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It was said to Arthur Miller that the inclusion of “Death” in the title of his play “Death of a Salesman” would damage audience attendence as no one would want to see a play that so clearly telegraphed the end of the play… and that it would be somewhat depressing… However, since it’s first production, Miller’s play has gone onto be performed constantly somewhere in the world at any given point in time- highlighting the fact that sometimes theatre managers/script editors should perhaps hold their tongues… more…
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I’ve known Van Badham for a few years- first encountering her name in a newspaper article in 2006 about Australian Plays and then commissioning her in 2008 for the inaugural Brand Spanking New at New Theatre where she delivered a horrifyingly beautiful crass masterpiece directed by current VCA directing student Mark Pritchard. She has launched and promoted more artists from Wollongong than is possible to mention and she is a playwright with unparalleled distinction and energy… and one who’s movements in the world and in theatre I lovingly track through the medium of Facebook. more…
Stories from the 428 launched last night- with the help from our friends at the Coopers Hotel in Newtown, Marrickville Council, ACTT and Queen Street Studio- writers, directors, designers, crew came together to have a few drinks, to meet the people who they will be working with in the next 3-4 weeks. This launch was for the participants… United by a love of theatre, new Australian Playwriting and buses- nearly 100 local artists are starting rehearsals this week.
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My posts have been infrequent since February began- mainly because I have been busy with all things around my current production- Stories from the 428- and barely have I had time for seeing shows- let alone reflecting on line about them. In my busy schedule, which often involves seeing up to 5 theatre productions a week- and when in production as I am right now- I spend days on end computer in lap, coffee in hand, managing spreadsheets, budgets, creative imput, publicity, dramaturgy, casting the shows I am directing, reading scripts and all things related to the creation of a brand new show (or in this case a collection of shows)… rarely do I give myself permission to stop. To rest. To be filled up and nourished. And that is why, in truth, I have a Sydney Symphony subscription. This subscription is vital in my mental, spiritual growth, my understanding of the arts, my development as an artist- but above all else permission to turn off my phone, get away from my computer and surrender to the perfection of someone else’s craft- music.Tonight’s welcome surrender came in the guise of the masculine swaggering, sutlry voiced Nigel Kennedy with his virtuousic talent as the worlds most loved and respected violinist. more…
After the success of the inaugural Off The Shelf in 2009, Queen Street Studio presents the third Off the Shelf a residency for writers and directors interested in creating original and compelling text based productions for the inaugural Sydney Fringe Festival.
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For many who are sweating it out in Adelaide- a fringe adventure is one where the idea must be strong and interesting enough to warrant the logistical and financial wrangling of performers, accomodation, fliers, venue, audiences, travel expenses. Fringe artists, like nomads, travel to Melbourne or Adelaide for such adventures… but now, (at last!) Sydney’s artists get to air their ideas in their home town and dream big in the everyday landscape of their lives and SUCK IT AND SEE.
The Sydney Fringe is imminent and its time to put digits to keyboard and apply! more…
Shopfront’s Residency program is open for applications from those artists interested in developing a project in 2010. I am a board member at Shopfront as I believe in its interest in and commitment to developing the arts practice of artists who are under 25. In the last week I have had the great priviledge to have met several applicants who have submitted early applications for the residency program for this year. Last year I attended the Artslab Residency Showing which was simply fantastic. It included a piece by Tim Spencer called “The words they make with their mouths” which is on right now at the Adelaide Fringe. (check it out if you can!)
Shopfront is a fantastic place for emerging artists to make connections with fellow artists and to explore ideas, practice styles under the mentorship of independent theatre director and Shopfront Theatre’s Artistic Associate Michael Piggott. Applications close on March 26 2010. more…
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It’s true that I spend a good deal of my time looking for, creating projects for, promoting new writing talent. In the last 3 years I have created 3 independent projects (Metamor/phases, Brand Spanking New, Stories from the 428) and a script development hothouse (Off the Shelf) culiminating 64 opportunities for writers/directors/actors to develop/practice/ showcase their art. In the middle of all of this- working a full time job, maintaining my relationship and writing for myself and for a company in Canada when I can. I’ve tried to create opportunities that I would want – places of experimentation, colleagiate regard as opposed to competition, places where work can be written, developed and produced within a year (yes- how novel!). How delighted I was when Phil Spencer contacted me about putting a little something forward for Cut and Paste! more…
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The team from Stories from the 428 are looking for approximately 20 actors of all ages, looks and backgrounds to join us for a two week season at Sidetrack Theatre in March 2010. more…
The view from the 428- it's a sign
It was May last year when I starting thinking about Sidetrack Theatre. I took a half day off from my day job to meet with Don Mamouney and to ask him about the theatre. A couple of weeks prior I had gone to the theatre with Jonathan Wald to see Wayne Tunks’ latest production. Sidetrack had remained a “venue for hire” after it’s funding was cut- and seemed to have occasional shows on- but nothing that splashed loudly in the print media or on the web. It is the theatre which I am geographically closest to. If Belvoir is Mr Waites’ “local”, then “Sidetrack” is certainly mine.
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