FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.
Step into a world where tradition meets innovation, where old blends seamlessly with new to create something entirely original and electrifying. At Sadler’s Wells, the iconic Paco Peña, accompanied by his talented Paco Peña Dance Company, presents Solera – a captivating production that breathes new life into the timeless art of flamenco. As the evening unfolds, prepare to be mesmerised by a fusion of exceptional music, dance, and passion that transcends boundaries and embodies the essence of human emotions in all their raw beauty. The show opens with a symphony of everyday sounds that seamlessly transform into a vibrant celebration of the human spirit. Take away the traditional red Flamenco dress and imagine you’re in a studio with friends who are just chilling and decide to have a dance. They chat in-between sets, sip water, play on their phones – all normal every day stuff – that plays an insightful and very real backdrop to the magic unfolding in the foreground. From the rhythmic beats of percussionist Julio Alcocer to the exquisite melodies woven by guitars and voices, every moment is a testament to the skill and artistry of the performers. Directed with precision by Jude Kelly CBE, Solera masterfully transitions from the mundane to the magical, immersing the audience in a world of colour, light, and drama that is nothing short of spellbinding. In the second act, the stage comes alive with a spectacle of performance, accentuated by striking costumes and evocative lighting that elevate the talents of the company to new heights. Dancers… Read More
This exceptional triple bill showcases the extraordinary talents of three distinguished Canadian choreographers: Crystal Pite, Emma Portner, and James Kudelka, promising an unforgettable journey through the world of contemporary ballet.
Sydney, Australia is set to welcome a profound addition to its art scene as A Secondary Eye announces the launch of a new gallery space nestled in the arts district of Woollahra. Opening its doors on Friday, 3 May 2024, this new venture promises a fresh perspective on Australian Indigenous and contemporary art. Founded in 2020 by Jesse-Jack De Deyne, a seasoned specialist in the secondary market for Australian Indigenous art, and Boris Cornelissen, formerly of Sotheby’s London and Hong Kong, A Secondary Eye has quickly established itself as a key player in the art world. Their focus on developing the secondary market for art and collectibles in Australia has led to the exhibition and sale of works by prominent artists like Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Sidney Nolan, and Fred Williams, among others. The gallery’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with several pieces entering the collections of Australia’s most prestigious art institutions. Strategically located in Queen Street, a spot historically linked with the crème de la crème of secondary market art dealers, the new gallery is poised to continue its tradition of excellence. The inaugural exhibition will shine a spotlight on Rover Thomas, a luminary and trailblazer in the Australian art landscape. Known for his significant influence on the East Kimberley school of painting, Thomas’s works are lauded for their modernist abstraction and profound connection to ancestral land and Indigenous life. The exhibition, titled “Rover: Master of the Kimberley”, marks the first solo presentation of Thomas’s work in Sydney in nearly two decades. It will showcase… Read More
In 2025, the art world will witness a remarkable event at the National Gallery as “Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300?1350” opens its doors in spring, marking the 200th anniversary of the institution. This exhibition promises an unprecedented reunion of paintings by some of the most celebrated Italian artists of the 14th century, artworks that have been scattered across the globe for centuries. Highlighting this unique collection are masterpieces in gold ground, many originally part of larger compositions, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the innovative spirit of Western painting tradition from this era. The spotlight of the exhibition is the coming together of several panels from the revolutionary double-sided altarpiece, the Maestà, painted by Duccio di Buoninsegna for the cathedral in Siena. Recognized as the first double-sided altarpiece in Western art, this narrative shift in art will be showcased along with other significant pieces from the ensemble. Notably, the National Gallery’s panels from the Maestà will be reunited with works like “Christ and the Woman of Samaria” from the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid, and “The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew” from the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Another focal point is the reunion of the Orsini Polyptych by Simone Martini, a folding piece created for private devotion, likely for Cardinal Napoleone Orsini. Dispersed between prestigious institutions – the Louvre in Paris, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, and the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin – the exhibition will bring together all six panels for a rare presentation. Besides these reunifications, the exhibition… Read More
In an event that harmoniously blends tradition with contemporary flair, Sadler’s Wells Theatre unfolds its red carpet for Acosta Danza, as they present the UK premiere of Carlos Acosta’s version of Carmen from the 2nd to the 6th of July, 2024. This adaptation by the dance legend Carlos Acosta gives a new lease of life to Georges Bizet’s opera, stirring the soul nearly two centuries after Prosper Mérimée penned the original story. Carlos Acosta himself steps onto the stage, not just as a creator but as a performer, embodying ‘The Bull’ – a symbol of fate and destiny. This role, specially crafted by Acosta, emerges from his deep-seated desire to encapsulate the essence of the narrative while marking his departure from the Royal Ballet. His rendition of Carmen holds onto the timeless and universal appeal of the tale yet introduces a fresh perspective by minimising the setting to its core elements. Joining forces with Acosta Danza are Principal dancers Laura Rodriguez, Enrique Corrales, and Alejandro Silva, alongside guest stars from the Birmingham Royal Ballet – Yaoqian Shang, Javier Rojas, and Lachlan Monaghan, who will portray Carmen, Don José, and Escamillo, respectively. This cast embodies the spirit of the characters they portray, bringing to life the tragic tale of love, passion, and jealousy. Carmen’s story has always captivated the imagination of many, attracting a variety of choreographers such as Marius Petipa and Roland Petit to its fiery core. The opera’s enchanting melodies like the ‘Toreador Song’ and ‘Habanera’ continue to resonate, underscoring the opera’s enduring popularity… Read More
The 71st Sydney Film Festival, set for 5-16 June 2024, has unveiled an exciting preview of 17 new films and events, offering a tantalising glimpse ahead of the complete program reveal on Wednesday, 8 May. Festival Director Nashen Moodley highlighted that this year’s lineup explores a rich tapestry of human experience, ranging from gripping true stories to innovative fictional narratives and hybrid films that blur the lines between reality and imagination. With resilience emerging as a central theme, the Festival promises a diverse array of films that promise to engage, challenge, and inspire audiences. Among the initial selection are two Australian world premieres that are generating significant buzz. In Vitro marks a highly anticipated sci-fi mystery thriller directed by Will Howarth and Tom McKeith, featuring Ashley Zukerman in a futuristic tale set on a remote cattle farm. In The Pool, directed by Ian Darling, offers a poignant cinematic exploration of a year at the iconic Bondi Icebergs, capturing the essence of this beloved location and its community. Notably, directors Howarth, McKeith, and Darling will be present at the Festival to introduce their films. From across the Tasman, Rachel House makes her directorial debut with The Mountain, a poignant tale of adventure and friendship amidst New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, executive produced by Taika Waititi. This film, eligible for the prestigious First Nations Award, promises to be a highlight of the Festival. The international selection includes notable festival prize-winners like The Rye Horn, Green Border by legendary filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, and Pepe, a unique narrative featuring a… Read More
Tonight marks the grand opening of the much-anticipated stage production, GREASE, at the Capitol Theatre, a show that has already garnered rave reviews. Described as “close to perfection” by Broadway World and a “bucket list production” by Theatre Matters, this spectacle promises an unforgettable experience. The cast features some of Australia’s most loved performers, including Patti Newton, Marcia Hines, and Jay Laga’aia, alongside a talented group of actors who bring the vibrant world of Rydell High to life. The final tickets are on pre-sale today, with the availability opening to the general public on Friday, 5 April. After its Sydney season, the production is set to wow audiences in Perth and Brisbane, showcasing the timeless appeal of GREASE. Critics have lauded the show for its “non-stop extravaganza of electrifying hits” (The AU Review) and praised its “slicker, sexier and bursting with raw energy” production (Aussie Theatre). With a star-studded cast, including Joseph Spanti as Danny Zuko and Annelise Hall as Sandy, this production brings together an array of talent that shines in every performance. The iconic songs, dazzling costumes, and dynamic choreography make GREASE a must-see production that captures the essence of the beloved film. Be sure to follow the excitement and updates on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @GreaseOzTour. Book your tickets early and immerse yourself in the electrifying energy of GREASE – the production that proves this classic tale is still the word! For further information and tickets visit www.greasemusical.com.au
Dr. Nicholas Cullinan OBE has been appointed as the new Director of the British Museum, following the unanimous approval of the Board of Trustees and the agreement of the Prime Minister. With a wealth of experience and a track record of transformative leadership in the art world, Nicholas is set to spearhead a new era for one of the UK’s most prestigious cultural institutions. A Visionary Leader in the Making Nicholas Cullinan is renowned as one of the UK’s most esteemed museum directors, having steered the National Portrait Gallery to new heights since April 2015. His tenure at the Gallery marked a period of significant change, characterized by a complete re-presentation of the Collection and a substantial redevelopment of the building that expanded public space by a fifth. Prior to his role at the National Portrait Gallery, Nicholas curated exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Tate Modern in London, showcasing his international perspective and innovative approach to curation. Embracing a New Chapter at the British Museum Taking the helm from Interim Director Sir Mark Jones, Nicholas Cullinan steps into the role with a clear mandate for progress and innovation. George Osborne, Chair of the British Museum, expressed utmost confidence in Nicholas’s ability to lead the institution into a transformative phase. Osborne remarked, “Nicholas Cullinan brings proven leadership today and great potential for tomorrow. His remarkable achievements at the National Portrait Gallery have earned him universal acclaim, and we believe he will continue this legacy at the… Read More
Sydney, get ready to be seduced all over again! The incomparable, utterly salacious Bernie Dieter is making a triumphant return to Sydney in her legendary show Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett. From 29 May to 28 July, the opulence and otherworldliness of the Sydney Spiegeltent will transport us to the Berlin Underground with an intoxicating blend of theatrics, circus, aerials, and kabarett. Bringing together a diverse menagerie of misfits and mischief-makers, an electrifying live band, and a mix of Bernie’s iconic and brand-new music, it is a riotous evening that pushes physical boundaries, embraces non-conformity, and sits comfortably on the edge of danger, whilst also tickling your bohemian, gender-bending, and debaucherous funny bone. After sell-out seasons across the globe and setting London’s West End ablaze, Bernie is back in Sydney after a two-year absence, promising a cabaret experience that’s more provocative, more daring, and more outrageously entertaining than ever before. Prepare to be whisked away into a world where the extraordinary is the norm, and the line between the audacious and the sublime is tantalizingly blurred. Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is a feast for the senses, showcasing a dizzying collection of the most exceptional artists in the world, from hair hanging to fire breathing, unique aerials to toe-curling contortionists. Bernie’s unique brand of risqué humour, original songs, and bold covers will span the gamut from The Beatles to Gwen Stefani, ensuring every moment is filled with surprise, delight, and a touch of debauchery. This east coast exclusive is your invitation to join the ultimate party, a… Read More
