The Melbourne International Film Festival is back for 2022, and has been screening flicks across the Victorian capital's cinemas since Thursday, August 4 — but that's not the only way to get your MIFF fix this year. Here's another: MIFF Play, the festival's digital offshoot, which is also returning for another spin. That's fabulous news both for Melburnians and for movie buffs interstate — and an unsurprising move given that in 2020, when it first made the leap to streaming the fest in a big way, it enjoyed its biggest audience ever. In 2022, MIFF Play will be available from Thursday, August 11–Sunday, August 28, and will show 105 features and shorts. Among the 77 features, there's plenty of highlights — and, like at all good film fests, something for all tastes. Starting with the local picks, you can explore the history of Melbourne on film thanks to classics Noise and Love and Other Catastrophes, or check out new Aussie gems including First Nations anthology We Are Still Here, Back to Back Theatre's Shadow and Petrol from Strange Colours filmmaker Alena Lodkina. Or, Spanish horror-thriller Piggy spins a savage coming-of-age tale, Neptune Frost serves up an Afrofuturist musical and Give Me Pity! parodies 70s and 80s musical variety television. Hit the Road marks debut feature from Jafar Panahi's (x) son Panah Panahi, while meta Filipino action film tribute Leonor Will Never Die won Sundance's Special Jury Award for Innovative Spirit, and Indonesia's Yuni picked up the Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival There's also Mass, starring Jason Isaacs (Streamline) and Ann Dowd (The Handmaid's Tale) and set in the aftermath of a school shooting; New Zealand gem Millie Lies Low, about a uni student who fakes going to New York for a big internship; and existential drama The Humans with Beanie Feldstein (Booksmart), Steven Yeun (Nope) and Amy Schumer (Only Murders in the Building). The list obviously goes on — kicking off with a one-night-only session of Funny Pages, as produced by Uncut Gems and Good Time's Benny and Josh Safdie. And, on the doco lineup, Citizen Ashe steps into tennis great Arthur Ashe's life, Jane by Charlotte sees Charlotte Gainsbourg focus on her mother Jane Birkin, Navalny follows Vladimir Putin's political rival as he investigates his own state-sponsored poisoning, and We Were Once Kids looks back at 1995 indie hit Kids. Price-wise, you'll pay as you watch — all from your couch.
Before the pandemic, heading overseas for your end-of-year break — for Christmas, New Year's Eve, or just because you've got some time off — might've been part of your summer plans. That wasn't possible over the summer of 2020–21; however, it looks set to be back on the cards from this December, with Australia's Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan announcing that the country's international border will open back up "at this rate, by Christmas at the latest." The Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister discussed international borders on Wednesday, September 22 as part of his National Press Club address, noting that "it's another reason why everyone should get vaccinated, and we have to stick to the national plan." Back in July, the Federal Government unveiled Australia's roadmap for dealing with the pandemic moving forward, which has been dubbed the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response — and it includes allowing Aussies to travel overseas again without restrictions when 80 percent of the nation's eligible population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. "We continue to do all that preparatory work to make sure that when those international borders open, hopefully at the latest by Christmas," Tehan continued. "Australians will be able to travel with a QR code linked to their passport, which will be able to show a proof of vaccination." Providing documentation to show you've been vaxxed is set to become a standard part of Australian life moving forward, and is also highlighted in New South Wales and Victoria's roadmap out of their respective lockdowns. Under both plans, looser restrictions will apply to people who've been fully vaccinated in both states, who'll need to prove they've been double jabbed. Also on Wednesday, September 22, NSW announced that it's about to conduct a trial of a vaccine passport that'll link COVID-19 vax certificates to the existing Service NSW app. Exactly how reopening Australia's international borders will work is yet to be explained, including where the nation will open up to — and if it'll reopen to all of the globe at once, or in stages, or via bubble arrangements. Earlier in 2021, Australia and New Zealand implemented the trans-Tasman travel bubble, allowing quarantine-free travel between the two countries; however, it has been suspended due to COVID-19 outbreaks since July, and isn't set to resume until at least mid-November. The Australian Government has also floated the possibility of opening a similar arrangement with Singapore — and extending travel bubbles to some countries, such as Singapore and places in the Pacific, is specifically mentioned in the nation's roadmap. Unsurprising, just when Australia will reopen its international borders has been the subject of much discussion over the 18 months since the Federal Government implemented an indefinite ban on international travel, only allowing Aussies to leave the country in very limited circumstances. Last year's prediction that opening up to the rest of the world wouldn't happen in 2020 proved accurate — and, earlier this year, Australia's ex-Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy (now the Secretary of the Department of Health) said that we might not be going anywhere until 2022. Back in May, the Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister and Prime Minister Scott Morrison both advised that mid-2022 was the likeliest time for reopening. With Australia's vax campaign gathering speed, Qantas and Jetstar have begun selling tickets for overseas flights for trips scheduled from December, demonstrating hope that the country's international travel rules could ease by then. That said, the airlines did start selling the same types of tickets earlier in 2021, working towards a planned October date that was subsequently postponed. At the time of writing, 48.5 percent of Australians over the age of 16 have had both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Just when you thought drowsy Sunday afternoon grill-ups couldn’t possibly get any more deliciously lazy, Lynx comes up with a voice-activated barbecue, aka Smart Grill. That’s right, all you have to do now is kick back on your banana lounge and tell the barbie how you want your steak done. Well, that’s a slight exaggeration. But the MyChef interface promises to take a whole chunk of guesswork out of the process. No more black-on-the-outside-scary-pink-on-the-inside culinary disasters. Instead, the system links you to an online database providing all the information necessary for grilling perfection. Simply answer a couple of questions and MyChef advises you on the big decisions — when to turn, when to season and when to call it. At this stage, you'll have to stop resting on your laurels and do some flipping, salting and peppering, but the voice-controlled system does have the power to take care of other major jobs, such as getting the burners to optimum temperature. Plus, MyChef can keep you informed of developments via text messages and audiovisual cues through the companion app, so you can hang out by the pool, mix some cocktails and see to your guests without having to worry about messing up the steaks. And, just in case you indulge in one too many mojitos, misplace your phone and forget all about your feast, there’s an automatic safety shutdown mechanism. Having previewed at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, Smart Grill is currently in prototype stage. Lynx is hoping to have it on the market next year. ViaGizmag.
UPDATE, APRIL 4: Due to concerns around the coronavirus, Candyman will no longer release on its initially scheduled date of Thursday, June 11, 2020, with the film now hitting cinemas on September 24, 2020. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. For nearly three decades, horror movie lovers have fallen into two categories: those who've dared to say the word 'candyman' five times while staring into a mirror, and those who haven't. That's the kind of impact this spooky supernatural franchise has had over the years, with the film about a fictional urban legend almost becoming an urban legend itself. To the joy of slumber party-throwing teens everywhere, the 1992 original sparked follow-ups in 1995 and 1999 — and, thanks to a new 21-years-later third sequel, that's no longer the end of the story. Given that everything old just keeps coming back again, and that 90s nostalgia is the gift that keeps on giving, another Candyman flick was always going to happen eventually. If you're still a little wary — despite its cult status, the initial movie is hardly a masterpiece, and Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh and Candyman: Day of the Dead won the series absolutely zero new fans — Candyman circa 2020 has a few tricks up its sleeves. Firstly, it's produced and co-written by Jordan Peele, who adds another frightfest to his resume alongside Get Out and Us. Secondly, it's directed by Nia DaCosta, whose Tessa Thompson-starring 2018 film Little Woods deserved more attention. And last but by no means least, it features the OG Candyman, Tony Todd, among its cast. As the just-dropped first trailer shows, the new flick focuses on an artist called Anthony McCoy (Aquaman and Watchmen's Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who decides to start exploring the Candyman legend through his art. His girlfriend Brianna (If Beale Street Could Talk's Teyonah Parris) thinks the story is just that, but, as bad luck would have it, the bee-covered figure starts wreaking havoc again. That's what happens when folks say his name while looking at their own reflection, after all. For Candyman aficionados, Anthony's own name should ring a bell — he's the son of one of the first film's main characters, which might explain just why he's so obsessed with the eponymous ghoul. That said, while he might think he knows what he's getting himself into, the movie's first sneak peek leaves no doubt that Candyman still knows how to unsettle and unnerve. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlwzuZ9kOQU After being delayed from its original release date of June 11, 2020, Candyman will now open in Australian cinemas on September 24, 2020.
Nell: GRAVEST HITS is an anthology of sorts. The artist has pulled together all of the main themes that she has explored in her works thus far. It would be quite easy for an exhibition like this to feel bitsy and cobbled together, but this "best of Nell" idea works well and gives coherent insights into her diverse practice. The name of the show itself references the 70s garage punk band The Cramps’ first EP (The Cramps: Gravest Hits). One of the album’s songs, Human Fly, resonates particularly strongly with Nell’s works, many of which incorporate the insect. Where there are humans, you’ll find flies, features an open book with a picture of Rodin’s The Thinker covered in plastic flies. The title borrows from a quote by Japanese poet and lay Buddhist priest Kobyashi Issa. It’s a whimsical meditation on spirituality and decay. There is something deliciously simple and refined about Nell’s practice. Characterised by an ‘elegant conjunction of two ideas’, she expresses herself clearly and without excessive ornamentation. Buddhist philosophy is a great influence and can be seen in many of her pieces, most overtly in Self-nature is subtle and mysterious - the world is both wonderful and fucked. The work features an androgynous figure seated in the lotus position, covered in iridescent flies. A glowing neon rod protrudes from her core. For all that a figure covered in insects should be repulsive, the work is incredibly tranquil and meditative. Musical themes underpin many of the works. A Short History of Rock ‘n’ Roll - Suicide/O.D.is a morbid list of two categories: one side lists nameless people who have suicided ("the drummer suicided, the sound mixer suicided…"), the other, nameless people who have overdosed on drugs. Several mosaics adorn the walls, made exclusively of record covers. Each cover bears the marks of having been well loved: watermarks, creases, and annotations. It’s a collector’s dream. If the show leaves you hungry for more Nell, you can head over to Alaska Projects. The artist is also showing work at that artist run space in conjunction with her exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Image: Self-nature is subtle and mysterious - the world is both wonderful and fucked, 2013
Perched over the corner of George and King, you can whittle away your weekend afternoons sipping cocktails and snacking on high-end seafood. It's not a carb-laden pub, or even an invite-only hotel bar, it's Jōji — the CBD rooftop that's got everyone talking. If you've got a big group worth catching up with, and fancy a little city outing to do it, then Jōji might be the place for you. Earlier in 2025, the bar launched an all-new Social Saturdays menu designed for just that. This reimagining of the classic bottomless brunch includes a shared chef's menu and 90 minutes of free-flowing French rosé or beer, soundtracked by a rotating lineup of live DJs and musicians. Tickets are $120, and there's a $30 cocktail upgrade option if that's more your thing. To get the lowdown on the new offering, we spoke to Jōji's head chef, Kihoon Kim. [caption id="attachment_1016308" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jiwon Kim[/caption] You've worked in some of the best omakase restaurants in Sydney and across the world. What made you want to develop a sushi and robata menu instead? Omakase is a great foundation for cooking styles because it uses every kitchen technique — raw, grilled, steamed, and more. Through that experience, I've gained a deep understanding of different ingredients and how to treat them with respect. With the menu at Jōji, I wanted to take that knowledge and apply it in a more casual and accessible way. It's still refined, but it invites more people to enjoy those same flavours and techniques without the formality of a traditional omakase setting. For someone who might not have heard of one before, what is an omakase? 'Omakase' means "I'll leave it up to the chef." It's a dining style where there's no fixed menu — instead, the chef creates a series of dishes based on the best ingredients available that day. It's very personal, and often the chef prepares and presents each course directly in front of the guest. [caption id="attachment_1007925" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Will Salkeld[/caption] Are there any core principles you picked up along the way from your omakase kitchens that you apply to your work at Jōji? Working in omakase teaches you to be extremely disciplined. The rules are simple, but they're strict: be patient, commit to constant training, and never believe you've mastered everything — there's always more to learn. That mindset doesn't change, even if the restaurant is different. What was the thought process behind picking dishes for the Social Saturdays menu? We wanted to create a menu that is delicious, but also visually exciting — something that stands out and feels special for a weekend experience. The idea behind Social Saturdays is to encourage sharing, conversation, and enjoyment, so each dish is designed to bring people together around the table. [caption id="attachment_1016308" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jiwon Kim[/caption] If you were to recommend three dishes from the menu to perfectly represent Jōji, what would those dishes be and why? I'd say start with the nigiri. It's a signature of Japanese cuisine and reflects our approach to everything. Then, the maki rolls — we've modernised these to include unique flavour combinations that still honour tradition. Finally, chicken karaage. It's one of Japan's most beloved comfort foods, and our version is crispy, juicy, and full of umami. And what about the drinks on the menu? Right now, we're just offering rosé as the main pairing. It complements many of the dishes without overpowering the flavours. Cocktails are available as an add-on, though, house specials like the Kiku Royale, which takes rosé and mixes it with cognac, pineapple, umeshu and chrysanthemum. Find Jōji on Level 5, 388 George Street, Sydney CBD. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Sitting down to non-stop meze plates is most folks' idea of a great feast, and it's on the menu at Stanbuli on Tuesday, November 12. But that's not all that's on offer at this dinner. While you're munching away, the Enmore restaurant's executive chef and owner Ibrahim Kasif will take patrons through the wonders of raki — aka Turkey's aniseed-flavoured spirit. If you're a newcomer to the tipple, this is your chance to learn more. If you feel like you've sipped every other drink on offer across Sydney, this is your opportunity to try something new, too. And even if you're well acquainted with the beverage that's considered Turkey's national drink, you'll knock back more than a few tastes — including different styles — that are all paired to your food. The last time that Stabuli put on this Raki Dinner with Bottomless Meze, it proved rather popular, so nabbing a $90 ticket sooner rather than later is recommended. The evening runs from 7pm, with raki and oh-so-much meze included in the price.
Summer has (finally) arrived. And while days lazing in the sun and nights chilling on rooftops are all well and good (and some of our favourite activities, to be honest), there is more to our city than just your same-old. This year, instead of sticking to your go-tos, use the longer days and balmy nights as permission to discover a new side of Sydney that you've never experienced before. To help you do just that, we've teamed up with our mates over at the inner city-inspired brewer Atomic Beer Project to highlight some of the most innovative events happening in our city this summer. From a celebration of Japan's ancient art forms and Australia's first Aboriginal musical to one massive exhibition of contemporary Chinese art, these five happenings are sure to make you step a little further outside your comfort zone and seek more interesting experiences — and to give you something way more interesting to talk about at the next backyard barbie. WITNESS FLYING LOTUS' NEW PSYCHADELIC 3D MUSICAL PERFORMANCE When? January 24 Grammy-nominated artist Flying Lotus is heading to Aussie shores for the first time since 2015. He'll take over Enmore Theatre for one night only on Friday, January 24 with his latest performance experience, Flying Lotus 3D. While much of the show will remain a mystery until the night, ticket holders can expect it to centre around FlyLo's fire-themed 2019 album Flamagra. The album is chockers with jam sessions, jazz influence, electro-funk and hip hop beats, along with heaps of all-star collaborators — including Anderson .Paak, Little Dragon, Toro y Moi and even renowned filmmaker David Lynch. This performance is a must for experimental music and visual arts lovers. Tickets are $79 each and this one will likely sell out, so best buy them here before it's too late. DELVE INTO JAPANESE CULTURE AT THIS ONE-NIGHT CELEBRATION When? Monday, December 16 The Sydney Opera House is set to celebrate ancient Japanese art forms this month when Japan Spectacular premieres for one performance only. Audiences will be taken through a historic and cultural journey that spans ikebana (flower arrangement), onikenbai (a sword dance) and a traditional zither performance by celebrated musician Satsuki Odamura — he'll play this ancient musical form on the koto (a 13-string Japanese instrument). A showcase of elegant kimonos, a samurai performance and nichibu dance are also on the docket. The show will finish off with a massive finale by the award-winning Taikoz drummers, who will play the roaring odaiko drums. Tickets start at $80 and are still available here, so grab 'em while you can. [caption id="attachment_710997" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Lidmila[/caption] LET LOOSE AT A JUDGEMENT-FREE HIP HOP CLASS IN REDFERN When? Every Monday and Tuesday Judgement-free dance class Groove Therapy has become a mainstay in 107 Projects' weekly calendar since launching a few years back. Expect no-mirrors, just-for-fun vibes, designed to help beginners let go of their fear of dancing in public. But don't be fooled, this is still a legit hip hop class, taught by professionals who have trained across New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Paris and Tokyo. This is your chance to learn some serious moves without being self-conscious about it — and all for just $20 a pop. The classes run every Monday and Tuesday from 6–7pm, and you can book a spot on the website. [caption id="attachment_753429" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Symons[/caption] BRAN NUE DAE When? January 16–February 1 Jimmy Chi's Bran Nue Dae first premiered way back in 1990 to rave critical reviews. And across two weeks in the new year, the Aboriginal musical will return to the stage — Parramatta's Riverside Theatres to be specific — for its 30th anniversary. The coming-of-age comedy follows a journey through 1960s Western Australia. The play's protagonist, young Willie, is a runaway teenager who, in order to reunite with his love, is hitchhiking his way from mission school to Broome. Along the way, he encounters several characters, including two hippies, a 'wily' uncle and a German priest. It's a story of homecoming, forgiveness and family that showcases a range of musical genres from blues and country to gospel and rock and roll. To see it as part of Sydney Festival 2020, grab your tickets here. DISCOVER LEGENDARY CHINESE ARTWORKS AT THIS TEN-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE When? Until January 26 After ten years in operation, Chippendale's White Rabbit Gallery is celebrating its first decade with one massive showcase of Chinese art. The gallery has taken a deep dive into its past and compiled a decade's worth of the best contemporary artworks from its extensive collection. Then features more than 60 pieces, which are on display across a four-month exhibition that runs until January 26. Some of the most notable works within the exhibition include Wang Zhiyuan's Object of Desire, Chen Wenling's 11-metre gold tongue and Dai Hua's six-metre I Love Beijing Tiananmen. In addition to old favourites, Then also showcases a selection of brand new, never-before-seen works, too. As always, the exhibition is free to enter. You can find more information here. Step outside your comfort zone and celebrate creativity with Atomic Beer Project's hop-driven brews. To see the full range, visit the website.
ATTN: Curious kittens, nosy parkers and those on a tight budget, your favourite day of the year is back. Wellington Open Day, when the capital throws open her doors for locals and tourists alike, lets punters catch up with the city's museums, bars, and attractions for no more than a gold coin. Ever wanted to meet a Red Panda, peek behind the scenes at Wellington's most famous church or trawl through the BNZ museum's history of banking? Well, you're in luck as the zoo, Old St Pauls and the BNZ Museum (who even knew we had one of those?) will be among the 20 spots open to the public. Those of a more hedonistic bent, the Harbour City has not forgotten you. You can brush up you cocktail skills at bars Motel and Library, where a gold coin will get you a lesson in mixology - Masterful mojitos at Motel and classic Champagne cocktails at Library. Alternatively, if you're keen to commune with nature, Zealandia, the zoo in Newtown, Walk Wellington and Stagland's Wildlife Reserve are all yours for the hiking, for a mere buck or two. And that's just for starters. More than eight of the Capital's museums are in on the big day, along with Toi Whakaari Drama School , the Carter Observatory and plenty more. And before you feel too selfishly overindulgent, the gold coins do go to charity - so it's a double whammy of culture and good deeds. Bonza. It's likely to be a popular day so start early and expect a bit of a queue.
Bingo. Rave. Two ends of the spectrum of fine holiday fun and finally — finally — together as one. Bongo's Bingo is a games night like you've never seen before. Part club, part rave, and, of course, part bingo night, this unlikely fusion event has been wildly popular in the UK since 2015. Now, they're taking the show on the road and launching in Australia this June. In partnership with Wats On Events, Bongo's Bingo Down Under is throwing a massive bingo rave in Sydney's Paddington Town Hall on June 23. Patrons can expect all of the debauchery of the original British version of Bongo's Bingo, including rave intervals, dancing on tables and a loose kind of bingo that you definitely never played with your nan (well, maybe you have). The victorious players can win everything from big cash prizes to a Hills Hoist, with a range of some absolutely ridiculous surprises on offer. If you're not sure what you're in for, check out this video for a better sense of this crazy night out: The Sydney launch event will be presided over by founder and comic ringleader Jonny Bongo who, as one would expect, is a character in the truest sense of the word and even holds the world record for the biggest ever pub quiz. Australia is the second international location for Bongo's Bingo, which recently launched in Dubai as well and, based on popularity, we imagine the event will continue to expand around the globe. This blowout party will certainly be a different kind of night out and is especially welcomed in Sydney where the lockout law ridden nightlife has taken such a hit in recent years. Venues, guest lineup and DJ hosts will be announced in coming weeks, and tickets will go on sale at 6pm on Wednesday, May 17. Tickets are $40 and include six games of bingo. Keep an eye on this space for further updates and brush up on those bingo-break down skills in the meantime.
"If I told you I was going to make a film about a poor black boy raised by a single mother struggling with addiction who has questions about his sexuality, you assume certain things about that film," says Barry Jenkins about Moonlight. He's right. But his second feature isn't the movie you might expect from that description. Watching his applauded and lauded effort — the winner of this year's Golden Globe for best drama, and an eight-time Oscar nominee — proves an experience in witnessing all of those assumptions melt away. Indeed, based on a dramatic work by Tarell Alvin McCraney, and set and shot in the same Florida area where both Jenkins and McCraney grew up, Moonlight is anything but your average coming-of-age movie about dire circumstances. Jumping between three chapters of a young black man's life, it charts the progression of a teased and taunted Miami boy nicknamed Little (Alex Hibbert) into the awkward, still-bullied teen Chiron (Ashton Sanders), and finally into hardened Atlanta drug dealer Black (Trevante Rhodes). As relayed with a commitment to reflecting reality and capturing a rare perspective — and an ability to render its central journey and the accompanying emotions like cinematic poetry — specific moments and interactions shape his growth, worldview and identity. With Moonlight now showing in cinemas, we chatted with Academy Award-nominated writer/director Jenkins about reactions to the film, the importance of representation, making immersive cinema, and more. ON THE REACTION TO THE FILM "The only way I can really sort of reason or rationalise it [the acclaim for the film] is that I remember first falling in love with cinema as a film student. And it wasn't like the big Hollywood cinema. It was mostly foreign cinema. And I remember watching films by Wong Kar-wai or Claire Denis or Jean-Luc Godard, and I remember thinking "wow, this is a world that I'm never going to visit. I'm never going to go to France. I'm never going to go to Hong Kong, and I certainly don't speak these languages." And yet, I could relate to the characters that made the worlds feel extremely small to me. I mean that in the best way — that I wasn't so far removed from these people, these characters. And so it just gives me just such an amazing feeling that now my film is doing the same thing for audiences, because the world this movie takes place in is very small, you know, and these characters are very specific to the time and place Tarell and I grew up in. And yet it's travelling far, far away from Miami and people are seeing themselves in the film, and it is lovely to give back to cinema what cinema, I believe, gave to me." ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF REPRESENTING CHARACTERS THAT AREN'T OFTEN SEEN ON SCREEN "Here's the thing: there are just certain characters that aren't represented as often as others are in cinema. Or in arts and letters in general, I'll say. And even when those characters are present, they aren't centred. They aren't the focus of the narrative. I think because of that, when you have this kind of lack, when the character is present in the film, is centred, it inherently takes on added importance. Because people, I believe, are very hungry to see themselves represented. And so there was this feeling in the back of my head — I try to keep it in the back of my head — not that what we were doing was important, but that we had to get it right. Because it would do more harm, because of the lack of these centred characters, it would do more harm to finally present the character and get it wrong. You know, I didn't want to do an injustice to people whose stories align with Chiron's." ON CONVEYING CHIRON'S CONSCIOUSNESS — AND BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS — RATHER THAN JUST TELLING HIS TALE "We approached the film as a piece of immersive cinema. And part of that has to do with the structure of the film — because we're not telling a traditional narrative in a traditional format. We felt like it allowed us the space to do certain things that maybe wouldn't fit into a more traditional narrative framework. For us, it was really important to have the audience take the journey with Chiron, and we wanted the visuals to arise from the consciousness of the main character. If I told you I was going to make a film about a poor black boy raised by a single mother struggling with addiction who has questions about his sexuality, you assume certain things abut that film. If I'm working from the idea that I want to make a film that is rooted in the consciousness of the main character — you know, consciousness is a very beautiful, beautiful thing. And this is something I haven't talked about much, but I think the idea of black consciousness or the way black minds work is often not presented. Or not framed in the way that it actually exists. By which I mean, black people dream. We have dreams and we have daydreams and we have dreams when we sleep. And yet, I very rarely see the personification or the presentation of a black person dreaming in a piece of cinema, you know? And that's because we always tie cinema to the conventions of the story form, and not to the consciousness of these characters. But in Moonlight, the visuals, the aesthetic, the craft, arises from the consciousness of the character. So when Chiron is feeling disoriented, you will look directly into his mother's eyes, and her lips are moving but sometimes you can't hear her voice, and then her voice catches up — because the character is being disoriented. You know, we tried to take our cues from moments like that. And it was great, because as a filmmaker, you know that sound and image is the tool that carries both my voice and the character's voices. And that tool should not be beholden to an A, B, C, D, E progression of plot." ON INTERROGATING MASCULINITY AND VULNERABILITY "It was about, you know, reflecting those things in the story of Chiron — and I say reflecting because Tarell and I saw those things living our lives growing up in this place. And this aspect of vulnerability over time is denied to young men, is denied to young boys — and not only boys like Chiron, boys everywhere. What's that saying? 'Boys don't cry.' It was very important to us that this is the currency of this film — it's not a plot-heavy film. I think the story of this film traverses, or travels in, these gestures, quite a bit of these gestures between and amongst men. I've never seen a black man cradle a black boy in a film before. I just haven't. I haven't seen a black man cook for another black man in a film before. I've never seen a black man, I think, cook for anyone in a film before. And these are very simple gestures that, one, are very nurturing, but also, two, are implicitly vulnerable on the part of the person extending the nurturing. They were very important because again, they keyed into this depiction of the full humanity of these characters." ON FINDING THE RIGHT ACTORS TO PLAY CHIRON AT DIFFERENT STAGES "It wasn't this idea of a physical similarity. It was the idea of this sort of spiritual essence that could be viewed in the eyes of the characters. Which is really hitting on this idea of this feeling in their eyes, because of this book by [three-time Oscar-winning editor] Walter Murch that I've always loved called 'In the Blink in an Eye.' And so we just tried to find these guys that had the same feeling. Because, when you look at Trevante Rhodes as Black in the third chapter, it was of the utmost importance to me that you could see that little boy who played him in the first story. You could still see Alex Hibbert. I think we see people that we pass all the time on the subway or the bus or the sidewalk, who look like Trevante Rhodes as Black in the third chapter of this film, and we would never believe that this person would dance in a mirror in his elementary school when he was ten years old. But they're the same person, you know? And when we were casting, it was very important to us that we could see that continuum between the characters." Moonlight is now showing in cinemas. Read our review here.
From the director of Dumb & Dumber, There's Something About Mary and Shallow Hal comes a race-relations drama with five Academy Award nominations to its name. Only a handful of years ago, that would've seemed like one of the most unlikely sentences in the film industry. But Green Book is a Peter Farrelly movie through and through, even if no one gets their tongue stuck to a frosty pole, uses an unconventional type of hair gel or dons a fat suit. It might take its real-life tale seriously, however the same simplicity — and the same penchant for upbeat, easy sentiment — that has characterised the director's filmography remains. Taking to the road across America's Deep South circa 1962, Green Book follows a journey within a journey. As revered classical musician Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) and his hired chauffeur Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) venture from town to town on a piano recital tour, this odd couple ventures towards an unexpected friendship. Painfully aware of the discrimination of the time, the reserved, refined Shirley understands the need for a chaperone, but is hardly accustomed to some of his driver's behaviour. For the mouthy, uncouth Lip, a New York bouncer who's happy to treat African-Americans the same way he'd treat an unruly bar patron, working for a black man likewise takes some getting used to. Co-writing the screenplay with Brian Currie (also one of the film's producers) and Nick Vallelonga (son of Tony 'Lip' Vallelonga), Farrelly throws up plot developments like his characters throw fried chicken scraps out of the car window. That's one of Green Book's big scenes, and it's tossed in breezily but lands with a thud. The same is true of much of the movie. Simultaneously light and overt, and shot and styled in the same way, this is a picture that ticks all of the obvious boxes, charts all of the predictable developments and services all of the expected messages. It has a heart, as do most of Farrelly's films, yet it always seems like it's expending most of its energy on stressing its feel-good importance. While scenes that show Tony learning to overcome his own prejudice, saving Shirley from violent attacks and teaching him that stereotypical aspects of black culture may have a basis in truth, they also feel carefully calculated to further the picture's overall vibe. A film that makes Lip the protagonist and Shirley the supporting player, Green Book is also a film that's willing to shape the details to suit its smooth angle on reality. That's far from uncommon in the "based on a true story" game, but even if controversy hadn't sprung up about the handling of specific aspects of Shirley's life (with his family contesting some elements), the movie would've still felt massaged for mass consumption. Indeed, Farrelly has a mould that he's trying to fit, earning and thoroughly deserving the label of this year's Driving Miss Daisy. It's also this year's The Blind Side, aka a picture where a person of colour's narrative is framed through their relationship with a helpful white friend, or saviour. Green Book's questionable approach would've always been apparent, but it perhaps cuts deeper because of the film's biggest success: its performances. Oscar-nominated for their respective roles, Mortensen and Ali truly make the best of the material at their disposal. More than that, they exceed it — as you'd expect from both. In Mortensen's case, there's a welcome looseness to his take on Lip that never feels like he's forcefully pushing buttons or hitting marks, even though the script always is. With likely two-time Best Supporting Actor winner Ali, there's soulful elegance, resounding dignity and quiet vulnerability to his portrayal of Shirley, giving the man what he deserves even if the film around him doesn't. Although a great movie could be made starring the pair, this isn't it. Instead, they lift a polite hug of a picture, one that boils down good intentions to the easiest, most conventional elements. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c18JX_RS-Xo
What's better than an annual ice hotel that lets frost-loving travellers stay in snowy surrounds every winter? A chilly accommodation provider that offers all of the above all year round. After falling into the former category since 1989, Sweden's Icehotel has made the leap to the latter. Yes, that means that you can now head to the village of Jukkasjärvi, check into rooms moulded from snow and ice, and enjoy keeping cool — in several senses of the word — every day of the year. Unsurprisingly, it's the world's first permanent place to stay of its kind, and there's more in store for anyone visiting the not-so-humble abode on the banks of the Torne River 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. The new venture covers 2,100 square metres and features 20 ice suites, a champagne ice bar and an ice art gallery. Among the sights you'll see within the appropriately named Icehotel 365's frosty -5°C walls: private saunas and spas for an added touch of warmth in such cold surroundings, and artist, architect and designer-fashioned rooms inspired by everything from fairy tales to dancing — and featuring ice chandeliers and winding ice staircases, too. Plus, the gallery also boasts the largest permanent art exhibition north of Stockholm. Stopping the year-round attraction from turning to slush is when summer comes and near-constant daylight hits is a solar-powered undulating roof that achieves a particularly impressive feat: harnessing the warmth from above to maintain the requisite cold state below. That makes the venue sustainable as well as icily spectacular, in case it needed any more drawcards. Icehotel's seasonal section will continue as normal, with the non-permanent part of the site built when the weather starts to cool each year and then melts when the sun comes out. And with good reason: in previous years, artists have crafted rooms that riff on Tron: Legacy, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, 1920s cult horror film The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, UFOs and giant sea monsters, to name a few previous themes. For more information about Icehotel, visit www.icehotel.com. Images: Asaf Kliger.
Where in the world do you want to go shopping today? If you were asked that question a few years ago you probably would have scoffed. Now we do more and more of our shopping online, yet finding (and remembering) that little boutique that matches your personal taste from the other side of the world still isn't so easy. That's where District8 comes in. The site, which went live last week, is a compilation of boutiques from the best shopping districts in Sydney, London and New York City (Hong Kong and Paris coming soon). Want to see what the Upper East Side has to offer? No problem, you can browse through 30 different boutiques in the neighbourhood without getting out of bed. District8's fashion editor, Sara Kaplan, described the experience to Vogue as "that feeling you get when you spot a store while walking down a side street in Notting Hill, say, along with the ease of shopping online at one of the big e-boutiques". Clearly, this is no Amazon or eBay, as District8 is taking online shopping to the next, less mass-consumer level. District 8 creates a unique, online-meets-offline shopping experience. The easily navigable platform is a clever cross between Pinterest and Tumblr, which makes it totally tailor-able to the shopper. The motto? "The world has a new shopping district: yours." In a nutshell, District8 lets you digitally browse different locations, select your favourite shops, and add them to 'your district'. Conveniently for oft-frustrated Australians, you can limit your browsing to just shops that ship to your location. The site, which has scouted and sorted through hundreds of shops, includes detailed descriptions of every district and boutique so you know what you're getting into. Like the boho look? Go to Bondi. Want Trendy? Try Soho. By 'following' all your faves in a newsfeed-type setting, you can stay up-to-date on their latest news, collections and sales in one place. You can even safely unsubscribe from all those pesky mailing lists that clutter your inbox. The site also functions like a blog with tags and labels, so you can filter your search for shops based on categories like price, attire type and style. Sounds like it's time to build your dream district, whip out the plastic and get down to business.
Revving up for a string of final tour shows, for the 14th time in fact, Cell Block 69 are putting on a Christmas bash that's worth cancelling your weekend plans for. A revival '80s rock band like no other, this eight-piece act will be delivering their power ballads, synth pop classics and 'Totally Awesome Rock Hits' at their annual festivities once again. 'The many faces of Corey Tour 2014' sees the band's members (all sporting the first name 'Corey') hit the Oxford Art Factory in spectacular style. Renowned for their psychedelic strobe-lit performances, Cell Block 69's shows call back to the sell out stadium gigs of their iconic predecessors. Well, in their minds at least. Part parody, part homage rock group; these guys are a whole lot of hilarious. Spending your Saturday night rocking out to a smoke-filled spectacle of unparalleled excess, get ready for a night of headbanging beats and cringeworthy dance moves.
Students from the University of Adelaide have created an odd new two-wheeled vehicle that seeks to solve inner city transport problems. The 'Edward', or Electric Diwheel With Active Rotation Dampening, looks like something out of an eco-friendly sci-movie. It also happens to share a resemblance with South Park's It, which Mr. Garrison created as an alternative mode of transport to airplanes for those willing to try anything but. The Edward can reach 40 kilometres per hour and at a mere incline of 12 degrees, and is the first diwheel vehicle (a vehicle with two wheels on the same axle with a cabin mounted between them) that uses stabilising technology that stops the driver from being rocked back and fourth as the vehicle moves. The vehicle is battery powered, meaning that it is incredibly environmentally friendly and also almost silent. Not to mention that its size would make it ideal for parking and driving down crowded and busy city streets. And while it may not be roadworthy just yet - the South Australian Transport Department recently rejected an application for the Edward to be driven on the streets - this contraption provides an interesting solution to the problems associated with traveling by car in inner city areas. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Uf6Gh-hPDeo Via [Fast Company]
Originally just a vegetarian 'butcher', Suzy Spoon's has since expanded to offer a full vegan cafe-style menu, including breakfast and dinner on the weekends. It's imitation meat generally more of the you-can-tell-it's-got-vegetables-in-it kind than the tastes-too-much-like-chicken-for-comfort kind — although if fake meat's not your thing, don't try the Smokey Rashers, which taste a little more like bacon than fake'on. Do get the lasagne or the spag bol. This food is great for Sunday session carbo loading.
A major architectural installation landed on Sydney's streets last month when local artist and architect Chris Fox unveiled Interchange Pavilion in South Eveleigh's Village Square. The striking 350-square-metre sculptural landmark acts as a focal point and public pavilion for the new dining precinct. In coming months, it'll also function as an amphitheatre for events. An award-winning artist, Fox is most recently known for his 2017 installation Interloop, which transformed the historic 1930s wooden escalators at Wynyard Station into a 50-metre artwork suspended above the York Street escalators. More generally, he's known for creating large-scale public installations that closely intertwine art and architecture. For Interchange Pavilion, Fox was inspired by the precinct's rail history, and the structure's shape mimics the geometry of a railroad switch. As such, the pavilion is meant to embody a meeting place where paths converge. It boasts built-in seating, a wide pathway and a glowing golden hue by night. The complex archway was building using 250 metres of stainless steel ground rails, 15 tonnes of robotically moulded glass, 1400 pieces of hardwood and over 1650 pieces of digitally fabricated aluminium. Yep, it's an impressive piece of work. The installation fits into a much larger public art program that's been curated by Carriageworks and commissioned by Mirvac for its huge new South Eveleigh project. Expect more sculptural and botanical installations to appear, too, with public works already installed by artist Jonathan Jones (in the Axle Building) and visual artist Nell (as part of Yerrabingin House). Also announced as part the new dining precinct is a mega-venue by The Grounds group and a Cantonese restaurant by Kylie Kwong — both slated for sometime in 2020. [caption id="attachment_782685" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Raymond[/caption] Images: Josh Raymond
Sydney Writers' Festival has launched its 2018 program, unveiling a powerful lineup of speakers and guests to match a very powerful theme. Artistic Director Michaela McGuire announced the festival's 21st edition, which will run from April 30 until May 6 at its new home of Carriageworks. It will dive deep into an exploration of "power and its adjacent qualities, and its relationship to sex, money, politics, identity, and the state of the world". Headlining this year's impressive group of big-name guests are three international literary legends, including André Aciman — author of novel Call Me By Your Name, which inspired the coming-of-age big screen drama of the same title. He'll take the stage for a talk centred around ideas of power, along with Korean-American author Min Jin Lee, and Alexis Okeowo, who penned the award-winning A Moonless, Starless Sky. Other international heavyweights on the bill include Amy Bloom — discussing her bestselling story about the affair between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and a journalist — as well as The New Yorker's Ben Taub on his time in Syria, and Robert E. Kelly, the 'BBC Dad' from that fateful TV interview. Meanwhile, Robert Drewe, Jane Harper, Helen Garner and The Slap's Christos Tsiolkas are just some of the talent flying the flag for Australia's literary scene. Festival goers will also have the chance to hear from a swag of politicians-turned-writers, including Jacqui Lambie, Sam Dastyari and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The hefty event program includes what promises to be a huge SWF Gala at Sydney Town Hall, an all-day YA literary festival and a host of great family-friendly events. Images: Prudence Upton.
The crew at the newly opened P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants are kicking the new year off right with two back-to-back wine tastings. The specialty bottle shop and education space in Newtown is firing up the barbecue and has invited two Australian winemakers to showcase bottles upon bottles of their stuff, all for just $20 a pop. The first will take place on Wednesday, January 24 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, when the trendy duo from Borachio Wines (Mount Loft Ranges, SA) make their way up north for their first Sydney showing. Patrons will try a whopping seven different wines — including a pet nat, a pinot gris and a chardonnay savagnin — all while tucking into some coal roasted barbecue by the Mary's team. If you haven't had enough, the next day P&V will launch its first masterclass with Margaret River winemaker Sam Vinciullo. This one will take place on Thursday, January 25 from 6pm to 7.30pm in the bottle shop's tasting facility, where guests will taste five of Vinciullo's handmade wines and enjoy a wine tutoring session by one of Western Australia's most interesting winemakers. The masterclass will again be followed by a courtyard barbecue, all for another $20. Spaces for both tastings are limited, so direct message P&V on Facebook to reserve a spot.
Fancy a beer and singing along to some of the biggest hits from the past few decades? In one of Sydney's most iconic venues, no less? Well, there's no better way to get back into the live theatre scene than with The Choir of Man: the ultimate heartwarming show that's swinging into Sydney Opera House this February. Returning after two sell-out seasons Down Under — and in its first touring performance in over a year — The Choir of Man sees nine mates catch up at their local watering hole, dubbed The Jungle, with the stage transforming into a convivial pub setting each evening. So, throw whatever ideas you have about a night at the theatre aside and grab yourself a pint, because this show will have you chair-dancing along to classic rock, joining in with pint percussion, foot stomping and watching high-energy dance routines. Still need convincing? Here's the inside scoop on the hit show's anticipated return to Sydney. [caption id="attachment_798887" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] THE RUNDOWN The show first took off at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 after 20 years of development by the producers Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson. Yep, two whole decades. "I wanted to create a show that was a reflection of my experiences, not only of singing, but also of community and friendship," says Doodson. Since then The Choir of Man's unique and wildly entertaining act has spawned shows across Europe, the United States and Australia. For the House's gig this time round, The Studio's getting decked out with faded wooden decor, colourful lights and a working beer tap. A place where "people can come together and laugh together or cry together. It's a place of sitting together and supporting each other." [caption id="attachment_798889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] THE REVIEWS After taking to the Sydney stage twice, The Choir of Man has received much praise. In Daily described the production as "a celebration of the local places where people come together to belong" while Arts Review said it was "fresh, fun and fantastic". But it wasn't just the critics who were raving, with two sell-out Sydney seasons proving theatregoers were fans, too. "Having people singing along, having a smile on their face [and] a drink in their hands is the best thing we can ask for," says Doodson. "We want people to be reminded of going down to the pub with mates and having a good time." [caption id="attachment_798891" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] THE SHOW While the set may look like your typical Brit-style pub sporting soggy carpets and tired furniture, don't judge the show by its decor. The nine performers are sure to dazzle and amaze as they sing, stomp and play instruments in this 80-minute romp of cabaret. If you've seen The Choir of Man before, the actors usually share and encourage audience members to drink with them on stage. However, due to COVID-19 limitations, this won't be the case. Instead, you can bet the boys will recreate that community spirit amongst the audience without any unsafe interaction. "It's a show all about community," says Doodson. "We have never had to come together as much as we have now and never been more deprived of community than we have in the last year." THE BLOKES These nine men are just your average Joes, really, all playing exaggerated versions of themselves. Denis Grindel is the narrator, like that mate of yours always spinning longwinded yarns at the bar. Tom Brandon is the blokey bloke with a 'hard man' exterior and Alistair Higgins is the muso. Then, you've got James Hudson who's always down for a laugh, while Matthew Campbell is the bore — you know, the one who always plays it safe. Plus, Peter Lawrence who they call 'The Beast'; the one who's always on the dance floor; Mark Irwin, the Cockney Casanova; and Mark Loveday as the barman. The cast represents different races, sexualities and personalities that come together and remind us of the importance of being there for one another, through the good and the bad. "We set up to create a show about nine people who like signing and [instead] ended up with a bunch of friends who created a show and took on board their experiences and the things that were important to them," says Doodson. [caption id="attachment_798890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] THE TUNES This fun story of camaraderie is backed by a banger-filled songbook packed with too many crowd-pleasing rock classics, power ballads, pop songs and Broadway hits to count. The inspiration? "Each song has to tell a story — and we have a good reflection of international music and genres," says Doodson. Expect everything from Guns 'n' Roses and Queen to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele and Avicii. So, no matter what your taste in tunes is, there's sure to be something that'll have you grooving in your seat — or belting out the chorus. And if you're hoping there might be an Australian twist on the usual setlist, keep an ear out as there may be an appearance of a much-loved Aussie classic or two. 'The Choir of Man' is showing at Sydney Opera House from February 18–April 4, with tickets priced from $59–105. For performance times — and to book tickets — head to the Sydney Opera House website. Top image: Prudence Upton
Running from October 16 through January 31, 2021, the annual Tarnanthi program brings together the best of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from around the country and showcases it across multiple Adelaide venues — with the largest exhibition taking centre stage at the Art Gallery of South Australia. The guiding theme for this year's edition is Open Hands, which pays tribute to the role of senior artists who share cultural knowledge with the younger generations; it also calls attention to the unseen cultural work of women in Indigenous communities. Including works from 87 artists, the exhibition features mother-daughter collaborations, grand installations, talks and tours — all of which aim to fully immerse visitors in the rich culture of Australia. Online art sales and other AGSA activations are on the docket, too. [caption id="attachment_792442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saul Steed[/caption] Images: Tarnanthi: Open Hands installation by Saul Steed
Sunset Cinema is no stranger to St Ives Showground. In fact, it screened flicks there late in 2021. But for its new season from Wednesday, January 19–Saturday, March 12, the openair cinema has given things a revamp. The setup now takes a few cues from its other locations — including in North Sydney — and has ditched the drive-in component, but the main attraction is still the same: watching movies under the stars. Whether you're planning a cosy date night or an easy group hang outdoors, there'll be something on the bill for you — kicking off with that now-openair cinema must-have The Greatest Showman, and spanning plenty of new and recent titles as well. If you haven't yet given Spider-Man: No Way Home a spin, or taken The Matrix Resurrection's pill, or been shaken not stirred by No Time to Die, they're all on the lineup. Other highlights include Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch, the Lady Gaga-starring House of Gucci, Will Smith's applauded performance in King Richard and Kristen Stewart getting regal in Spencer. And, in the retro camp, sessions of Grease and Dirty Dancing are basically obligatory. BYO picnics are encouraged here, but the event is fully licensed, so alcohol can only be purchased onsite. Didn't pack enough snacks? There'll be hot food options, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn.
Since 2008, 4 Pines Brewing Company have carefully cemented themselves as one of Australia's premier brewing companies. The team behind the craft beer brand has never hidden their support and loyalty to Sydney's north, and in particular, the Manly and northern beaches areas — the home of their original microbrewery. So, it should come as no surprise then that 4 Pines earlier this month opened their third venue, 4 Pines Manly Underground. Taking over the old Out of Africa space, the eatery is a little different from their brewpub upstairs, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu put together by 4 Pines executive chef Rob de Paulo. He's stepped away from the classic pub meals offered upstairs in the BrewPub, instead focusing on seasonal ingredients and fresh produce. Open from 7am till 10pm each day, the venue is food-oriented with beers coming from upstairs (naturally), with booth seating and a log cabin-like feel. Pallets from their Brookvale have been used extensively in the design. But that's not all. 4 Pines have also announced the roll out of two other completely different and varied new venues within the next 12 months, all north of the Harbour Bridge. "The time has come for 4 Pines to launch some hospitality spaces," says 4 Pines publican Ged Dore. "We looked at some places over on the west coast of America, and these brands had venues along three different beaches. When we got back to Australia we looked at potential spaces in Sydney, the inner west, then in Melbourne but we just kept coming back to the northern beaches." Next up, Newport is set to become the home of barrel-aged beer, with the opening of the 4 Pines Newport Barrelhouse. The idea of barrel-aged beer is something 4 Pines has been fine tuning for the past few years, and are ready to showcase with the opening of this specialty venue in the early summer. The venue, located in the heart of Newport on Barrenjoey Road, is being touted as the first of its kind in the state, if not Australia. Finally, for those who enjoy a beer with breakfast, a 4 Pines beer and bread concept will open in the Glen Street Theatre in Belrose in 2017. Perfect for a for a drink and dinner pre- or post-theatre, 4 Pines Belrose will offer beer and freshly baked bread, including the stout bread which has been baked in the Manly BrewPub since 2010. Even though 4 Pines also have a brewery in Brookvale which uses an old truck as a bar, Dore isn't convinced they've covered all bases in the Northern Beaches area just yet though. "The [Manly] cinema has been closed for over two years, so we'd love to own the cinema so we could do 4 Pines movies. We'd love to be able to do a 4 Pines showcase arthouse cinema — you're allowed to dream aren't you?" says Dore. 4 Pines Manly Underground is located at 43-45 E Esplanade, Manly and is open daily from 7am till 10pm. For more info, visit 4pines.com.au.
When the ABC announced that Spicks and Specks would return in 2024 after sitting 2023 out, it was big news, as anything to do with the hit Australian take on the UK's Never Mind the Buzzcocks always is. IRL, here's something just as exciting: the Brisbane-born and -based Not on Your Rider is also back for this year, although it didn't take a year off. On the agenda: playing a music quiz show filled with well-known faces live not just in the River City, but also in Sydney and Melbourne as well. And yes, the audience gets to play, too. You'll be peering at a stage, rather than a screen. You'll be answering questions, of course. And if it has you thinking about pub trivia nights, they don't include The Creases' Aimon Clark — who is also behind Isolation Trivia — hosting, or Patience Hodgson from The Grates and Jeremy Neale from Velociraptor captaining the two teams, let alone a heap of entertainment-industry guests. At past events, guests have included Murray Cook from The Wiggles, Broden Kelly and Mark Samual Bonanno from Aunty Donna, Boy Swallows Universe author Trent Dalton, Agro, Cal Wilson, Ben Lee, Steven Bradbury, Kate Miller-Heidke, Robert Irwin, Ranger Stacey, Craig Lowndes and Tim Rogers. Among the other musicians who've featured, Powderfinger, Dune Rats, DZ Deathrays, Ruby Fields, Ball Park Music, The Jungle Giants and The Go-Betweens have all had members take to the stage. Brisbane's 2024 season kicked off in mid-February, and now has seven more dates locked in for the rest of the year, all at The Triffid. Yes, given there's a Thursday, October 31 event, you can probably expect another Halloween celebration. And, come Thursday, December 19, a Christmas show as well. In Sydney and Melbourne, Not on Your Rider has a show in each city locked in. For the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, it's popping up on Thursday, April 18 at Brunswick Ballroom. And at Sydney's equivalent, head to Factory Theatre on Sunday, May 5. Here's how it works: Not on Your Rider takes something that everyone loves — showing off their music trivia knowledge — and dials it up a few notches. While the two on-stage teams are always filled with musos, comedians, drag queens and other guests, anyone can buy a ticket, sit at a table and answer questions along with them. The quiz element is accompanied by chats about the music industry, plus other mini games involving attendees. Not on Your Rider 2024 Dates: Brisbane: Thursday, April 4 — The Triffid Thursday, May 9 — The Triffid Thursday, June 13 — The Triffid Thursday, August 1 — The Triffid Thursday, September 12 — The Triffid Thursday, October 31 — The Triffid Thursday, December 19 — The Triffid Melbourne: Thursday, April 18 — Brunswick Ballroom Sydney: Sunday, May 5 — Factory Theatre Not on Your Rider's 2024 season runs on various dates until Thursday, December 19 at The Triffid in Brisbane, and on one-off occasions in Sydney and Melbourne. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the Not On Your Rider website. Images: Dave Kan / Bianca Holderness.
Keen to explore the seas on your next trip to Jervis Bay? If you want to go beyond the usual splash in the shallows or baking on the beach, then take a half-day or full-day tour with Sea Kayak Jervis Bay. You'll learn paddling techniques, trivia-comp-winning facts about the bay and, between paddling sessions, you'll stop for coffee, cake, fruit and a dip at a stunning beach. If you're feeling intrepid, venture away from the shoreline to Bowen Island. It's illegal to disembark, but there's stacks to see from your boat, including fairy penguins — approximately 5000 breeding pairs live there. If you're a seasoned paddler, you can also hire kayaks for the day without the tour, which will set you back $60 for a full day if you're solo or $85 for a double kayak.
Cavalier is a bustling espresso bar championing small-scale local produce. Not only does it churn out specialty coffee, but also has next-level sandwiches and baked goods. The coffee comes way of a number of local independent roasters including (but not limited to) Five Senses, Stitch, Market Lane and Double Tap. So, it's great spot for a morning coffee as well as spot of lunch, and there is a particular focus on some truly spectacular toasties. The team has also opened a second space dubbed Cavalier 2.0. The second outpost is more of a restaurant, but still has the same sustainable and local ethos. It's got more of a fine dining menu, alongside a smart list of minimal intervention wines. Both Cavaliers have a relaxed, neighbourhood feel and are easily accessible from the heart of Crows Nest. Images: Samantha Andison at Studio Sojourn
Since opening on New Year's Eve 2020/21, Cafe Freda's has become the bustling restaurant, neighbourhood bar and creative space Sydneysiders hoped it would be following the closure of its beloved predecessor. Five days a week, the Taylor's Square venue serves up selections from its ever-changing menu and hosts local musicians, artists and DJs. However, this Sunday, June 20, something special is going down with the next iteration of Cafe Freda's Sunday chef pop-ups — and it's all for a good cause. This installment of the series is a collaboration with Sydney-based Syrian food caterer Racha's Syrian Kitchen and Welcome Merchant, an organisation that works with refugee and asylum seeker entrepreneurs to support their businesses in Australia. The pop-up will help support Racha's Syrian Kitchen and raise money for Welcome Merchant, so you can order a range of a la carte goodies or splurge on the set menu ($65) guilt-free. Those that elect for the set menu will start with kishqeh, fatoush salad and kebet selek made with finely ground potato, sauteed swiss chard, onion, garlic, pomegranate and walnuts. The two choices when it comes to the main meal are a chicken shwarma plate and fattet magdous, an eggplant and fried pita bread dish, which will be followed sha'ebeyat made with handmade filo pastry filled with thick fresh cream or walnut. Above Cafe Freda's at the Abstract Thoughts gallery, Welcome Merchant will also be presenting a group exhibition titled Finding Self from 2pm–6pm. Four artists, Emmanuel Asante, Nadia Obeid, Najla Sbei and Raneen Shamon, will present works exploring the construction and deconstruction of cultural identity. Dylan Berg will be on hand for the exhibition, playing tunes from African and Middle Eastern regions. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Emerging out of China as one of the nation's up and coming artists, Sun Xun is headed to the Museum of Contemporary Art for his first ever Australian solo exhibition. Best known for his intricate animations made from thousands of ink paintings, charcoal drawings and woodcuts, for this special exhibition, he'll be creating a enormous 40-metre-long bark paper painting from a series of woodcuts. His handmade films, often littered with sporadic dialogue, combine text, sound and images to explore concepts about truth and memory, as well as history, culture and politics. Sun Xun will takes over the MCA's level one North and South Galleries, and he'll also be sticking around at the gallery for a one-week residency. Throughout the opening week of the exhibition, the public will get a chance to see Sun Xun in action as he creates an original ten-metre-long painting, which will be in response to his time spent in Sydney. Also, don't miss this emerging artist in conversation with MCA Curator Anna Davis, where he'll discuss the influences and ideas behind his compelling works. Images: Sun Xun, Who First Saw the Stars? 2018; Sun Xun, 21 Grams 2010; Sun Xun, Maniac Universe 2018; Sun Xun Newspaper Paintings 2015–18. Photographer: Jacquie Manning. All images courtesy of the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney.
The legends at Butter (Sydney's palace of fried chicken, sneakers, champagne and ramen) are bringing you even more to love with two daily bottomless bubbles and chicken feast offerings — each coming in at under $50 bucks. For starters, you can nab endless pours of Chandon blanc de blanc for $45 — all day, every day. Or you can opt for endless Hennessy lemon ice tea, with the bottomless package costing $50. Both deals last a cool 90 minutes. You can add these bottomless packages to a regular ol' meal or you can nab Butter's Fried Chicken Feast for $35 per person, too. That's a whole heap of Butter's signature crispy chicken wings served with ramen gravy, set down alongside fried haloumi fingers, miso corn cobs, prawn chips, pickles, fries, steamed dinner rolls and the restaurant's famed hot cinnamon doughnut. Both offerings are available at all three Butter locations, including the brand new Chatswood outpost, as well as the Surry Hills and Parramatta stalwarts. Just pick a day, any day, and head on in. [caption id="attachment_798504" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Butter Chatswood[/caption]
The recent opening of the Elvis Presley exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery shows that interest in The King is as fervent as ever, meaning it's an ideal time to put on your blue suede shoes and head to the 29th Parkes Elvis Festival. Usually held in the second week of January to honour the King's birthday, this year the event will bring a whole lot of rhythm and blues to April instead. The theme is Elvis's 1968 film Speedway (which also starred Nancy Sinatra), and there's far more than just music on offer at the multi-day event. The entire town of Parkes will go into Elvis overdrive with vintage markets, live music, exhibitions, film screenings, trivia competitions and performances by reigning Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, Taylor Rodriguez from the USA. Check out the lineup to plan your visit. Images: Destination NSW
The Kid LAROI hasn't locked in exact dates for his rescheduled Down Under shows for 2024 as yet, after his first-ever Down Under stadium tour was postponed from February, and will now take place in October instead. You can still spend time with the Australian singer-songwriter before summer is over, however, thanks to the just-announced Kids Are Growing Up — because The Kid LAROI is getting the feature-length documentary treatment. Directed by Michael D Ratner, the film features interviews with The Kid LAROI, obviously, as well as Justin Bieber, Post Malone and more. Fans will know the general story that the doco follows, exploring how Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard became a teenage star with global fame. But, as it charts not just the successes but also the pressures along the way — especially for someone Howard's age — this is a behind-the-scenes story. Arriving on Prime Video worldwide on Thursday, February 29, Kids Are Growing Up started filming before 'Stay' became a huge hit, and also covers Howard navigating his mentor Juice WRLD's death. The path from being an unknown talent to selling out arenas is also covered, as is mental health, love, and getting ready for The Kid LAROI's first studio album The First Time and corresponding world tour — plus the quest for happiness along the way. "I can't wait for audiences to see this behind-the-scenes portrayal of my journey, which perfectly encapsulates some of the most rewarding and challenging years of my life and career so far," said Howard, announcing the documentary. Director Ratner also helmed 2021's Justin Bieber: Our World, and founded OBB Pictures, the production company behind both Bieber's and now The Kid LAROI's films. There's no word yet when the 'Without You', 'Thousand Miles', 'Love Again' musician's Down Under shows will lock in their new dates, after they were postponed so that Howard could confirm a "really big surprise and special guest" — alongside ONEFOUR, who will also be on the bill — and also due to "a bunch of other logistical stuff". In the interim, he's touring Europe in April. Kids Are Growing Up will be available via Prime Video from Thursday, February 29. Top image: Adam Kargenian.
Chocolate is one of those wonderful, universally indulgent things that is difficult to beat for comfort or a treat. 2019 has seen the creation of the epic Meltdown Artisan, the brainchild of Jen Lo, formerly of north shore dessert haven Bakedown Cakery. With her new space dedicated entirely to experimenting with chocolate, Lo runs chocolate making workshops alongside a shop floor stacked with sugary goodies. You'll find indulgent and creative interpretations of cocoa-based goodies — think saffron barberry, yuzu ginger apple and wakame sea salt. The chocolates, which come both in block form or creative shapes (think koalas, robots or snowmen) are great for gifts — even if they're for yourself. The interestingly titled face bark, a white chocolate slab designed for customers to print images of their choice upon, is a standout. Vegan and dairy-free options are also available in a wide variety of interesting and tasty flavours, meaning there's something for everyone at this sweet new Darlinghurst hangout.
This 3.1km walking loop in Ulladulla winds through windswept bushland that gives way to sweeping coastal vistas as you stride towards the lookout at Warden Head. A wind-blown sculpture of Corroboree man, Bulan Yuin, greets walkers at the start of the track which follows the path of Dreamtime story creator, the Rainbow Serpent. As you move along the Coomee Nulunga Cultural Trail you'll encounter Garawanda Daran or 'dreaming poles' which depict native flora and fauna and their Aboriginal names. You can organise an Indigenous tour guide through the Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council to join you along the route, so you can learn more about Dhurga language, edible plants in the area and the rich Indigenous history of the site. Image: Warden Head Lighthouse, darlingtrk via Flickr
There's nothing better than receiving a "guys, you've gotta see this!" message in your crew's group chat. Have they found elusive cheap return tickets to Tokyo? Did they finally pop the big question? Is there a new puppy about to join their family? Big life milestones aside, heading off on a trip with your mates is the next most special thing. It's a chance to switch off, escape the big smoke and explore our beautiful backyard. And the cooler months are the time when we all need a break from the daily grind with a long weekend or a well-earned week away. If you've done the cosy cabin retreat to death, why not shake things up with a bit of adventure this winter? Hit the slopes, strap on your helmet and gear up for a chance to try something new, from thrilling aerial adventures over World Heritage sites to snowy escapes filled with snowshoeing and fondue-ing. Partnering with Hugo Boss, we've whittled down the endless list of Aussie adventures to just five that will leave you feeling amped up and ready to take on the world — much like its newest fragrance, BOSS BOTTLED Infinite. Go on, give these pulse-racing sports a go and you'll get a new perspective on the stunning land of Oz. [caption id="attachment_720491" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] CAPE TRIBULATION HELICOPTER AND LAND ADVENTURE TOUR It's not every day you get to knock not one but two UNESCO World Heritage-listed areas off your bucket list. But then again, this ain't your average adventure tour. You'll spend a jam-packed day exploring the best of tropical north Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. The tour kicks off with a two-hour scenic helicopter flight over world-class reefs and cascading waterfalls before touching down in the oldest living rainforest in the world. Then, the choice is yours: spend your afternoon on horseback as you weave through the Daintree to the ocean's edge, or head straight for the treetops with a zipline experience. Head to Red Balloon to book. [caption id="attachment_720598" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luke Tscharke.[/caption] CRADLE MOUNTAIN HUT WALK: WINTER OVERLAND TRACK It takes guts (and possibly a swig of gin) to sign up for a multi-day trek through the icy terrain of Tasmania's Cradle Mountain in the dead of winter. There's no wifi out here, friends. Just ancient landscapes, frozen lakes and long nights enhanced by a glass or two of Tasmanian wine. The eight-day Cradle Mountain Huts Walk winter overland track is one of the most challenging routes that the Tasmanian Walking Company offer, but it comes with plenty of rewards. Climb the peaks of Cradle Mountain, explore Lake Will and finish at Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest natural lake. [caption id="attachment_720745" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Skydive Noosa.[/caption] SKYDIVE NOOSA Jumping out of a plane at 15,000 feet is one way to get the blood pumping in the morning. But when you're freefalling over the sparkling Sunshine Coast, the terrifying drop can't be that bad, right? Strap in for an adrenaline junkie's dream with Skydive Noosa. The experience sees you spend 60 seconds in freefall — a minute the company describes as "life-changing" — before your instructor opens the parachute and you gently cruise your way to solid ground while soaking in the views. [caption id="attachment_720600" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kane Naaraat and Pinkbike.com.[/caption] BLUE DERBY MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING TRAILS The historic town of Derby in Tasmania's north-east hasn't always been known for its 125 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails. It was tin mining that first put Derby on the map before the tragic bursting of Briseis Dam ended that. The town has been revitalised since the opening of the first section of the Blue Derby Trail Network in 2015. Today it boasts trails to suit every experience level, meaning it has something for you and all of your crew. HOTHAM SHOWSHOE TO FONDUE If exploring Australia's mountains and sleeping under the stars are on your to-do list, this is the tour to make it happen. Say hello to Alpine Nature Experience's Snowshoe to Fondue trip, an unforgettable overnight adventure set on the outskirts of Victoria's Alpine National Park. You'll snowshoe your way to your tipi-style eco-village accommodation before spending a night sipping hot glühwein, dipping your way through gooey French cheese fondue and soaking in the warmth of the outdoor campfire. When the sun comes up, the crew will make sure you leave fed and watered with a hearty warm breakfast. Hitting that work-life balance is hard. But shutting your laptop, splashing on some new BOSS BOTTLED Infinite and getting out in nature will help you seize the day and live your best life. Top image: Snowshoe to Fondue Experience.
By the time Sunday rolls around, you're lucky if you have the energy and willpower to think, let alone cook. So do neither. Instead, grab a friend or three and head for LL Wine and Dine in Potts Point, where, from 11am, you can sink into all-you-can-eat yum cha for 30 bucks a head, accompanied by live music, $25 cocktail jugs, $10 Bloody Marys and good coffee. The menu is big on dumplings of all kinds, from straight-ahead prawn, to more exotic scallop and pork, to animal-friendly vegetable. Also look out for spring rolls, rice paper rolls, barbecue pork buns and pork spare ribs. That's right, you won't be going hungry around here — no matter how worn out or ragged you might be from the night before. You'd be smart to make a booking: this is one of Sydney's more popular Sunday feasts.
Eclectic, funky, stylish, unique — these are just a few complementary ways to describe Jackie, the owner of The Very Bazaar. The inclusive clothing store is bursting with fabulous preloved threads and accessories that are as much fun as its owner. Jackie has already put the hard work in, hand picking new stock every fortnight — so, you are guaranteed to come across a great find including vintage dresses with sunny prints, denim overalls with hand detailed embroidery and the coolest retro kicks since 1994.
'Help!' 'Come Together.' 'All You Need Is Love.' Songs and lyrics that have influenced countless people around the world. Young and old. Hip and square. At the height of The Beatles' popularity, John Lennon declared that the band was bigger than Jesus. For the three lost souls at the centre of Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed, his words might as well have been gospel. Taking its title from the opening verse of the Fab Four's psychedelic ballad 'Strawberry Fields Forever', this uplifting Spanish road movie takes place in 1966, at a time when the country was still under the thumb of the fascist General Franco. Javier Camara plays Antonio, a middle-aged English teacher and diehard Beatlemaniac who, after learning that Lennon is in Spain for a film shoot, makes it mission to meet the man himself. Shortly after hitting the road, Antonio picks up a pair of hitchhikers, both of whom want nothing more than to leave their pasts behind. Pretty young Belen (Natalia de Molina) is three months pregnant and has fled the monastery where she was sent to give birth to her fatherless child. Starry-eyed Juanjo (Francesc Colomer) is a teenager with long hair and an artistic streak. He too is running away, from the demands of his domineering father. All three actors do excellent work, their underdog characters all but impossible not to like. Camara, in particular, is perfectly cast as Antonio, an eternal optimist and nice-guy who remains steadfast in his belief he will get the chance to shake his hero's hand. The interplay between the three unlikely travelling companions is funny and disarming — and while the stakes of the film may not be particularly high, you can't help but feel invested in the journey. The politics of the era are confined mostly to the background. Franco and his conservative dictatorship can be felt whenever someone turns on the radio, blaring dour Catholic masses rather than music. The film's overwhelming vibe is one of positivity and acceptance. As such, writer-director David Trueba treats the regime like the bullies that they were, doomed to be defeated by a belief in something more. Maybe that sounds a little twee, but then again, that's what The Beatles were about. Living Is Easy captures the spirit of the band — their energy, their idealism, and the hope that they inspired. It's a shame the film contains next to none of their actual music, presumably because it's so exorbitantly expensive to license. No matter. Life, as they say, goes on. https://youtube.com/watch?v=uO1jXG38XbM
This family-run business has been a Marrickville staple since 2016. It's run by the second generation Alepidis family, who have amassed two decades of experience in the industry with shops in Dulwich Hill and Canterbury. The local butcher serves up the most authentic Greek-style souvlaki around town, and a fan favourite is the lamb backstrap marinated with oregano, salt and pepper. Other customer favourites include chicken souvlaki, with marinade options including lemon and pepper, honey and soy or satay sauce. All of the meat is locally sourced and prepared in-house. Souvlaki is also available in cocktail size, which makes for an ideal starters for your next dinner party. Aside from its namesake, the deli also offers antipasto makings, such as cheese, oils, dips, bread and other smallgoods. [caption id="attachment_779059" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] Images: Cassandra Hannagan
After the disrupted and predominantly domestic-only ski seasons in 2020 and 2021, thrill-seekers from both sides of the ditch could be hitting New Zealand's pristine slopes from as early as June. That means it's less than 70 days until some of our major fields, including Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown and Canterbury's Mount Hutt, are up and running for winter. If you're making the trip across the ditch, you're in luck: there's plenty set for this season, including new trails and night-skiing events. Mount Hutt is set to be the first to open from Friday, June 10 until Sunday, October 16. It will be open seven days a week, with capacity on the mountain having increased thanks to the last year's recently opened Nor'west Express eight-seat chairlift. With a ride time of only two minutes, the lift has the capacity to carry up to 3000 skiers per hour. It also features a loading carpet to assist those who are new to using chairlifts. The field's full moon skiing event will also return on Saturday, June 11. [caption id="attachment_849337" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NZSki[/caption] Coronet Peak will be open from Friday, June 17 right through until Sunday, September 25. The ski field plans to operate its popular after-hours night skiing nights every Wednesday and Friday from June 22 onwards. The 48th dog derby is also on the cards. Fellow Queenstown favourite The Remarkables will be open every day of the week from Saturday, June 18 through to Sunday, October 16. The mountain's Sugar Bowl development includes two recently opened trails and a new snowmaking system, which means better snow coverage on the Serpentine side of the mountain. [caption id="attachment_849335" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NZSki[/caption] Cardrona Alpine Resort's Olympic-sized superpipe will be open from Saturday, June 11 until Sunday, October 16. The ski field also added another chairlift to its network last year, which opened up a new major section of skiable terrain on the southern face. Sibling ski field Treble Cone is scheduled to open from Saturday, June 25 until Sunday, September 25, and for cross-country skiers and snow-shoers, Cardrona's Snow Farm is intending to open for the 2022 winter from mid-June — dates are yet to be confirmed. The largest ski area in the nation, Mt Ruapehu, is preparing to open its Happy Valley (Thursday, June 23), Turoa (Saturday, July 9) and Whakapapa (Friday, July 8) fields, too, which will give skiers and snowboarders access to the mountain's natural pipes, steep chutes and a vertical drop of 722 metres. The alpine village says the opening will be subject to snow conditions. With the borders set to open, quarantine-free, to Australian tourists from Tuesday, April 12, this ski season will definitely see a rise in visitor numbers across all the country's fields. Tourists will be required to test negative for COVID-19 with a PCR or RAT before leaving for New Zealand, then provide negative tests on day one and day five of their stay. If you need a refresher on the rules, check out the Government's COVID-19 website. All ski field 2022 season plans are dependent on snow conditions, as well as COVID-19 guidelines and expectations set out by the New Zealand Government. Images: NZSki.
This high-end furniture and homewares showroom is one of the most lavish places to shop if you're fitting out a brand new home. Your new space deserves elegant and high-quality pieces from some of the world's best interior designers and craftspeople, and that's exactly what you'll find here. Browse elegant side tables and consoles by Christophe Delcourt; block-like wooden and marble stools from Collection Particulière by Jérôme Aumont; lush throws, towels and bedding by Society Limonta; and brass bowls and steel vases by Michael Verheyden, alongside ceramics, glassware, jewellery and perfume.
In recognition of the historical significance of the six-week-long, statewide strike that originated at Eveleigh Railway Workshops 100 years ago, 1917: The Great Strike at Carriageworks invited five artists to interpret the event and its legacy from a modern perspective. Combining specially commissioned works with archival footage and photography, original union banners, badges and certificates alongside tours and artist-led workshops, the exhibition grants a unique insight into both the site's industrial heritage and an important moment in Australian history that quickly become overshadowed by WWI. Shannan Whitney, CEO of presenting show partner and long-term Carriageworks supporter BresicWhitney, says the show program honours a landmark community event and provides a valuable window into the life of Sydney workers a century ago. "The presentation of historical artefacts, alongside new works, reminds us of the gravity of this moment in time and the impact it had on generations to come." We spoke with three of the artists involved to discover how they chose to interpret The Great Strike for a contemporary context. [caption id="attachment_631757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 1917: The Great Strike: Women's Demonstration in Front of Parliament House, Sarah Contos, 2017.[/caption] SARAH CONTOS — WOMEN'S DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF PARLIAMENT HOUSE Artist Sarah Contos has created a large-scale textile work inspired by the role women played in the strike, both through public protest and as sole supporters of their families on the homefront. Initially stumped as to how she'd connect with the subject matter, Contos was struck by a photograph during her research. It depicted a sea of hatted women marching to Parliament House. This inspired a quilt, expressing solidarity with the daughters, wives and mothers involved. Using a monochromatic colour palette (reflecting the photographs of the time), utilitarian materials of canvas and cotton, the quilt also features ladies' gloves and screenprints of the medallions given to strikers fashioned into a charm bracelet. There's a subversive playfulness to the work and a spirit of celebration conjured up by a glitter border. Contos comments that although textiles are no longer considered a uniquely 'female' realm, there was a harmony between medium and theme. "The craftsmanship involved at the railway yard between the workers and their materials to create and object of beauty and function lends a nice parallel to quiltmaking. A quilt also acts as a metaphor for the care demonstrated by the women to families affected by the strike." [caption id="attachment_631851" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Franck Gohier, Snakes and Ladders, 2017, screen print and wood-type letterpress on board[/caption] FRANCK GOHIER — SNAKES AND LADDERS Darwin-based artist Franck Gohier has created an inventive graphic tribute to the strike in the form of a giant Snakes and Ladders board. Inspired by the scale and imagery of the original union banners, Gohier spent months researching before commencing the laborious process of setting up the antique wood type on his proofing press. He painstakingly hand-inked all the numbers, spent weeks sourcing historical imagery before transferring them onto screen and finally printing. "Even the paper stock was hand-cut on a cast iron guillotine from the 1940s," he says. The end result: 80 giant screen-printed cards for the 'board', with train tracks in place of the traditional ladders. Instead of the usual snake, Gohier chose the ancient symbol of the ouroboros (a serpent eating its own tail), which invokes the number eight — a nod to the eight-hour-day, won in Australia in 1856 by striking stonemasons during the gold rushes. While Gohier describes himself as an artist "intolerant of intolerance" whose work actively explores sociopolitical issues, nevertheless this show, he says, "was a big departure, in terms of the physical size of the commission in order to accommodate both the vast scale and breadth of the exhibiting space and the topic of the Great Strike." [caption id="attachment_631756" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 1917: The Great Strike: Handshake with the Past, Raquel Ormella, 2017.[/caption] RAQUEL ORMELLA — A HANDSHAKE WITH THE PAST "My work is a reaction to the world I live in," says artist Raquel Ormella, whose contribution engages with co-curator and City of Sydney historian Laila Ellmoos' efforts to retrieve the names of strikers, recognising them as individuals rather than the anonymous mass suggested by the media of the time. After some initial deliberation over form, Ormella created colourful, ebullient banners recalling those defiantly held up during the strike's street marches. Handmade from repurposed work clothes (overalls, business shirts) each bears the name of an individual striker from the local area, along with classic union motifs such as clasped hands, symbolising solidarity. Inexpensive reclaimed materials were deliberately chosen to reflect how "many people in Sydney in 1917 were really struggling economically and living in poor conditions. This is still the situation." On Saturday, August 5, Ormella carried her banners into the neighbourhood during a community performance. With the participation of residents, they were installed in local homes, buildings and parks for the duration of the exhibition. Ormella hopes their installation will connect today's locals to their suburb's history. "I want my work to make the past community of workers present to those living in the area now." Visit 1917: The Great Strike at Carriageworks now until August 27. Top image: 1917 The Great Strike, installation view, image by Zan Wimberley 2017.
The oldest floral festival in Australia, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival focuses on the hundreds of lilac-blossomed trees that line the town's streets. First held in 1935, the festival brings together art exhibitions, live music, markets and parades for a week-long celebration from October 27 through November 4. While the jacaranda blooms are of course the main attraction, it's by no means the only event you'll have to look forward to during the festival — think a dragon boat race and a riverside circus and carnival, along with buskers, fireworks and stallholders aplenty. Grafton takes their tree heritage seriously and currently holds the title for biggest jacaranda on the National Tree Register of Big Trees (yes, it is a real registry). While in town, visit 'The Gorge', a tree which measures at a massive 30 metres high with a six-metre circumference. It deserves a nice big hug, we reckon.
If you've ever been to Hobart, then you know all about Sweet Envy — the Tasmanian pastry shop is regarded as the best in town, and for good reason. Now, head pastry chef Alistair Wise is gracing Sydney with his new pop-up venture Drury Lane, which is currently operating out of caffeine haven Brewtown Newtown. The partnership seems to be a natural one, combining top-notch coffees and some damn good pastries for the ultimate cafe experience. The menu is much the same as Sweet Envy, including savoury and sweet options that, until now, have only been available in Hobart. We're most excited for Wise's pecan sticky bun, topped with almond cream and salted caramel ($7); these decadent buns are sure to be the major draw for this Newtown newcomer. Apart from cafe classics like cakes, cookies and lamingtons ($6), Wise is also turning out some interesting options like the pistachio croissant — which adds rosewater and frangipane to the typical French pastry ($ 6.50) — and the Witherspoon, a chocolate shortcrust with plum compote, peanut mousse and pretzel topping ($7). The posset jar ($7), layered with lemon cream, fruit and crumble, is a non-pastry option. As with any good bakery, there are daily specials on offer, including a range of rotating pies and rolls, from cauliflower and cheese to a 'tongue and cheek' pie, as well as a chicken and sausage gumbo ($8 each). Drury Lane is also pouring coffees from Brewtown's new Marco SP9 — an extremely fancy filtered coffee pour over machine that is sure turn out some excellent brews. A speciality pastry and a cuppa? Don't mind if we do. Drury Lane has popped up upstairs at Brewtown Newtown, 6-8 O'Connell Street, Newtown. It's open pen Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm for the near future. For more info, visit their Facebook page.
Melbourne will be stepping up its hotel game in the coming years, with Adina's new Pentridge Prison development, Bennetts Lane's proposed jazz-era hotel, and the upscale CBD outpost of Mornington Peninsula's Jackalope. And now the city's is set to welcome yet another luxury accommodation offering into the fold, as the internationally renowned St. Regis Hotels & Resorts makes its Aussie debut, with a 168-room hotel slated to open in 2022. The grand hotel will spread over ten floors of the yet-to-be-built, 33-storey Flinders Bank precinct, towering above the CBD on the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. And it's set to be a pretty swanky operation, sporting luxury interiors by famed design studio Chada and a cutting-edge building design by Melbourne's own Fender Katsalidis Architects. It will have an onsite wellness and fitness centre, too, complete with a spa, a salon and a 25-metre indoor pool, and the acclaimed St. Regis Butler Service will let guests customise every last detail of their stay. The hotel will also feature a bunch of upscale wining and dining options, including a specialty restaurant and the elegant St Regis Bar. For the uninitiated, the St Regis New York's King Cole Bar was the supposed birthplace of the Bloody Mary back in 1934 and the hotel brand has claimed the spicy cocktail as its signature sip ever since. Here, the bar will be whipping up a special Melbourne edition of the drink — we wonder just what that entails. The St Regis Melbourne has 40 hotels worldwide — including in New York, Mallorca and the Maldives — and is one of the Marriott International's brands. The parent company has announced more plans to open hotels Down Under, too, with the recent launch of the W Hotel in Brisbane and W Hotels also planned for Sydney and Melbourne. St Regis Melbourne is slated to open in the new Flinders Bank precinct in 2022.
For the past few months, Australia's pandemic-era rules and restrictions around travelling have been easing — covering both heading interstate and venturing abroad. If spending more time at home over the last two years has left you with a hefty case of wanderlust, you've likely noticed another big trend, too: flight sales aiming to make your next getaway far more affordable. Just after New Zealand announced that it'd be letting Aussies head across the Tasman for holidays earlier than expected, Virgin has started a sale that'll help you scratch that ditch-crossing itch. Actually, with 1.5 million fares up for grabs to both Aussie and international destinations, it'll help you get flying to wherever your next vacation spot may be. So, whether you're keen to see your mates interstate or head overseas for some rest and relaxation, you've got options. Among the domestic routes, one-way fares start at $45, which'll get you from Sydney to Ballina. Other sale flights include Melbourne–Hobart from $55, Brisbane–Whitsunday Coast from $59, Sydney–Sunshine Coast from $65 and Melbourne–Adelaide from $89. And if you're wondering when you'll need to travel, you can book trips between July 27–December 14, 2022. Internationally, one-way fares cover getaways to Bali, Fiji and Queenstown — including from Sydney (from $269 to Bali, $229 to Fiji and $289 to Queenstown), Melbourne ($269 / $259 / $279) and Brisbane ($239 / $249 / $309). Again, that means you've got choices, including if multiple getaways to different spots are in your ideal future. As always when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick. Virgin's discounted fares are now on offer until midnight AEST on Monday, April 4 or sold out, whichever arrives first. In a bonus for anyone travelling with kids, Virgin is also taking an extra 25 percent off sale fares booked for children between the ages of 2 and 11. Across all of its sale flights, only some fares cover seat selection and checked baggage, however, with the airline announcing last year that it is now splitting its economy range into three types. Economy Lite doesn't include checking any baggage or picking your seat, but Economy Choice does — and Economy Flex gives you extra flexibility (hence the name) if you have to change your plans later. Also, depending on where you're travelling to internationally, you'll obviously need to check border restrictions and any entry requirements. Virgin's Back to Holidays sale runs from until Monday, April 4 — or until sold out. Find out more about current Australian border rules via the Australian Government's Health Direct website and its Smart Traveller website.
If you’re a chocaholic and a Hunger Games fan, take a deep breath and try not to hyperventilate with greedy excitement. Two American chocolate companies have teamed up to create a range of chocolate bars inspired by The Hunger Games. Only in America, right? Themed around both the districts and lead characters, the range created by Vosges Haut Chocolates and Wild Ophelia includes a 'Katniss' bar — milk chocolate combined with what they describe as the “subtle, salty crunch of hickory smoked bacon accented by sweet, crisp apples. Yum. But some dozen times better is the 'Chocolate Bar Library' — a collection of 12 bars representing all 12 districts of Panem. Included are such imagination- and tastebud-stirring numbers as the mined salt and milk chocolate (District 12, which specialises in mining), beef jerky and smoked mesquite in milk chocolate (District 10, livestock), smoked chipotle chilli and milk chocolate (District 7, lumber) and crispy crunchy caramel corn and dark chocolate (District 5, power). The smartarses at BuzzFeed pitted the whole range of bars — or chocolatey 'tributes' — against each other and ranked them in order of deliciousness. The victor? District 9's milled oats, vanilla, hemp seeds and dark chocolate (representing grain). Sadly they don’t ship to Australia, but if you’re in the US, Canada or the UK (or are willing to test out parcel forwarding on a meltable item) you can get your gluttonous little hands upon these slightly ridiculous, slightly overpriced yet undeniably tempting goodies. Via Buzzfeed.
For the past nine years, juniper spirits have been flowing everywhere from London to Melbourne thanks to big gin festival Junipalooza. But if you're a Sydneysider with a fondness for the tipple in question, you would have been looking on with a touch of envy for most of that time. Well, until 2022, when the fest finally hit the Harbour City for two huge days. Following a successful debut Sydney edition, Junipalooza is returning in 2023. Come Saturday, August 26–Sunday, August 27, the gin festival will hit Carriageworks with plenty of drinks. The Sydney event will feature sampling stations from some of the world's best distillers. Fifty distillers from around the globe will be sharing their gins, with over 100 different types set to feature. Renowned international distillers like Singapore's Tanglin Gin and India's Hapusa will be in attendance alongside local favourites like Ginny Pig Distillery, Old Young's Distiller, Melbourne Gin Company, Bondi Liquor Co and Four Pillars. If you're eager to sip your way through the fest, you can choose between three sessions, with tickets on sale now. On the Saturday, you can start the day with drinks from 11am–3pm, or spend your evening sampling gin between 4–8pm. On Sunday, an 11am–4pm session is on the cards. Top image: Jacquie Manning.
For a month in autumn, Scenic World in the Blue Mountains will transform its stunning rainforest surrounds into a spectacular outdoor gallery. Over 35 artworks from local, national and international artists will adorn the green floors and walls of the ancient rainforest. As you meander along the 2.4km Scenic Walkway, you'll see interactive installations and subtle artworks that blend seamlessly into the environment, as well as loud masterpieces with bold statements that standout. Get the adrenalin pumping by taking the world's steepest passenger train, the Scenic Railway, to the walkway. And, if you want even more excitement, head to the glass-bottomed Scenic Skyway — an invigorating ride on the 270-metre high cablecar that takes in some of the mountains' most spectacular vistas, including the Jamison Valley and Katoomba Falls. To complete your journey (of literal highs and lows) make a visit to Sculpture Otherwise, an exhibition of smaller sculptures held at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.
It's that time of year again people — time to get festive in the Hills of Surry! Every year hordes of chilled locals and visitors gather in Surry Hills, that rich tapestry of an inner city enclave we love to love, to get amongst it at the Surry Hills Festival. The two main venues of Ward Park (Devonshire St) and Shannon Reserve (Crown Street) will feature live music and dance acts, markets full to the brim with second-hand and new clothes, art and other goodies, food to make your mouth water, and grass that your ass will be more than happy to recline on for a few hours as you soak up the ambiance and those crazy dog races under a warm sun and a crisp, blue autumn sky. Take note: there's no BYO kids but you'll find plenty of booze for sale at pubs around the festival locations (official supporters are the Trinity, the Whitehorse and the Beresford). Musically there are too many talented acts to mention but you can catch the likes of genius electronica duo Domeyko + Gonzalez at Ward Park, the Dirty Secrets at Shannon Reserve, and Meem, purveyor of funk, disco, soul and electro-boogie at the Trinity. Bringing the little ones? Cool things are happening in the City of Sydney Library on Crown Street like the youngster's breakdancing, popping and capoeira workshop by Ace Dance Studios and Capoeira Topazio. Also check out the sustainable food feature and cooking demonstrations. The Surry Hills Festival is a joyous celebration of creativity and community which never fails to deliver. It's straight-up what you want to do with your weekend.
