Brisbane Festival is bringing the National Theatre of China’s production of the hugely successful avant-garde play Rhinoceros in Love by revered Chinese director Meng Jinghui to the Brisbane Powerhouse. The contemporary production has been seen by more than 1.3 million people in China, and tells a love story that goes beyond the conventional realms of romance. Weaving tightly between tragedy and comedy, it sketches out the tale of rhinoceros-keeper Ma Lu, a man who develops a dangerous romantic fascination with the woman of his dreams: the uncompromising, unobtainable Mingming. Experience Rhinoceros in Love at Brisbane Powerhouse from September 21–24.

Image courtesy of Chenxurenren.

For many, when thinking of toast, breakfast, marmalade even an egg on top possibly springs to mind. But the same bread in the hands of an artist turns out to be a work of art. This so happened to Swedish artists, Ingrid Falk and Gustavo Aguerre after browning 2500 pieces of bread to varying degrees, creating a wide range of colours and shades to fit together as a giant mural of a toaster. Dubbed The Toaster, the artwork was produced in two days with the help of friends and resides in the Modern Art Museum of Buenos Aires for permanent collection. Definitely a unique way to earn your bread and butter.

The city of Detroit was once synonymous with cutting-edge automobiles and the soulful sounds of motown music. During its heyday in the 1950s, Detroit was the fifth-largest city in the United States. The once great city now finds itself in a state of distress, staking its place in the list of ghost towns and abandoned places around the world. It leaves behind a lasting music legacy and a hauntingly beautiful state of melancholy. Much of the city remains desolate today. Buildings sit foreclosed and forgotten, waiting for an economic revival. Hotels, theatres, mansions, art deco office spaces and family homes have become part of the distressed architecture, a background to the story of fading industry and urban decline. Kevin Bauman’s 100 Abandoned Houses project is a photo-documentary, showcasing a small number of some 12,000 abandoned houses in Detroit.

Melbourne-based contemporary dance company Chunky Move’s award-winning dance/video/music/laser performance Mortal Engine is coming to Brisbane Festival for its Queensland premiere from September 7–10, 2011. Mortal Engine has amazed audiences across five continents with the use of cutting-edge technology in which dancers’ movements trigger light and sound patterns. Brisbane Festival artistic director Noel Staunton said Brisbane audiences could expect to be wowed by the critically acclaimed performance.
Book your tickets now online, and click here for a snapshot of what to expect on stage.

Image courtesy of Andrew Curtis.

Smoky and romantic, a French bistro sets the tone for a night to be remembered. Chanelling Parisian charm, The Baker Suite promises to infuse Fortitude Valley’s music scene with charismatic allure and a touch of nostalgia. Delving into a seductive instrumental world, the band brings its whimsical and rhythmic live show to Judith Wright Centre, combining graceful ballads, enchanting gypsy tunes and soulful waltzes. Collaborating with jazz mastermind Paul Grabowsky joining in on piano, the ensemble band is set to inspire. Experience The Baker Suite on August 6 at the Judith Wright Centre.

Brisbane is in for a rare treat this September, as famed Belgian dance company les ballets C de la B brings its internationally acclaimed production, Out of Context – for Pina, to town as part of Brisbane Festival 2011. In France it was hailed as the ‘Spectacle de l’année; in Germany the ‘Produktion des Jahres’. Now the show is coming to Brisbane, fresh from 15-minute standing ovations and rave reviews across Europe and North America. Choreographed by Alain Platel, founder of les ballets C de la B, Out of Context – for Pina explores and questions the essence of humanity through the language of movement and dance. Be inspired by this combination of talent, strength and innovation from September 3–4 as part of Brisbane Festival.

When a tortoise and a hare go head to head, everybody knows slow and steady wins the race. When a boy habitually lies, no one will ever believe him again, even if he does cry wolf. And when a lion takes compassion upon a tiny mouse, the mouse will always return to the lion’s rescue. Sound familiar? Each one of these historic stories belongs to the renowned collection of the ancient Greek storyteller, Aesop.  Brisbane’s IncStamp presents Fabled, an exhibition inspired by Aesop’s Fables. Featuring original creations of various mediums from 19 IncStamp designers, Fabled will visually showcase one theme, the moral of the story. Re-discover the prominent influence of these legendary moral teachings at the Cosmopolitan Cafe, Fortitude Valley on July 23.

One of the centrepieces of the Queensland Music Festival is Meet Me In The Middle of the Air – a rare collaboration between Australian singer/songwriter Paul Kelly and internationally renowned jazz musician Paul Grabowsky. 
The show, which has only been performed three times before, explores the spiritual theme of Paul Kelly’s music catalogue. Throughout the show, members of the Australian Art Orchestra and the Choir With No Name 
will join the iconic musicians on stage to create a truly unique musical performance at Riverstage on July 23.

For centuries, romantics have continued to yearn for unrequited love. It’s the seductive, tantalising, interesting story we are all very familiar with. Boy and girl meet, boy and girl kiss, boy and girl fall in love, but then that unexpected twist or dark secret arises prohibiting the fairytale ending. Shakespeare knew this all too well with the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. Expression Dance Company’s R&J turns the tale of Romeo and Juliet on its head with a raw insight on what is human, real and inevitable. Created by Natalie Weir, R&J is presented across three eras, reinforcing the notion of love is ever eternal and lasting no matter what age you live in. The contemporary performance comes to life on stage from July 15 – 23 at QPAC.

Admired by the likes of Elvis Costello and Bob Dylan, and considered to be in the same class as George Gershwin, Randy Newman is a renowned singer-songwriter and film composer. His popular compositions include the Toy Story tune ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’, ‘Mama Told Me Not to Come’ and ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On’. Performing as part of the Queensland Music Festival, Randy will treat audiences to some of his timeless melodies. See Randy Newman in concert at QPAC on July 22.

An interesting and comical insight into how movements really start …

From September 3–24, 2011, Brisbane will be in full festive swing as acclaimed international and Australian artists and productions, free outdoor events, and the cutting-edge and offbeat burst across theatres and public spaces. This year Brisbane Festival welcomes a program that brings to town some of the most talented artists and performers from Australia and across the world, providing the city with countless opportunities to experience something new. Here’s a sneak peek to whet your creative appetite. Book your tickets now at the Brisbane Festival website.

Image courtesy of Marty Pouwelse.

Literally hundreds of emotions run through a woman’s body the night before her wedding day. The adrenalin rush she gets when she imagines herself walking down the aisle to the man of her dreams, the sense of doubt she feels when she wonders if she will really fit into that dress in the morning and the endless number of thoughts running through her mind exciting her too much to even get a wink of sleep. But what happens if it doesn’t all go to plan? Comedy production, Secret Bridesmaids’ Business follows Meg Bacon as she prepares for the biggest day of her life. Gathering her mum and closest girls, Meg is certain after 33 years, her day is going to be flawless. But as the preparation goes on, her bridesmaids stumble across information that could potentially shatter Meg’s dreams. So what’s the right thing to do when it comes to protecting your best friend? Produced by Mixed Company, the chaotic yet hysterical story of Meg’s big day will be exposed from July 13–23 at Brisbane Powerhouse.

When the quirky and unpredictable RocKwiz team combines with the talented minds of the 2011 Queensland Music Festival, an exploration of musical prowess is born. A retro-radio revival live stage show, Queensland Country Comfort Hour is presented in a style reminiscent of an old-fashioned radio play. RocKwiz favourites Brian Nankervis and Julia Zemiro star in this world premiere, bringing their unique charm, storytelling and vast musical knowledge. Visit the QPAC website for more information on booking tickets for Queensland Country Comfort Hour, at QPAC July 19–20.

Many people have their theories as to why Alfred Hitchcock is still considered one of the world’s greatest filmmakers, but few have made their case via recipe book. The Ultimate Hitch Cookbook makes a clever case as to which ingredients create Mr Hitchcock’s genius.

A rare treat for Brisbane audiences, two of the world’s leading traditional Indian musicians bring their talents to the Queensland Music Festival. Featuring a master of the traditional Indian violin Dr Lakshminarayana Subramaniam, and influential Hindustani vocalist Kalapini Komkali, Spirit of India promises to leave audiences spellbound. The musical abilities of both performers create a spiritual and musical feast for the ears. Spirit of India comes to the Queensland Conservatorium on July 21.

Australian comedian Eddie Perfect brings his wit and dark satirical humour to the Brisbane Powerhouse this July. Star off Offspring and Shane Warne: The Musical, Eddie performs a social and cultural autopsy in his new show, Misanthropology. Backed by a trio of musicians, he explores the lives of those who dwell in the monotonous pursuit of climbing the corporate ladder. Join the fun at Brisbane Powerhouse from July 20–23.

The search for some form of utopia has buried itself firmly within the human psyche. In some art forms, the chase for an idyllic existence manifests itself in physical form – embracing nature, embarking on adventures, or grasping at tangible possessions. In other cases it embodies 
a more elusive, emotional sentiment. For video artist Yang Fudong, ancient traditions collide with contemporary factors, breaking down barriers of traditional values, whilst exploring the search for paradise. IMA is featuring Yang’s iconic five-part video Seven Intellectuals in Bamboo Forest and video installation No Snow on the Broken Bridge. Beijing-born Yang explores an all-encompassing assortment of binary oppositions through his explorative video works – from female and male, and the individual and society, to past and present, reality and dreams. Call into IMA to see the exhibition until August 13.

A small-town suburban police station rarely gets its share of theatrical limelight. In David Williamson’s iconic Australian play The Removalists, a seemingly non-eventful police station sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events. Performed by the Queensland Theatre Company, the play delves into deep-seated issues surrounding domestic abuse, authority figures and gender roles. Confident and self-assured, Kate wants to see her meek and vulnerable sister Fiona flourish. Turning to local authorities for solace, the sisters attempt to extract Fiona from the clutches of an abusive relationship at home. Queensland Theatre Company will delve into an exploration of Australian society in the 1970s, from July 21 to August 6 at Bille Brown Studio. Book your tickets online here.

Milestone birthdays can evoke all sorts of emotions – from anticipation and apprehension, to fear and lamentation. Facing the imminent arrival of her 29th birthday, Bella (Matilda award-winner Amy Ingram, star of Fat Pig) delves into a retrospective evaluation of her love life, the happenings of the past decade, and the state of her future. Her 29th birthday falls in the Year of the Rabbit, and Bella is confronted by messy break ups, breakdowns, lost loves, friendships and the concept of youth. In Rabbit Bella throws a party that will reveal hidden secrets and force her to confront big questions. Part of The Allies program at Metro Arts, Rabbit is screening at Metro Arts Theatre from July 12–28. Visit The Good Room for more information.