Bondi View 1 May 2014

Call for more schools as enrolments surge

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Independent Newspaper

Bondi’s Harry Tseng on stage

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bondiview.net.au

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FREE • may 1 2014

Road to recovery

DOING IT FOR DAD

By SHAMI SIVASUBRAMANIAN Sixteen-year-old Bryce Dean will make his father proud next Saturday, May 3 by participating in the Sydney to Surfers charity bike ride after having faced a traumatic accident six weeks earlier.

Bryce, a Bronte local, along with six other riders from the Eastern Suburbs Cycling Club, were struck by a black Nissan X-Trail four-wheel drive whilst on a routine Sunday morning ride. According to Bryce, the group were on a route they had “travelled many times before”. Several cyclists experienced fractured skulls, broken ribs, and severe lacerations to the body and face.

“The last thing I remember is running past everyone, making sure they were okay. Then I saw my dad, Hans, down the end, so I ran to him.” Bryce said.

Katrina Briggs, Bryce’s mother, recalls the phone call she received from the hospital as “heavy” but was grateful her son was not severely injured.

“Bryce very rarely rings me, but he happened to ring twice in quick succession. At that point I was like, ‘Right.

Something’s up here.’”

Unfortunately, Bryce’s father was one of three cyclists who faced a worse fate – a broken back.

That night, Hans underwent surgery. In 48 hours he was walking and a week later he was moved to a rehabilitation facility in Randwick. Two weeks ago, he was released. Now, Hans is back home in Coogee and is visited five days a week by a rehab trainer. But for Hans and his family, recovery is far from over.

Bryce questioned the effectiveness of existing road and traffic laws regarding motorists, saying the Eastern Suburbs Cycling Club takes responsible precautions when riding.

“We all have our flashing red lights on, and we’re normally out of the way on the left hand side lane.”

Sydney to Surfers co-ordinator, Ken Robinson, said road safety is all about“mutual respect”, arguing that rules protecting cyclists need to be better enforced. Mr Robinson said he fails to understand the road rage motorists typically have toward cyclists.

“What people don’t get is that for every bicycle on the road, there’s a car in the garage,” he said.

Bryce, who turned 16 last Sunday, will be going for his learner’s driver test in the coming weeks. He believes his experience as a cyclist will give him an edge over other young drivers. “[It] has made me more aware on the road. I can’t wait to get my P’s!”

The Sydney to Surfers ride commences on May 3 and supports Father Chris Riley’s Youth off the Streets Foundation, a community organisation fighting youth homelessness and substance abuse.

If you’d like to sponsor Bryce, visit his page at: give. everydayhero.com/au/bryce-dean

Historical plaque for Hakoah

BY Daniel Paperny A new historical plaque is being mooted to recognise the history of the Hakoah Club on Hall Street and its significance to the Bondi community.

Waverley Greens councillor Dominic Wy Kanak will convene with Hakoah member Richard Davis and a variety of stakeholders to discuss a potential wall plaque at the Toga Adina building, with a view to commemorating the Hakoah Club’s important historical

contribution to Bondi as a valuable community centre.

The Hakoah club closed its Bondi premises back in November, 2009 with the site currently owned by Sydney-based property development company Toga Group.

Debated at the Tuesday, April 22 council meeting, Cr Wy Kanak’s motion proposed a plaque on the Hall St footpath but was voted down on the grounds that it could offend the sensitivities of the Russian

Greens Councillor Dominic Wy Kanak outside the Toga Adina building

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Jewish community due to a misinterpretation of its meaning.

This was validated by an email from former Hakoah Club president Phil Filler, produced at the council meeting, where Mr Filler spoke against supporting the concept of a footpath plaque that could resemble “a headstone”.

Cr Wy Kanak said that despite the plaque receiving popular support from the community, the councillors reached the decision on the grounds that residents “may see the footpath plaque as a burial sign, like a cemetery.”

Alternatives such as a wall plaque are now being investigated.

“Historical plaques point out the history of Bondi [and] we don’t want to offend the sensitivities of our community,” Cr Wy Kanak said.

Labor councillor John Wakefield said the plaque would act to celebrate the history of the Hakoah Club, which was initially founded as a sports club to help bring together different members of the Jewish community in a recreational capacity.

“The Hakoah Club fills an important inter-generational role. It provided recreational and cultural facilities over many decades to the community of Bondi,” Mr Wakefield said.

“I think with a little bit of pressure and time, thinking and rethinking the idea, we will potentially see it come through.”

School enrolments skyrocket in Waverley

BY Joshua Tassell A report presented to Waverley Council has called for an increase to educational infrastructure in order to accommodate surging school enrolments.

The April 22 report outlines the ailing capacity of public schools in the Waverley LGA, noting particularly the dearth of available places in Rose Bay Secondary College (RBSC), the area’s only public high school. It recommends that a second public high school may be necessary to accommodate the increased numbers of students.

Concern over school capacities is borne of a recent baby boom in the Waverley LGA. Department of Planning modelling indicates that the 0-14 year old age group is predicted to surge by 37% by 2031, prompting anxieties for the future capacity of current education infrastructure.

According to the federal government, school enrolments across Australia are foreseen to surge by 611,000 before 2020. A further 1,550 new schools would be required to maintain current average school size.

Public primary schools in the Waverley LGA are approaching capacity, as is RBSC. Catholic and independent schools, however, appear competent to manage future enrolments.

While talk of a second public high school in the eastern suburbs

has been rife for years, neither Rose Bay Secondary College nor the Department of Education and Communities (DEC) appears to have any immediate plans for expansion.

Instead, the DEC recommendations include shared use of classrooms, adjusting catchment boundaries, introducing Opportunity Class programs at under-utilised schools, and an expansion of physical structures only “as a last resort”.

However, the report states that “there are no immediate plans by any school (apart from St Clare’s College and St Catherine’s School) to carry out capital work programs to expand numbers.”

Waverley Mayor Sally Betts supported the need to have more public high schools in Waverley,

arguing it is in line with the council’s long-term vision.

“We need to fully assess how many children we have got,” she told the Bondi View.

“We want to do long-term strategic planning for our community ... In a municipality like Waverley, we don’t have the privilege of finding a place with beautiful grounds.”

National Catholic Education Commission executive director Ross Fox said the problem rests with the NSW government and its intransigence on increasing education funding.

“Capital funding from the government needs to keep pace with the dramatic growth in the student population in Australia,” Mr Fox said.

The 0-14 year old age group is predicted to surge 37% by 2031

Overshadowed and overlooked: West Oxford talks dubbed “disingenuous”

BY Daniel Paperny Discussions surrounding the future of the Waverley bus depot site at West Oxford Street in Bondi Junction have been labelled as “disingenuous” and “shoddy” by Waverley councillor Paula Masselos, who argues that the community has limited say in the process.

A groundwater assessment report prepared by environmental consultancy firm A. D. Envirotech Australia for the Sydney Transit Authority has emerged, identifying dangerous levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and naphthalene in storage tanks at the Waverley bus depot site.

On March 31, Waverley Council extended invitations to tender for the site’s remediation. However, Cr Masselos expressed fears that this could be in preparation for the future sale of the bus depot.

“I know the community feel very strongly about this. They’re very cynical about the motivation behind this, 12 months out from an election when you’ve got the Mayor kite-flying about what we are going to do on the bus depot site,” said Cr Masselos.

She questioned why Council was not informed about the contamination of these storage tanks when the report was first produced on November 27, 2012.

“To me, [it] seems like there’s

an excuse to delay any kind of decision until the next [state] election in March next year. There is no assurance from the [NSW] Minister of Finance [and Services] ... that this is off the agenda in the long term”.

Councillor John Wakefield said the bus depot could be viewed as a financial asset with “highly significant” development potential.

“It’s a significant piece of real estate [located at] the entry point to one of Sydney’s largest regional centres. It sits close to a railway

station ... between two very wealthy suburbs and as far as developers would look at it, it’s ripe for mass scale residential redevelopment”.

In a letter to the editor published in the Wentworth Courier last month, Mayor Sally Betts confirmed that despite Coogee MP Bruce Notley-Smith’s affirmation the bus depot will not be redeveloped, Waverley Council were given a “different impression” in their meeting with Greg Pearce, the NSW Minister for Finance and Services, on

Waverley Councillor Paula Masselos questions the transparency of Council

September 13 last year.

Ms Betts said that as Council is “well into our West Oxford St precinct planning process”, it can now proceed onto the concept design phase of the project “without having to worry about overshadowing or any impact from development from the bus depot site”.

But a draft report by Elton Consulting group on April 24 confirmed that 53 per cent of residents who participated in Council’s first two community workshops expressed concerns over the scale of future development, particularly regarding the Waverley bus depot.

“Concerns about the impacts of taller buildings on the amenity and character of the surrounding low-rise heritage buildings were frequently noted,” the report states.

“The majority of comments about future built form focused on the bus depot site ... [and] potential impacts [of redevelopment] such as overshadowing, loss of visual amenity [and] loss of views”.

Residents will have an opportunity to meet the charrette designers to discuss the draft ideas for the future of the West Oxford St Precinct in a 5:30pm workshop at the Waverley Library Theatrette on Tuesday May 13. Following this, Council is expected to present an action plan for the area next month.

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Rats won’t take the bait

BY Triana O’Keefe Darlinghurst residents in Little Surrey Street are contesting a development application proposed by popular jaunt, Beach Burrito Co. In January of last year, Beach Burrito Darlinghurst carried out illegal building works that involved demolishing a garage at the back of the property, and subsequently building a decking area with a bar at the rear.

Residents Lisa and Neil Boswell live just 40 metres from the back entrance to the restaurant and are concerned about Beach Burrito’s intention to use the illegally built terrace as a bar rather than an extension of the restaurant.

Ms Boswell told City News that once she and her husband had alerted Council of the works, they issued a cease work notice to the restaurant, but by then, most of the work had already been completed.

“We wouldn’t have a problem with the bar area as long as it was enclosed, so the noise was kept to a minimum,” she said.

“The problem was we weren’t given a chance to have a say.”

In a Council submission in February, Mr and Mrs Boswell raised another major issue in addition to the illegal deck, which was the restaurant’s inadequate management of waste, leading to a rat infestation.

“There are rats everywhere,” Ms Boswell said. She explained that four pest controllers had attempted to manage the infestation, but none were successful. She was told that the rats were not ingesting the poison due to the large food supply from the restaurant.

“On the Easter weekend just gone, we had two rats actually fall into our courtyard and get trapped.

Previously we have had to hang a

Popular jaunt Beach Burrito Darlinghurst as seen without rats

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piece of rope from the fence so they could climb out, but we’ve started taking matters into our own hands.”

In a letter addressed from Lord Mayor Clover Moore to Andrew Wells, another resident concerned about the DA, the Lord Mayor explained that Council found no evidence of a rat infestation after sending an inspector to the area.

The letter reads: “City staff spoke with the manager of Beach Burrito about storing waste correctly and reports of rats. They were told that pest controllers inspect the premises every month and a bait station is installed in the garbage storage area.”

Mr Wells, and Mr and Mrs Boswell provided photographs of the rats near the restaurant bins along with their submissions, but Council continues to deny the existence of a vermin problem.

Councillor Angela Vithoulkas shares the residents’ concerns.

“What is of great concern is that residential neighbours have provided the Lord Mayor with photographic evidence of an active rat population in the area, but the Lord Mayor says they are wrong,” asserted Cr Vithoulkas.

“It is an insult to the residents who are dealing with vermin on a daily basis.”

The development application also calls for an increase in the restaurant’s capacity to 110 patrons in what is a very small area.

Cr Vithoulkas assures the community that the DA will be closely examined and the residents’ views will be taken into consideration.

Sydney filmmakers take inspiration from refugee stories

BY TRIANA O’KEEFE Two Sydney-based filmmakers have been named finalists in the 2014 Shorts in Paradise Film Festival. Trent Bartfeld and Tanya Goldberg, both based in Darlinghurst, were nominated against 10 other short films.

Mr Bartfeld, who wrote and co-produced Great Western, said: “Short films are primarily a launch pad for people who have artistic vision and opinion and who have something to say. It gives them that stepping stone to creating potentially bigger things.”

The festival, which was held at Neal Shannon Park in Surfers Paradise on April 26, selected short films from around the country in a variety of genres. A live judging panel of industry experts selected the winner.

“You want artists to be supported. Festivals are where they can go to find that support. It’s not just about financial reward or recognition in the form of an award. Most importantly, [festivals are] something that encourages filmmakers to continue exploring,” said Mr Bartfeld.

Great Western tells the story of a young Iraqi cardiologist,

who escapes a horrifying past by becoming a taxi driver in Sydney.

“A part of the story came from the 2007 election, when the Liberal government was trying to use identity politics to win the campaign.

“I was angered by the way the immigration issue and the concept of the outsider was being appropriated as a wedge issue to appeal to people’s prejudices and to motivate them to vote. It’s been an issue for a long time, and is definitely still topical today.”

Mr Bartfeld was working as a school teacher in the UK, after which he began work with the BBC. “[Filmmaking] is a passion first and foremost, I like to learn new things. Synthesising that with storytelling gives me the vehicle to keep learning.

It’s ultimately about having empathy for others and to elicit feelings from your audience.

That’s the primary job of a filmmaker and that’s what keeps me coming back.”

Great Western was shot over three days across various Sydney suburbs including Chippendale, Matraville and Homebush.

“The nature of filming long distances in a big city was challenging. The story is an Australian one and specifically a story about Western Sydney, so it had to be shot as close as possible to the location in the story.

“The end of the story takes place at Villawood Detention Centre. We obviously couldn’t shoot there so we had to find somewhere that approximated that. To suspend that disbelief was the real challenge.”

A young Iraqi doctor escapes a horrifying past in Great Western

Discarded memories: prisoners’ access to storage cut Scots College inconsistent

BY Paul Gregoire go ahead as planned.

Manager of the Prisoners’ Aid Association, Craig Baird, argues that the work of the PAA is very much a transitional service focused on assisting people after they are released from prison. “[Prisoners] need to have their belongings when they are released so they are able to resettle into the community and hopefully lead successful, law-abiding lives.

“People that are coming into the system in the coming months and years will lose their property. It will get chucked out.”

The Prisoners’ Aid Association was established in 1901. It provides

a collection and storage service for the property of inmates upon arrest, as well as assistance with financial transactions. During his 23 years with the association, Mr Baird estimates they have helped inmates on over 125,000 occasions.

“We store property for about a thousand inmates. It consists of personal belongings, identification documents and trade certificates,” Mr Baird said.

Brett Collins, coordinator of social justice advocacy group Justice Action, said Corrective Services made the announcement to cut the funding stream to the Prisoners’ Aid Association on the basis of a

Photo: Justice Action

Commencing in July, the Department of Attorney-General and Justice (DAGJ) will cut funding to the Prisoners’ Aid Association of NSW in order to divert funds to “transitional” services that assist people upon release.

For over a century, the Association has played an important role in helping inmates transition back into the community by collecting and storing their property whilst they are in prison.

The announcement to cut funding was first made by Corrective Services NSW, a division of the DAGJ, in September 2013 with the proposal now confirmed to

Prisoners’ need for access to storage facilities is an obligation and should not be abandoned

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decision made by former NSW Justice Minister Greg Smith. “[Greg Smith] said, ‘We’ll trim some fat out of the budget and force organisations like the Prisoners’ Aid Association to tender for services that they’ve previously already done and which they’ve maintained’,” Mr Collins said.

“Prisoners need — it’s not a question of want — they need to have secure storage. It’s an obligation along with the obligation to care for the prisoner.”

NSW Labor MP Paul Lynch asserts that the government has not considered the impact of the decision and has been motivated entirely by cutting costs.

“The lack of Prisoners’ Aid Association’s services will make it harder for released prisoners to re-establish themselves. That makes it more likely they’ll re-offend and return to jail,” Mr Lynch argued.

A spokesperson for Corrective Services said the department is ensuring the distribution of funds is aligned with the priorities of the NSW government and the DAGJ. “Providing services that support the reduction of re-offending and enhance community safety is a major priority,” said the spokesperson.

“It is important to note that substantially larger numbers of high-risk offenders will be provided with post-release support and assistance under the new Funding Partnership Initiative.”

about real student numbers

BY Chris Harris Paul Blanket, chairman of Concerned Scots Neighbours, has criticised the Scots College in Bellevue Hill for increasing student numbers, contending the school is becoming unsafe for cars and pedestrians.

CSN believe the college has been bolstering student numbers over the past few years, disregarding a 1992 Woollahra Council guideline of a student cap of 1120 students.

Questions remain as to whether the cap applied to Year 5 and 6 students, who moved in 2007 and 2001 respectively, on to the Victoria Rd campus.

In 2012, Scots sought approval for a general education building but their application indicated there would be no increase in student numbers.

Seeking clarification, CSN lodged an application in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

“We’ve employed traffic consultants, audio consultants, town planners and specialist barristers. We represent over 200 of the local neighbours.

Our local community will find and fund whatever it takes to make Scots neighbourly.”

Allan Coker, Woollahra Council’s director of planning

and development, said a class action would determine whether the school had breached conditions set down by council.

“There are legal outcomes on both sides: one suggests there is at least a nominal breach of the conditions of consent; if read in another way there is a substantial breach of consent,” said Mr Coker.

Last week, Scots principal Dr Ian Lambert refuted claims the school was “in breach of any cap on student numbers”.

This was reinforced by Scots media spokesperson Brad Entwhistle, who emphasised the distinction between student caps and the number of students currently enrolled.

Most recently, Scots lodged a Section 96 application with Woollahra Council, seeking to modify council development consent regarding the number of students on its Victoria Road campus from “shall not exceed 1120” to “must not exceed 1470”.

Shockingly, however, according to a December, 2013 campus masterplan published on the school website, last year’s enrolments were already sitting at 1546 students, without taking into consideration Year 5 and 6 students.

NSW nurses say: privatisation no way Street art revival in May Lane

Nurses at an anti-privatisation rally

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The Nurses and Midwives’ Association remains opposed to healthcare privatisation, regardless of whether it is partial or full privatisation.

“Whenever you invite the private sector in, you’re inviting them in to make a profit, to deliver those services at the expense of public taxpayer funds,” Mr Holmes said.

Mr Holmes points to Port Macquarie Hospital, which the government was forced to buy back in 2005, as a good example of a privatised hospital providing public health services gone wrong.

“The public system eventually had to buy that contract back off the private company because it was not delivering the services at prices the public system could” he said.

Martin Gray, vice-president of the Randwick branch of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, believes that the government plans to run down public health services so that people will be obligated to go private. “[Mr Baird] is trying to bring privatisation through the back door, through stealth measures,” he said.

“If he’s looking at the proposal like what they’ve got in Western Australia or the Port Macquarie Hospital, where [private companies] come in, build the hospital and provide some care for public patients in the private sector, it’s just a way of undermining the public sector and I think that’s what their plan is.”

Efficiency is a keyword that private companies use when they’re trying to make a profit, Mr Gray points out, and that means cutting corners in order to cut costs.

“I don’t see how they can actually make money from it, other than cutting wages, cutting conditions ... and expecting staff to work longer hours for less pay,” he said.

In NSW and Victoria, there is an established 4:1 nurse to patient ratio. Mr Gray raised concerns over whether this condition would be abandoned under a privatised model, along with plans to only have non-clinical staff on the payrolls of private companies.

“Mike Baird’s proposal is for non-clinical staff, but if it does become clinical as well,” warned Mr Gray, “then our ratios that the unions have fought hard for, would probably be taken away from us.”

BY Carmen Cita May Lane in St Peters is internationally recognised as an exhibition space for street artists. It had its last curated street art program in 2012.

Since then local residents have been divided over the future of the art space, prompting Marrickville Council to intervene.

Local business owner Tugi Balog invited street artists to turn the walls of his business, Graphic Art Mount, in May Lane into an outdoor gallery in 2005. The diversity and calibre of art on display inspired other local residents to join suit.

Greens councillor Sylvie Ellsmore praised the laneway, saying: “May Lane is known internationally as a place for people to visit and see good quality street art. The inner west is home to some amazing and skilled street artists, and May Lane is the highlight.”

In 2012, the official May Lane curated program ceased but spray painting and tagging have continued, which has raised concern among residents about the quality.

At a recent community meeting, some residents complained that activity in the area caused aerosol fumes, antisocial behaviour, litter and damage to private property.

Other residents argued that street art is vital to the local area and expressed concern that artists were being pushed out.

For many in the community, May Lane remains a source of local pride. When Marrickville Council surveyed 93 residents and business owners around the lane in 2009, 83 per cent were supportive of the street art.

The Council is proposing a revival of the area, comprising of a curated bi-annual art program and the designation of nearby

practice walls where local artists can practice with less impact on residents.

Deputy Mayor Rosana Tyler claims that the measures will renew and consolidate May Lane as one of the most renowned street art sites in Sydney.

“The curated program will re-launch May Lane as a street art site of regional and national interest, while at the same time educating taggers and graffiti artists, via appropriate signage, that ad hoc and illegal painting activities in the lane will not be tolerated,” she said.

“Designated painting times will make it safer for artists, will give residents notice and will make it easier to establish when illegal activity is taking place.”

Cr Ellsmore agrees. “If we want to support street artists we need to assist with legal places for them to display their art, without the risk of them being charged with one of NSW’s draconian anti-graffiti laws,” she said.

Photo: Carmen Cita

Photo: NSWNMA

BY Paul Gregoire Local nurses are speaking out against NSW Premier Mike Baird’s intentions to privatise the state’s hospitals.

Just three days into his new position, Mr Baird suggested that privatisation posed a “fantastic opportunity” for the future of NSW healthcare.

As the current healthcare system sits, the private sector is already delivering a range of services in public hospitals, extending from cleaning to the public-private partnership to design, build, operate and maintain the new Northern Beaches Hospital.

“There are also arrangements under which some private hospitals provide particular public patient care,” explained Mr Baird.

But Brett Holmes, general secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, states that the Northern Beaches Hospital is being fully privatised.

“They will get some funding from the government to provide public services, but it will be under the control of a private operator.”

May Lane street art

BY Triana O’Keefe Following the recent decision by the NSW government to sell off the Millers Point housing commission units, community members and local councillors alike are raising the question that’s on everyone’s minds.

What will be next on the chopping block?

Sydney City Greens Councillor Irene Doutney believes that by looking at the rationale behind the Millers Point sale, the question has already been answered.

“The way I see it is if we use the same argument for selling off Millers Point [which is land value], then we can only expect to see more sales in the future.”

‘This is not a dump. Some family could live here.’

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Cr Doutney expressed her concern for the public housing units in Redfern, Waterloo and Woolloomooloo.

“Look at the potential profit from the sale of those units. It would be naïve to believe they are safe.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore has also expressed concern over further sales, based on the government’s argument that the cost of repair and maintenance of the Millers Point housing commission blocks had become unsustainable.

“Does this mean all inner city social housing, like in Glebe or Woolloomooloo, where people also live in 19th century homes

is also under threat?”

When asked if Pru Goward, the NSW Minister for Planning, intended to sell off other high-value public housing properties in inner Sydney, a spokesperson said she was “not prepared to rule anything out.” But, she also offered assurance that “no decisions have been made by the government to sell any of those other properties.”

The Opposition and Cr Moore remain adamant about warning tenants of the potential risk as the government continues to sell homes to reverse a deficit of $330 million in the public housing system.

“All public housing tenants in the inner city are now put on notice that if the value of your home goes up, the government is going to put you out of your home.”

Woolloomooloo public housing resident Arthur Hammond describes the sales as “evil”.

“Things are getting so unfair. They are just lucky we are a civilised society,” Mr Hammond said.

“What I want to know is who else is behind the curtain. It wasn’t just one person calling the shots and we deserve to know.”

When asked if he was worried Woolloomooloo would be next, Mr Hammond said that the fear of losing Woolloomooloo was real.

“After Housing NSW [a department of the NSW Department of Family and Community Services] took over as the landlords, it has just gone downhill. We just don’t know where it will end.

“We all understand our homes have high property values but we have lived here for decades, even when they were not as highly valued. They shouldn’t be allowed to just put us on the streets.”

Cartoon: Peter Berner

What’s next after Millers Point?

Tim Freedman opens up about truth, beauty and A Picture of You

Photo: Chris Peken

BY Michael Koziol When you first set eyes on the blurb of Truth, Beauty and a Picture of You, it’s hard not to think that this is a play about the Whitlams themselves. “[It’s] about the hope you find when all hope seems gone, as four lost souls struggle to find peace with themselves and their pasts,” the website proclaims.

So grounded is the Whitlams’ back catalogue in soul-searching, melancholy and Sydney’s inner west that it seems obviously biographical. The names are hauntingly familiar: the show’s Tom, Anton and Stewie evoke Tim Freedman, Andy Lewis and Stevie

Tim Freedman and Alex Broun

Plunder, the founding members of the band, while another character Charlie is also the namesake of a Whitlams trilogy from the 1997 classic Eternal Nightcap.

The play’s tragedy mirrors real life too. Stewie dies, as Plunder tragically did in 1996, leaving those behind to “wrestle with their own demons”. For Andy Lewis, who left the band in 1995, those demons would get the better of him just four years later.

But there are differences too, and Freedman is adamant that Truth does not tell the story of the Whitlams, even if there are some sad similarities.

“It’s basically about millieu.

Certainly one or two of the characters have some world-wise and gruff reaction to things, which I didn’t find difficult to write. But it’s not based on my life events or anything like that,” he explained.

The production was conceived of by Alex Broun, an old friend of Freedman’s. The two played football together for the Newtown Slammers more than 20 years ago. Broun went on to become a playwright and a key force behind Short + Sweet, which began as an exhibition of ten minute plays in Sydney and has since branched out to become an international festival with events in New Zealand, Singapore and Dubai.

Broun and Freedman cowrote the book, and though the former is famous for his bite-sized works, Truth will be a fulllength production spanning the emotional peaks and troughs of the Whitlams’ song book — from the cheeky humour of ‘Laugh in their Faces’ to the deep melancholy of ‘Keep the Light On’.

Freedman says he helped craft the script to “make the dialogue sound as if musicians would have talked to each other”. Unlike the Whitlams, whose success was enduring, Stewie, Anton and Charlie experience a fleeting minute in the sun.

“It’s very un-idealised. These guys [in the musical] had a little

moment. There was no pot at the end of the rainbow. It’s not a rags to riches tale.”

Truth is about “a moment when a young man finds out a secret that shakes his world”, Freedman says.

This connects well with his songs, which are, in his words, mostly “about friendship, often male”.

Neither Freedman nor Broun are part of the small cast, which consists of Ian Stenlake, Scott Irwin, Erica Lovell, Toby Francis and Ross Chisari. Freedman will scratch his performance itch on a tour later in the year, performing the songs of Harry Nilsson, whom he admires as both a musician and a “magnetic personality”.

“In the first half of his career, [Nilsson] wrote some deceptively intricate pop songs,” Freedman says. “And then of course there’s the lurid detail that everyone always seemed to want to stay up all night with Harry.”

There’s no one knocking on Freedman’s door at midnight anymore, one of the stark realities of being a single dad. But it wasn’t hard to reach back and recall those heady, boyish days for the purpose of putting together Truth.

“It’s only 20 years ago,” Freedman says. “It sort of seems like yesterday, really.”

Hayes Theatre Company, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point Running May 9 – June 1 Tue - Sat at 7.30pm, Sat at 2pm & 7.30pm, and Sun at 5pm Adult $48, Concession $42 Book via hayestheatre.com.au

news in brief New amenity building for Waverley Park

Waverley Council has commenced construction on a new amenity building in the southwest corner of Waverley Park.

Following a period of community consultation, Council approved the development application for the new amenity building in October, 2009 and considered it part of its long-term urban planning agenda.

Axis Constructions was appointed by Council to undertake the final design and have now construction work on the project. The amenity building is expected to be completed in 3-4 months.

Affordable housing for the Block blocked The Aboriginal Housing Company

(AHC), an Aboriginalgoverned community housing organisation, is going ahead with a commercial redevelopment at the Block in Redfern, citing the fact that pursuing affordable housing in the area is not commercially viable.

Renowned as the Aboriginal centre of Redfern and rich with indigenous political history, the Block was originally bought by the AHC in the 1970s in order to facilitate Aboriginal-managed social housing.

But, just last week, Mick Mundine, the chief executive of the AHC, confirmed that the organisation will begin construction on its plans to transform the Block into a large-scale residential and retail precinct later this year.

The NSW government has no current plans to fund the AHC’s project.

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His Mother’s Voice

By MICHAEL MUIR & ALEXANDRA ENGLISH His Mother’s Voice takes audiences from 1966 Shanghai at the time of China’s Cultural Revolution, all the way to the eve of the Tiananmen Square protest.

An aim of that revolution was to remove all ‘capitalist’ cultural elements from Chinese society.

So, learning piano which is at most, a tedious chore to the student, became distinctly dangerous.

Lead actor Henry Tseng describes the play’s ambience as similar to Mao’s Last Dancer. It’s based on the true story of an incident that caused friction in Sino-Australian relations.

On the cusp of the ‘Asian century’ - one that will be dominated by the People’s Republic of China - it becomes more important to consider the nature of Australia’s relationship with this massive northern nation. bAKEHOUSE director Suzanne Millar says writer Justin Fleming “has taken a big idea – the relationship between China and Australia – and gently examined it through the prism of a family.”

Relevant to the play’s themes is Malcolm Fraser’s latest book Dangerous Allies that promotes the idea our most significant ally – the United States – should not be.

A former Liberal Prime Minister, and Defence Minister during the Vietnam War, Fraser believes Australia risks being entangled in another conflict if we do not distance ourselves from the United States; that the current alliance is characterised by compliance with U.S. wishes.

Tensions rising in the East China Sea between China and Japan over disputed islands are just one area that could draw the U.S. into a conflict that – on current treaty arrangements – would enmesh Australia as well.

Visiting Japan in mid-April, President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to Tokyo, at a time when Japan’s present government, seems to be taking an

increasingly nationalist stance on the issue of the islands’ ownership.

Fraser also believes containment of China to be unnecessary. He believes China is too occupied with its own economic growth to have other intentions.

He’s also pointed to the Sino-Soviet divide, which he says the U.S. never completely understood; the fact there was not – even during the Cold War – a united threat from the East. Fraser feels that an opportunity was lost at the end of the Cold War for Australia to take a much more independent stance on foreign relations, one that better serves the interests of Australia, rather than those of our largest ally.

The story of His Mother’s Voice is no less serious but manages to leaven the drama with poetic tinges and humour. Ten of the cast of twelve are Asian, and Harry Tseng says overall it presents an optimistic view of Australia’s interaction with China.

Graduating from NIDA in 2010, Eastern Suburbs resident Harry Tseng is originally from Box Hill in Victoria. Becoming an actor was a gradual process for him: his original dream was to be a singer and he spent fourteen years doing so – in opera and jazz. However, it was during a performance of Hot Mikado (a jazz version of the Gilbert & Sullivan favourite) he had a revelation when one of the chorus members was talking to him about “what fun it was”. For Tseng ‘fun’ is not what it seemed.

During the performance of a subsequent operetta a co-lead suggested he try drama. After a few private lessons he was accepted for NIDA – that was four years ago. Since then some of the productions he’s appeared in are: Moths (Melbourne Theatre Company), Seekers (directed by Rodney Fisher) and playing Sam in Lord of the Flies; and Tseng has also directed Life’s A Stage for the Chinese New Year Festival Company. On television he’s had guest roles in the popular SBS series East West 101, and in films such as the about to be released Healing with Hugo

Weaving.

Recently, the offer of another role wasn’t to Tseng’s liking.

The town of Young in south-west NSW transformed its annual historical festival this year, adopting a Chinese theme. In the 1800s it was known as Lambing Flat, which in 1861 was the site of a dreadful riot in which European miners attacked their Chinese counterparts.

With that history in mind the festival itself had many positive and conciliatory aspects. However, being asked to take part in a re-enactment of the riot, Tseng saw as insensitive and he makes the point that this is, even 153 years on, still a painful memory for

Australians of Chinese heritage.

It’s these cultural insensitivities that we need to avoid according to the director Millar: “With Australia building its relationship with China, it’s important to be aware of miscommunication, of things unsaid, of misunderstandings. To establish the relationship on mutual benefit, respect and understanding. I think audiences will appreciate the theatre, and reflect on the ideas.”

At its heart it asks the simple question: what would you do for love? (MMu) Until May 17, atyp Studio 1, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $20-30 (02) 9270 2400, bakehousetheatrecompany.com.au

Harry Tseng

EAT & DRINK

Skyline Drive-In Diner Collect a carload for a retro-style dinner and movie ($10/head) at the recently remodelled Blacktown Skyline Drive-In.You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of Happy Days with smiling staff in redand-white candy striped uniforms, Creaming Soda Spiders ($6) and buttered popcorn wafting through the air. It’s enough to create nostalgia even in those $ - mains less than $15

$$ - mains between $15-$22

GREATER SYDNEY Woodland Kitchen and Bar You met him at Pony Dining, but now Chef Damian Heads is riding his own horse in a remarkably unpretentious bistro. Damien’s cooking style elevates home-style cooking using the intense heat of a woodfire grill. It makes Grilled Haloumi with Smoked Tomato Relish ($15.50) so good it outshines Grass Fed Dry Aged Sirloin on the Bone ($38/350g). Crunchy Steamed Greens with Almond Butter ($8) and Mash ($6) that’s ninety percent potato will set off your steak, especially against the jammy Woodstock Octogenarian Grenache ($46/bottle). Or stay light with a Blood Orange Margarita ($15) and

By Jackie McMillan who’ve never set foot in an American drive-in’s diner! Comfortably ensconced in a padded-vinyl booth, I take in quirky wall memorabilia before losing my head in a Peanut Butter Milkshake ($7) – it’s so good you won’t want to share. The Classic Beef and Cheese Burger’s ($8) plump, char-grilled Angus beef patty leaves surrounding fast-food joints for dead.

You can also indulge in your own Jessica “I don’t eat buffalo” Simpson moment with Original Buffalo Wings ($9) served with ranch dressing. As for me, I was all about gently squeezing the fat, smoked Frankfurt between my Chilli Dog’s ($8) soft white buns, while I bent the ear of Skyline Drive-In’s General Manager, Trudi Manning. With eighteen years of experience Trudi has seen “everything from PGrated to XXX” as she patrols her turf, adding with a cheeky grin: “I still say we’re the cheapest motel in town.” Trudi’s also into cars, so dust off your classic car and roll on in!

Cricketers Arms Road, Blacktown (02) 9622 0202 aturablacktown.com.au/food-drink/ American $ $$$ - mains between $22-$30

a pretty Seared Scallop Salad ($22) followed by Lamb Backstrap ($34) on smoky eggplant with quinoa, tomato and herb salad.

2/19-25 Grosvenor Street, Neutral Bay (02) 9904 3400 woodlandkitchen.com.au Modern Australian,Wine $$$-$$$$ Wagyu House A circus tent of lighting alerts you to this Korean mecca of meat. Pull your vehicle directly into the centre of the restaurant; get met by a smiling waiter and directed into ‘The Butcher’. Greeted by an extensive, white-plate selection, ranging from mixed to marinated meats, vegetables and seafood, we eventually lean towards marination. Selecting Chilli Seafood Sticks ($10/3), Angus Short Rib ($25) and Pork Belly Chilli

$$$$ - mains over $30

($20.64/259g) with Baek Se Joo ($22/300ml) mellow Korean ginger and ginseng rice wine, we cross the carpark to a table brimming with banchan. These small vegetable sides – from kimchi to ultra-sweet carrot and potato hunks – go well with our self-barbequed charcoaled selections.

Joyous but very messy…

668-670 Parramatta Road, Croydon (02) 9797 9999 Korean $$ EASTERN SUBURBS The Hill Eatery Breakfast here is a stimulating experience, with plant life draping the walls, brown leather sofas, and repurposed wood benches.

When it comes to the food, it’s all

Shuk

By Alex Harmon Bagels may have started the ‘Jewish food’ craze but Shuk (meaning marketplace in Hebrew) is where you’ll find a genuine melting pot of traditional and modern Israeli flavours, with some Mediterranean touches thrown in for good measure. Open all day, this bakery-restaurant-pickled food shop is found about honesty, with a farm-to-table philosophy. Although tempted by breakfast cocktails, some joggers guilt me into Green Juice ($6.50) with apple, mint, cucumber and citrus.You feel healthier just looking at it. Muffins, like Date, Banana and Chocolate ($4.50), are baked fresh daily. Mexican Baked Eggs ($18.50) start the day off in good stead (if you can finish it)! Love Eggs ($16.50) gets it right with field mushrooms, fanned avocado, ricotta and poached eggs on sourdough. It’s also a bar of an evening, with a strong local following.

39-53 Campbell Parade Bondi (02) 9130 2200 thehilleatery.com.au Café, Breakfast, Bar $-$$ The Unicorn Sprinkling some intrigue into the Paddo pub scene, find yourself a nook this could almost be a small bar. Head downstairs to Easy Tiger, a nightclub

on a quiet street in North Bondi – surprisingly away from the beach. Of an evening, you can be tempted

by Haloumi ($12) served with walnut, honey and coriander seed – a winning combination of flavours.

They’re still unlicensed, but helpful staff will point you in the direction of the nearest bottle-o. Share the Cured Beef with Kale and Provolone ($16) or delve into a delicious House-Made Gnocchi ($24) with mint pesto (from their garden), tomato and baked ricotta.

It’s hard to beat the Roast Chicken ($28) – terribly juicy, marinated in Mediterranean spices with burghul pilaf and a creamy labne. Dine al fresco on the curb (plenty of room for prams, it seems) or elbow your way inside (it’s rather busy on weekends). The kitchen will be very disappointed if you leave without dessert – their Crème Caramel ($10) is spiced with ginger and topped with pistachios – and ends the evening swimmingly. Go and break some bread at Shuk – you won’t be disappointed.

2 Mitchell Street, North Bondi (0423) 199 859 shukbondi.com Middle Eastern, Mediterranean $$

that brings ‘70’s American Hustle to the Eastern Suburbs. Cocktails – Negroni ($16) or a Fancy Pants ($16) with amaretto, citrus and apricot - pay homage to this time.You know it’s not ordinary pub food when you can get Activated Almonds ($5) with your beer.Yes, the menu’s on the healthy side, from Grilled Haloumi ($12), olives and capers to Quinoa Salad ($13) with pumpkin, beetroot, Binnorie Dairy feta and optional Chicken ($17).They’re heartier than they sound, but you can still manage some Spicy Pork Tacos ($12).

106 Oxford Street, Paddington (02) 9360 7994 theunicornhotel.com Pub Bistro, Cocktails $-$$ Elmo’s Restaurant Yes, it’s in a club, but this deceptively exciting restaurant is in a glass box overlooking Coogee Beach. Manager Vinni Dias is an excellent guide (and

enthusiast) for the traditional end of this Brazilian-influenced Australian menu that includes Pão de Queijo ($8) cheese bread and Sydney Rock Oysters ($18/6) with flavoursome ‘kiss peppers’, lime, Spanish onion, coriander and palmito.The latter ingredient is a revelation in Baked Palm Heart,Tomato, Chutney, Pimento & Gorgonzola ($16), too.

Escondidinho de Cogumelos ($15) delivers four types of mushrooms sautéed in garlic and butter, buried under cassava and cheese; but their biggest hit is Moqueca ($34) a red, coconut-enriched fish and prawn stew – oh and eight-buck Mojitos!

Coogee Legion Ex-Service Club, 200 Arden Street, Coogee (02) 9665 8230 coogeelegionclub.com.au/elmosrestaurant/ Brazilian/Modern Australian $$-$$$

EAT & DRINK

By Jackie McMillan

Jonkanoo Just when you’re bored out of your mind with modern Mexican and Korean spin-offs, an authentic take on Caribbean bursts onto the Sydney scene.

Seated in a beautifully decorated pale blue and white weatherboard setting, decked out with eye-catching wooden string lights casting interesting shadows onto your repurposed wood table, you’ll admire photo memorabilia.You’ll eat small tings and bigga DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS Rocafelas “If everyone’s going to evacuate and be scared of the area, I’m staying in,” declares Rocko Tozzi, son of Kings Cross hospitality royalty Antonello Tozzi. He and Nate Johnson are offering up a loosely 70s-themed Italian red-sauce diner where you can eat and drink inexpensively up to the city’s new witching hour of 3am. Alex Lehours’ artwork pushes you at the Stolen Spiced Rum Dark & Stormy ($14); or there’s Mulo ($16) – vodka, ginger and Ramazzotti – that compliments tasty Meatballs ($14) in rich tomato sauce.

Kick on with longnecks in paper bags against simple standout pizzas like Pollo ($16) with chicken, avocado and mozzarella, or light’n’bright Capelli

tings; indeed there are heaps of tings you will adore - except alcohol. Their liquor licence is coming... but I couldn’t contain my lust for coconut bread and ‘slaw accompanying their authentic Jerk Pork ($16/ half pound, $32/pound). This meant I found Oysters Natural with ‘Jamaican Gravy’ ($3.50/each) rather torturous, as their pickled vegetable ‘gravy’ is served in a Captain Morgan Rum bottle. Rum would’ve picked up my Mint and Lime Juice with Coconut Foam Float ($8) rather nicely. My fault for not being able to resist the opportunity to wrap my lips around Trini Carnival Doubles ($12) overflowing with curried chana, pepper and mango; this place being much cheaper than an airfare to Trinidad! Soused Mackerel ($16) served with ginger ale and sweet potato chips tastes quite fishy, suiting a good slather of Uncle Tyrone’s Caribbean sauces. Despite already including scotch bonnets, fried Escovitch Fish ($26) loves a splash of those tings too!

583 Crown Street, Surry Hills (0415) 922 240 jonkanoo.com.au Jamaican $$$

D’Angelo ($16) with rocket, chilli and prosciutto.

1 Kellett Street, Potts Point (02) 9360 0260 rocafelas.com.au Italian, Pizza, Cocktails $-$$ The Carlisle Bar This bar wins my most sexy and clever cocktail title: Rye An’ Gosling ($18) made with rye whiskey, Goslings rum, ginger beer and freshly squeezed apple juice. If Sydney women weren’t drinking whiskey before, they are now. After your fling, retire to the workman’s bar – a ‘steerage class’ lounge suited to tapas snacking. Homemade Haloumi ($14) is out of this world, made with real milk (not powder) by an 86-yearold Greek woman.Tortilla Chips ($16) with guacamole go hand-in-mouth with a Skinny Bitch ($18) cocktail: because excess in denial is the Kings Cross way.

Chef isn’t giving any secrets away about

Botany View Hotel The front bar of Newtown’s Botany View Hotel felt a bit like a scene from Cheers. For the locals, it’s clearly a place where everybody knows your name. Drink specials abound: from ten-buck Aperol Spritzes “all day every day”, to twelvebuck jugs of mainstream beers, or a bottled

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ROCKS & CBD Chefs Gallery The duck pancake is dead – long live shredded Peking Duck Roti Wraps ($16.90/6 pieces)! They’re my highlight of the revised menu, centring upon Chapas – Chinese style tapas. Before you wince, recall the Chinese have shared small dishes – dim sum – since the Han Dynasty; and reduced portions means more things! Start with vinegar-based Seaweed Salad ($6.90) before moving onto Chinese dude food: tasty Macanese Style Pork Fillet and Floss Mini Burgers ($15.90/3

selection of craftier options. We opt for a quirky foursome of Absolut Vodka ($25/4) mixes, let down by Absolut Vanilionaire being made without the full set of ingredients. As an everyday local, it’s nice to see specials like the Whopper and Schooner ($18) offering up a post-work burger and beverage every Monday to Wednesday evening after five. When it comes to the rest of the menu put out by Darley Street Bistro, the regulars are divided; with one telling me: “it’s a bit over-rated, they put too many things on the plate,” while others swear by it. Finding Goat Curry Lumbini Style ($22) had already sold out, I settled for Greek Style Chicken Breast ($23) with skordalia, feta, oregano, tangy mash and a well-dressed tomato and cucumber salad. It was beaten by Beef Fillet ($31), bacon and thyme hash-brown, eschallot puree, wilted garlic spinach, truffle brisket croquette and an over-reduced jus.

Okay, so it’s not perfect, but you don’t have to do the washing up…

597 King Street, Newtown (02) 9519 4501 botanyviewhotel.com Pub Bistro $$$

and maple syrup, or Beef Brisket, ‘Slaw ‘n’ Gerkins ‘Narnies’ ($14). I’m all about egg cartons of creamy Fish Three Williams Croquettes ($3/each) with lemon, In a part of Redfern not aioli and dessert in a glass: Banana, overflowing with great brunch Medjool Date and Walnut Praline options,Three Williams made a Smoothie ($7). splash. Despite the stripped-back minimalism of concrete, ramps and 613a Elizabeth Street, Redfern (02) 9698 1111 threewilliams.com plywood, it’s welcoming to people who stretch beyond hipster clichés, Café $ Vic on the Park including little people.The yummy This fast-paced yellow kitchen Mummy set select slick salads like – delineated with a hipster font Chicken, Spice Roasted Carrots, – produces four winning Sliders Avocado, Cashew and Citrus ($20/4) from a repertoire of six.

Dressing ($14) with house-made ‘Beef’ ($6) with pickles, onion, Pineapple and Mint Soda ($12/ cheese and French’s mustard jug). On naughty days it’s Crunchy mayo is hard to beat; but by Brioche French Toast ($14) with roasted pecans, blueberries, yoghurt doubling up ‘Vego’ ($6) with grilled NEWTOWN & ENVIRONS

his Spicy Chicken ($16), but will talk you through Prawn and Calamari ($18).

2 Kellett St, Kings Cross (02) 9331 0058 thecarlislebar.com.au Bar, Bar Food, Cocktails $$

haloumi and zucchini fritter, it’s a vegetarian game-changer.Their brown-paper serving method keeps ‘em separated, allowing you to two-hand them with crafty brews, like Pikes Oakbank Pilsner Lager ($8.50).The mainstays of this oldboozer-turned-local-communityhub have been updated rather than forgotten, like a Pie of the Week ($17), bearing duck, chicken and mushrooms, or a hefty Vic Roast ($26) with crisp-skinned pork belly, roast vegetables, greens and apple’n’cider gravy.

2 Addison Road, Marrickville (02) 9557 1448 vichotel.com.au Pub Bistro, Cocktails, Burgers $$-$$$

JamVybz Restaurant & Café

By Alex Harmon I’ve seen jerk chicken creeping onto bar menus but until now I was yet to see an authentic Jamaican restaurant cruise into Sydney, that is until, with a South London-style Jamaican dining partner in tow, I set foot into this brightly coloured Glebe flagship. Initiate yourself with the Chef’s Sample pieces). Unleash you inner noodle star at a Hands On Noodles and Chapas Feast ($69/head) where the Master Noodle Chef will take you through stretching, piping (and eating) noodles including hand-stretched Squid Ink Noodles ($20.90) wok-tossed with mussels, calamari and buttery garlic sauce.

Shop 12, Ground Floor Regent Place, 501 George Street, Sydney (02) 9267 8877 chefsgallery.com Chinese $$-$$$ INNER WEST Le Pub Balmain Sydney’s obsession with miniaturisation continues with Le Petit Dog ($6), an excellent, crusty French bread ‘hotdog’ stuffed with lamb shoulder, lime labne, green chilli jam and coriander.The venue and

Platter ($18.99), a selection of codfish fritters, jerk chicken wings and jerk prawn kebabs for two. With homemade ‘slaw and pineapple to sweeten the deal, it appeals to the most seasoned (and unseasoned) of Caribbean eaters. Co-owner Jackie says we must try the “reggae dancehall favourite” Curried Goat ($19), which is deliciously tender, served with rice and peas. ‘South London’ decides it’s the best she’s had since leaving her hometown. Of course we cannot neglect Jerk Chicken ($17.99), cooked over wood-fire and coated with tasty jerk marinade. This isn’t your trendy bar snack, this is bona fide, falling-off-the-bone, goodness. Coconut Curried Shrimp ($22) is possibly their most lacklustre dish, but it’s mild and easy to eat. Sweet Potato Pudding ($8.50) is a warm and deliciously sweet dessert that’ll have you feeling the good vibes - driven home by the Bob Marley posters and tunes. Despite the tackiness in the air, what is coming out of the kitchen here is the real deal.

72 Glebe Point Road, Glebe (02) 9571 1158 jamvybzrestaurant.com.au Jamaican $-$$

clientele feel much changed from the old Monkey Bar days, with a decidedly French twist. Dishes like Pork Cheek ($16) with crisp pig’s ear, blackberry and cauliflower ‘velvet’ are well matched by thematic tipples including Manoir De Kinkez Cidre Cornouailles ($16/375ml) or Eric Bordelet Calvados ($14). Lillet Blanc ($7) with lemon and soda sits nicely against beautiful Whole Lemon Sole ($20). It’s further improved by my dining companion’s béarnaise, accompanying his nicely cooked, grass-fed L’Entrecote ($26) scotch fillet and menu-nominated Kronenbourg 1664 ($6.50/330ml) beer.

255 Darling Street, Balmain (02) 9555 5711 lepubbalmain.com.au Pub Bistro, Modern French $$ Toxteth Hotel “I am a chef and cannot keep calm,” is printed on a thematic union jack

FOOD NEWS

affixed to the glass box kitchen.

However the men inside it are deadly silent, despite the crowds attending for generously portioned ten-buck offerings from the Monday/Tuesday Dinner Menu. I dabble with lightly battered Jalapeno Poppers ($12) with cream cheese and smoky bacon, and panko-crumbed Brie ($13) before moving onto sliders.Twenty bucks buys you four, and conveniently there are four choices: ‘Zucchini’, ‘Crab’, ‘Buttermilk Chicken’ and ‘Beef’.The latter scrubs up best, but my meal highlight was Fried Whole Baby Snapper ($24) with sweet and sour apple sauce; leading me to dub chef: Sydney’s battered and fried pub king.

345 Glebe Point Road, Glebe (02) 9660 2370 toxtethhotel.com.au Pub Bistro $-$$

By Alex Harmon Perhaps it’s the endless summer we’re experiencing, or maybe it’s just Bondi folk never giving up the dream, but Bondi Hardware decided to toast its 2nd birthday with a sunny disposition. Decking the halls with a kitsch Hawaiian theme, guests got lei’d as they entered the bar, dove straight into Tiki-style cocktails, edible sand (tastes like crumbled biscuits if you’re curious) and rubbed shoulders with a lot of bronzed bodies, beards and Psy impersonator,Teddy Kim. On the bar, a ‘Blue Steel’ punch made of Pampero Especial Rum, Blue Curacao, citrus and pineapple kept attendees smiling before they inched their way onto the dance-floor or into the photo booth (coconut bra optional). Canapés from the new autumn menu circled the room, like buttermilk fried chicken drumettes, pork and fennel sausage rolls, mac’n’cheese croquettes and harissa lamb skewers.

Summer might be over but autumn promises to be mighty tasty. www.bondi-hardware.com.au

BAR FLY

WILCOX

Gherkin for garnish and pickled brine in the cocktail, because I made my Filthy Martini choice: gin. A vodka ‘tini at new bar and restaurant Wilcox would bring with it caperberry and caper brine.

There are classic cocktails too: Martini, Bellini, Manhattan, Margarita, Old Fashioned, Mai Tai and a bloody good Sour.

As well as a contemporary cocktail list: In Wilcox Fashion mixes bourbon, bitters and grapefruit, and is easy on the pocket (all cocktails

By Rebecca Varidel are $16). Beers are tap and bottled, wine is by the glass – a thoughtful wine list from Bonds Corner. The bar at Wilcox with exposed bricks and marble top faces the street. To the back of the venue, restaurant tables are copper-lined and carry a classically crafted menu with winning dishes like lobster ravioli and snapper fillet.

Smiling faces. Friendly service.

This north-side haven has lifted the Miller Street game.

463 Miller Street, Cammeray (02) 9460 0807 wilcoxcammeray.com.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT When a stranger is asked to come onstage and interact with one of 15 personalities, the chance that it won’t be awkward is somewhere between state lotto win and shark attack.

This is something Veronica Milsom is no stranger to; her one-woman sketch show involves a whole heap of audience interaction, but one particular guest had her floored.

“I had this guy onstage and I was talking to him about quite disgusting things,” she says, “and then after the show he came up and said, ‘Thanks for having me onstage,’ and I said, ‘Thanks for participating,’ and then he said, ‘I used to date your mum.’”

Photo: Russell Cheek

Veronica Milsom - Do Not Irony Milsom, of Triple J and television’s Mad As Hell comedic fame, will perform her debut show Do Not Irony at the Sydney Comedy Festival.

She will play 15 different characters in 23 different scenes.

“I can’t answer what it’s about, it’s too difficult,” she laughs. “It’s an absurd, bizarre reflection of what I think is funny. Some of my best friends have come along to see me perform and said, ‘That is exactly your sense of humour, but I haven’t seen you perform like that before.’” (AE) May 6, 8 & 10,The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville, (02) 9550 3666, sydneycomedyfest.com.au

Review

University professor Dr. Paul Langley believes he may be going mad, attributing this to frequent visions of the late Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Elizabeth Avery Scott’s Lies, Love And Hitler has taken residence at The Old Fitzroy Theatre’s uniquely intimate venue.The space works well with the clever concept weaved by Scott. Lies, Love And Hitler was shortlisted for the Rodney Seaborn Playwright’s Award in 2009, under the title My Own Private Bonhoeffer.

As Langley teaches Bonhoeffer’s life to his students, he finds

Photo: Katy Green Loughrey

Lies, Love and Hitler himself more and more engrossed himself, exclaiming “You don’t learn Bonhoeffer, you experience him”.

It shifts back and forth from World War II Germany to modern day with ease, contrasting Bonhoeffer’s own struggles with Langley’s current ones. Bonhoeffer mentors Langley through his own inner turmoils and the ultimate ethical dilemma faced by a teacher of ethics. (GF) Until May 3, Old Fitzroy Theatre, 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo, $32-21, sitco.net.au

Eight Gigabytes Of Hardcore Pornography In the age of ‘too much information’ it was only a matter of time until someone skewered the often stark contrast between our public and private selves. Declan Greene’s play examines the “pervasive influence of readily available pornography on our cultural sexual imagination,” he says.Two, average, middleaged individuals, like the vast majority of us, find themselves a long way off from the fantasy figures they see online.

With each of these individuals looking to the online realm for a little something more out of life, Greene aims to examine

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the “conflict between a digital pornographic fantasy and reality and how that vagueness bleeds into online dating.”

If you’ve ever fudged the facts on your OkCupid profile, or touched up photos before tagging yourself on Facebook, take note: Greene warns that, while you may not like the characters onstage, you will certainly recognise them.

“What the audience is getting,” he says, “is their...truthful, ugly, base, embarrassing sides... almost the opposite to what the internet does - project the self we want people to see.”

Acknowledging that there

could be a fair amount of bleakness construed by audiences from the subject matter, Greene sees it differently.

“It is a comedy,” he says, “and it is important to me that the

a&e

17 STAGE 18 SCENE 20 SOUNDS 22 SCREEN

play is funny. It’s important that we can laugh at how bleak the world is sometimes.” (SW) May 2-Jun 14, SBW Stables, 10 Nimrod St, Kings Cross, $32-49, (02) 9361 3817, griffintheatre.com.au

Arts Editor: Leigh Livingstone Music Editor: Chelsea Deeley

For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au

A Hunger Suite

Hypnotic and strange, A Hunger Suite,

by Clockfire Theatre Company, is off the beaten track when it comes to traditional theatre.

Inspired by the works of Kafka, artistic director Emily Ayoub says the piece is about two characters that exist in a circus universe - focusing on the 19th century world of ‘circus freaks’.

“We tried to use Kafka as an inspiration behind this work. His works inspire what the characters are doing in the space,” she says.

“Our style is a Kafka-esque universe.

You find that in our movement, aesthetic and atmosphere.”

The piece is not traditionally narrative-driven; it uses a unique style to challenge the audience’s perception

of theatre.

“We want to push the audience, invite them into something more different,” says Ayoub.

“You have to sometimes take a risk, present something different.”

First performed in 2012, the production underwent a second development in Istanbul earlier this year, which Ayoub says has given it political resonance.

“It resonates what is going on here politically for artists, it looks how far an artist will go to reach limits in artistry,” she says. (SOC) May 7-25,The Old 505 Theatre, Suite 505, 342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, $18-28, venue505.com

Contributors: Alexandra English, Alexis Talbot-Smith, Angela Stretch, Anita Senaratna, Anthony Bell, Catherine Knight, Cheryl Northey, Ciaran Tobin, Craig Coventry, Elise Cullen, Georgia Fullerton, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Jamie Apps, Leann Richards, Lena Zak, Lisa Ginnane, Luke Daykin, Lyndsay Kenwright, Marilyn Hetreles, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Melody Teh, Michael Muir, Michelle Porter, Nerida Lindsay, Rhys Gard, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Ruth Fogarty, Sean May, Sharon Ye, Shauna O’Carroll, Siri Williams

The Empire Strips Back Burlesque may be a far cry from Boba Fett but Russall S. Beattie’s Star Wars burlesque parody, The Empire Strips Back, has returned due to popular demand - only this time with a bigger and better production.

Since the show initially opened back in 2011, the sci-fi fantasy has skyrocketed with sexy stormtroopers and sellout shows. However, what was once designed for a smaller, more intimate stage, has now developed into a grand burlesque show. It is now filling up larger venues like the Enmore Theatre.

Beattie, who therapeutically destroyed all the props and costumes from the show’s last season, is starting afresh, and assures that there was no holding

back when it came to recreating the props and costumes.

“This time round we’ve spent extra time and money on making it at least the same quality as the movies,” Beattie says.

From veterans to virgins, and everyone in between, Beattie promises that the show caters for diverse tastes.

“It is two hours of pure adult enjoyment and fun,” he explains. “ It’s all satirical but some acts are sexy, others are beautiful – it’s not exploitative or gratuitous.” (EC) May 9 & 10, Enmore Theatre, 118132 Enmore Rd, Newtown, $59, enmoretheatre.com.au

Review

Strictly Ballroom: The Musical

Baz Luhrmann’s latest creation is bursting at the sequined seams of the Lyric Theatre. Strictly Ballroom:The Musical has finally arrived.

In an explosion of colour and feathers, the classic tale about overcoming repression flamboyantly enthrals audiences as much as the 1992 film did (and still does).

Luhrmann’s holistic creative approach and boundless imagination means his hand is involved in every aspect of the production, from the design, to the direction and the music.

The notes feel like they were written for the stunning co-lead Phoebe Panaretos (Fran) who outshines all except the hilarious Heather Mitchell (Shirley Hastings).The talented Thomas Lacey (Scott Hastings) gives a solid

performance as the male lead but is sometimes underwhelming on a very busy stage beside Panaretos’ bright star.

The original and rousing Love Is A Leap Of Faith written by Sia Furler and Luhrmann is the hit song. It stirs the audience even more than the obligatory Love Is In The Air – the expected high kick of the production.

Catherine Martin’s costumes are yet another ‘win’ for the designer, referencing familiar elements from the film and successfully amplifying them for the stage.

Strictly Ballroom:The Musical is an entertaining, lively night at the theatre that will delightfully overload the senses.

(LL) Until Jul 6, Lyric Theatre, Pirrama Rd, Sydney, $55-145, strictlyballroomthemusical.com

Hugh Laurie

Hugh Laurie was about ten-years-old when he fell in love. It was a song playing on the radio. It might have been Willie Dixon or perhaps even Muddy Waters.Whoever it was, isn’t really important – it was that sound.That’s where he first heard the ‘blue note’ – and he was hooked. “It was electrifying,” says Laurie, “and I never got over it.”

For the musicians, the ‘blue note’ is a microtone, lying somewhere between the minor and major third. It’s what makes ‘the blues’ sound like ‘the blues’. Now Hugh Laurie brings his love of the blues down under with his first Australian tour.

Best known for his offbeat comedies like Blackadder or as the flawed, medical genius in House – Laurie is also a first-rate musician.

Backed by The Copper Bottom Band, his show has been described

by American Blues Magazine as, “rousing, wickedly entertaining and deeply memorable.” (GW) May 5 & 6, State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney, $89-120, 136 100, ticketmaster.com.au

Something To Be Done

Something To Be Done is “one man searching for inspiration in a world that’s deteriorating of its artistic roots,” explains creator and performer Gabriel McCarthy - and it’s all done with no words.

Growing up watching the works of great physical comedians like Charlie Chaplin and Rowan Atkinson, McCarthy embraces the challenge of physical theatre. “They were able to tell great, memorable stories without using their voice,” says McCarthy.

It was a risk though to stage a performance with no words.

“Physical theatre is so unheard of in THEATRE &

PERFORMANCE THE SILENCE CAME Described as an immersive theatre piece set in “a distorted modern society, divided by class and polluted by the seven deadly sins”, it takes place throughout several rooms in a 165-year-old Darlinghurst terrace house. The audience dictates the direction the onstage action will take for every performance.

As creator, writer and director Duncan Maurice assures, with roughly eight hours worth of script for any given direction, the story

may depend on the mood of each unique audience, “you couldn’t possibly see it all [and] it will be quite unique every night.” Maurice sees the idea of immersive theatre as “more in tune with the way that contemporary audiences consume culture, art, entertainment and information”, and believes that “those traditional boundaries of sitting, watching and waiting are being tested and pushed”. (SW) Until May 26,The Commons, 32 Burton St, Darlinghurst, $20, thesilencecame.com CONSTRUCTION OF THE HUMAN HEART Dino Dimitriadis’ adaptation of this

play is a fast, electrifying and dark comedy about two playwrights as they explore what happens when they move from on script to off while writing their next play.

The play will be performed by Michael Cullen as ‘Him’ and Cat Martin as ‘Her’. Dimitriadis describes the play as a “really interesting entry piece into the theatre which is incredibly human and raw, as it explores a whole range of emotions. It’s not your average night or conventional play and has many different layers to explore, even for veteran theatregoers”. (JA) Until May 3,TAP Gallery, 278

Australia, so untapped,” says McCarthy.

However, like the artist he portrays who’s searching for his purpose in an uninspired world, McCarthy was compelled to “bring about something

Palmer St, Darlinghurst, $22-27+bf, apocalypsetheatrecompany.com PINOCCHIO There have been a plethora of adaptations, however, the new theatrical performance of Pinocchio by Adelaide’s Windmill Theatre breathes new life into the age-old story.The classic will be modernised through contemporary music, dance and design.

The play, which focuses on themes of reality, truth and eternal love, aims to educate and entertain children, as well as engage, encourage and entertain families as a whole.

Like many fairy-tales, the original story of Pinocchio is at times quite dark and explores children’s fears – like being separated from their

new and break away from the everyday stuff you see in theatre.”

He adds: “You hear about so many renditions of Shakespeare.There are so many plays done to death.”

So, he hopes that audiences will be open to this new type of theatre. For McCarthy, a performance without words is perhaps the greatest form of communication.

“There’s no barrier when it comes to physical theatre.Through the body and movement, it translates to any language really,” says McCarthy. “I think it goes far beyond words that I could put into a play.” (MT) May 13-Jun 1, Upstairs Theatre,TAP Gallery, 278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst, $15-20, (02) 9361 0440, trybooking.com/ECTS

parents.

Artistic director Rosemary Myers describes going to the theatre as like a “mini family holiday” and encourages parents to take their kids to see one of their favourite childhood fables, to experience it like they’ve never seen it before.

(EC) Until May 4, Sydney Theatre Company, The Wharf, Pier 4 Hickson Rd, (02) 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com.au PERPLEX A young couple arrive home from holiday to find that things are not quite as they left them.There are some weird pot plants; the electricity has been cutoff, the apartment smells terrible – and where are the friends they

left housesitting? So opens Perplex, a lively piece of absurdist comedy from German writer Marcus Von Mayenberg (Fireface,The Ugly One).

“Essentially, the whole play is a riff on philosophy, reality and what it means to be alive,” says director Sarah Giles, “and what better place to explore reality than in the theatre, which is the ultimate lie.” A comedy about philosophy, this is a play of freewheeling chaos with the ground continually shifting under the audience’s feet. It makes for engaging theatre. (GW) Until May 3, Sydney Theatre Company, The Wharf, Pier 4, Hickson Rd,Walsh Bay, $30-65, (02) 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com.au 17

THE NAKED CITY

Can the katzenklavier save the bilby?

By Coffin Ed, Miss Death & Jay Katz It was not the photo op that Taronga Park hoped for when the over-pampered little Prince George grabbed his fluffy toy bilby and hurled it away on a much-publicised visit to the zoo last week. Nevertheless, it was an appropriate visual metaphor for the plight of this endangered Australian marsupial - a favourite morsel for the rapacious feral cat.

Whilst the Royal circus might have done wonders for the sale of both chocolate and fluffy stuffed bilbies, these cute little critters are still doing it tough, surviving only in isolated pockets across the country. Where they once occupied over three quarters of mainland Australia, they are now contained in less than 20 per cent of their original habitat.

Drastic measures are needed, especially when it comes to combatting the threat posed by the burgeoning population of evil feral cats. A few weeks ago we were contacted by one of Australia’s more radical conservationists looking for exposure for an innovative new strategy to reduce feral cat numbers.

The concept at first seemed ludicrous but the more we examined his proposal, the more it appeared that it could actually work.

We’ll call him Mr X and his plan involves the revival of a somewhat bizarre 17th century invention.

The ‘katzenklavier’ is arguably the brainchild of noted German scholar Athanasius Kircher. Essentially what you have is a ‘cat piano’. A unique musical instrument consisting of a row of caged cats with different voice pitches, ‘played’ by a keyboardist driving nails into their tails.

Okay, shock, horror, outrage!

Immediately we hear screams of animal cruelty with the RSPCA ready to pounce, but remember these are insidious feral killing machines and surely a little minor discomfort is nothing compared to the death and destruction that they reap. Mr X sees the Katzenklavier as a multipurpose tool in eventually eradicating this menace and allowing highly

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threatened native animals to reclaim their habitat. Here’s how the gadget would work.

Mr X himself has already constructed a number of prototypes and has discovered that recordings made on the Katzenklavier - when replayed through large speakers in areas of high feral populations - cause the unwanted felines to scatter in all directions. In much the same way that bats were driven from the Sydney Botanic Gardens after being subjected to Metallica’s greatest hits. “I cut a whole CD of Nick Cave favourites on the Katzenklavier,” Mr X confided, “and it drove those ferals crazy!”

Here lies another use for this incredible meowing machine. With the ‘wobble board’ now in disgrace and the largerphone virtually forgotten, Australia is crying out for a distinct national instrument, to assert our presence on the global cultural landscape. Thousands of these contraptions could be manufactured and supplied internationally with a selection of pitch-tested feral cats.

With just a few YouTube clips and the usual social media buzz, the Katzenklavier would soon become a worldwide sensation and the demand for feral cats almost endless. Trappers from all over the country would descend on the outback, gathering literally millions of moggies for the live export trade. The Katzenklavier would quickly replace the household piano and no self-respecting rock or jazz band would be without a ‘katzen’ player in their ranks. Even the muchrespected Eurovision Song Contest would abandon the usual cheesy vocalists in favour of tunes entirely interpreted on the magical pussy piano.

Sceptics and cynics will scoff at such a seemingly outrageous proposal but we see real merit in the concept.

Rather than shooting or poisoning these undomesticated mousers, we are putting these renegade tabbies to good use in much the same way as we export camels to the Middle East. Who knows, if Australia is still a constitutional monarchy in 50 years time, the bilby-loving King George might return to Taronga Park, fanfared by a rousing rendition of God Save The King, played on you-know-what!

Fair Isle

Snugly nestled in the hubbub of Parramatta Road, Leichhardt, is the Articulate Project Space, which is currently hosting the innovative project, Fair Isle.

The show is a revolving exhibition of works from 30 artists. The first stage features, Bettina Bruder, Fiona Davies, Fiona Kemp, Rose Anne McGreevy, Alan Rose and Helen L. Sturgess.

Bruder’s Diagrammatic Entanglements, is a mass of cobweb strings which greets the viewer at the entrance. The labyrinth teases the eye with its playfully colourful fibres.

In contrast Fiona Davies’ Memorial/One Shift November 30, 2000, is deeply and personally emotional. A display of red buttons signifies the role blood played in the death of her father. It is a singular comment on the intersection of medicine and domesticity.

Other contributions are equally enticing and it is the diversity of this presentation which suggests that each iteration of Fair Isle will be a tantalising taste of creative talent. (LR) Until May 11, Articulate Project Space, 497 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt, free, articulate497. blogspot.com.au

‘Diagrammatic Entanglements’, by Bettina Bruder

Still Life - Peter Simpson

Still Life - Peter Simpson

Hunter Valley-born landscape artist Peter Simpson is presenting an innovative series of works in which he focuses on still life pieces for the first time in his career.

“There’s a simplicity and immediacy in these paintings.You connect with the objects deeply while you’re reproducing them, and you really look at each of them, and notice their details, it’s very intimate,” he says.

Simpson studied art extensively, as well as painting for over 20 years, so he is no stranger to artistic production. His experience is apparent in his collection; said to be placed “in an oval shape, so that the objects can all play off one another.”

He has purposely kept the paintings simple. The intention was merely to capture the inanimate objects as they are, not to add flare or artistic expression.

“You become very focussed in the moment with the thing in front of you; it’s more about the process than the result.”

Simpson has used oil on linen for all of his works, to keep them as unmediated as possible.

“They’re all very insightful to me, and I’ve enjoyed making them very much. I would like to see if others feel connected to them too,” he says. (RM) May 7-24, Arthouse Gallery, 66 McLachlan Ave, Rushcutters Bay, free, arthousegallery.com.au

Storytellers of the Town Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook Confronting images and startling installations feature in Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook’s new exhibition, Storytellers of the Town at the 4A Gallery.

The artist explores forbidden realms, such as death and insanity, in her work. For instance, The Class is a cinematic display of a lecture to the dead. The corpses lie still and white shrouded in the foreground as the teacher paces desperately, attempting to instil knowledge into the frozen forms. The blackboard in the background evokes memories of universal anonymous classrooms, and the whole is a shocking comment on the limits of communication.

The Class is complemented by other presentations of stark realism. Great Times Message, Storytellers of the Town,The Insane, depicts disturbed women telling their stories. Their hazy images and distraught voices produce a disorienting cacophony of visual and oral noise.

Powerful yet sympathetic, this is an exhibition of an artist who defies the limits of conventional discourse. (LR) Until May 10, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, 181-187 Hay St, Haymarket, free, 4a.com.au

‘The Class’, 2005 (still), single-channel video installation.

Image courtesy of the artist and 100 Tonson Gallery, Bangkok

SOHN - Tremors This album’s intricate electronic rhythms with a classical music undertone, combined with the soft and often-haunting vocal arrangements, will capture the mind and not let go. It could also induce an odd swaying motion to make listeners look like mental asylumescapees.

The eleven tracks all feature sparse lyrics, melancholy and sorrowful, but complemented by the ambient and sometimes menacing sounds that accompany them.

Standout tracks include The Wheel, Fool, and Lessons, all three showcase a build-up that is slow, calculated, but so rewarding it stings.

It’s dark and profoundly new age, but so beyond beautiful. (CD) Chet Faker Built On Glass After several singles and EPs over the past couple of years, the Melbourne prince of downbeat electronica is releasing his first full-length album, Built On Glass.

An eclectic affair melding R&B with pop melodies; blues and soul with electronica, the album is a paean to Faker’s diverse musical interests but retains coherence throughout, held together by his EDM sensibilities and distinctive raspy voice.

Choice cuts include the sinuous and sexy Talk Is Cheap (the music video is a mustsee, by the way), Gold – a cinematic ballad studded with falsetto vocals, and the sonically experimental Blush. (PH)

Calling All Cars It’s a sad thing to say goodbye to one of the most promising bands in the Australian music scene, but far be it for us to deny Melbourne rockers Calling All Cars their opportunity for international success. In the midst of sorting through his valuables before relocating to England, frontman Haydn Ing is enthused about their transition from home-grown heroes to Aussie exports.

“It’s something we’ve always wanted to do,” he says of himself, brother and drummer James, and bassist Adam Montgomery. “It kind of feels like there is a definite rock movement over there at the moment so it makes sense to go.”

Leaving on May 5th, the trio will have finished up their mammoth 23-date national tour only the day before.

Showering crowds in the riff-tastic gems from their third album Raise The People, this ambitious collection definitely shows a progression of sound from their previous offerings.

“We can see a bit of a change in the crowd now compared to the last tour,” says Ing. “There’s less dudes and moshpits now and more girls and dancing, which is a nice change.You can really tell what songs have been connecting with people, like Standing In The Ocean and Werewolves.“

LIVE WIRE

Caitlin Park: In honour of her second LP titled The Sleeper, Park will have audiences pumped. Sharing the stage with the likes of James Vincent McMorrow, Big Scary and Thelma Plum in the past means that she’s been showcased to so many, but this night is all about her. Park’s signature witty lyricism and abstract audio will be a wonderful feature.

Thu, May 1st,Venue505, Surry Hills.

State of Mind & DJ Trei: Feel the wrath of these

The change in sound is largely thanks to the uncharacteristic recording process over the two years between this album and their sophomore release Dancing With The Dead. The trio have been described as a band that has “wanted to turn out albums as quickly as possible”, mostly because “people’s attention spans are growing shorter and shorter”. However, this time around was a much more natural process.

“We went into the studio just to record demos but it actually ended up sounding so good that we used some of the chopped tracks and the live tracks,” explains Ing. “We didn’t plan on it so we had to change our approach as we were going. We ended up using four different producers as opposed to one, which mixed it up and gave a whole bunch of different songs different sounds.”

Packing up your life and relocating is a daunting process for anyone, let alone a musician. However, there’s no doubt that these guys will work their way up and dominate the English scene. It may be sad to see them go, but Haydn Ing’s sentiments are undoubtable.

“I just think that enjoying what you’re doing is the most important thing,” he reasons. “You have to do it for yourself before anyone else.” (CD) May 3, Oxford Arts Factory, 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, $20+bf, moshtix.com.au

Sydney Live Music Guide

legendary New Zealand producers with a doublebill of beats that will send fans spinning. They’ve made their mark across the drum and bass scene, and it will become clear as to why throughout State of Mind’s set. Working for a variety of labels, these guys have touched so many different musical projects and with DJ Trei bringing some solo work, this night will be a chance to hear their skills in one awesome space.

Fri, May 2nd, Chinese Laundry, Sussex St.

The Greg Osby Quartet: Performing as part of the venue’s International Winter Series, Mr Osby will make his unique mark in Sydney’s favourite underground venue. Hailing from the U.S., he’s a modern day jazz legend, with 15 albums of pure individuality. His career has been said to be “built on unusual chords, unorthodox turns of phrase and unconventional melodic ideas” - hear it for yourself. He will be joined

by Matt McMahon, Alex

Boneham and Tim Firth.

Sat, May 3rd,The Basement, Circular Quay.

La Fiesta: A Sunday night soirée that brings the earthy sounds of Reggaeton, Cumbia and Old Skool to the streets of Sydney. Through the capable hands of a DJ line-up which includes, Samantha Fox, Agee Ortiz, Av El Cubano and Willie Sabor, audiences can don their casual wear or their best beach gear for some chilled vibes and sweet dance moves.

Sun, May 4th, Establishment, George St.

Arctic Monkeys: The return of the mighty Sheffield quartet will no doubt send shivers down spines, but not for the obvious reasons. Though it’s undeniable that their latest album AM was a collection of sultry RnBinfluenced rock gems, it’s their transformation from straight out ‘fish-n-chips’ humour and tangy riffage that really makes this show a must-see. To experience the Alex Turner of today as opposed to the quiet, statue-esque singer circa five years ago will no doubt excite the most dedicated fans.

Tues, May 6th, Qantas Credit Union Arena, Haymarket.

Blow: Lovers of pure unadulterated jazz will be in for a surprise like no other. Ted Vining, Bob Sedergreen, Peter Harper, Ian Dixon and Gareth Hill have been creating music based on their surroundings for the joy of the local scene. With no concrete sound, other than the unmistakable flourishes of jazz oozing from their fingertips, you’d be a fool to miss something so unique and spectacular.

(CD) Wed, May 7th, Foundry616, Ultimo.

Fading Gigolo stars Woody Allen as Murray, an ex-bookshop owner who embarks on a new career as a 70-year-old pimp, ‘managing’ his cash-strapped friend Fioravante (John Turturro) as a gigolo. The partnership is mutually beneficial, until Fioravante discovers true love.

Woody Allen is a standout, aptly playing the insecure intellectual who’s involved in many funny scenarios and delivers plenty of gags.

The sexually explicit storylines are tastefully scripted and scenes in which Sharon Stone’s character (Dr. Parker) lives out her fantasy of a ménage à trios with Fioravante, are comical and inoffensive.

Credibility is somewhat strained however, as Fioravante, who lacks sex appeal and openly admits “I’m not a beautiful man”, appears to be sexually desirable to all members of the opposite sex. (MM) WWW

Fading Gigolo

YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL

Young & Beautiful is a dark and provocative coming-of-age film from France, which effectively explores a 17-year-old girl’s sexual awakening and her transition into prostitution.

Isabelle (Marine Vacth) is a withdrawn and emotionless adolescent who enjoys the excitement of leading a double life, partaking in an activity which is deemed wrongful and forbidden.

When tragedy occurs, her secret life is revealed and a powerful and moving story develops as

Transcendence Transcendence is a technothriller starring Johnny Depp as Dr. Will Castor, an artificial intelligence researcher who, together with his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall), creates an intelligent machine capable of experiencing a full range of human emotions.

When anti-technology extremists strike, Castor’s consciousness is uploaded online and becomes increasingly menacing as his power accelerates.

This “technology clashing with humanity” film is interesting and thought-provoking initially,

but quickly misfires, sliding into absurdity and inadvertently resurfacing as moronic and laughable.

Depp seems detached and is wasted in a role where most of his scenes are simply facial images on computer screens.

Morgan Freeman also appears bored and disinterested.

Transcendence was produced on a blockbuster budget, but unfortunately fails to ignite onscreen. Painstakingly dull and mundane with half-explained ideologies, this is a major disappointment. (MM) WW

Canopy

Canopy is an incredible war/ survival drama set during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in1942. When an Australian fighter pilot (Kahn Chittenden) is shot down in the jungle, he joins forces with a Singaporean/Chinese resistance fighter (Tzu-yi Mo).

Battling the odds they desperately fight for survival, aimlessly running through the mangroves evading Japanese soldiers. Language is a barrier, but they communicate nonverbally and an unexpected

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ANY DAY NOW reclaims a not-so-distant past with lush cinematography and lovable charismatic characters.

Directed by Travis Fine, the film explores a trial in which a gay couple fight to legally save a child with a disability from his abusive biological mother.

Stars Garret Dillahunt, Alan Cumming and Isaac Leyva deliver tender performances that bring charm and dignity to these characters battling with the strains of marginalisation. (CK) WWW

friendship flourishes until the horror of war intervenes.

This low budget Australia/ Singapore co-production is suspenseful and engaging. It explores the psychologically terrifying effects of being isolated in foreign and fearful surroundings, where death is imminent.

Canopy is a fast-moving, edge of your seat drama in which few words are spoken. This effectively enhances the expressive performances of the small cast of two. (MM) WWW½

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is the much anticipated sequel to the 2012 blockbuster. It delivers twice the thrills and mayhem, as super-villains Electro (Jamie Foxx) and Green Goblin (Dane DeHaan) attack Spider-Man. Andrew Garfield reprises his role as Peter Parker/SpiderMan, who continues to be torn between his mortal and superhero status, whilst his crime-fighting is being publicly scrutinised.

The truth behind the disappearance of Peter Parker’s

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE This is an amazing-looking film – all sexy gloom and cinematic as hell – but the narrative here is stronger and more compelling.

Essentially a drama/romance, the story revolves around reclusive rock star Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and the love of his life Eve (Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton). Their performances alone justify the ticket price, but strong supporting roles by John Hurt and Mia Wasikowska add enormous appeal.

Highly original and memorable, Only Lovers Left Alive is surely a future cult classic. (PH) WWWW

her parents intervene, hoping her addiction to prostitution can be overcome.

Young & Beautiful is divided into four seasonal chapters and is exquisitely filmed, gracefully capturing the youthful sensuality and eroticism.

Marine Vacth is perfectly cast as the beautiful Parisian student whose loss of innocence and sexual prowess is the catalyst to life-changing events. (MM) WWWW

THE MUPPETS MOST WANTED The Muppets return to the big screen in their latest musical comedy.

Whilst on a global tour, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and the rest of the gang inadvertently become involved in an evil mastermind’s crown jewel heist.

Ricky Gervais is hilarious as the dastardly manager who leads The Muppets into mayhem and celebrity cameos include Tony Bennett, Celine Dion and Lady Gaga.

Delightfully cheesy, this sequel remains faithful to the brand, with an abundance of vibrant

parents is finally revealed and poignant scenes with Aunt May (Sally Field) offer relief from the explosive action sequences.

Storylines involving love interest Gwen (Emma Stone) may also shock some viewers.

The CGI which is becoming more exhilarating and ambitious as the comic book franchise continues, fuels the pumping adrenalin, delivering what can only be described as wondrous escapism at its best.

(MM) WWWW and colourful cabaret sequences, catchy songs, endless gags and silly storylines. (MM) WWW NOAH Audiences expecting a conservative re-telling of the story of Noah will be disappointed with this reincarnation, as the story has been modernised.

The basic storyline remains the same, where ‘the creator’ floods the world and Noah is instructed to take two of every animal species on board an ark.

Noah is a fantasy, strangely bordering on science fiction, as fallen angels resembling

transformer robots covered in rocks aid Noah in constructing and watching over the ark.

This sadly detracts from the religious perspective.

Russell Crowe is intense and gritty as Noah, giving his best performance to date in this fanciful action blockbuster. (MM) WWW THE LEGO MOVIE Everything is awesome in ordinary Emmet’s (Chris Pratt) blocktastic LEGO world. He follows the rules and enjoys his over-priced coffee.

However, a chance encounter challenges Emmet to become

extraordinary and join the quest to save the world.

Animal Logic completed the painstaking animation for the The LEGO Movie at their Sydney studio. The process took more than two years to make the stop-motion feel seamless, and it is quite an achievement.

Unfortunately, the last quarter diverts from the entertaining simplicity by throwing in a moral to the story. It’s a nice one, but it feels forced.

The corny lines will get chuckles from the adults and the kids will love the action and amusing sound effects. (LL) WWW