Using music as a powerful medium to convey his telling messages, Aria Award-winning musician Archie Roach is one of Australia’s most recognisable indigenous musicians. After capturing hearts across Australia with his debut single ‘Took the Children Away’ in 1990 – a song that was based on Archie’s experience as a child of the Stolen Generation – Archie has created a significant back catalogue of songs laden with soul. Returning to Brisbane to perform as part of Brisbane Festival from September 9–10, Archie will share his life tales through song at The Spiegeltent. Audiences can also expect to hear a selection of new up-tempo songs from Archie’s forthcoming album. To book tickets, visit the Brisbane Festival website.…
When playing a game of Scrabble, or nowadays Words with Friends, there are a few letters that are always handy to have on hand – one of them being ‘s’. Something of all-rounder, the letter has managed to find its way into a number of words in our vocabulary, with many of these being adjectives that you can really sink your teeth into, including ‘sensual’, ‘sophisticated’ and ‘savage’. Delving into all things related to the seemingly inconspicuous letter that takes the 19th position in the alphabet is Circa’s latest show, S. The show is inspired by the shape, grammatical functions and sounds of the letter. Using this inspiration, the choreographers have created a show that explores the potential of human strength and flexibility against a backdrop of heady music. See this beautiful performance at Brisbane Festival from September 8–15.…
Pioneers of a distinct blend of cabaret, circus and contemporary vaudeville, La Soirée has been at the forefront the recent revival of cabaret. Visiting Brisbane as part of Brisbane Festival on the back of a world tour, La Soirée leaves audiences in a bewildering state of simultaneous amusement, amazement and shock at the often curious feats achieved by the talented line-up of performers. As part of the show, Ursula Martinez will perform her infamous disappearing hanky routine, the English Gents will showcase their swift acrobatic skills and Australian Nate Cooper will make his La Soirée debut in a frenzy of juggling chaos. To experience the delights of La Soirée from September 8–29, visit the Brisbane Festival website for more details.…
Water is one of the most intriguing and frightening aspects of the natural world. Sometimes serene, it invites you to enjoy, relax and admire. Other times, it can create chaos and swallow entire townships in a matter of moments. The introduction of a man-made lake into the Italian villages of Graun and Reschen in the 1950s left more than one hundred houses submerged with a 14th century church tower the only indicator a town ever existed. For many reasons, architecture can suddenly find itself in the deep blue, from Romania’s Tricule Fortressto to the imperial Jal Mahal or “water palace” in India. As the world moves constantly forward, it leaves behind beautiful shadows of a past life in tiny villages and bustling metropolises alike.…
After spending some time refining her individual music style without the aid of her equally talented brother Angus, Julia Stone found herself trotting across the globe on a whirlwind tour that earned the Australian songstress a treasured place in the hearts of fans all over the globe. With an Australian tour next on the agenda, Julia Stone will be visiting Brisbane to play songs from her latest solo album, By the Horns, as part of Brisbane Festival. Characterised by Julia’s beguiling vocals and knack for storytelling through music, the album has fortified Julia’s position as a solo artist in her own right. To experience Julia’s dulcet tones in The Spiegeltent on September 19 or 20, visit the Brisbane Festival website for ticketing information.…
Water can be a life source to a community, but it can also weave a web of powerful destruction. Brisbane choreographer Lisa Wilson explores the realm of water and both our fascination and fear of it with her performance of Lake. The dance will be a journey through the symbolism of water and its multiple meanings – it is also performed on a stage submerged entirely in water, thanks to the vision of designer Bruce McKinvin. Experience this dazzling production from July 11–14 at Judith Wright Centre.…
With the windows down and a sheer sense of freedom, a spontaneous roadtrip can be an exhilarating way to escape the city and unwind. When seeking the wonders of the great outdoors, even the most experienced of explorers need a noble steed to assist them in their travels. For the modern adventurer, especially those trekking the sometimes-difficult terrains of Queensland, Nissan has ‘toughened up’ its range of off-road vehicles with a special Queenslander package. Including bull bars, roof rails and tow balls, the vehicles come equipped and ready to guide you on your next expedition.…
It has been said that if you develop a passion for learning you will never cease to grow. Adhering to this idea is Southbank Institute of Technology, one of the most successful institutes to provide pathways to tertiary institutions including QUT and Griffith University. You will be able to discover the grounds and the extensive range of study options available at the campus when it holds its information evening on July 25. From 4:30–7:00 pm at the Institute’s location of 66 Ernest Street, South Brisbane, you will have the opportunity to discuss career options with teachers and the courses on offer, such as animation, hospitality and applied science. It will also give you ample time to take a stroll around the Institute to explore the world-class facilities available and discuss financial help on offer, including scholarships, FEE HELP and VET FEE-HELP.…
It’s been said the freshest cut is always the best and, when it comes to the art world, a few new ideas thrown into the mix can never hurt. Head to IMA to catch a glimpse of the creations of some of Queensland’s emerging artists, including works by Sean Barrett and Yavuz Erkan. The multimedia projects on display range from photography to video and reflect a modern world, as well as a modern generation, in tune with technology and its possibilities. Fresh Cut will be at IMA from June 23.…
It’s thought that when one sense is lost, the rest are heightened. Working on this theory is the performance Thrashing without Looking – a show that combines live cinema with aspects of live performance, as well as some participation from the very limited audience. Using a slew of tools including video goggles, Champagne and loud music, this experiential work examines the role of the audience, all the while taking a journey through the themes of loneliness, frenzy, banality and cliche. Experience the show at Brisbane Powerhouse from July 25–28.…
Is your little nipper the next Leigh Sales, Matt Moran or Asher Keddie? If you know a crafty kid who is a whizz with a whisk or the next Picasso when they have a paintbrush in hand, Brisbane Powerhouse is hosting a number of workshops to bring those hidden talents to the surface or pick up some cool new skills. Let your little ones loose on the graffiti wall, watch them work their way through the Makedo maze and get their flamenco on with Spanish dance lessons. There is even a kid-centric International Film Festival for budding cinematographers, and a circus workshop for those who dream of the trapeze. Powerkidz classes are filling up quick so don’t delay!…
Despite her charming smile and pretty voice, Virginia Gay has a surprisingly dirty mind. While others listen to a song and hear a sweet message about love and commitment, Virginia hears a smutty story wrapped in immorality. In Dirty Pretty Songs, Virginia presents her rendition of popular songs including Radiohead’s ‘High And Dry’. While she doesn’t change the lyrics or the tune, her performance exposes a different side of pop music. See for yourself when Dirty Pretty Songs reaches Judith Wright Centre from June 20 – 21.…
Regardless of time or place, kindred spirits will always find one another. Such is the case in Head Full of Love by Queensland Theatre Company – a story about self identity told through an unlikely friendship formed by a mutual appreciation of beanies. Tilly and Nessa meet whilst Tilly is preparing a beanie to enter the Annual Alice Springs Beanie Festival and Sydneysider Nessa is roaming the Red Centre trying to find herself. The performance will run from July 7 at QPAC.…
High art was once something to gaze wistfully upon from afar yet the cult sunglass labels and vintage-like frames by self-titled eyewear brand, Graz, will leave you torn between whether to look at, or look through these striking pieces of visual art. Graz Mulcahy’s creative thirst has led him from being the founder of AM Eyewear at the age of 19, to the force behind Ksubi Eyewear, followed by working with the big guns at Ellery and Chronicles of Never. Since 2009, the man behind these lenses is moving forward with his own specs label, Graz, showing up on faces of fashionistas and steady cult-like followers around the world, seeking distinct design. His appreciation of old world craftsmanship bred with present day designs is his philosophy to create classic designs of the future. With each piece hand-crafted, every Graz frame has a personality of its own, so put …
The bond between siblings can either be competitively paralysing or a pure catalyst to epic greatness – the Kardashian Klan is prime example for either or, whichever you prefer. But for Brisbane’s very own, Sheppard siblings, their dynamic bond has ignited fuel setting their hopes and dreams alive. Infiltrating the Australian and International music scene with their alternative Indie pop sound, Sheppard siblings George, Amy and Emma form Brisbane’s latest IT-band, SHEPPARD! Holding a strong family formation, the trio combined their talents with mates Jason Bovino, Michael Butler and Jared Tredly, becoming a gang of six. With their colourful, catchy mix of Indie tunes catering to any person of age, these kids express their youthful, affirmative take on the world throughout their 30 something produced tracks. Living proof that no dream is too big and that dust really can become glitter, they’re the newest kids on the block, in …
A photograph can bring a story to life in ways that can be difficult to convey in words. Celebrating the role of news photography, the World Press Photo Contest is one of the most respected collections of photojournalism. This year, exactly 101,254 photographs were submitted in the contest and the winning photographs have been assembled in an exhibition that will visit Brisbane Powerhouse from June 2–24. The first prize of the Contemporary Issue Stories category is a photograph (pictured) of child brides from Hajjah in Yemen.…
For those who slowly shuffle their way through Brisbane’s streets for the annual Zombie Walk, or for fans of the apocalyptic television hit The Walking Dead, your mecca awaits. The Zombie Mall experience answers that age-old question: what would it be like if zombies roamed free and our mission was to survive doomsday? In an appropriately themed abandoned shopping mall on the outskirts of London, you and your fellow survivors will hunt a zombie horde using airsoft weapons, all the while avoiding being eaten and/or infected by the undead. Three hours of non-stop, end of days, good old fashioned zombie hunting. Hurry though, the site is set to be demolished as all good zombie hangouts usually are.…
Finding that optimum balance between just the right amount of product and going that little bit too far is somewhat of an art form. For those who aim for that perfect coiffure that maintains its shape but doesn’t look crunchy, Schwarzkopf’s OSIS+ DUST IT from Fruition Hair is a mattifying powder that enables you to gain control over your mane without overwhelming it.…
Before finally succumbing to the inevitable, while lying on her deathbed and not sleeping for 11 days, Queen Elizabeth I was feeling a little loopy. The monarch resists sleep out of fear that she will never wake up and, as a result, spends her last day on Earth plagued by delusions that Shakespeare has used events from her life in his plays. In a performance that draws upon 16th century commedia dell’arte, Elizabeth: Almost by Chance a Woman is a tale of authority, womanhood and messy politics. The season runs from May 26 to June 24 at Brisbane Powerhouse.…
With its design nooks, art galleries, and offbeat cafes, Fortitude Valley has a creative energy that permeates every recess of the busy suburb. Held in Fortitude Valley on May 25–26, Brisbane Indesign fosters an appreciation for world-class design by showcasing more than 150 local and international design brands. Showrooms will be transformed with creative installations, guest speakers will give talks and Hong Kong-based designer Sean Dix will also be attending the event. James Street fashion and design retailers
will also take part in Up Late in Design on Thursday May 24.…
