City Hub 5 July 2018

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Newstart is no start by John Moyle Last week Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne issued a press release proclaiming that he was fronting a push at the ALP’s national conference in Sydney for a $75 a week increase to the Newstart allowance. The fact that even with support from his employer and mentor Anthony Albanese, the motion failed to gather support from conference delegates and is now in Labor’s ‘too hard’ basket. “In regards to Labor it brings into question their commitment to fighting inequality,” Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon said. While Labor may not be heeding the call for an increase, it is ignoring the groundswell of calls for an increase that includes Deloitte Access Economics, the Australian Business Council, the Business Group of Australia, Ai-Group, small business advocates COSBOA, the ACTU, ACOSS, the Salvation Army, Australian Super and even John Howard. “As of March 2018 there were 750,412 Australians receiving Newstart and the majority of people receiving Newstart also receive at least one supplementary payment,” a Department of Social Security spokesperson said. Newstart currently pays a single recipient with no children $272 per week, when the unofficial poverty line is $426.30 per week and the national minimum wage is $694.90 per week. According to the Australian Council for Social Services( ACOSS), the minimum cost of essentials such as housing, groceries, energy transport and clothing is $433 per week. There has not been a change in real terms to the amount of payment for Newstart since 1994 under the Keating Labor government. “This is where Labor should come to their senses and recognise that if they are part of fighting inequality they should be ending the near 24 year freeze,” Senator Rhiannon said. “We want people to have job opportunities

where they can work, but we have to make sure while they are on Newstart that it’s adequate, that we are not entrenching them into disadvantage,” Jennifer Westacott, chief executive, Business Council of Australia said. Treasurer Scott Morrison thinks that Newstart is adequate and wants to leave the payments as they are. “Once Australia abandoned its full employment policy in the seventies this idea of an unconditional safety net begins to fall away as a new attitude that we are all individually responsible for our lives becomes the dominant attitude,” Jeremy Poxon, media officer, Australia Unemployed Workers Union said. With the unemployed debate perception is everything as the media and politicians seldom speak about unemployment without referring to ‘dole bludgers’, “There has been a long standing policy on both sides of government that distinguished people as deserving and non-deserving, and the way that the unemployed have been spoken about has been disgraceful for a long time,” Charmaine Crow, senior policy and advocacy officer, ACOSS said. There is also a perception perpetrated by both sides of politics that there are plenty of jobs out there and that the current low rate of pay is necessary to force people back into work. The Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Department of Employment both say that there are currently 1.83 million unemployed and under-employed people competing for 155,000 job vacancies, or 12 job seekers for every job listed. The survey did not say what percentage of these jobs were part time jobs. “You are meant to go and check out jobs that aren’t even there,” Senator Rhiannon said. There is also the fundamental changes brought on by the gig economy currently sweeping society that both government and the opposition have failed to account for.

Call to increase Newstart by $75. Photo: Sebastian Reategui

These changes to the very nature of work are likely to create a new underclass that will need to resort to social security many times over during their working life, while stripping them of safety nets such as sick pay, holiday pay and superannuation. “The gig economy is like going back to feudal times where people are expected to work in piece work,” Senator Rhiannon said. Whereas once most Australians could aim for full time work across their lifetime, now they are looking at up to 20 jobs in their working careers and can expect gaps of varying lengths between positions where they will need to access the safety net of an equitable social security. “The gig economy is a classic case of technology far outpacing government policy

and there is a concern about the impact of this economy on people’s financial security and also on how the social security system interacts with the gig economy where we see people in insecure work,” Charmaine Crowe said. In 2017, an ACOSS report revealed that there was an estimated 2.9 million Australians were living below the poverty line and included 731,000 children under the age of 15. Figures like this should be of concern to all political parties as they will play an increasing role in the makeup of Australia’s social fabric. There is a glimmer of hope that the call for an increase for Newstart will gain traction when the Greens introduce a private members bill later in the year, that is if our politicians have the courage to address it.

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By Lanie Tindale There has been outcry at the decision to shut out public comments on items heard at the Inner West Council meetings from debate on those same items on the agenda. The conservative bloc - made up of Labor, Liberal and independent councillor Victor Main - voted to change the format of the meetings. Greens councillor Rochelle Porteous said: “The whole purpose of people coming to speak to an item that is on the agenda is so that they can put their points forward and then they can stay and listen to the debate and bear witness to the debate and the decisions that are made.” Local resident and council watcher John Lozano said: “I understand the reason behind it, it’s to stop people hanging around but that was already there. At the beginning of each council meeting, they do a call around of the people that have turned up and they say who’s here to speak for what, and the people … have an opportunity to have their opportunity to be heard upfront, and then they can go home after they have spoken and they have heard their own motion be debated so they know the outcome.” Mr Lozano, who ran for a Leichhardt seat last election, said the decision was made to “streamline” the council process, because “we have an agenda that’s just way too big to be heard.” Cr Porteous said that separating public comments from the decisions made by councillors, means “you’re really enabling councillors to make decisions without proper scrutiny.”

Inner West Council blocks meeting openness. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

“There’s quite a lot of bad decisions that have been made by some of my colleagues. And it’s important that they are held up to scrutiny when they’re making their counsel.” Cr Porteous used the Balmain Public Square as an example. “Instead of bringing that item forward, which has been normal practice in the past, what we saw was the mayor instructed the people that had come to speak on it … to speak at the beginning of the meeting and then he encouraged them to go home and that they will be contacted later.” “That’s not the way we do democracy.”

Mr Lozano also criticised the time limit given to residents who want to speak. “You’re basically given the impression that you are holding up proceedings,” he said. “It is just managed really tightly and it’s the residents who are being impacted.” Mr Lozano recommended the council use sub- council groups, using area codes as a guide. “Council has already started doing multiple meetings anyway, so it’s not like I’m asking for more meetings I’m just saying split up your meetings so you can deal with certain areas.” city hub 5 JULY 2018

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New parties shake and bake By Erika Echternach Two new NSW political parties are hoping to pressure the State Government into addressing concerns impacting small businesses and Sydney nightlife. The Small Business Party and the Keep Sydney Open Party have recently registered in NSW. The Small Business Party was kick started by Angela Vithoulkas, who already serves on the City of Sydney Council. As a small business owner herself, Ms Vithoulkas was inspired to enter state politics and create a party specifically for small business. “There are decisions being made at every level of government, whether they’re around policy, legislation, or state significant infrastructure projects, where small business is not being considered on the impacts of any of these decisions,” Ms Vithoulkas said. “We are just expected to be collateral damage.” Ms Vithoulkas has vowed to be the voice for small business, meaning that for the first time in national history, Australia’s 700,000 small business owners and their 1.5 million employees will have a political home and someone to vote for to specifically address their needs. “I’m going to stand fast on advocacy because nobody is there to fight for small business,” Ms Vithoulkas said. “To be effective, we need a seat at the political table so that we’re at the beginning of the process and the decision making, not coming in at the end trying to fix a problem that has blown up too far to fix.” Although Ms Vithoulkas has been a small business owner for 30 years, she said the sixmonth process of registering the party has been the greatest challenge she’s faced. “It is probably one of the most difficult projects I have ever undertaken,” Cr Vithoulkas said. “It’s not just a matter of getting signatures, it’s a matter of getting people to reconfirm that they want to be

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Angela Vithoulkas to champion small business. Photo: Alex Eugene

part of the party and the bureaucratic process that’s involved in all of that.” However, Ms Vithoulkas said there has been an overwhelming amount of support throughout the process from business owners who have joined the membership base and shared their problems with her. Ms Vithoulkas strives to increase awareness of these issues such as the Pacific Highway upgrade, which has left 23 families lacking $7.5 million worth of wages, and the Circular Quay business owners who aren’t receiving rental rebates despite the impact of construction work. However, Ms Vithoulkas said the Small Business Party is not a single-issue party because small business includes small business owners’ families and communities.

Similarly, although originating as a grassroots organisation in 2014 to protest the lockout laws, the Keep Sydney Open Party (KSO) stands for more than merely repealing lockout laws. Tyson Koh, the organisation’s founder, explained that the lock out laws were a symbol of how out of touch the government was. “While it’s really frustrating that night life in this city has had a big wet blanket thrown over it, it’s everything that law represents,” Mr Koh said. “We know to have fulfilling nightlife we need to have adequate social spaces, we need 24-hour transport, we need better planning laws, better licensing laws, so really it’s quite a broad palette of issues that Keep Sydney Open is going to be concerned with.”

Mr Koh said KSO was not originally intended to become a registered political party, but when the government did nothing to repair the damage done by lock out laws to the cultural scene and small businesses, KSO had to start thinking bigger than rallies. “The government wasn’t listening and still isn’t,” Mr Koh said. Because of the government’s detachment, KSO officially registered as a political party, and celebrated by throwing a launch party at King’s Cross Hotel last Saturday. “Obviously it was highly unorthodox for a political party to throw a dance party in a nightclub, but I just think that speaks to the heart of who we are,” Mr Koh said. KSO chose to hold the party at King’s Cross Hotel given the venue’s history and how the entire precinct has suffered since the introduction of lock out laws. For the party, KSO was careful to craft a diverse lineup of DJs, including Basenji, Purple Sneakers and even Mr Koh himself. For now, neither KSO nor the Small Business Party have named their candidates. Mr Koh said KSO is still building their membership base and hosting town hall style meetings to learn what is truly important to its members and community. “After we consult with our member base in a meaningful way, we expect that a few candidates will come to the fore -- people who are really passionate and experienced in different areas,” Mr Koh said. Ms Vithoulkas is also committed to drawing from the views of those she represents. “If anybody has any concerns or faces any challenges in their small business, I want them to reach out,” Ms Vithoulkas said. “There is no problem too small that I won’t try to help with.” Ms Vithoulkas can be contacted via www.smallbusinessassociation.com.au


WestConnex dumps dive sites BY Wendy Bacon Two dangerous WestConnex dive sites have been dumped by Lendlease, the lead contractor appointed to build the Stage 3 WestConnex tunnel between St Peters and Haberfield. This is a big win for residents but leaves open a serious question. Why were these two sites approved by NSW Planning in the first place? For more than two years, residents’ group Leichhardt against WestConnex (LAW) relentlessly campaigned against a dive site on Darley Road, where a Woolworths liquor outlet currently operates. They were quick to remind NSW Roads and Maritime Services ( RMS) that there had been fatal accidents on the road. Indeed, the intersection had been ranked the third most dangerous in the Inner West. They exposed improper dealings around its acquisition. Despite 5000 submissions and Inner West Council and independent experts consistent opposition, SMC Project Director Peter Jones was adamant that the site was needed. The NSW Planning advised the NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts to approve the Sydney Motorway Corporation (SMC)’s choice of the site. By doing so, they exposed the taxpayer to a $20 million compensation payout, scores of residents to round the clock construction noise and school students using the nearby light rail station to danger. Some residents chose to sell theri homes rather than be exposed to health risks and danger. The choice of an old Parramatta car dealer site in Haberfield as an option for a 24 hour dive site was equally absurd. The proposed site was only 150 metres from Haberfield Public School and far less than that from a childcare centre and hundreds of residents. The school is currently about 200 metres from a WestConnex construction site and in March experienced the highest particulate matter ( PM) 2.5 average reading of any air

WestConnex protestors in 2013 Photo: Altmedia

quality monitor in NSW. One week before NSW Planning secretly approved the site as an option for a dive site, the school was buried in dust after a wind storm raised PM 10 levels to an average of 200 u/gm3. Although Haberfield PM levels were subtantially higher than anywhere else in the region that day, the SMC tried to blame the storm on a ‘regional event’ rather than a failure to control construction dust. There are no safe levels of particulate matter which is a known carcinogen and can cause lung disease including asthma. The dive site option has now been dropped but the Haberfield community will still be exposed to congested tunnel exits, unfiltered ventilation stacks and dive site a few blocks away. The site nearer the school will be used for yet to be explained ‘low impact’ construction activities. The underlying question is who drove the decision to devastate densely populated areas for a

transport solution that even Westconnex’ own EIS finds will deliver more traffic congestion? What powerful interests lie behind SMC’s determination to undertake activities that so many others consider unsafe? Why is it that a preliminary concept was approved for Stage 3 including an underground interchange at Rozelle of a type that has never previously been built, even though the NSW EPS advised that the impacts had not been sufficiently investigated and are NSW Planning senior staff exercising independent judgement or just following the will of their LNP bosses? The good news is that the public will hopefully be able to learn more about the internal processes between the Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her cabinet, NSW Roads and Maritime Services and NSW Planning that led to these decisions. On June 21, a parliamentary inquiry into impacts of WestConnex. The announcement came after months of Greens MPs Jenny Leong

and Jamie Parker worked behind the scenes to get an Inquiry into WestConnex with strong terms of reference. While Jenny Leong’s earlier People’s Inquiry held exposed stories of hardship and conflicts of interest in the governance of WestConnex, it had no power to call for documents or for witnesses to appear. This Inquiry will have those powers. The terms of references include an inquiry into the disappearance of Sydney Gateway from St Peter to the Kingsford Smith Airport from WestConnex? What led to the secret dropping of what was supposed to one of the key rationales behind WestConnex? The Inquiry should be able to penetrate the secrecy around SMC that has shielded the project from scrutiny for too long. After SMC was privatised, its contracts were no longer public. Public money has been used in grants to school and other community group with terms that can effectively mute community debate. Tunnel exits and whole sections of tollway costing billions of dollars have been added without any clear explanation being provided. Premier Gladys Berejiklan will be holding her breathe, hoping that she can push the 51 per cent sale of SMC through before the Inquiry uncovers too much unpleasant political news or scandals. There are only two bidders left standing - Transburban and IFM investors. Overseas bidders have already withdrawn. Both these bidders are backed by big Australian industry superfunds. Hundreds of letters have been written to the Boards of these funds calling on them to reconsider investing in a project that even industry insiders desribe as ‘toxic’. The Inquiry is a a long awaited for opportunity for the critics of WestConnex. If Jenny Leong is right, WestConnex could well become even more toxic.

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New budget growing pains by Erika Echernach Despite the City of Sydney’s projected rapid expansion to over 350,000 residents in the next 18 years, the 2018/19 City of Sydney budget approved at last week’s Council meeting lacks the investment in infrastructure needed to sustain such growth. City of Sydney Labor councillor Linda Scott has contested the new budget saying: “The City’s budget does not give our community in our growing city bang for our buck. There are so many crucial and desperately needed infrastructure projects and services un- or under-funded.” Cr Scott’s claim is not unfounded, considering the new budget allots less than $1 million to the development of childcare centres and affordable housing will receive only $5.4 million in total expenditure for the year. As a small business owner herself, Cr Vithoulkas was inspired to enter state politics and create a party specifically for small business after seeing her cafe suffer because of the light rail construction and witnessing how insignificant small business was to State Government, though it is an integral part of the whole economy. Cr Scott noted that the flawed budget inhibits the City from cultivating a thriving community. “Funding for desperately-needed infrastructure, such as more childcare facilities, sporting facilities, affordable housing and skating facilities, is nonexistent or not sufficient to meet community needs in this budget,” Cr Scott said. The massive need for improved infrastructure affects more than just the City of Sydney suburb. Inner West councillor John Stamolis said that NSW grew by a record 123,000 last year, and with most of that increase going to Sydney, better city planning is needed. Cr Stamolis explained that Sydney must now absorb one million new citizens in less than half the time statisticians in the 1980s had predicted the population would grow. “This can be done, but it needs to be done well to ensure that quality of living remains a key priority for Australia’s fast growing cities,” Cr Stamolis said. Eamon Waterford, the acting CEO of the Committee for Sydney, explained how growth and infrastructure should go hand-in-hand. “Rapid growth has to be matched with infrastructure,” Mr Waterford said. “So you need

Sydney CBD construction on George Street Photo: Erika Echternach

to be planning ahead and building schools and hospitals that open when people arrive, not after they arrive.” But Sydney has long struggled with finding this balance between development and providing adequate infrastructure. Cr Stamolis said, “In Sydney, too often we see that good planning goes out the door to keep pace with fast population growth.” Now, the City of Sydney is seeing this pattern perpetuated with the release of its new budget, which leaves little for progressing the City’s

infrastructure, though Cr Scott said an increase of 38 per cent investment in infrastructure is more pressing than ever. “Without strong financial commitment to affordable housing projects, childcare facilities and sports and recreation facilities in this year’s budget, the City risks failing to provide a funded vision for the big issues facing Sydney,” Cr Scott said. Cr Scott added that providing the funding for the necessary, key infrastructure projects within the City’s budget would enable the City to thrive in the future.

“More needs to be done to ensure that the City of Sydney can truly serve the public good,” Cr Scott said. Mr Waterford explained that it would greatly benefit the people to plan for more good public places, such as parks, for city-dwellers to spend time in since they typically do not have yards of their own. Besides having no yards, Mr Waterford said he thinks it’s important to have good, dense places to live close to where jobs are because this could potentially solve some commuting worries for people. With the longest commute times of the nation’s main cities, Sydney is falling behind in supplying for the high demand behind quality public transportation. Poor transportation may be the primary factor differentiating Sydney from the world’s other major cities such as London and Hong Kong, which have exceedingly good public transport system. However, Cr Stamolis said Sydney seems to be scrambling to offer suitable commute options for its workers. “For three decades, we have provided few solutions to those people who get up at five am and trek to the CBD, North Sydney and a raft of other locations near the CBD; dropping their children off at seven am and collecting them at six pm,” Cr Stamolis said. “It’s time that we thought this through.” Mr Waterford proposed investing in other means of transportation as well to alleviate the strain on Sydney’s public transport system. “One area of infrastructure I’d like to see more investment in is cycling infrastructure,” Mr Waterford said. “It’s really important that we actually invest in separated cycle lanes that allow our cyclists to cycle safely.” Another option mentioned by Cr Stamolis could be attempting to create major centres outside of the CBD. “A much greater focus on the central coast and even further afield to Newcastle could provide job growth, reduced travel times, better lifestyle and greater productivity,” Cr Stamolis said. While such metropolitan expansion may be a viable way to address Sydney’s rapid growth challenges in the long-term, a City budget that dedicates its ample resources toward investing in desperately needed infrastructure projects would certainly mitigate some the issues it currently faces.

Vote for lowered age By Fernanda Tiburcio Senator Jordon Steele-John, representing Western Australia for the Australian Greens, has introduced a bill to lower the voting age to 16 into the Senate. Senator Jordon Steele-John said: “The Senate has referred my bill to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters for scrutiny.” “I’m hopeful that a version of my legislation can be agreed to in the committee process, and will subsequently pass into law.” “The Senate has to pass the bill; it is not automatically law”. However, according to Senator Jordon SteeleJohn, the Labor Party may not agree with the bill. Senator Jordon Steele-John said: “The Labor Party referred my bill to committee following debate in the Senate, indicating they would not support it in its current form.” “I’m excited to be a part of the committee process and looking forward to working with the Labor party, and indeed the government if they are willing to come on board, to passing this legislation in the future.” Susie Kim, 16, from Black Water High School, said she would prefer to vote at 18. “I think it is a reasonable age because when you are 18 you can understand more and I feel like you are more mature,” Susie Kim said. 6

city hub 5 JULY 2018

“Instead, if it is a lower age, you know it wouldn’t be mature. It would just be whatever they choose.” “They don’t understand what is for or anything like that.” Dilpreet Hayer, 17, from Hills Adventist College had a similar view. “Because right now I don’t really care about the politics, I think is all based in your education and focus on that,” Dilpreet said. “Maybe some of them do, but I think the majority wouldn’t really care.” Two of her friends agreed. She pointed out that her classmates may think similar ways too. Senator Jordon Steel-John said: “16 and 17 year olds can already work full time, pay taxes, own and drive a car, have sex and make medical decisions about their bodies, sign a rental tenancy agreement and live independently, join our armed forces and join a political party. I think that gives them the right to vote.” The movement to lower the voting age is a trend not only in Australia, but also around the world. Sixteen year olds in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Nicaragua and the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey can already vote. In Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro,16-18 years old can vote if they are employed.

Senator Jordan Steele-John says lower voting age to 16. Photo: Wikimedia commons


Living dead in Green Square By Rickie Hardiman More than 10,000 people have recently given the City of Sydney their feedback on where and when they would like to see late-night trading take place. There was strong support for trading hours across the city to increase more late-night trading areas in growing precincts like Green Square and more diverse late-night businesses like restaurants, shops, performance spaces and small bars. A major part of the City’s role in Green Square has been planning controls which seek to provide housing and workplaces for a growing population while ensuring development is sustainable, innovative and respectful of existing neighbourhoods. A City of Sydney spokesperson said: “The City of Sydney is reviewing the planning controls that determine the locations and trading hours of night-time premises. “ For the first time in over 100 years, the City of Sydney is building a new town centre in Green Square for high density residential use with apartment blocks rising above existing warehouse spaces. Essentially, noise control will become an important issue for these new residential areas. Census figures show that there are close to 25,000 residents living within this precinct and they need night time activities within their residential areas without having to travel for their entertainment and night-time experiences. Many residents of this village tend to be young working-age professionals. South Sydney Business Chamber President, Mary Lynne Pidcock, said: “They work on global hours not nine to five, so it’s essential that they can have access to all sorts of facilities and services day and night as we move into the further development of Green Square.”

Over the next few years there will be over 60,000 living in Green Square, and the City of Sydney is investing in social infrastructure, a swimming pool, a library, leisure centre, but there is no provision for entertainment. Jed Clarke owner of The Dock, a small bar In nearby Redfern said: “The area is moving and has moved in the last seven years. I got here in November, 2010 when it was roller-door city.” “Back then the streets were dimly lit and past 6pm it was quite frightening to walk down long streets.” “Now there’s places open, restaurants and bars with people walking on the street, and having people around is always safer.” “Then midnight rolls around and obviously we’ve all got to close,” Jed Clarke said. Clove Moore said: “The night-time economy is critical to Sydney’s future, so it’s essential we get the balance right and make sure our planning controls keep pace with the city as it changes and grows”. Moore Park Gardens, on the site of the old Resch’s brewery, is a recent community situated in Redfern that has 503 residential apartments with a village like atmosphere managed by Shearer Property. The Moore Park Gardens website boasts that the complex has a deli, child care centre, gym, 25m lap pool and a boutique bottle shop, but nowhere to drink except at home. Sue Shearer, director Shearer Property said: “No they don’t have a pub or bar, it is purely residential. There is a restaurant here, but he doesn’t open every night, just a little café, it is actually a residential complex.” When asked would she like to have a bar or some sort of nightlife there for residents, Sue Shearer said: “It is a strata complex, so that would have to be something that the owners corporation and the owners would all have to

Green Square Town Centre. Photo: Wikimedia commons

agree on and then it gets down to licensing”. Mary Lynne Pidcock, President of the South Sydney Business Chamber, said: “Nightlife is absolutely essential to any global city and the extent to which we can progress the changes to the law that are necessary, the better it will be.” “I couldn’t speak strongly enough about the need to have a night-time economy for the young entrepreneurial, professional, people who are living in those new area,” Ms Piddock added. When asked what time he would like his bar license extended to, Jed Clarke, said: “I’m part of the Small Bar Association and from the discussions we’ve had we’re all very happy with two am.” “We’ve noticed over the years it’s what our customers want because a lot of them are local,” Jed added.

“They are not ready to go home at midnight and they don’t want to travel to a whole other suburb to continue their night for just a couple more hours.” With both Green Park and Moore Park Gardens it appears that any future inclusion of night life facilities will be problematic as they were never planned for and it is easier to just say ‘no’, despite the positive spin by the City of Sydney on its efforts to reinvigorate nightlife in its precincts. Thanks to pioneer venue owners such as Jed Clarke the future and variety of nightlife in Redfern seems to be assured to have some swing left in it. As for the 60,000 new residents of Green Square, that could be a dry argument.

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FEATURE

Creating Together

By Rita Bratovich Collaboration is a way for artists to access more opportunities and resources, as well as exploring new creative possibilities. Artists collaborate for many reasons, in many ways but their common goal is to bring better art to more people. New Ghosts Theatre is a fledgling independent company that champions new works by Australian and international playwrights. They are planning a production of Anna Jordan’s play Yen, at Kings Cross Theatre in September and have rallied six comedians for a fundraising evening at the Harold Park Hotel. Harold’s Hoo Haa is an example of the “all in this together” spirit that exists among artists and performers. Sarah Gaul, one of the comedians on the bill, has taken part in similar fundraisers and says, apart from crowdfunding sites, it’s one of the key ways to raise money for new work. “I think an industry without solidarity is not an industry at all,” says Gaul. She believes artists across disciplines are very supportive of each other, and within the close-knit comedy scene, performers are always willing to help out where they can. “As a comedian if I can get 20 or 30 more people there because I’m there, then that’s great because it’s more money for the show and more work opportunities for other artists,” says Gaul. The comedian/cabaret performer travels with a keyboard under her arm and has just returned from a year in New York where the scene is big, competitive and intense. The opportunities here - for comedians and artists - are fewer. “People are realising the best way to get work done is to make it yourself,” says Gaul, “and that means lots of collaboration.” Loredana Cross, Producer at New Ghosts Theatre, agrees, adding that it also means a lot of multi-tasking. “There’s an incredible pool of talent - actors and theatre makers - that are also enthusiastic and eager to make work and learn. So often you’ll see the creators of a production wearing multiple hats, so you’ll have a producer who is also being the production manager and the publicist and the graphic designer,” says Cross.“It’s an environment where people can expand their skills and work collaboratively.” For Zoe Knighton, cellist with the Flinders Quartet, collaboration is a chance to flirt with new ideas.The Quartet has teamed with viola virtuoso, Chris Moore to present Midsummer Mendelssohn Gala, an afternoon of music, theatre, poetry and tea.The concert features a

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Gabrielle Mordy, Rick Carter, Thom Roberts and Meagan Pelham. Photo: Supplied

special arrangement of Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which Moore will occasionally break out into Puck soliloquies. “Chris has been on our radar as somebody that we have been wanting to play with for a long time,” says Knighton. “And one thing that we’ve really been wanting to do is to extend not only ourselves but offering potentially something different to the people we work with.” Classical music performance requires a degree of conformity and discipline which runs the risk of feeling repetitive. “We spend a lot of time together in a rehearsal room. Anything that can jolt us out of saying the same thing over and over again can only be a positive thing,” explains Knighton. When Moore was approached by Knighton with the idea he immediately agreed to take part. “I’m just the kind of person that says ‘yes’ then goes home and punches myself,” he laughs, then adds earnestly, “if you don’t do things that stretch you you just end up stagnating.” Moore describes collaboration as the “bread and butter of independent artists.” Apart from the practical benefits of sharing resources, it allow artists to experience new processes, add them to

their toolbox and bring them to a wider audience. It’s also an opportunity to show other facets of your talents. Studio A provides professional development for artists with intellectual disability. It’s not an art therapy centre, as CEO Gabrielle Mordy repeatedly needs to point out. “Our aim is to connect them to the mainstream art world and to ensure that artists with intellectual disability have a voice in mainstream culture,” she explains. Collaboration goes a long way to helping fulfil that aim.They have previously worked in partnership with Sass and Bide, City of Sydney, Mud Australia, theatres, restaurants and other groups.Their current collaboration is a textile project with bespoke fair trade homewares store, One Another.When One Another director, Rick Carter saw a display of works by Studio A artists at Sydney Contemporary Art Fair last year, he picked up a brochure, conceived the idea of matching artworks to cushions and contacted Mordy. It was an idea that spoke to many of Mordy’s ideals for Studio A. “Plus, at the end of the day we just really like making gorgeous stuff and this is another means of making really gorgeous art pieces,” adds Mordy. For Carter, the collaboration brings together two disparate yet very similar groups of people and rewards them with the chance to have their works appreciated in their own right as well as for the stories behind them. “Working with [Studio A] had some parallels with what we do already,” explains Carter. “It’s nice to also have a local impact bringing together local artists who are somehow not as empowered, with women in Africa who are the same.” How do the artists themselves feel about this collaboration? “Working with One Another makes me feel famous,” said Annette Galstaun “I feel totally in love. Love love love. I can cuddle my owl pictures,” said Meagan Pelham “My painting of Bert looks even better on a cushion, its reminds me of a carpet from high above,” said Thom Roberts. www.facebook.com/newghoststheatrecompany www.flindersquartet.com www.oneanother.com.au www.studioa.org.au


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Mansoor Noor

Stupid Fucking Bird

This contemporary adaptation of Russian dramatist Anton Chekhov’s first play The Seagull written by American playwright Aaron Posner, should prove to be quite a hit. “The show’s about my character Conrad who is a writer trying to

impress his mother Emma, a very successful actress, to gain her love. But things take a turn for the worst when the love of his life Nina, falls for his mother’s boyfriend and everyone then discovers how disappointing love can be,” explained Mansoor Noor. The play explores the nature of being an artist, the need for love and the universal question of: what are we all here for? “Themes and ideas from The Seagull (which was written in1895) are repackaged and the show makes fun of art and questions its purpose as well. It’s left up to the audience to decide where they sit on the idea of art and how it affects the world.”

With seven characters chasing love quite a few romantic entanglements unfold, which should provide much laughter. But should conservative theatre-goers be intimidated by the title of the play? “There’s a lot of use of the ‘f’ word in the show. It’s in the title so I guess that’s a good indicator but when it comes to violence and anything else which would offend people, a lot of the action does take place off stage. I don’t think they need to be too concerned as long as they can deal with the use of the ‘f’ word,” laughed Noor. “The swearing is there because these characters are tortured.The show is all about trying to express what you

feel, but none of the characters actually say what they feel and if they did, they wouldn’t be in half the problems they’re in.The swearing is an outlet as they can’t articulate what they want to say.” This show should appeal to a wide audience.“Being that it’s based on a classic text, older audiences should be familiar with it and younger audiences also, because The Seagull is in their curriculum.There are characters that every age group from teen onwards can relate to,” concluded Noor. (MMo) Jul 12-28. New Theatre, 542 King St Newtown. $20-$35+b.f. Ticket & Info: www.newtheatre.org.au or Ph. 9519 3403

One of Shakespeare’s classics is returning to the stage, but in a way that has never been seen before. Did someone say zombies, ninjas and dinosaurs…? The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark, which was written and performed by kid’s comedy duo, The Listies, is a performance which aims to have fun, breaking away from the ‘classic’ story of Hamlet and letting their imagination roam free. “The plot is complicated. The first thing we find out is that Hamlet’s father, is dead. Deader than MySpace. And Uncle Claudius married Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude,

and is the new King of Denmark. I mean who are these people the Kardashians? Then Hamlet is visited by his father’s ghost, who tells Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius – Hamlet swears to take revenge. No one calls Ghostbusters. There is also Ophelia, who gets a bad deal in the original play, but in our version comes back from the dead as a zombie. Because why not?” The Listies are very proud of the show and are really happy they were able to work alongside the incredible Declan Greene, Courtney Stewart and Paige Rattray, along with the whole

Photo: Matt Hofmann

The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark

Sydney Theatre Company team. “This show has a great set (a castle), it has great props, lights, costumes, special effects and the best stage manager you could hope for (Tim Burns). We have so much fun performing this show and we are very much excited to perform this return season. We aim to make everyone in the audience have a good time, from the ages of 4-400 million, so see you all there!” (JM) Until Jul 22. Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale. $32-$35+b.f..Tickets & Info: www.seymourcentre.com

REVIEW: Donizetti - Lucia di Lammermoor Written by the great Italian composer Domenico Gaetano Maria Donizetti, Lucia di Lammermoor is a tragic tale of love and betrayal. The drama is driven by the forbidden love affair of Lucia (Jessica Pratt) and Edgardo di Ravenswood (Michael Fabiano), a sworn enemy of her family. When Lucia’s brother Enrico (Giorgio Caoduro) learns of the couple’s secret vows, he arranges a marriage between Lucia and another man. The emotional turmoil of losing her one true love is too much for Lucia to bear, causing her to lose her mind as well. As the mad Lucia, Pratt is insanely good. She has had her share of practice, having played the role of Lucia in 20 productions and 80 performances, and it certainly shows on stage. The music simply flows out of the soprano, who remains perfectly in character while hitting notes that would make most singers shift their emotional concentration.

Photo: Prudence Upton

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In the show’s famous “mad scene,” the singer is mesmerising as she manipulates her voice to become as fragile as Lucia’s mental state. Fabiano also has a notable performance as Lucia’s counterpart, but while the opera’s individual stars shine, the ensemble numbers threaten to steal the show. A well-rounded cast, the group effortlessly blends together, creating the haunting aura of the tragedy and displaying director John Doyle’s talent. The lengthy standing ovation and multiple exclamations of “Bravo!” during the show demonstrated the quality of the production: Lucia di Lammermoor is simply sensational. (EE & LSe) Until Jul 27. Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $46-$348+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.opera.org.au

Arts Editor: Jamie Apps For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @CityHubSyd

Alex Williamson So Wrong, It’s Wrong

Performing his stand-up show, So Wrong, It’s Wrong at the Factory Theatre is online content creator and comedian, Alex Williamson. This show is a one-hour honesty session that will shake your faith in humanity, restore it then smash it again. Talking to City Hub, Alex decided to pursue comedy when he realised, “if I attempted to hold down a real job that required me to be somewhere at a certain time every day with any sort of work ethic I’d have ended up being a homeless heroin addict.” On his hit, online character Shooter Williams and whether he would prefer to create content or perform stand-up, “I get a bit more personal on stage, I hide behind a few characters in the videos, so you do get a glimpse of the real Alex through my stage persona, and it’s definitely more messed up than my fabricated online persona,” Alex says laughing. As for the content of So Wrong, It’s Wrong, “they often say my show isn’t for the faint hearted and that’s a little bit true, if you’re a deeply religious 90-year-old with a pacemaker who’s easily offended there’s a massive chance you will die 15 minutes into my show. That should entice the young ones though! Sex, drugs and paedophiles is the short answer.” Having sold out previous shows this may be the last chance to get in and catch this unfiltered, crude and hilarious show. (RH) Jul 7. Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville. $32.50+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.factorytheatre.com.au

Contributors: Craig Coventry, Emily Shen, Irina Dunn, Jade Morellini, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Olga Azar, Rita Bratovich, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Shon Ho, Riley Hooper, Georgia Fullerton, Gary Nunn, Renee Dallow, Andriana Vlahos, Erika Echternach & Lili Sekkai.

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Roomba Nation – Dying for Technology Presented by Hurrah Hurrah, directed by Felicity Nicol and conceived by Alison Bennett, who also stars as the lead, Pippi. Alongside Bennett is Nick O’Regan as Nursie and Kate Walder as Doc. As for the storyline of the play, “Pippi is a patient that comes into this experimental Nordic treatment centre where a team of care bots, a nurse and a Doc are attempting to treat her. They use care bots in many silly ways, going through an array of ridiculous treatments. It then comes to a point when they have to decide whether to

Secret Cities

Think you know your city? Secret Cities is here to test your local knowledge and challenge your suburban navigation skills with its one-of-a-kind scavenger hunts. On June 30, the 2018 winter season of scavenger hunts kicked off in Redfern. Participants were sent all over Redfern to discover hidden gems such as little donut shops, tucked-away art galleries and off-the-beatenpath bars. For anyone unfamiliar with a particular section of Sydney, the Secret Cities scavenger hunts are a fantastic and fun way to explore the area with some mates whilst engaging in a bit of friendly competition. Even for those from the suburb in which the hunt is based, following the clues can reveal things never known about their hometown, such as previously unnoticed street art or a new bakery to buy the cheapest bread. Some clues

may involve random activities such as a short dance lesson, keeping things interesting as well as participants on their toes. Mainly mapped out by Secret Cities’ cofounder Chris Rayment, the clues clearly have a lot of thought behind them and follow a logical order to make this understandable for participants of all levels. Mr Rayment said he began Secret Cities after realising his passion for sharing the little-known wonders of his hometown by creating hunts for visiting friends. If you missed out on the Redfern hunt, not to worry since the hunt was merely the first of Secret Cities’ entire winter season of hunts designed to help locals break out of the winter blues. The next destination is Newtown on July 7. (EE) Various Dates & Locations. $30 per person or $120 for a team of 5. Tickets & Info: www.secretcities.com.au

Attention

fIlm makers, photographers I want you to help me make an art hIstory fIlm called “the art of the gIrls In tIn sheds”. (I am a wrIter) can we talk terms? I want to make my spare room into a film-making studio. What equipment do you recommend and why? You can see the footage and materials available for this film based on an Australian poster art exhibition on cultural revolution circa 1976, when Mao died. I live in Glebe. Email me on cfodonnell@gmail.com to discuss our meeting. See more at www.carolodonnell.com.au 10

city hub 5 JULY 2018

stop treatment,” Alison explained. With the help of a multi-disciplinary artist named David Kirkpatrick, “we have made three small robots that were inspired by Roomba vacuum cleaners. We found the way they moved to be slightly hilarious.” Alison then went on to say, “with all the things we could make it seems like a waste of technology. So, we started looking at things of that nature and found loads of funny things.” Inspiration for the play came from experiences a few of the cast had had in

the last couple of years when a parent had passed away after a long illness. “We thought about technology and medicine and how it can be so useful and sometimes it’s not.We thought to ourselves, what drives that technology? Which then led to, when does technology start hindering or impeding on our life as opposed to improving it and when should we stop and check back in to see if we have gone too far.” (RH) Until Jul 21. Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza St, Newtown. $30-$45+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.hurrahhurrah.com.au

THE NAKED CITY

THE GONG SHOW – OZ STYLE

With Coffin Ed It was billed as a “piece of Australian television history” – a 1970 Silver Logie which recently sold at auction for around $5700.Talk about ye olde cultural cringe it wasn’t even awarded to a homegrown show. Instead the very plain looking silver plated gong was given to the American TV show The Mod Squad. Why anybody would fork out that amount for such an obscure piece of memorabilia is hard to fathom although perhaps it suggests the annual Australian TV awards, still hold some cachet. Tainted by dodgy voting practices and infamous drunken after parties, the Logies have long suffered the stigma of a poor man’s Emmys or BAFTAS with the actual silver and gold plated gongs amongst the most miserable looking, poverty row trophies ever to be awarded for anything of supposed significance. If the Oscar statues are regarded as something to hug and hold close to the heart the actual Logie gong is about as tactile as a crow bar. Exiled from Melbourne to the ‘glitz and glamour’ of the Gold Coast, last Sunday’s 60th Annual TV Week Logie Awards, for all their red carpet hoo haa, could not hide the fact that Australian free to air TV is probably at an all time low when it comes to providing quality entertainment and informative news coverage. Given the funding cuts to SBS and the ABC and calls from within the Liberal Party to privatise the national broadcaster there is not a great deal to celebrate when it comes to local TV. Faced with increasing competition from streaming media providers like Stan and Netflix, the commercial channels have lowered the bar even lower as they appeal almost desperately to the lowest common denominator.A rash of dating shows like Love Island, have joined Australian Ninja

Warrior and other mindless reality show offerings to supplement the big rating winners like The Voice and House Rules. Whilst there’s now a proliferation of digital channels on free to air, it’s often hard to find anything worthwhile to watch, especially outside of the peak rating periods. Endless reruns of shows like Hogans Heroes, Seinfeld and Mash fill much of the programming hole as do similar repeats of American reality shows like American Hoggers and Cajun Pawn Stars. It’s all a new paradigm of fast food TV, miles removed from what we might call the golden days of local TV in the 60s, 70s and 80s when tonight shows, Matlock Police, Homicide, Countdown and old school quiz shows dominated both the ratings and the Logie awards.They may not have been as slick and as technically polished as today’s reality fare but there was a certain honesty and integrity about them. If we are to persist with this annual orgy of selfcongratulation maybe it’s time to ditch the current Logie statue and replace it with something that reflects the current true state of Australian TV – like the ‘Gold Remote’.The giant oversized remote control, mounted on a replica pizza box, would be a true representation of viewer frustration – constantly surfing from one channel to the next in a futile search to find anything worth watching. As for the hundreds of pathetic little Logies still in circulation, gathering dust on mantle pieces, or even being offered for auction – it’s time to introduce a buy back scheme, similar to what John Howard did with the guns. Melt them down and use the scrap to make a statue of somebody iconic when it comes to Australian TV like Gerry Gee or Bert Newtown.At least nobody will ever suffer the kind of terrible injury that can occur if you accidentally sit on one!


Jake Mason Trio By Jamie Apps Best known for his work with Cookin’ On 3 Burners, Jake Mason is a multi-instrumentalist and prolific songwriter who has released 12 albums, gained multi-platinum sales worldwide and established his own label and production house. Despite this incredibly impressive list of accolades Jake Mason has never been satisfied by simply sticking to a tried and true predictable routine. With Cookin’ On 3 Burners having been active for almost 21 years the project has slowly drifted away from it’s early jazz roots. This shift in particular was a major factor in Mason’s decision to expand his musical output. “With my background in jazz I was really yearning for a bit more of that material so I thought the best way to fulfil that desire would be to start a new project and hence the birth of Jake Mason Trio,” explained Mason. By creating this new project Mason was not only able to fulfil his desire to play more classical jazz influenced music he was also able to create a group with friends he has wanted to work with for a while now.

“To have Danny Fischer and James Sherlock, two fantastic world class players who I’ve known for a long time, both on board is such a treat. It’s beautiful to play music with your friends, and while this hasn’t been something on the top of my list of priorities for 10 years or anything when it came together it definitely felt like it was the right time to do it.” Whilst speaking with Mason it was evident that by having the two different projects running simultaneously he is very passionate and enthusiastic about the possibilities it opens up creatively. “I’m always looking for something new, something fresh or a new way to twist something because I find it very difficult to do the same thing day in and day out. This works so well for me because I might compose a song that doesn’t quite fit for Jake Mason Trio but it can go into the Cooking On 3 Burners repertoire or vice versa, which has totally reinvigorated me for sure.” For the Jake Mason Trio the writing, recording and performing process all orbits around the idea off improvisation, something which has always been at the forefront of jazz. For those unfamiliar with the

jazz world this sounds like it could be a complete shambles but as Mason explained there is method to the madness. “Obviously the songs have a rhythm, melody and structure but when we’re in the improvisation sections we rely on a certain mood or feeling which we established during the recording process to guide the way.”

That isn’t to say there isn’t a level of trepidation with each performance, “it’s a little scary at times because you never know what’s going to happen but’s that’s also what it’s all about, that freedom and spontaneity make it fun.” Jul 12. Lazybones Lounge, 294 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville. $15+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.jakemason.com.au

Milwaukee Banks - No Time

Ben Mastwyk - Winning Streak

When you press play on any artists second album what you’re really hoping to hear is a level of development to the sound which initially compelled you to enjoy the first record. Thankfully for Australian electronic hip-hop duo Milwaukee Banks they have more than satisfied that desire with their new record No Time. No Time sees Milwaukee Banks lean into the electronic production elements as they further develop a signature sound. Production wise the record uses elements which evoke moods similar to Illy,Vera Blue and even Alison Wonderland on some of the harder tracks.Vocally Dyl Thomas has crafted a wide ranging pallet of clever verses which are simultaneously catchy and deep. You may need to listen through this record a couple of times to fully appreciate all of the messages woven into its fabric. Throughout No Time the pair have collaborated with an array of new artists such as Rromarin, Sophieography, Ryland Rose and HWLS. This process has allowed the duo to discover a new assortment of sonic soundscapes which pushes them forward and will be exciting to see explored further with record three. (JA) WWW

After the success of his debut album Mornin Evenin, Melbournebased country rocker Ben Mastwyk is back and ready to showcase his combination of country, R&B and psychedelic-honky tonk. With his new album Winning Streak, Mastwyk is definitely able to hit the country stage. It’s a nice album for country music fans which includes true country music mixed up with some cool effects. This album contains typical guitar-played country songs as well as some special and different tracks. While the single This Country sounds like one of his typical country tunes it is a reflection on shifting musical, political and personal tensions. The song MIA LA is an instant, locomotive classic, Ring Ring Baby shows whooping high-lonesome hankering with classic country aplomb and with its exotic impulses Quit Your Comin Round sounds like a Hawaiian tiki band signing off for the night. So if you enjoy country music with a side of hillbilly funk, then Mastwyk’s new album will be sure to satisfy. (LSe)

MadHATtan

WWW

Adrift

SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL While We Live

This one hour documentary tracks the unlikely success of outback milliner Felicity “Flic” Brown, whose extraordinary headwear creations have taken her from the dusty, dry heat of the Broome racing carnival to the couture craziness that is New York Fashion Week. Film maker Carolyn Constantine allows Brown’s story to unfold on screen with the simplicity and unpretentiousness that is indicative of Brown’s own character. Brown’s bio reads like a Miles Franklin novel, full of grit and self assurance and reinvention. It’s clear that she’s always had a creative bent and these incredible, exquisite head pieces represent an artistic pinnacle.The hats are made from feathers of native birds, natural flora, beach treasures

and any other items that have potential and the designs are inspired by landscape, stories and experiences. Each hat has its own name. The film takes us from Brown’s humble corner workspace in a small Aussie town to her cat walk debut in one of international fashion’s most prestigious events - complete with last minute dramas. Hats off to this extraordinary artist and a great film. (RB) WWW1/2 SCREENING INFO Jul 8, 1:30pm. Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach. $20$25+b.f. Tickets & Info: www. madhattanmovie.com (Followed by filmmaker Q&A and hat competition.)

Adrift tells the story of an incredible love and the resilience of human spirit. Tami Oldham (Shailene Woodley) a natural born wanderer loves to travel and to see the world.When she visits Tahiti in 1983 the young brave women meets her soul mate, British sailor Robert Sharp (Sam Claflin). Through an appealing offer, the couple gets to sail a boat from Tahiti to San Diego, not knowing they’ll be sailing into one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history, which sees their

boat breaking and being set adrift.With no hope for rescue,Tami must find the strength and determination to save herself and the only man she has ever loved. The movie’s structure is a masterpiece and based on an unbelievable true story, this movie shows Woodley in a marvellous and authentic performance. Watch the power of love in a perfect combination of romance and adventurous survivor drama! (LSe) WWWW

This popular film festival returns to Sydney showcasing 21 exhilarating films from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland, many of which are award-winning Australian premieres. Festival curator Elysia Zeccola explained that Australian audiences should identify with Scandinavian films. “I think Australians really appreciate Nordic cinema, we appreciate the droll sense of humour. The themes that seem to come through every year of immigration, integration and prejudice, are very topical and universal.” The production value of these films

are of high quality with great acting and direction and Zeccola says she’s always blown away when she watches a film from these Nordic countries. “There’s a unique voice coming out of the region which is very distinct. I get lost in the films, I get lost in the stories and I don’t know how they’re going to end which I love.” (MMo)

ZECCOLA’S TOP PICKS UNDER THE TREE: This absurd Icelandic black comedy about bickering neighbours opens the film festival.A Scandinavean celebration follows with drinks, Nordic flavours, sparkling elderflower cocktails and entertainment. THELMA: In this Norwegian supernatural thriller, a young female student goes to Oslo university and her supernatural powers are awakened upon meeting a beautiful fellow student. Intriguing and a highlight at the festival. WHILE WE LIVE: From Denmark comes this moving drama inspired by true events about four characters whose lives intertwine after a tragic accident. Lead actress Julie Christiansen and director Mehdi Avaz will appear at the opening night and also participate in a Q&A at another screening. Jul 10 – 29. Palace Norton St, Palace Verona, Palace Central. $22-$130 (10 film pass). Tickets & Info: www.scandinavianfilmfestival.com city hub 5 JULY 2017

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