Moving bodies take over a familiar urban space in this new work exploring what it means to put yourself on the line for something you believe in. Liesel Zink’s The Stance is a site specific dance and sound work investigating the choreography of bodies in protest. Created, rehearsed and performed in public space, it draws from the history of protest at the site in which it is presented and responds to recent acts of worldwide collective action.
Nine dancers perform to a live, original sound composition transmitted through wireless headphones. This intimate viewing experience is designed to prompt audiences and passers-by to consider the politics of mass movement and the ownership and control of what is considered public property."
This was part of the Australian Performing Arts Market 2016
and a repeat of a 9 hour performance in King George Square last year.
Among the performers was Gabriel Comerford. I was not there for the entire dance, but sitting on the artificial grass with headphones pumping music into my brain amongst people coming and going and relaxing while they performed was hard on my back, but good for the soul.
I then popped into the Playhouse for a play briefing with the cast of the outstanding and important 'Secret River' which opens soon. Wonderful listening to the actors discuss cultural input, the roles and the work on language and the importance of this story.
The whole of Melt was so enjoyable. Adam Gardnir put together a busy 11 days that I managed to fit in several shows and some exhibitions at the Powerhouse as well as a couple of visits to QPAC at the same time. The festival involved participation of about 25 friends and I chatted to heaps more who were there to watch, support and enjoy the feast. I made several new friends, drank more than a few Red wines, got heaps of photos, hugs and memories.
"Dangerous Liaisons"
3rd February 2016
Powerhouse Theatre
Melt has got off to a bang up start. Last night the Brisbane Powerhouse was full of people. I was there with a good friend Sante to see the quite brilliant and beautiful gender fluid (borrowed phrase) performance of Dangerous Liaisons presented by Little Ones Theatre.
Christopher Hampton's 1985 play Les liaisons dangereuses, is a theatrical adaptation of the 18th-century French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Full of bawdy innuendo, seduction, ammorality and stunning acting. Pants roles were so well performed, singing was both fun and wonderful. The only jarring note I heard was one Rap sounding overplay music. Probably not Rap but I do not understand these transitory sub genres. There was so much laughter but I could feel people holding back at times because this is a big dialogue piece. Rapid fire words and action and no one wanted to miss one succulent moment. A treacherous feat to work with but a thrill to see the skill and the wonderful characters. Closes on the 5th so hurry.
Directed by Stephen Nicolazzo
Performed by The Little Ones: Alexandra Aldrich, Janine Watson, Brigid Gallacher, Amanda McGregor, Zoe Boesen, Catherine Davies, Anna McCarthy, Tom Dent.
"Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars" 6th February Powerhouse Theatre Third night at the Melt Festival and Michelle Boyd (took photos of me sucking up),Phil, Sante and I went to a big concert of some of Brisbane's best musos playing the entire Ziggy Stardust album and then heaps more of the greatly loved genius David Bowie, This was planned a long time before his surprise departure from this planet and had to be rescheduled from one performance to three which immediately sold out. The enormous band was thrilling, tight and displayed sensational playing Violins, cello, drums, percussion, keyboards, a grand Mouth Organ, electric and acoustic guitars, horns. Just a beautiful and rocking sound from the best of the best. Then there were the vast array of singers who bought individuality to each Bowie Masterpiece. Singers from different styles and backgrounds that created a broad musical palette of rousing interpretations.
Originality that came together as a whole and a standing ovation. There were some fans who just had to leave their seats and dance in the aisle. Foremost for me was seeing the great Lucinda Shaw whom I adore on stage and love to see off stage as well. What a smart and brilliant singer. James Lees the musical director and percussionist for the event was a treat to finally meet after the show as was keyboards player, the extraordinary Parmis Rose. It wasn't until out in the carpark in the rain I finally got to chat to the amazing actor/performer/singer Sandro Colarelli who put on an enormously rock performance. All musicians and singers were outstanding. Outside I bumped into drummer the lovely Fionn Ellwood who was working off stage last night.
While there for the third night I also caught up with the leading theatre woman Margi Brown Ash, radio and eurovision rep Blair Martin and The Naked Magicians' Christopher Wayne (dressed for this show) who had come off stage after their last performance of Gaybies in another theatre there. I also managed to chat to the other half of The Naked Magicians Mike Tyler who turned out to be a friend of my cousins and family. I was thrilled to once again see the adorable Joel Devereux and we chatted and posed with his portrait of Joe Simons on the walls there. There is also a painting of Joel entered in the same portrait competition. It is all voted on but I noticed the Premiere of Queensland has been there today judging the portraits. I drank several reds and a beer, had a short chat again with Barbara Lowing waved at lovely ALP candidate 'Patrick O'Neill, spoke to dancer Joe Simons and Melt festival director Adam Gardnir yet again, met an arty punk guy I saw on a bus this week and had a thoroughly great time in the place I love the best - a theatre. ps I borrowed the Ziggy photos from my facebook feed. "APPALLING BEHAVIOUR" 10th February Turbine Studio The Turbine Studio at The BRISBANE POWERHOUSE is a remarkable intimate venue with gorgeous old brick walls and an arch or two. Just the venue for a very bohemian performance piece. It has the perfect atmosphere and I felt a new vibe. Thomas Markiewicz was quite spellbinding in this theatre piece that is one huge poetic monologue. Full of shades of the characters he tells of from being a homeless bisexual existing in love and loneliness on the fringes and the streets of Paris. The longings, the hope, the disappointment, the adventures and most of all the need for love. It is one hell of a script by Stephen House who I met. He wrote from his own times in Paris and as an actor he has also performed it himself all over the country over a 100 times. The reinterpretation as a cross dresser is new to this production and was carried off so brilliantly by the somewhat younger Tom Markiewicz. On or more precisely to the side of the space was musician Silvan Rus adding beautiful, emotional and pointed guitar accompaniment to the performance. I sat just in front of Zoe Tuffin who was producer and Shane Pike who was the director. This couple have created Wax Lyrical Productions which got off to an amazing start with a sensational 'Carrie' a few weeks ago and now another startlingly good production of 'Appalling Behaviour'
Part of the Adam Gardnir's Melt Festival (yes I saw him again) the building was again full of friends out being entertained and supporting great theatre. I have friends in different rooms/theatres. Dan Venz was with us in the Turbine Studio and Tom Oliver, Kimberly Hodgson and Chris Kel Lett were there watching Joe Simons who I see on Saturday night. Before and after the shows I had such great times with all the above, drank red wine, took photos, discussed at length what can be done to see how performers can actually earn some money, increasing audiences, pride in the sensational talent we have, staying here to build, approaching politicians to grill them on their support for the arts, the shortage of venues and the high cost of hiring a venue which ends up leaving those who give up their time and energy to learn a role, rehearse and then come out every night and some afternoons to provide it to the people in this and other cities for nothing or next to nothing. There are three levels of government and all have a responsibility towards the arts and in Brisbane they seem to own most of the venues. Unfortunately the entertainment in them is more often than not a gift of charity to us on behalf of the artists. Constantly importing expensive shows does little for supporting local talent. So many succumb and decide to move to get the roles. We train them so we should bloody well try and keep them and pay them with respect and money.
Actor-Producer-Writer-Director-Musician-Me
"First Things First"
13th February
Visy Theatre
Well it is almost Melted, the carnival will be over today and I had a wonderful time. My final show last night was Joe Simons joyous celebration of first times, the excitement, generally, of the first time for everything before it becomes ordinary . 'First Things First' Joe is an actor, a sublime and agile dancer, he speaks with physical theatre, he can tell a tale, he can engage every member of the audience and address them by name he is charming, he is funny and he is just sexily splendid to watch as he dances, prances, shakes, leaps and twists all over the stage. Sadly it is now over so you missed it if you did not go this week. I ran into the charming Joe every night I was there but missed my usual photo op. Next time.
This is Joe in one of my favourite photos that I have loved a long time before we became friends.
Joseph Simons as King Louis XIV as The Sun King by amazing photographer Joel Devereux which was in the portrait competition at the Melt Festival
Roald Dahl's - 'George's Marvellous Medecine' opened last night at the Cremorne Theatre at QPAC This is the first family show I have seen by the brilliant shake & stir theatre co and what a joyous fun and sensational night of theatre it was. This is a family show which runs three times a day for 34 performances for the kids and their parents (all 12,000 ticketed) during the school holidays, but if you are an adult do not be afraid. Never have I imagined that such amazing theatre is served up for the young impressionable and hopefully theatre goers of the future. If only fare of this professionalism was presented when I was young. I still caught the bug at age 5 but shows like this will guarantee audiences into the distant future.
Audience arriving. The huge and impressive set is a constant whirl of rotating brilliance, surprises and coordination thanks to the stage managers Janni and Nicole. Colour and movement non stop with the really truly magic lighting of Jason Glenwright synchronised to perfection with the absolutely perfect non stop sound design of Guy Webster. This all worked to the millisecond with the full on, no holds barred cast of Bryan Probets, Nicholas Skubij, Nelle Lee, Johnny Balbuziente and the surprisingly young Granny of Leon Cain.
Directing this hysterical mix of hyperactivity, poisonous goo, inflating nasty Grans farts and all things fun was Ross Balbuziente. I had the great pleasure of meeting the proud and helpful Balbuziente parents, actor Barbara Lowing along with playwright Katherine Lyall-Watson whose work Motherland I will be seeing in April, fabulous performer and costume designer Leigh Alexander Buchanan who is becoming one of my treasured friends I see so often at the theatre and I met up with director Michael Futcherr who will be directing one of Shake & Stir's exciting productions later this year. Also a hug from the special Rosemary Walker was so nice to have. It was my first time to be invited up to the rooftop reception area at QPAC for an opening night party and what a gorgeous venue and view. With a glass or two of red i wandered around shaking hands with everyone I could and had a ball.
The Cremorne is a lovely venue of 310 seats so if you can get a ticket I highly recommend you do. It is fun it is glorious to look at, it is a great time at the theatre and you will laugh and start your year with a smile on your face. Yes there are enough references that kept the adults laughing out loud from beginning to end.
Director: Ross Balbuziente Designer: Josh McIntosh Sound Designer: Guy Webster Lighting Designer: Jason Glenwright Featuring: Johnny Balbuziente, Leon Cain, Nelle Lee, Bryan Probets and Nick Skubij.
'Ladies in Black' is a brand new premier musical created by The Queensland Theatre Company with playwright Carolyn Burns, Composer Tim Finn (yes, Tim of Split Enz (1984), Crowded House (1990 – 1991), Finn Brothers fame) and directed by Simon Phillips. Last night along with friends Michelle Boyd, Phil and Sante there was a great crowded house for the near end of the run before they ALL move to Melbourne to open the 2016 season down there. By the end I wanted to stand and cheer until the incredible charmer Bobby Fox quietened us down for a few words before we had a Q&A.
For those unfamiliar The Women in Black refer to the women who worked dressed in stylish black dresses in the big Departments Stores - Goode's in this case but drawn on parallels we all remember if we are old enough. I was unsure by certain elements at the beginning as I adjusted to their observations of Australia in the 50's which seemed a touch patronising, but this was soon swept away as the characters grew, the music continued and developed and the charm of the piece took over. It is a lot more than frivolous nostalgia as it delved into the patriarchal, somewhat racist Australia as it began to enter the real world after recovering from the war. Loss, loneliness, adjustment to change, the growing independence of women, the embracing of new culture and a whole lot of fun. It is wonderful to end an evening in triumph with everybody happy.
Music wise there were some smashing songs, some fun numbers like 'They are Bastards' and really fantastic arrangements by the inventive band led by Musical Director Isaac Hayward. He really impressed me. For me the appearance of the sensational Christen O'Leary (my sixth of her plays) as the brilliant Hungarian Magda was a huge highlight. God I would love to go to one of Magda's parties. She was real, she was fun she was a breath of fresh air to the somewhat stifled population of that time. Also a favourite was Naomi Price turning in yet another great performance with that wonderful voice as a true treasure. It is only a few weeks since I last saw her on stage when we did get a chance to give her a standing ovation. Then she was backed by the super star Luke Kennedy whom I happened to meet in the foyer last night. After following him for several years now it was such a delight to finally meet face to face as he was there with another friend Chris Kel Lett.
Cast and Creatives.
It was a pretty big cast and as they said what was originally meant to be a chamber musical took flight and became a big show that should have years of returns and travels. As one of the cast said afterwards it was great to sing and tell an Australian story in Australian idioms and not have to sing with an American accent at which point the audience cheered. I repeat the voices were impressive, the story relevant to today, the creativity a joyful celebration.
The Costume Crew with fabulous friend Leigh Buchanan
A bit of a piano rehearsal of the title number way before it took to the stage.
Good come to those who wait. After an unexplained 'delay' of around 25 minutes last night the curtain finally rose on a truly spectacular piece of musical theatre - Les Miserables. A multi million dollar production and it looked like it.
Universally the singing was thrilling. So many great voices, so much passion and god, so many costumes changed at lightning speed. The ensemble cast could exit in one direction and within moments would reappear somewhere else as a different character as the set also changed miraculously and flawlessly before your eyes. I saw one set and relevant costumes that lasted but a matter of seconds. This was like a well edited film. And while on the matter of production values there is one scene where Javert leaps to his death which is breathtaking and nothing short of the best live theatre magic I have ever witnessed and elicited a huge ovation by a spellbound audience. I won't give away the details. The joy of hearing such powerful voices amplified a touch too much for me and a touch too little for my friend was exciting. Subjective assessments like this are what make theatre personal, but all cried at places that affect them the most.
For me was the special thrill of seeing Sarah Murr and Billy Bourchier(bottom right above) on stage for the 4th time each this year. Two 21 year olds with gigantic talents. Although understudying more major roles their numerous ensemble characters was a complete surprise as they each seemed to be prominent in scene after scene and with so many solo sings I was simply awestruck by their enormous talent. They are truly stars on the rise. I wish I had a photo of Sarah toting that huge rifle as she mounted the battlements, Billy with his crutches dance and their heroic deaths. So many moments to shine because I could not take my eyes off them. As I am not writing a book I will just mention three outstanding voices that affected me so much.
Of course Simon Gleeson as Jean Valjean just had to elicit loud screaming Bravos from me, Kerry Greenland as Eponine brought forth hushed gasps from everyone around me and Euan Doige (above) as Marius had the most beautiful, young and adorable voice. A truly individual sound that had a gentility that was pure passion and love.
Trevor Ashley
I should also mention that Trevor Ashley is surely a great Australian Star. An amazing performer, a charismatic chameleon and an entertainer par excellence. As the last note rung out David Bentley and I were the first to our feet yelling for the cast, the production and well we must not forget the composers. This is truly a musical/modern opera of great worth and this is a performance that should not be missed.
Brilliant 2.50 video sample of this production and cast.
Brisbane Cast at Lyric Theatre QPAC with friends Billy Bouchier front row red bow tie and Sarah Murr far right black dress
Oh what a night! Last night I went to the new original play 'Country Song' about the legendary Australian indigenous singer Jimmy Little.
Conceived by and starring Michael Tuahine whose voice is so rich and resonant, that even when he speaks it cries musicality. After the show when cousin Michelle Boyd and I went to a bar in Grey St we ran into Michael and the enthusiastic and charming QTC Exectutive Director Sue Donnelly and had a drink and a really great chat.
It was only a short time into the show that I realised that this work will live on, travel and become part of the Australian theatre cannon. Being just in its early performances I can see it will develop and grow and I hear that already there is a huge tour around the country booked for next year. It is an important part of our history that needs to be embedded into our collected culture. I was blessed to once again see David Page on stage. David is a local boy who apart from being an exceptional actor and brilliantly powerful and versatile singer is the musical genius behind the 'family business' of Bangarra Dance Theatre. Wait till you see some of his spectacular characters that just about brought the house down.
Another star in the making is the young Tibian Christopha Wyles who has just graduated from the exceptional performance school ACPA. So many have come from there and are filling places and adding richness to companies all over the country. It is at least the third time I have seen Tibian already and it was such a pleasure to get to shake hands and chat to him after the show. What a talented and oh so charming young man.
I was surprised and so pleased to see Elaine Crombie at the briefing a couple of weeks ago and last night I was left in awe by her brilliant acting and awesome voice. She could play with your emotions, lull you into a comfort zone and then belt out a song which left you quiet stunned. I really liked exchanging some thumbs up across the footlights as the audience stood, sang and clapped along with the last number which challenged us to stand and be counted. Elaine and I are good facebook mates now I am delighted to say. Everyone was wonderful. I also got to shake hands with and chat to the incredible lighting guy Jason Glenwright who has weaved his magic over so many events I have seen in the last year or so. I will drag out the programmes and try and count them up one day. He truly adds something special to everything he works on.
The foyer was also fun as I ran into the beautiful Leigh Alexander Buchanan. Leigh is also one of those Brisbane talents who spreads his incredible eye over so much of what happens here. He is working on the costumes for Candide which I go to see next Friday and also Happy Days which I see in three weeks as well as more to come like Dracula. I must see if he can spruce me up one day. As I said what a night!!
The original great and late Jimmy Little
The 7 Stages of Grieving
27th March 2015
Bille Brown Studio
Last night we went to 'The 7 Stages of Grieving' starring the wonderful Chenoa Deemal. Created twenty years ago by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman this work has been revived by several outstanding Australian indigenous actors including my dear and beautiful friend Ursula Yovich. Chenoa played the daughter od Ursula Yovich in the outstanding Mother Courage and Her Children back in 2013.
With some gentle updates by Chenoa and director, the fabulous Jason Klarwein this remains a strong, important and so relevant piece even post 'Sorry', 'Reconciliation' and especially in the light of the foul evictions from home country being perpetrated by governments as we speak. This is the bloody 21st century for god's sake. The LNP learn nothing. The new design of the production was masterful and so beautiful. Light and sand are the essence of this country and the contrast provided by the projections of what is wrong led to an attempted standing ovation until Chenoa sat us back down for a great Q&A. Lots of tears and lots of cheering for all full houses.
Lore
11th August 2015
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Playhouse QPAC
Last night I saw 'Lore' the latest show presented by Bangarra Dance Theatre Consisting of two new works. the first was 'I.B.I.S.' inspired the islands of the Torres Strait and created by Deborah Brown and Waangegga Blanco and a work of celebratory joy which had me in tears by the end because of the sheer beauty and spirit of the work. Following interval was 'Sheoak' a more complex work created by Frances Ring and growing out of the contemporary experience of knowledge, nurturing, affliction of poisons.
Central to both works was the remarkable Elma Kris. This is a dancer who has been in the company 16 years and although she has such experience she is remarkably young but holds centre stage with a towering but humble presence. When she is on stage all eyes look to her for a lead. Such magnificent dancing is what one expects but always the breath is taken away by the expressiveness, beauty and imagination of this major Australian company which is the only dedicated voice of the soul of this country. There are remarkable characters like Kaine Sultan-Babij, Luke Currie- Richardson and the amazing Yolanda Lowatta whom I knew well from Dance Noir and has skyrocketed to a starring role. She is just stunning to watch with movement that ripples through her body with joy and passion. For me it was a great thrill to see Leonard Mickelo on stage again. His work makes him one of the most perfect dancers in this country. His approach is immersed in commitment, beauty and that special something that makes every movement inspired. I was so happy that I did get to congratulate him again after the show as he has left Facebook behind.
One last comment is praise for the epic soundtrack for Sheoak by the uber great master musician/actor etc etc David Page. I just saw him here recently in Country Song which has now begun touring. The music was symphonic in scale and so powerful. As a bonus last night we had an hour long conversation on stage with Artistic Director and most important Australian Stephen Page and proud father of rising superstar Hunter Page-Lochard whom he spoke about with a lot of love and admiration. It was a full night. To add to the theme of so many recent posts I have made, Stephen mentioned that 70% of Bangarra are from Queensland. Such talent here is astounding.
Lore is also the most successful production they have presented in Brisbane. Do go and see Bangarra any time and be truly inspired and affected.
I then popped into the Playhouse for a play briefing with the cast of the outstanding and important 'Secret River' which opens soon. Wonderful listening to the actors discuss cultural input, the roles and the work on language and the importance of this story.
