They're on a hot streak and have taken one of Fortuna's most popular experiences – the bottomless Italian brunch – to the next level at Don Casamigos with an after-dark equivalent, the Bottomless Mexican Fiesta. The interior of this Victoria street spot screams tequila bar, with crimson drapes, gleaming tabletops and bright splashes of colour thanks to plants and a humming neon sign – but this bottomless menu is about more than just the drinks. It's the complete Don Casamigos experience. For $99 per person, you get delicious modern Mexican share plates and margaritas to pair. To get specific, those share plates are pan con tomate, chorizo peppers, patatas bravas, pork neck tacos, mushroom quesadillas and sweet churros to finish. Wash down those hot and hearty flavours with four different kinds of margaritas: spicy, classic, Tommy's or sweet – or bottomless house wines and rosé if you're feeling extra fancy. It's an experience your tastebuds will never forget – and perfect for sharing with amigos. The Bottomless Mexican Fiesta is available Wednesday to Friday from 5 til late, Saturday to Sunday from 12 - 6pm. For more information and to make a booking, visit the website.
Once a staple part of Sydney's working class culture, the Walsh Bay finger wharves are now iconic Sydney real estate. A rotation of restaurants, bars and cafes have all tried their hand at establishing a long-term presence on this slip of harbour foreshore, with varying degrees of success and longevity. Seventeen, a brand new restaurant and deli, is the latest to join the ranks alongside its Walsh Bay neighbours Fratelli Fresh and Walsh Bay Kitchen. Created by the owners of neighbouring restaurant El Phoenican, and overlooking 17 of the wharfside area's floating moorings, Seventeen will operate as a cafe by day and transform into a contemporary restaurant by night. Heading up the kitchen is notable chef Clint Jaeger, whose career spans Tetsuya's, Banc, Bill's and Hugo's. The 100-seater's breakfast menu traverses a wide selection, ranging from a nod to Sydney's health food obsession with an acai coco bowl with almond meal and honey salted cashews, to offering up more indulgent fare with ricotta hot cakes topped with Callebaut chocolate and honeycomb butter. For lunch, think seafood — fresh Yamba prawns, slow-poached lobster rolls, and a lineup of grilled meats and salads are the focus. Dinner turns up the fancy a notch or two, with summer asparagus with twice-cooked, coddled, brioche-crumbed egg and truffle pecorino; apple duck confit with celeriac remoulade, macerated figs and herbs; and Otway crispy skin pork belly. Finally, you can take your pick from a selection of Australian charcuterie and cheeses from The Deli by Seventeen for a little something-something to take home. As well as breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches and more available for takeaway, the cafe will be experimenting with a concierge service, delivering brekkie in bed to local residents from February next year. If that gains traction, they'll consider offering the same service for lunch and dinner too. Find Seventeen at Shop 2, 17 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay from December 7. Visit their website and Facebook page for further details.
Spanish tapas culture is reimagined with flavours from all over the Mediterranean for Merivale's vibrant new culinary offering, Bar Topa. Open from today on Palings Lane, in the Ivy's dining precinct, the pint-sized tapas bar has just a handful of seats, with standing room for around 40 diners. Perching with a wine in hand and snacks to share is the way to go here, just like in Spain's tapas bars. In the kitchen, Head Chef Lauren Murdoch is heading up a two-part, snack-heavy food offering. Displayed at the counter, you'll find small bites like whipped salted cod, or sliced jamón on crisp bread, while the tapas menu features a heftier selection of dishes hot off la plancha — the Spanish-style grill. Expect plates of sautéed chicken livers, cuttlefish cooked with parsley, garlic and olive oil, whole sardines, and of course, that classic patatas bravas. A modern rustic fitout of terracotta and green terrazzo is authentic yet modern, and a collaboration between stylist Amanda Talbot and designer George Livissianis. There's an innovative approach to drinks, mirroring the food menu of bite-sized snacks, with most cocktails, beer and wine served as half-pours. Meaning punters have the chance to sample more of the menu. A range of $8 half-size cocktails includes sips like the Marques — made with Pali Cortado sherry, Campari and sweet vermouth — and the La Perla, blending Altos Reposado tequila and pear liqueur. Otherwise, match those tapas with sangria from the tap, mini $4 beer or a 100-millilitre serve from the short, snappy wine list. Find Bar Topa at 4 Palings Lane, Sydney, from 12pm–midnight, Monday–Wednesday; 12pm–1am, Thursday and Friday; and 5pm–1am, Saturday. Image: Kopper Finch
To celebrate the arrival of sunny days and balmy evenings, The Toxteth beer garden has taken on a new personality. Chandon has moved in with a pop-up devoted to Chandon S: a refreshing version of its legendary sparkling wine dashed with orange bitters. Every weekend, the Toxteth team is serving up this concoction in its finest form: over ice with a zesty twist of orange peel. Roll up to the old-school bar cart, order a glass for $14 and take a wander around. Not only have the Chandon folks brought in a new bevvie, they've also redecorated. There's a bright, summery Chandon S mural covering one wall and vines cascading from the roof. You might be in Glebe, but, chances are, you'll feel like you've secretly escaped on some coastal European getaway. To visit the Chandon S pop-up before summer runs away, drop by any Friday, Saturday or Sunday, between 2–5pm. No bookings required. Images: Kitti Smallbone.
If you're of an age to remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats because you will seriously enjoy this shindig — So Fresh Party. This blast from the past is going down on New Year's Eve at Hudson Ballroom, because there's nothing better than looking to the past on the night that everyone is celebrating the future. Expect bangers strictly of the 2000-2009 vintage, including a disturbing percentage of Channel 10 alums (Australian Idol winners/losers and ex-Neighbours actors), as well as way too much Nickelback for polite company. Also, just throwing this out there: we're desperately hoping for a timely comeback of the Duff sisters duet 'Our Lips Are Sealed.' Tickets will set you back $22.70 and of course it's obviously 18 and over, because if you're under 18 you definitely don't know what So Fresh is. Or CDs, probably.
2020 might just be a mere one month old; however it has already been an eventful year for the British royal family. But if you've been scanning recent tabloid headlines, seeing the chaos surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to step back from being senior royals, and thinking "that'll make a great season of The Crown one day", Netflix has some news for you. While The Crown was originally envisaged as a six-season show — which would've presumably followed Queen Elizabeth II's story up until the present day — creator Peter Morgan has now decided to end the series after its fifth season. As reported by Deadline, the screenwriter said it has become obvious "that this is the perfect time and place to stop". Just how much more of Lizzie's life the show will detail hasn't been revealed. This news doesn't mean that The Crown is ending just yet, though. With the series' third season only hitting Netflix last November, there are still two more seasons to come. The fourth season is in the works at the moment, and will take place during Margaret Thatcher's time as Britain's prime minister — and undoubtedly feature Princess Diana quite heavily. The fifth season is then likely to follow the Queen into the 21st century. One other big change has been announced, too, although it's hardly a surprising one. With the series changing its cast as its story progresses and characters age, Netflix has revealed that Imelda Staunton will play the Queen in The Crown's fifth season. She'll take over from Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, who dons the titular headwear in seasons three and four. Of course, Colman herself took over from season one and two star Claire Foy. Staunton will only spend one season in the top job, but she'll add it to a hefty resume that includes last year's Downton Abbey movie, the Maleficent and Paddington films, her Oscar-nominated work in Vera Drake and the Harry Potter franchise's Dolores Umbridge — to name just a few titles on her resume. Just who'll be joining her in The Crown — aka who'll be playing the older versions of Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, Princes Charles and the rest of the family — hasn't yet been revealed. In case you haven't watched The Crown's third season yet, check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLXYfgpqb8A Via Deadline. Image: Sophie Mutevelian / Netflix
Artist Deb Mansfield’s grandfather was a Hemmingway-esque sea captain and inventor, who worked for the British Navy dismantling ocean mines post WWII. In his later years he designed sea craft, including a fantastical submarine that wasn’t realised until well after his death. Mansfield herself worked as a sailor from 1996-9, and it’s these fascinating family histories that she explores in this solo exhibition at Wellington St Projects. Mansfield is interested in peripheral sites — islands, intertidal zones, space travel — as avenues for investigating the nature of boundaries and borders. For us land-locked lubbers, brace yourselves for a sea change.
UPDATE, September 24, 2020: True History of the Kelly Gang is available to stream via Stan. Parched bushland. Roaring flames. Irate Australians rebelling against the status quo. It's a tragic coincidence rather than a case of making a purposeful statement, but True History of the Kelly Gang's bold, blazing imagery is timelier than director Justin Kurzel could've ever dreamed. It fits, though. It fits perfectly. Adapting Peter Carey's Booker Prize-winning novel via a sharp script by Kurzel's Snowtown screenwriter Shaun Grant, this a work of agitation. Made for a world where 'such is life' tattoos commit Ned Kelly's purported last words to slabs of Aussie flesh, this gritty, galvanising film sets fire to Australia's national identity and stares at the ashes of the country's troubled history — all by re-interrogating a man inescapably engrained in our iconography over the past century and a half. Australia came of age in thrall to Kelly, with the notorious bushranger's Robin Hood-esque story known by everyone. Accordingly, True History of the Kelly Gang needn't wonder what type of nation evolves as a result, because that's the Australia that we already live in. But what has the country mythologised about Kelly, and why — and what does that say about us today? They're questions that Kurzel, Grant and a first-rate cast led by soaring British talent George MacKay (1917) all ponder. Carey's literary work doesn't just excavate the past but toys and tinkers with it, mixing reality and fiction to mirror the present — a task that this wild and daring feature eagerly continues. "Nothing you are about to see is true," True History of the Kelly Gang announces at the outset. Reflecting the film's irreverent, impudent vibe, that's not strictly accurate. But the opening statement sets a playful mood and smashes any expectations of historical accuracy — because, here, anything can happen. So it is that Kurzel begins by peering through a letterbox-style slit in corrugated iron, as pre-teen Ned (excellent newcomer Orlando Schwerdt) watches his mother Ellen (Essie Davis) pay off local Sergeant O'Neil (Charlie Hunnam) by getting intimate. As lensed by cinematographer Ari Wegner (In Fabric, Lady Macbeth), shots recalling Kelly's famous armour keep recurring, peeking through gaps and offering rich and potent visual symbolism. In his boyhood, Ned adores yet also fears his Irish settler mum, who'll do anything for her family — including putting her husband Red (Ben Corbett) in his place. The Kelly patriarch is considered a disappointment by his wife, with Ned dubbed the man of the house instead. Indeed, Ellen has plans for her eldest son. When, through an act of heroism, Ned receives the chance to attend boarding school, his mother refuses. Rather, she gives him to bushranger Harry Power (Russell Crowe) as an apprentice. Learning he's been sold into a life of crime severely shapes Ned's perspective, understandably. Returning home a decade later following a stint in jail, Ned (now played by MacKay) makes a living through bare-knuckle boxing. He fights to entertain the law — such as the suspiciously friendly Constable Fitzpatrick (Nicholas Hoult) — and the upper classes, in a winking inversion of his future path. But his now-grown younger brother Dan (Earl Cave, son of Nick) has taken to horse-rustling, and soon crime is a family business. As their father previously did, they wreak havoc in the bush adorned in dresses, breaking both the law and societal conventions. Immortalised in the first feature-length movie ever made back in 1906, in a Mick Jagger-starring 1970 flick and with Heath Ledger donning the bandit's helmet in 2003, the nuts and bolts of Kelly's story have already been given the cinematic treatment — the Jerilderie letter, the Glenrowan siege and his 1880 hanging among them. While the same minutiae remains here, it's reshaped, reinterpreted and recontextualised, with Kurzel's uncompromising 2015 reworking of Macbeth the best reference point. Think equally ferocious and poetic imagery, an intensity bordering on operatic, a score that's both sparse and jittery, and an all-round punk-ish attitude. Framed through letters penned by Kelly, retelling an oft-told tale isn't True History of the Kelly Gang's main motivation, but rather re-evaluating the legend that's sprung up around him. In stripping bare the bushranger's story, Australia's colonial history and the nation we've become in the shadow of each, two other filmic frames of reference spring to mind: 2018's Sweet Country and 2019's The Nightingale. Ignoring the misstep that was Assassin's Creed, Kurzel's adds True History of the Kelly Gang to a resume already marked by Snowtown and Macbeth — and what an audacious and propulsive trio they make. All three also boast spectacular casts, with MacKay brawny, angry, anarchic and simply brilliant to watch here. Although he's well-supported by the formidable Davis, sly Hoult and raucous Crowe, he's nothing short of electrifying in this brutal yet utterly bewitching picture. The verve and spark in his performance is the same blistering energy that Kurzel burns into every frame of the film — a visually, emotionally, thematically searing movie that strides across the screen like an outlaw, aptly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE7YVZA5YVc
It happened with Cabaret, Chicago, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Grease. With far less enjoyable results, Cats and The Prom did the same, too. West Side Story has already made the leap, and will do so again later this year. In the Heights also belongs on the list but, so far, Hamilton doesn't. We're talking about stage-to-screen musical adaptations, of course. Obviously, the list goes on, and will continue to do so. If something is an song-fuelled hit in the theatre, it's highly likely to get the big-screen treatment at some point. The latest example: six-time Tony-winning smash Dear Evan Hansen. Due to hit cinemas in September, and just dropping its first trailer, Dear Evan Hansen follows the titular anxious teen. He's advised by his therapist to pen letters to himself to highlight the good aspects of his day; however, when one of his notes ends up in a similarly lonely classmate's hands, it sparks a complex chain reaction. Created for the stage by songwriting and composing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul — who nabbed an Oscar for La La Land's 'City of Stars' — with playwright Steven Levenson (Fosse/Verdon), the musical spins a story about high school struggles and suicide. If you don't know the full details, the film's trailer outlines the gist. Platt, who definitely isn't a teenager, nonetheless reprises his Tony-winning stage role as the eponymous character in the big-screen version, with Levenson also returning to write the script. Also involved: a cast that spans Amy Adams (The Woman in the Window), Julianne Moore (Lisey's Story), Kaitlyn Dever (Unbelievable) and Amandla Stenberg (The Eddy), plus The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Wonder filmmaker Stephen Chbosky. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeIJG8bZHFo Dear Evan Hansen is set to release in Australian cinemas on September 23.
If you haven't noticed already, 2016 is already speeding past to its final months. And with the tinsel and staff parties and family gatherings that come with the end of the year, so does the inevitable last minute dash for Christmas gifts. But if you want to really impress your pals and parents this festive season, we've found the market just for you. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city on Sunday, October 9 and head to Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre in Gymea for their brand new Made by Hand market. From 10am over 70 stallholders coming together for the first large-scale art, design and gourmet food market of its kind. Think handmade ceramic goodies, jewellery, candles, Greek sweets and fresh flowers, plus gallery talks and studio tours to see how the artists work their magic. They'll be artisan choccie from Captain Chocolate and wood-fired pizza to keep the stomach rumbles at bay, plus the beautiful surrounding gardens of Hazelhurst to make the trip worth the drive.
