City Hub 19 May 2016

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city hub 19 MAY 2016

WestConnex heats up on inner western front as councils sacked

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Following an announcement last Thursday local democracy had been suspended at a number of councils across the state, there is a growing swell of anger at the state government.

Three inner west councils, all of which oppose the WestConnex project, were put into administration.

Former Greens Councillor and Mayor of Leichhardt Council, Rochelle Porteous, who has been campaigning against WestConnex for several years was one of the councillors across the state who was sacked by the Baird Government last Thursday.

Richard Pearson, former Department of Infrastructure staffer responsible for approving previous stages of the WestConnex project, is administrator of the three inner west councils in administration.

Ms Porteous told City Hub that the sacking of the councils was a “great blow” because of their capacity to stand up for their local communities.

“I expect under the administrator, it is most unlikely that we are going to see the scrutiny and commitment from the council, to do the research and produce the necessary documentation.

“Ashfield, Marrickville and Leichhardt were in opposition to the WestConnex project and were doing research and reports on traffic modelling, on issues around pollution, and generally the Bill Holliday being many reasons this project should not be going ahead,” she said.

“It is a real concern, without that advocacy from the councils, because there is no community group that has the capacity and resources that a council has.”

Ms Porteous said last Sunday that the community had the power to stop of the project. She was speaking as residents occupied a block of flats slated for demolition as part of the $16.8 billion WestConnex tollway project at 27 Wattle Street, Haberfield.

“We can stop this, if we stop the funding. We have the federal election. And most of that money is coming from the federal and the state [government] there is no money coming from

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carried out of the unit block he occupied on Sunday.

private investors. We need to stop the funding now. We need a commitment from each politician who is standing for election that they will no longer fund the WestConnex project,” Ms Porteous said.

Bill Holliday from Lilyfield was dragged out by police and put into a paddy wagon, as a group of campaigners chanted “no WestConnex”.

The block of flats is one of the few in the area, meaning residents that have been evicted by the RMS have been unable to find accommodate in their suburb.

In total, 123 dwellings will be demolished in Haberfield, of which six so far have been destroyed.

“Much-loved family homes and small businesses are being smashed for this toll road, which will see Western Sydney drivers pay tolls of up to $11 each way to end up in traffic jams,” said WestConnex Action Group spokesperson Cynthia Moore.

She said there were serious concerns over the project, including the fact that the M4 East’s major contractors, Samsung and Leighton had been named as having a role in global corruption scandals through their international subsidiaries.

“And yesterday the entire WestCONnex was labelled ‘at risk’ because Leighton’s failed to pay its suppliers on the project,” Ms Moore said.

She was referring to reports in The Australian newspaper last Saturday which said Leightons had not paid its contractors, a fact which was denied by the company.

“But despite these huge issues, the Baird Government continues to ignore residents and experts who try to engage with it. It’s subverted democratic planning processes every step of the way. And now it’s sacked councils to help bulldoze this taxpayer-funded toll road through,” Ms Moore said.

In a Mayoral Minute on Monday, City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that she had written to the Prime Minister and Federal Opposition Leader expressing serious doubts over the project. She called on Bill Shorten MP to formally commit to an “urgent, independent assessment of WestConnex and to withdraw all Federal funding for this project,” should the Labor party win government.

“WestConnex is the very opposite of what Governments should be doing in the 21st Century. The infrastructure projects approved now will seriously affect how we will be able to address dangerous climate change and meet our future transport needs. Coming generations will ask: “How did they let this happen?”” the Lord Mayor said in the minute.

“NSW on track for Guantanamo style laws”: Greens MP

BY ANDREW BARCLAY New anti-terror laws introduced by the state government represent the “most serious breach of human rights proposed yet,” according to a Greens MP. “These laws will see people imprisoned and interrogated based on secret hearsay evidence and unverified police reports in an unprecedented expansion of police powers,” says Greens’ Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge.

Mr Shoebridge says the laws represent an overreach beyond existing laws, which allow police to detain someone to prevent an immediate threat to the public.

“We have seen such schemes overseas create extreme human rights violations, with no substantial impact on preventing or uncovering terrorism.”

“NSW seems determined to lead the way in the race to strip human rights and civil liberties by a continued expansion of punitive police powers.”

The laws introduced by the Minister for Justice and Police, Troy Grant mean New South Wales police will be able to detain and question terrorism suspects for up to 14 days.

The Terrorism (Police Powers) Amendment (Investigative Detention) Bill 2016 is based on similar laws in the UK. The changes were put forward following events last year when 15-year-old Farhad Khalil Mohammad Jabar was charged over the shooting death of 58-year-

David Shoebridge. Source: supplied

old accountant Curtis Cheng at Police Headquarters in Parramatta.

Civil liberties campaigners have also reacted swiftly to criticise the law.

Stephen Banks, president of The NSW Council for Civil Liberties president told ABC News Online the laws would isolate young Australians.

“The police, when they deprive individuals of their liberty, do so under the supervision of an independent arm of government - that is the judiciary,” he said.”

“That is such a fundamental aspect of our

free society... and here we are throwing it away.”

The Premier Mike Baird said in a statement the new powers would mean officers have the time to investigate plots before suspects were released back into the community.

“We have to do everything possible to protect our community from terrortist threats and these new powers do exactly that, by giving our police the ability to properly investigate terrorist plots,” Mr Baird said.

The changes allow NSW police to arrest and detain a person for up to four days, with a review by a senior police officer every 12 hours, if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting they committed a terrorist act in the past 28 days or are involved in planning one in the next fortnight.

A Supreme Court Judge can extend the detention period after that in seven-day increments up to a total 14 days.

A key element of the law prevents the arrest or detention of anyone under 14, and the minister says there will be “appropriate protections” for anyone under the age of 18.

The New South Wales opposition has indicated it is likely to support the new laws after Labor Leader Luke Foley said the laws appeared more reasonable than original proposal of a 28 day detention period.

The introduction of the laws follow an inprinciple agreement last month at the Council of Australian Governments meeting that proposed the NSW model would become to basis of a nationally consistent model. city hub 19 MAY 2016

3

Selling Long Bay will cost more in long run

BY LUCAS BAIRD The Labor party have slammed the NSW government’s plan to close and sell off Long Bay Gaol, saying its sale will not even cover half the cost of a new prison.

The State Government announced plans earlier this month to build a new gaol in Wollondilly to combat the rising prison population.

The Wollondilly facility will have a capacity of around 5000 prisoners and will replace Long Bay Gaol which is to close once construction of the new site is finished.

The new site is meant to compensate for prison overcrowding in NSW, with around 12,000 adults in NSW prisons.

The Daily Telegraph estimated that the sale of the 32ha facility to developers would net around $400 million.

However, Shadow Minister for Corrections, Guy Zangari, told City Hub that the cost to build a new prison could be upwards of a billion dollars.

“There is no government estimate but one would believe it would be costing in the billions to be sure, probably near that billion figure,” Mr Zangari said.

The member for Fairfield also raised concerns over whether money from the sale would be used to help subsidise a new facility.

“There is no security to say that money from the sale of the Long Bay would particularly cover that asset being built.”

Mr Zangari also said that the

Long Bay Jail.

government needs to make sure that the overcrowding problem in prisons is solved before it even looks at selling off another asset.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Corrections, David Elliott, said that the closing of Long Bay will contribute to the overall plan to reduce prison overcrowding.

The spokesperson also noted the current actions taken by the government to curb the overcrowding issue.

“We have funded more than 2,800 additional beds since March 2014 and are also progressing plans to build a new prison in Grafton and to expand Parklea,” the spokesperson said.

“The NSW Government has a long-term plan to cater for the rising prisoner population and better manage and reform inmates.”

Mr Zangari’s comments are part of

a wider criticism of the Long Bay Gaol closure which even includes the Liberal MP for Wollondilly, Jai Rowell.

Mr Rowell said that he didn’t want the area to become a “dumping ground” for criminals and was clear that he would stand his ground on the issue.

He said that 35,000 new homes had been planned in the area in the coming years and that putting a gaol in the middle of this area would be “stupid”.

Mr Zangari said that if the government couldn’t be trusted to consult its own party members, it couldn’t be trusted at all.

“If the government doesn’t consult one of its own, its caucus colleagues, what chance does that leave the government to actually consult with members of the public?” Mr Zangari said.

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Fighting for your right to party, or at least disco all night long

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS About 130 people gathered at NSW Parliament to hear a debate over the state’s controversial lockout laws last Thursday.

In the debate, the Labor Party conceded that the laws may have been rushed through parliament and had had a significant effect on local businesses.

The debate was the result of a petition which sought to “Keep Sydney Open.” In NSW when a group collects more than 10,000 signatures the state parliament must debate the issue.

Greens MP for Newtown Jenny Leong tabled the petition and gave a speech littered with references to 1980s pop culture.

Ms Leong’s speech argued there were smarter and more efficient solutions to dealing with alcohol related violence than a blanket bans of the lockouts.

She said that the ways in which the City had suffered were numerous, including the dearth of economic and creative opportunities in Sydney.

“Although it might be a stretch to say that we built this city on rock ‘n’ roll, nobody can deny that our music, arts and creative communities provide our city with a beating heart and they are suffering under the punitive lockout laws that were enforced across Sydney’s central business district, Kings Cross and Oxford Street.”

“How convenient that the lockout boundaries happen to miss Sydney’s existing casino, The Star.

One may have noticed that they also conveniently etch around Barangaroo, the site of the city’s next gambling hub. It is not hard to see why the Premier has been nicknamed Casino Mike.”

Just as she uttered the words, “Do not lock Sydney down. Keep it open; keep it safe,” there was a burst of applause from the public gallery.

The temporary speaker, Melanie Gibbons, scolded the public gallery. “Order! I remind those in the public gallery that the Parliament does not tolerate clapping in the Chamber and I ask that everyone resist the urge to clap in the future” Like a substitute school teacher or a Victorian governess trying to appeal to the gallery’s better side, the speaker said “The audience has been very good so far, so I thank them for that,” with a small grin that undermined the authority of her language. [or, seemed to say “no sometimes means yes”.]

For a group of people who had taken umbrage with the government telling them what time to go to bed, the crowd was remarkably compliant and from then on sat listening in silence.

Liberal Party member for Drummoyne John Sidoti addressed the chamber after Ms Leong. He said that terms of reference the Callinan review into the lockouts would examine public safety, as well as their impact on business and the broader community.

Keep Sydney Open supporters last Thursday outside NSW Parliament House. Source: supplied

He said that the review would be conducted at arm’s length from the government.

“Mr Callinan has also been meeting with key stakeholders to hear firsthand about their experiences, both good and bad, and the impact of the regulatory reforms. This is consistent with the Government’s intention that the review be independent, open, transparent and conducted at arm’s length from Government.”

Labor Party member for Maroubra and Deputy Leader of the pposition Michael Daley, said that there had indeed been a problem with alcohol and violence, but they had been introduced in haste. “I do think, without being too political, that the great flaw in these lockout laws is that they were conceived and introduced in haste. Premier Barry O’Farrell recalled Parliament and we all rushed back here in January to debate them with very little community consultation. It has been that lack of consultation, as much as anything, that has led to great concerns, and there are serious concerns.”

It is the first time that the Labor party had indicated that it would question the introduction of the laws.

Mr Daley said he had been approached by a constituent about the laws. “I remember a lovely fellow who lived in my electorate whose name was John and who ran a newsagency on Oxford Street. As soon as the lockout laws were introduced he came to saw me and he said, “This is going to kill my business. I rely on passing trade at night to keep the business alive.” That business has gone now. I think he just closed the door and walked out,” Mr Daley said.

Member for Sydney, Mr Alex Greenwich, also spoke about the effects on business in his electorate, which the laws primarily effect.

He said the laws had been without consultation with businesses in his electorate.

Mr Greenwich, who voted against the legisalation along with the Greens when it was introduced said that the 1.30 lockout now effectively acted as a closing time.

“The Live Music Office reports that live performance venues in the lockout zone have lost 40 per cent in revenue from gigs, and these venues have decreased spending on live performance by 15 per cent. There are fewer places to go, with live music venues like the Flinders, the Backroom, FBI Social, Spectrum and Q Bar having closed,” The member for Balmain, the Greens Jamie Parker said that voting against the legislation at the beginning was a Tsunami of criticism: “It is important to remember that at the time this debate was taking place, it was supported by News Limited and the Daily Telegraph, Fairfax and the Sydney Morning Herald, the Labor Party, and the Liberal Party. I am proud to say that the Independents and The Greens were the only ones that voted against this legislation and we are continuing with that campaign.”

Local business that had closed spoke to media before the debate.

Mark Piggott, to whom the deputy Labor leader referred to in his speech, spoke of the anguish of closing down the 83 year old family newsagency outside parliament. “These laws without question are ill conceived, ill thought out, and lazy. There are so many other smart options that have been voiced here.”

He said there had been a cumulative effect which came from a drop in tourists, people going out at night, brought about by the lockouts.

“I am a news agent. I have never sold alcohol in

my life, but what these laws have done is basically shut the revolving door of the City of Sydney. The newsagent, the chemist the pub, the club, you name it, have all gone.”

He estimated nighttime trade made up 60 per cent of his revenue.

Another previous business owner from the nearby Flinders Hotel near Taylor Square said that he too had lost his livelihood. He said his business had relied on trade on Friday and Satruday nights at the early hours of the morning.

Former owner of the hotel, Ashley Ryan said, “Our trade just fell away completely, in the end we had no choice but to close up.”

He said that his hotel had no history of violence, and his venue had no strikes against it.

“People just stopped coming.”

He said along with his business, he had also lost his home and his car. “At 41 years of age I am having to start my life again.”

Freelancer CEO Matt Barry, who launced a scathing attack of the laws on LinkedIn last year, told City Hub that Sydney was missing out on economic opportunities to those in Melbourne.

“There is a huge amount of economic destruction, if you look at new startups, American tech companies , the startups that are coming to Australia are going to Melbourne now, there’s been a whole slew of them.”

Mr Barry was particularly critical of the Star Casino.

“There was an analyst from Canaccord that submitted to the Callahan review – he looked at Star Group’s analyst reports, and saw there was basically a $500 million transfer payment to Star Casino from small businesses in the City of Sydney as a result of these laws.

“The tourists have stopped coming and anyone with half a brain who is young and intelligent they’re leaving, they want to go somewhere else to live.

Frankly, I wouldn’t mind doing the same thing.”

A female health care worker from the inner west, who attended the debate but did not wish to be named said it seemed coincidental the government planned to sell off so many government owned buildings to developers in the inner city.

“It has become so gentrified; it has lost its tinge.

People bought these million dollar apartments because they wanted to be in the city hub, and now they’re in the city hub they don’t want the noise. In every city, you have a hierarchy of people on the ground, and people from different socio economic streams – that is what makes a city a city.”

“People are losing their jobs. There is a death, culturally it is dying, which is sad for a City that is meant to be growing. It is just becoming a suburban area.”

Students, politicians attack education cuts

BY LUCAS BAIRD Greens and Labor politicians have spoken out against university funding cuts and fee deregulation at a student protest in Sydney.

Students from UTS, University of Sydney and UNSW participated in a march opposing measures in the budget which would see partial deregulation of university fees and cuts to education on March 11.

The march started at the Fisher Library in the University of Sydney, before proceeding down City Rd towards UTS. Labor Senator, Doug Cameron, used the event to attack the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, and the budget.

“I just think it is totally unacceptable that we could have a Prime Minister that is just so out of touch,” Mr Cameron said. “$100 thousand university degrees. Now what does that mean for young people coming out of university?”

“You are behind the eight ball right away and it doesn’t matter how well educated you are,” he said.

Greens candidate for Sydney, Sylvie Ellsmore, also spoke at the event.

The former Marrickville councillor said that the Greens believed that higher education should be free in Australia.

6

city hub 19 MAY 2016

Ms Ellsmore commented on the budget. She believed that while it was not as bad as it could’ve been it still had some worrying signs.

“There have been a series of cuts and moves towards privatising universities and it is the Greens’ position that it is not good enough just to reinvest money back into universities we need to genuinely aim for free education,” Ms Ellsmore told City Hub. The protesters also had a minor confrontation with police during the demonstration According to Ms Ellsmore, the protesters and police clashed on City Rd. She accused the police of acting in a “heavy handed,” manner.

The police didn’t believe that the protestors had obtained the proper permits to march on the streets, according to Ms Ellsmore.

“When we got to City Rd… they [the Police] got very assertive very quickly,” Ms Ellsmore said.

However, The students agreed to move back on to the pavement and no arrests were made by police.

Ms Ellsmore said that the confrontation otherwise sullied an important protest for the students.

Protestors last Wednesday. Photo: Lucas Baird.

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Greens gatecrash Grayndler McDonalds may

BY JORDAN FERMANIS He’s been called a Trotskyist, ‘far more socialist than a tree hugger,’ and his opponent Anthony Albanese has suggested he would be a better fit in the International Socialist Organisation rather than Federal Parliament.

But the Greens candidate for Grayndler Jim Casey has not been fazed by the political mudslinging of recent weeks and shows no signs of backing down.

“Some of the scrutiny is absolutely appropriate. I’m the contender, I’m not the incumbent, I’m the new kid on the block so it speak, so people want to know what I’m about.”

“I welcome that scrutiny and I welcome that opportunity to talk to people about what I believe is the future for our community and our city and our country,” Mr Casey said.

Labor’s stronghold on Grayndler is now under threat following a perfect storm of redistribution, gentrification, local issues and the movement of the Greens into the political mainstream. Federal redistribution finalised this year meant Grayndler gained the suburbs of Balmain, Rozelle and Marrickville. Grayndler now includes the majority of the two state seats that are held by the Greens. Along with the Sydney electorate of Sydney, Grayndler has been targeted by the Greens as a winnable seat.

But what may seem like a contest of politics, is also a contest of personality.

Albanese has proved a strong local member in addition to a strong Minister and Shadow Minister in years past.

Albanese has held Grayndler since 1996 and the seat has always elected a labor

Jim Casey

representative since its inception in 1949.

But with a fight on his hands, Albanese has resorted to naming and shaming Casey.

Last week Albanese suggested Mr Casey was a socialist extremist. Speaking to City Hub, Mr Casey said he hoped that the electorate could move on and hear a debate about policy.

“I think it is regrettable that so much of the coverage has been harping on some McCarthyite attempt to smear me as something I’m not, instead of actually talking about the political questions I’m taking to the election.

“I’m hoping that as time goes on we are going to see a more genuine policy debate in Grayndler so people can make an informed choice about who represents them in the federal parliament,” Mr Casey said.

Last week, in an unusual sign of support for a progressive Labor MP, The Daily Telegraph released a front page spread titled ‘Save Our Albo,’ Since then, Albo has embarked on a nation-wide tour fulfilling his portfolio

as the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Tourism. Whilst off on duty he has used twitter to play politics.

“So week 2 begins with repeat of week 1 with Greens Party leaders in Grayndler - I’m campaigning to win seats off Tories in Perth today.”- Anthony Albanese WestConnex is the big issue for Grayndler. The $16 billion motorway is the largest transport project in Australia and is right at the doorstep of residents in Grayndler. Jim Casey rejects the WestConnex project entirely.

“It’s a $16 billion act of theft. They’re using public money to construct a private toll road so the public will be hit twice.

Basically to seek capital and then again to use it.

But most shockingly of all, it’s not going to work. Ultimately WestConnex is just going to dump thousands of more cars into the city. At the end of the day this road is a road to nowhere,” he said.

As the election campaign continues the issue of WestConnex is one that is sure to be hammered home by the Greens as Albanese will be asked to make a firm position. Jim Casey is looking forward to more policy debate.

“We’re hearing a lot of commentary about old tweets of mine, a lot of commentary about lines taken out of context in ten minute speeches that I’ve given,” Mr Casey said.

“But we are yet to hear an explanation for Anthony’s position on refugees, we are yet to hear his position on WestConnex.”

Anthony Albanese’s office was contacted several times for comment but did not respond to City Hub’s requests.

move into Glebe

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS McDonalds may be moving into Glebe Point Road in the coming days in the form of a hipster cafe, trying to blend into the local neighbourhood.

A rumour that the multinational company will try to blend its offering like its coffee in with the local independent stores has locals worried. There have been rumours floating that the cafe will open as a pop up for four days next week, but others saying it would be more like six weeks.

Locals are concerned that the new café at 166 Glebe Point Road will pay low wages and use cheaper products to undercut other local cafes in the area.

McDonalds Australia did not respond to City Hub requests for information on the store opening. A casual employee who answered the customer service phone line said that she could not “see anything” in her system about a Glebe venue but admitted that not all the stores would show up on her database.

Local Amanda Tattersall has started a campaign against the company from opening in Glebe. She said people were angry because it had tried to sneak into the suburb.

“I found out about it with some friends at local coffee shop. There has been no announcement, they have tried to sneak in like the hamburgler. They wanted to sneak in because they know they would be incredibly unpopular

before they opened.”

She said that it was a difficult time for independent businesses on the high street, and they did not need to compete with a multinational “with infinite resources”.

President of the Glebe Chamber of Commerce, Kris Spann, said that the company was effectively leaching off the brand that local independent stores in the area had worked so hard to establish.

He said that those in the area were taken by surprise because the company had not consulted with anyone. He said that the village lifestyle that Glebe offered residents and visitors did not fit in with the plan to open a McDonalds.

He told City Hub he thought that the McDonalds might have been better suited to Broadway shopping Centre nearby.

“We’re not lovin’ it. For us we’re in a very crucial time when we really are trying to push our brand identity as a unique experience, compared to other offering in the neighbourhood, including Broadway Shopping Centre, and also the tram sheds in Harold Park.”

Mr Spann, who owns a coworking café on Glebe Point Road, said that he was confident that people would choose any café other than McDonalds. “When it comes to coffee we’re the best in Australia, and they’re the worst. Good luck.”

Introducing the new Inner West Council

Customer Service

The State Government has announced the formation of the new Inner West Council, made up of the previous Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville Councils.

The State Government has appointed an Administrator, Mr Richard Pearson, who will be responsible for Council decisions until new Councillors are elected. Interim General Manager Ms Vanessa Chan will oversee day to day operations of the Council.

The new Inner West Council covers an area of 36km² from the suburb of Balmain in the North to the suburb of Tempe in the South, Croydon to the West and Newtown to the East, with a population of 186,000.

Elections for all of the newly merged Councils will be held in September 2017.

For further information you can contact any of the three Customer Service Centres.

Your customer service centres are open from 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday: Ashfield Service Centre: 260 Liverpool Road, Ashfield: 02 9716 1800 Leichhardt Service Centre: 7-15 Wetherill Street, Leichhardt 02 9367 9222 Petersham Service Centre: 2-14 Fisher Street, Petersham 02 9335 2222

Business As Usual

If you’re a resident of the former Ashfield, Leichhardt or Marrickville Councils there will be no immediate change to the services you receive.

Your bins will be collected on the same day, you can pay your rates in the same way, and other

services will remain in place too.

Residents will pay no more for their rates than they would have under their old councils for four years.

Any application or request lodged with the previous councils will continue to be assessed or

carried out.

In the coming months, Council will review all services to make sure they remain efficient and effective and to identify what improvements can be made. Until then, everything is business as usual.

Customer Service Centres: Ashfield: 9716 1800, 260 Liverpool Rd Ashfield | Leichhardt: 9367 9222, 7-15 Wetherill St Leichhardt | Petersham 9335 2222, 2-14 Fisher St Petersham 8

city hub 19 MAY 2016

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city hub 19 MAY 2016

9

Safe schools goes to the pub

MEET the locals Something sweet for Sydney Dessert, once a “We’re excited to simple addendum to celebrate the launch a main course, has of Australasia’s taken on a whole largest Mövenpick new importance in boutique. Our recent years. While team has such great other cities in the passion and energy, world have been and it’s exciting dotted with dessert for us to bring our bars, Sydney is about revolutionary vision to have its moment. of culinary excellence Ice cream brand to central Sydney with Mövenpick has Katherine Sabbath’s collaborated with Mövenpick exclusive dessert creative dessert.”

Katherine Sabbath The new boutique to create a whole in the HSBC building Katherine Sabbath. Photo: jeremy Shaw new dessert for the at 580 George St is the opening of its landmark Sydney CBD store. largest Mövenpick boutique in Australasia, is The dessert, a chocolate shortbread a stylish space which includes booth seating. tartlet filled with a scoop of Mövenpick The owner of the store Leonardo Da Costa ice cream, is drizzled with raspberry coulis said he first walked into the Bondi Mövenpick and accompanied by a dark chocolate and store and immediately fell in love with the raspberry shard. brand.

The dessert will be sold for a limited time “Working with people has always been only to celebrate the opening of the new a passion of mine from a young age. I had Sydney flagship. worked in our family’s hardware business “I love ice cream and I was so excited to in Brazil from the age of fourteen, and not only help launch the new Mövenpick since being in Australia I’ve always wanted boutique in Sydney CBD, but create a fresh to own my business. Mövenpick is a and colourful dessert using the best Swiss ice premium brand and I’m passionate about cream as the key ingredient,” Katherine said. the product, and I love ice cream!” Mr Da Business Manager for Mövenpick in Costa said.

Australia, Dennis Koorey said it was exciting to be launching a hybrid of creative ingenuity Movenpick Boutique 580 George St with Mövenpick track record with culinary Sydney CBD 2000 NSW excellence.

BY JORDAN FERMANIS The Safe Schools Coalition was launched by the Victorian government in 2010. The next year under the Labor government it moved nationwide where it began to receive $8 million of Federal funding per year and bipartisan support. The program is an elected education and training resource for teaching staff and students on how to create safer environments for LGBTQI school students.

The program has trained 18,128 staff, has 546 member schools with 403, 392 students involved and is supported by 164 organisations nationally.

Recently the Safe Schools Coalition has come under fire from right wing conservatives Corey Bernardi and George Christensen and the Christian Democratic Party. These groups mounted a fierce campaign to cut the federal funding for the program and called for the program to be scrapped altogether citing that Safe Schools was being used to indoctrinate children into a ‘Marxist agenda of cultural relativism.’

Speaking at Politics in the Pub last week in Glebe, the Greens candidate for Blaxland, Suzan Virago said Safe Schools provided students with information on how to tackle homophobia and transphobia.

“Safe Schools program is a lifeline Greens candidate for for many young people who identify as transgender, gender diverse or intersex. It is a vital education program. It is turning the tide on bullying, hate and discrimination within our schoolyards,” Virago said.

The Politics in the Pub event focused on the politicisation of the Safe Schools program by conservative parts of the political spectrum, detracting from the goal of creating more inclusive and tolerant schools.

Suzan Virago says that the politicisation of the Safe Schools debate is part of instilling a culture of fear around the LGBTQI community.

“The key objective for extreme right wingers and religious groups is to create a culture of misinformation and fear. The headlines and the hype do have an effect,” She said.

Dr. Victoria Rawlings of the University of Sydney, who also spoke to the event, outlined the risks for LGBTI children at school.

“LGBTQ young people are more at risk of depression, they are more likely to drop out of school, they’re more likely to have eating disorders, they’re more likely to self-harm, they’re more likely to have suicidal feelings and suicidal attempts than straight young people,” Dr Rawlings said.

Dr. Rawlings also commented on how politics is reshaping the Safe Schools debate.

“This program existed unchanged for six years before it blew up in the last three months and became a political chess piece,” She said.

In February the Safe Schools Coalition underwent a review into whether the program was consistent with the national curriculum. The findings did not support a scrapping of the program altogether but outlined several changes. The changes include an ‘opt-in policy’ for parents making the program optional through parental consent Blaxland Susan Virago. and restricting the program to secondary schools only.

Dr. Rawlings said that these new changes, “prevents a whole school approach and limits the ability for change.”

She added that the review of the program off the back of political pressure shows that the we have a long way to go in addressing LGBTQI issues in Australia.

“The review and its restrictions are symptomatic of a broader homophobia and transphobia in the community and the assumption that there is something wrong with sexual or gender diversity and that children should be protected from it in some way.”

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FEATURE

From Chasing Asylum to Building Business: A Refugee Journey

HUMAN RIGHTS ARTS & FILM FESTIVAL (HRAFF)

May 24-28. Dendy Cinema Newtown, 261-263 King St, Newtown. Single Tickets $20 or 6 Film Pass $84.

Tickets & Info: http://2016.hraff.org.au/ program/#city=sydney

CHASING ASYLUM - Q&A SCREENING

May 22. Randwick Ritz, 45 St Pauls St, Randwick. $20.

Tickets & Info: ritzcinema.com.au

STREET FOOD MARKETS

May 21, 4-9pm. Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville.

Info: arcco.org.au/whats-on/ street-food-markets/

AFRO KIDZ

To find out more about Afro Kidz go to drumanddancesydney.com/the-afro-kidz/ or find them on Facebook.

Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS), Addison Road Community Centre Organisation (ARCCO), and refugee entrepreneurship program Ignite, the popular street food market features vendors from a range of cultural backgrounds. In an overwhelming show of community support, the inaugural market on the last Saturday of April attracted more than 6,000 customers.

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Many of the vendors are graduates of the Ignite program. Ignite Enterprise Facilitator, Dina Petrakis explained: “A lot of the refugees who come to Australia are very entrepreneurial. We form a team around the entrepreneur because we understand that when they arrive here, they encounter many challenges: they often can’t speak English, they can’t use the transport system, they don’t understand Australian markets, and they don’t understand the extremely regulated Australian business environment. Even if they had successful businesses back home, they face a whole new set of challenges here.”

“We work with the passion of the entrepreneur – whether they are chefs, craftspeople, tailors, photographers or artists. We work with their passion and [for] what they lack in terms of marketing and accounting skills, we find people who can help them with that knowledge gap. I have been absolutely humbled by the generosity and good will of the Sydneysiders who have offered their expertise, their skills, their time, and their mentoring to assist our newly arrived refugees [to] start their businesses.”

“I see people who have been in Australia for as little as three weeks and for many, we know that they will have a challenge with English. But looking at our migrant past – for example the Greeks, Italians, Vietnamese or Chinese – they also didn’t have language but it didn’t stop them from having a really viable business.”

Australian Bureau of Statistics data for 2009-2010 reveals that migrants who arrived as refugees reported the highest proportion of their incomes “from their own unincorporated businesses”. This income grew with the length of time they spent in Australia, and “increased sharply” after five years of residency.

Petrakis added: “Because we work with newly arrived refugees that makes our program quite unique in the world. A lot of people might think: why would you bother if they’ve just arrived? You bother because they’ve got so much hope, so much passion, so much positivity, so much good will – you want to tap into that, to make sure that it’s utilised as they are resettling.”

ARCCO Cultural Coordinator Juan Carlos Rios insists that money is only one small part of the motivation for the participants in the Street Food Market, saying: “The food stallholders are here not only for the profits they can make – but also to share their cultures.”

The simple act of sharing cultural activities can be the perfect catalyst to creating greater social change, according to Rachel Bangoura, an organizer and choreographer behind Afro Kidz – a dynamic youth dance troupe of young African Australians.

“I think [performing at public events is] creating a visual presence of the culture which I think is really important,” said Rachel. “[Feedback] we usually get from people is they look so happy when they’re performing…the music and the dance form is really free and alive and happy.”

Rehearsing weekly and performing at least once a month, Afro Kidz allows children and teens with a shared cultural heritage to connect with their roots. It’s also an outlet for the wider Australian community to connect with this growing part of our society – “as more African refugees come now, their children are African Australian,” Rachel explained.

“The more we can embrace [cultural differences] the better, and the more that kids can see difference as normal [the better]. I think it’s really important for people, but particularly children in this day and age, to learn that there’s other cultures out there, they may dress differently, they do think differently, they express themselves in different ways, and it’s really important for kids to see that…it’s all about learning to accept other cultures, to see that there’s difference out there.”

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BY Carmen Cita & Alannah Maher There are currently estimated to be 60 million people displaced from their homes across the globe.That means roughly one in a hundred people are unable to call home, home.The most common reason for displacement is armed conflict, and for many of those they may never be able to go back home.

As Australia’s migrant and refugee communities continue to grow do we need to look at redefining the term “proud multicultural society”? City Hub spoke to some Australians who are seeking to demystify migrant cultures and refugee experiences and create a more accepting and cooperative society.

As the 2016 Human Rights Arts & Film Festival (HRAFF) illuminates Australian cinema screens this month, one highly anticipated documentary is shining a bright light where no camera has been before.

Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Eva Orner, the daring new film Chasing Asylum contains secret footage of Australia’s controversial offshore detention centres. The documentary chronicles the extraordinary lengths to which consecutive Australian Governments have gone in order to deter people from seeking asylum in Australia, and the concurrent policies of secrecy that undermine media scrutiny.

As an Australian living abroad, Orner describes her frustration with Australia’s policy stance towards people seeking asylum. Speaking to City Hub, she said: “I stayed up all night and cheered and popped the champagne when Kevin Rudd was elected in 2007 and the camps were closed – and then reeled in horror when they were reopened by the same Government.”

“In 2013 when Abbott was elected and the boat tow-backs started, the rhetoric started getting worse and worse. I was surprised and disappointed to hear friends from back home – smart, educated people – using terms like ‘illegal asylum seekers’ and ‘queue-jumpers’. I was also very aware and outraged by the policy of secrecy that has shrouded detention, and particularly offshore detention, for the last decade and a half. So, being the bolshie kind of person that I am, I felt that we really needed to do something about that.”

Australia spends $1.2 billion per year running the detention centres on Manus Island and Nauru, an average cost of $500,000 per asylum seeker per year. Beyond monetary costs, the documentary outlines the significant human costs that Australia’s offshore detention practices have incurred, including self-harm, mental illness, sexual assault, self-immolation and death.

“Only a handful of politicians over the years have been to Manus or Nauru,” said Orner. “Shorten and Turnbull have never been. They are spending 1.2 billion dollars of taxpayers’ money and telling us not to be ‘misty-eyed’ when someone self-immolates in a place that we are paying for and sending them to.”

Orner describes Chasing Asylum as a non-didactic, bipartisan film. “It doesn’t yell at you,” she explained. “It’s a slow build. It makes you cry but it’s not an emotional[ly] manipulative film – it’s just the facts laid out. I hope that when people see the film, it will make them stop and think about this, and stop using erroneous terms like ‘illegal asylum seeker’.”

Orner fears that this negative political rhetoric has created a social stigma that refugees and people seeking asylum on our shores, are likely to become a burden to the Australian economy – a burden that we cannot shoulder.

Flying in the face of that stigma, the organisers of Street Food Markets – a monthly refugee start-up initiative in Marrickville – argue that many refugees in fact bring rich entrepreneurial potential to the Australian economy.

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city hub 19 MAY 2016

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Events Catherine McClements. Photo: Luke Cowling

In the wake of multiple terrorist attacks in Europe, ripping apart areas of some of the continent’s most loved cities, the themes of The Events have unfortunately never been more relevant.

Claire, played by the brilliant Catherine McClements (Wentworth, Rush, Tangle), is a mélange of identities. She is a Reverend, a feminist, a lesbian and the director of a choir.

The choir is a microcosm of society – full of people from all walks of life – that is blown apart when a disaffected young man enters the hall and opens fire.

In the wake of the massacre Claire enters into a dialogue with a young man, played by Johnny Car. Johnny plays a number of parts as Claire uses him to try to understand why it happened.“Every character that I play is filtered through the lens of the boy.They’re quick shifts,” she explained.

Together Claire and Johnny explore the larger question of how we live together knowing it could all come crashing down in an instant. “There’s a contract of trust that we have as members of society, just getting around dayto-day. When that is flipped and someone breaks that contract, then everyone is completely vulnerable.”

The Events is performed with a different community choir from a different part of Sydney at each performance, who are also seeing it for the very first time. For Johnny, this means “every night is different, and each choir brings their certain unique qualities to each performance”. (CB) Until Jun 12, various show times. Upstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills. $37-$72.Tickets & info: belvoir.com.au or 02 9699 3444

Bad Jews

Making its premiere in through 2014, it sold out generations and yet seasons on the West still make it End and Broadway, with valuable.”

Photo: Jeff Busby the New York Times Bringing some calling it “the best possibly irritating comedy of the season”. ‘shalom’ to the mix Now Joshua Harmon’s is Anna Burgess, Bad Jews arrives in who plays Melody, Sydney having received Liam’s non-Jewish stellar reviews from its girlfriend. “She is Melbourne outing. just one big The beloved patriarch Daffodil,” has passed away and remarked Burgess. the grandchildren “This beautiful, assemble in a loving, gorgeous compressed Manhattan thing who wants apartment. Up for grabs is a treasured family everyone to have a beautiful time.” heirloom, grandfather’s chai necklace. Is it a symbol Both actors are clearly besotted with the play.“I of a holocaust survivor? Or does it point towards think Josh Harmon has done an incredible job,” a brighter future? Who will get hold of it? Will it be said Angelico.“It’s fast, funny, has guts and a lot of Daphna, the super-intellectual zealot, who studies heart.” the Torah and is like a train that doesn’t stop? Or “It’s like watching an argument in a very fun way,” perhaps it is the urbane and sophisticated Liam, added Burgess.“That’s what makes it so engaging who has just missed the funeral because of a skiing for audiences.” (GW) holiday? Then there is younger brother Jonah, who Until Jun 4;Tues–Sat 8pm, Sat 3pm, Sun 5pm. would just rather not get involved.

Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre, Cnr City Rd “It’s about family.That’s the driving force of the and Cleveland St, Chippendale. $49–$71. play,” said Maria Angelico, who plays Daphna.“The Tickets & info: seymourcentre.com or conflict, the love and tradition, how we carry it on 02 9351 7940.

a&e

13 STAGE 16 SCENE 17 Sounds 18 SCREEN

Howie The Rookie Andrew Henry and Sean Hawkins Photo: Kathy Luua

Two men, two chairs, two monologues that interweave a dark and complex story.Andrew Henry and Sean Hawkins bring Howie The Rookie to the stage in an exciting minimalist production.

The play has special significance for both men, since it was the first they produced with Red Line and with Vanessa Wright as stage manager/ producer. It was only 18 months ago, but Sean feels “a lot more details can be etched out the second time…things can always be improved.”

The plot centres around two unfortunate young men living outside Dublin whose messy underworld lives overlap within a tumultuous 48hour period.Andrew describes it as a hunting story in which one man seeks vengeance on the other.As the play evolves the tale becomes more dense and intricate.

Against a grotesque backdrop, writer Mark O’Rowe has given the characters eloquent, poetic speech far beyond their social class. Sean says this gives the play a mystical, elevated quality.They have elected to keep it in its original setting with authentic Irish accents.

In most productions, the play is performed with each actor alone on stage in two separate acts but director Toby Schmitz has chosen to put both actors on stage together for the whole time.

Andrew and Sean both agree this works really well as it allows them to react and contribute to each other’s monologues.

Notably, the director, set designer and the production were all nominated for Sydney Theatre awards. Commendably, both Andrew and Sean won Sydney Theatre awards for their performances.

(RB) Until Jun 11;Tue-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm. Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street (Cnr Cathedral Street),Woolloomooloo. $28-$38.

Tickets & info: oldfitztheatre.com/howie

7 Days in the Life of Simon Labrosse Imagine you were unemployed and hopeless at finding a job, so you had to create jobs for yourself? This is the plotline for 7 Days in the Life of Simon Labrosse, written by award-winning Canadian playwright Carole Fréchette who is also known for Helen’s Necklace, John and Beatrice and The Four Lives of Marie.

Basically the play follows Simon Labrosse and his friends Leo the poet and Nathalie, who cares a little bit too much about Labrosse’s personal development. Over the course of seven days you see Labrosse create elaborate jobs for himself such as emotional stuntman, ego flatterer, easer of consciences and ender of sentences.

He creates these jobs to fill the void in his life,

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

and because of the rising costs of living he needs to earn money or risk living on the streets. He uses these imaginative jobs as services to the community. However, things aren’t as easy as Labrosse estimates and his situation gets interesting.

Starring Gerry Sont, Steve McGrath and Cassady Maddox, this is the first time 7 Days has hit Australian shores.This is a creative piece of work that has been nominated for a number of awards. If you’re in a need of a refreshing piece of performance then this play is your best bet. (AMal) Until May 29;Tues-Sat 7pm, Sun 5pm.

Creative Space 99-Backstage, 99 Crown Street, Darlinghurst (access via Crown Lane). $25-$30.

Tickets & info: theatrexcentrique.com or 0432 714 809 Photo: Emma Lois

Contributors: Carmen Cita, Craig Coventry, Greg Webster, Alicia Sim, Peter Urquhart, James Harkness, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Athina Mallis, Leigh Livingstone, Joseph Rana, Shon Ho, Jacqui Rothwell, Emily Shen, Andrew Hodgson, Irina Dunn, Cindy Aravena, Jacob Aguilar, Caitlin Burns, Zeiya Speede, Rita Bratovich.

city hub 19 MAY 2016

13

Stefan Jamal with this Avenue Q dopplegange

Avenue Q

Avenue Q, the outrageous musical comedy with a face of felt, a heart of gold and an ammunition of curse words is back in Sydney thanks to the efforts of amateur superstars the Canterbury Theatre Guild.

Pyrmont local Stefan Jamal couldn’t be more pleased to be taking on the lead role of Princeton, a recent graduate anxious to learn all the lessons life has to throw at him – which is exactly what he gets from the colourful characters he meets in his new neighbourhood.

“What intrinsically is really unique and special about it is that it’s one of those shows that non-musical-theatre-people can really enjoy,” said Stefan when talking to City Hub. “I think it uses a really familiar and nostalgic format…it harkens back to that Sesame Street vibe, and I’m sure most of us watched something like Sesame Street…as a kid.”

Don’t be fooled by the seemingly

The ludicrous and lengthy title of this theatrical production conveys an accurate indication as to what audiences can expect – an absurdly outrageous and fun-packed show pervading in silliness.

This musical theatre parody is set in 1965 and follows Sugar (Kate Smith), a fashion-conscious would-be-glamorous-showgirl, who shoots her two-timing boyfriend Buster (Drew Fairly) dead in front of a live audience and escapes to Dubbo. Following a car accident she is kidnapped by Dingo Boy (also Drew Fairly), an extremely ugly gentleman who’s a scholar with a heart of gold and living in a well, whom she falls madly in love with!

VITAL SIGNS Bare Productions a suite of theatrical miniatures exploring how emotions affect ourselves and the people around us.An interesting play about love, fear, frustration, passion and realisation inspired by the works of Jane Martin. If you’re in dire need of letting out a few emotions, or need no invitation to let loose with how you’re feeling, check out Vital Signs while you can. (AMal) Until May 20, 7.30pm. Exchange Hotel, 94 Beattie Street, Balmain. $17.50-$20.Tickets & info: trybooking.com/KTKT TELESCOPE The story of Joss and Vic, two Australian parents who struggle to cope after their eldest child comes out as transgender. In a striking move, two non-binary actors, Shevvi BarrettBrown and Caillin McKay, will swap the roles and thus genders of characters Joss and Vic each night.A frank and funny approach to the impact of transphobia on the self, the family and one’s social world. (ES) Until May 21, 8pm. Leichhardt Town Hall, 107 Norton St, Leichhardt. $15$20.Tickets info: montaguebasement. com/tickets 14

city hub 19 MAY 2016

AS WE FORGIVE Three interlinked monologues from Tom Holloway revolving around the theme of forgiveness, performed by revered Australian actor Robert Jarman.The first is an elderly man who has been the victim of a brutal robbery, the second was abused when he was younger and the third shares a terrible story questioning the purpose of forgiveness.

The perfect opportunity to watch one of Australia’s best acting talents in his zone. (AMal) Until May 21, Mon-Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm. SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod Street, Kings Cross. $20-$43.

Tickets & info: griffintheatre.co GOOD PEOPLE Trapped in a cycle of urban poverty and with a disabled daughter, Margaret has little to show for life and few prospects. When she loses her meager job at the ‘dollarstore’, there is no money for rent and eviction beckons. With impeccable comic timing, Tara Morice is completely enthralling as Margaret, driving the play relentlessly forward.

An endlessly rewarding piece of theatre. (GW)

Review: We Will Rock You In a dystopian future where the general population is plugged into the motherboard of conformity, a group of rebellious bohemians fight to reinstate free thought and the power of rock n’ roll, baby. Someone thought it would be a great idea to bring Ben Elton’s We Will Rock You, a musical based on the music Queen, back to the Sydney stage.

The script preaches the revolutionary gospel of rock and criticises the cookie cutter culture, fashion and *gasp* modern electronic music of this futuristic society. However, there’s an overwhelming sense of vanilla-ness that doesn’t help that undercurrent of rock rebellion take hold.

The paramount of blah lays with the ‘hero’ of the piece, Galileo, a “reincarnation of Freddie Mercury”.

While emulating Freddie’s immaculate voice is a mammoth task for anyone, leading man Gareth Keegan was out-sung by his cast mates again and again. His Mickey Mouse-esque American accent was never explained or necessary. Female lead Scaramouche, portrayed by Erin Clare, often provided the pipes and the charisma to carry them both.

The greater chemistry was really between frontrunning bohemian couple Brit (Thern Reynolds) and Oz (Jaz Flowers). The villain of the piece, the Killer

This delightfully bizarre, all singing and all dancing musical (skilfully penned by Drew Fairly), contains an array of original songs and is overdosed with cheesy puns and over-acting which are the principle elements to the show’s success.

It’s apparent after watching this fast-paced and fast-talking burlesque-style show that Smith and Fairly have worked together previously, as they share an adorable chemistry nourished through time which complements one another’s performances.

Nothing is sacred in this production, which seemingly mocks thriller films and the glamourous fashions of the 60’s. Amongst Until May 21, various show times.

Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli. $65-$69.

Tickets & info: ensemble.com.au or 02 9929 0644.

MOTHERLAND This play takes inspiration from the great characters bred from Russia’s dark past. From the chaos of a Russian military coup, through the hell of Nazi-occupied France to a turbulent Brisbane in the throes of the Fitzgerald Inquiry, the intertwining of three different timelines is something that one would render impossible to pull off, but makes this production all the more intriguing. (AH) Until May 22. Glen Street Theatre, corner Glen Street and Blackbutts Road, Belrose. $16-$64.Tickets & info: glenstreet.com.au or 9975 1455 HAY FEVER So much of modern comedy owes to the wry slapstick of Noel Coward. Clever and droll, his characters are always ready for another dry martini or a classy misstep.The Sydney Theatre Company presents Hay Fever, first produced in 1925. For fans of Noel Coward, this tale of naughty

people is among his earliest and also the best of his comedies.A wry take on the bohemian mayhem of the Bliss family, each member invites a suitably unsuitable guest for a weekend away.

(OA) Until May 26, various show times.

Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. $64-$104.Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com.au THE CHERRY ORCHARD For her debut main stage production, director Clemence Williams has chosen Anton Chekov’s much adapted 1904 play.The Cherry Orchard deals with an aristocratic family’s dilemma to sell their beloved property. Even though more than a century has passed since it was first written,Williams believes the play’s themes of class systems and real estate remain increasingly relevant. (ASim) Until May 28;Thurs-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm, Sat 28th 5pm. New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown. $17-$32.Tickets & info: newtheatre.org.au THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Sport For Jove’s production of The

Queen (Casey Donovan), may have been the most rock n’ roll out of all of them. Or it may have just been the way Donovan relished her turn as a ‘badie’, injecting the most character into her high notes and comedic quips.

Updates to the script tried to keep things ‘with it’, but the pop music references just made it feel all the more like a bad joke. While much of the staging and stadium concert quality lighting was up to scratch, the bizarre animations flashing across the on-set screens would have looked cringey and out dated even the first time WWRY was staged.

The costumes are fun and some enigmatic performances and great musical numbers strengthened by a live rock orchestra help rescue WWRY – but lines about supporting independent thought and live music fall all the more flat when they’re echoing out into the hallowed halls of The Star Casino… (AM) Photo: Jeff Busby

innocent exterior of this show, Avenue Q is intended for mature audiences. The characters in this show may be made of felt, however their very human stories (and very adult way of talking) are more than a bit of fluff.

No stranger to Avenue Q, Stefan has seen four different productions – the most recent of which was Off-Broadway, as he was in New York at the time he found out about his casting.

When pressed to select the song he was most looking forward to performing, Stefan couldn’t help but pick two: ‘Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist’ as it “captures the essence of the show, which is using these smiling, excessively happy faces and puppets…to talk about a very outrageous issue”, and ‘I Wish I Could Go Back To College’ as it’s “just such a beautiful piece of music” as well as being personally relatable.

Stefan initially underestimated how different it would be to perform with a puppet, but says it has been “a brilliant and amazingly fun challenge” and credits the incredible cast and creative team.

He added: “There’s a point early on [in the show] where you just forget that they’re puppets and you find yourself really relating to a piece of felt.” (AM) May 20–29; Wed, Fri + Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. Bexley RSL, 24 Stoney Creek Road, Bexley. $30-$35+b.f. Tickets & info: canterburytheatreguild.com

WW1/2

Until Jun 26; various show times. Sydney Lyric Theatre at The Star, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont. $69.90-$139.90+bf.

Tickets & info: wewillrockyou.com.au or ticketmaster.com.au

all this madness, resonate themes of self-respect, true love, the ideology that what lies deep in someone’s heart is paramount to deceiving appearances and most importantly that ladies should always be dressed in their most glamorous outfits!

This flamboyant style of theatre which encourages audience interaction has been shunned over the years, and it returns to enchant a new generation of theatre-goers. (MMo) WWW1/2

Until May 28. Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza Street, Newtown. $25-$35.Tickets & info: old505theatre.com Taming Of The Shrew takes place in the early 1920’s.While remaining faithful to the original script, director Damien Ryan has managed to imbue Shakespeare’s play with dry wit and wry humour indicative of the silent screen era. Using rolling gags, caricatures and physical comedy, Ryan helps make the Bard accessible and entertaining. The story itself is a little prickly when it comes to feminine politics; however, dwelling on controversy would be to rob yourself of the sheer enjoyment of what is an innovative, witty, impeccably executed, roaring 20’s inspired sixteenth century rom-com. Stratford-upon-Avon meets Art Deco. Delightful. (RB) May 19–28, various show times.York Theatre at the Seymour Centre, cnr City Road and Cleveland Street, Chippendale. $35-$42.

Tickets & info: sportforjove.com.au MY NAME IS ASHER LEV “What do you do as a parent when a child has got an amazing gift in a particular area and you’re insecure about their future?” Asher Lev is a Hasidic Jew living in Brooklyn who from childhood has displayed prodigious

artistic talent and feels helplessly in thrall to his creative instinct. This meets with caustic disapproval from the conservative Jewish community and in particular from his father. (RB) Until May 29, various show times.

Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $34-$46.

Tickets & info: encounters.edu.au DISGRACED A high-flying lawyer in a prominent Jewish law firm, Amir (Sachin Joab) is happily married to artist Emily (Sophie Ross). To climb this ladder, Amir has renounced his Islamic heritage. As the play unfolds, his internal cracks become more and more evident. A brave and troubling play, pushing past the cliché’s of political correctness and probing the flaws in what we would like to call our ‘tolerant, liberal, multi-faith’ western democracy. (GW) Until Jun 4, various show times.

Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1 Theatre,The Wharf, Pier 4/5 Hickson Rd,Walsh Bay. $69-$116.Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com.au or 02 9250 1777

Join thousands of Sydneysiders as they put their hand up for reconciliation at Barangaroo Reserve during National Reconciliation Week

Sea of Hands at Barangaroo MAY 27 - JUNE 5 2016 May 27 - JUNE 5

FRiday May 27

Special guest performances by Christine anu and Casey donovan Venue: Walumil Lawns Barangaroo Reserve Time: 5.00pm - 8.30pm Food stalls open for duration of concert. antar.org.au/seaofhands

The Barangaroo Story

Barangaroo was a powerful Cammeraygal woman, a key figure in local Aboriginal culture and community in the late 1700s and the wife of Wangal man, Woollarawarre Bennelong.

The Sea of Hands installation artwork Inspired by historical portraits depicting Eora men, including Bennelong, adorned in customary markings, the designs for the Sea of Hands installation will include 16,000 hands in the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags. Come and see this extraordinary installation designed by Gurindji/Malngin/Mudpurra artist and researcher Brenda L Croft as it evolves throughout the week.

Participate in hand planting daily: 10.00am - 4.00pm, May 27 - June 4 2016

JULIETA

LAND OF MINE

THE BFG

FRI 10 JUN 4:10PM STATE THEATRE WED 15 JUN 6:00PM HAYDEN ORPHEUM CREMORNE SUN 19 JUN 4:45PM STATE THEATRE

SUN 12 JUN 6:45PM STATE THEATRE MON 13 JUN 11:45AM STATE THEATRE SUN 19 JUN 6:15PM HAYDEN ORPHEUM CREMORNE

MON 13 JUN 6:00PM EVENT CINEMAS GEORGE ST

Straight from its Cannes Competition berth, Pedro Almodóvar’s new film is a dramatic, emotional story of a woman’s loves and regrets told in the master’s distinctive style.

Based on true events, this multi-award winning audience favourite is an edgy Danish thriller about young German prisoners of war forced to disarm unexploded mines in the aftermath of WWII.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Disney’s The BFG is the Roald Dahl story of a young girl and the giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country.

A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES: PEACEKEEPERS

DOWN UNDER

GIMME DANGER

MON 13 JUN 9:30AM STATE THEATRE WED 15 JUN 7:15PM EVENT CINEMAS GEORGE ST

WED 15 JUN 9:00PM STATE THEATRE FRI 17 JUN 8:15PM DENDY NEWTOWN

FRI 17 JUN 9:00PM STATE THEATRE SUN 19 JUN 3:45PM EVENT CINEMAS GEORGE ST

A group of Bangladeshi policewomen join a UN peacekeeping mission to Haiti. Directed by twotime Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Geeta Gandbhir.

A provocative black comedy set during the aftermath of the Cronulla riots, Down Under focuses on two groups of hotheads from both sides of the fight who are destined to collide.

Direct from this year’s Cannes Film Festival, American filmmaker Jim Jarmusch’s documentary love letter to punk icons Iggy Pop and his band the Stooges.

8 –19 JUNE

ON SALE NOW! FLEXIPASSES & SINGLE TICKETS

CHANGE YOUR VIEW CHANGE YOUR WORLD

city hub 19 MAY 2016

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THE NAKED CITY

HERE COME THE PARTY CRASHERS! With Coffin Ed, Jay Katz and Miss Death If you have a lazy few thousand dollars to spare, anybody who meets the basic requirements can throw their hat into the ring for the upcoming Federal Election by standing for the House of Reps or Senate.You’ll need a few thousand more to register your own political party, but the cost is relatively low given the chance to wield some real political clout.

Already such notables as Derryn Hinch and Angry Anderson have announced their candidacy, and who knows what other luminaries will surface on the July 2 ballot paper.The human headline has started his own ‘Justice Party’, campaigning on a range of issues from a public register of sex offenders through to voluntary euthanasia.Angry Anderson, who flirted with National Party endorsement at the State level in 2015, has now moved farther to the right as a senate candidate for the anti-Islam Australian Liberty Alliance.

It’s no surprise anti-immigration and anti-Islamisation parties are bound to be in vogue with the latest to join the throes, the ‘Love Australia Or Leave’ party, which evokes old style patriotism and a range of policies aimed at getting the “country back”.They are currently applying to register a logo which features a map of Australia stamped with the word ‘FULL’. Joining them, particularly on the Senate ballot, will be the usual mish-mash of minor parties from the Jacqui Lambert Network through to the Australian Sex Party.

Overall you’d have to say, the current lineup lacks any real good old Australian zaniness, the brand of wackiness promoted by the now defunct ‘Deadly Serious Party’ of the 1980s. whose policies included a plan to

dispatch a flock of killer penguins to protect Australia’s coastline from Argentine invasion.Whilst it might be too late to get your own political party up and running prior to July 2, here are a few suggestions for parties we would really love to see:

THE PARTY LIKES IT’S 1999: An obvious tribute to Prince but also a call for a return to the halcyon days of the 1990s when Australian night life was not suffocated by over-regulation, lockout laws and sniffer dogs at every railway station.

CLIVE PALMER’S DINOSAUR PARTY: PUP is dead as Clive announces a new party to cater for anybody way past their ideological used by date.The party promises to put a life size dinosaur in every school in Australia as part of a plan to educate all kids on the Jurassic era. Sure, it’s all a ploy to flog off his collection of motley dinosaurs from the Coolum Resort, but when did politics and business ever stop mixing?

THE MOTOR MOWING ENTHUSIASTS PARTY: Campaigning for the lifting of all noise restrictions on domestic mowers and leaf blowers and the right to mow your cherished front lawn even at 3.00am in the morning.

MARK LATHAM’S MAN BOOB ALLIANCE: After his recent cheap shot at Bill Shorten’s man boobs, Mark Latham re-enters the political arena with a party that promises free Cosmo Kramer style ‘bros’ for all men suffering the indignity of male boobies, including Mark himself.

THE DINKI DI RECLAIM AUSTRALIA LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT ULTRA NATIONALIST AUSSIE OI OI OI PATRIOTIC FRONT: Sure it’s a mouthful, but it’s bound to catch your eye on the ballot paper, even though their hidden agenda is declaring Australia the 51st state of the US should Donald Trump become president and building a wall along the entire east coast to keep New Zealanders out.

William Mansfield – Inferno

Sydney-based artist William Mansfield has created an interactive art installation sure to speak to anyone threatened with the fires of hell as a small, disobedient child. The piece is an over-the-top flamedrenched simulation of the hell from Dante’s epic poem, Inferno, incorporating all of the bad bits your parents warned you about. Smoke billows out of the entrance – made up of a blow-up children’s toy – to set the scene for the descent into hell. A dull, red light bathes the room and a maniacal cackling extends the parody into the ludicrous.

The reaction experienced upon entering the room is where Mansfield has really subverted the literary and religious conventions of hell. It is nearly

impossible not to have fun while interacting with the installation – and outright impossible to not interact with it at all.

Tubes of fabric attached to wallmounted fans blow every which way; forcing anyone game enough to enter to either duck or cop a face-full.

The depiction of hell offered in this exhibit mirrors the sadistic humour in Dante’s work. Mansfield exposes within us our inner child as we experience a kind of unrestrained enjoyment in the face of an inferno. If I knew hell was going to be this fun, I never would have owned up to stealing my brother’s Pokémon cards in 2003. (CB) Until May 27; Wed-Sun, 12-6pm. Firstdraft, 13-17 Riley Street, Woolloomooloo.

Info: firstdraft.org.au

SVEN MARQUARDT – FUTURE’S PAST For many people Sven Marquardt’s face has become synonymous with the legendary Berlin clubbing mecca Berghain, where he acts as the doorman. However Marquardt is also a renowned photographer on the German art scene, currently exhibiting his work for the very first time as part of Head On Photo Festival. Much of Marquardt’s work is shot in black and white on analog film, which he credits to his childhood (“It was really difficult to get colour film in East Germany…”). (JA) Until May 22. Ambush Gallery, Level 3, Central Park, 28 Broadway, Chippendale.

Info: ambushgallery.com

“The future is already here – it’s just not evenly distributed”. Official Biennale sites – The MCA, Cockatoo Island and Carriageworks – have been rebranded as several different ‘Embassies of Thought’.The most revolutionary works however exist in public locations, the ‘InBetween’ Spaces.Although these works differ greatly, each casts a new light on its location.

City Hub recommends heading to Redfern to check out ‘We Built This City’ and ‘Making History’ before swinging around to Newtown to see ‘Fade Away, Fade Away, Fade Away’ in Camperdown Cemetery. (AM) Until June 5.Various locations. Free. Full program: 20bos.com

20TH BIENNALE OF SYDNEY In this milestone year, the Biennale and all its associated art works follow a topical theme:

HOBIE PORTER – UNNATURAL HISTORY:THE TOWER HILL PROJECT This evocative new series of paintings explores

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city hub 19 MAY 2016

Generated as a response to the comprehensive downfall of linear memory among the minds of tomorrow, The Mnemonic Mirror is an artist led project on show at the UTS Gallery.

The exhibition looks hypothetically at how certain types of thinking have been replaced by other methods, technology is one factor but that is not necessarily a bad thing in the eyes of artist and co-curator Gary Carsley, as he explained: “We are aware that there are changes happening through the physical and cultural economy and these changes are driven by technology. It’s possible to speak of a global culture in a way that was not possible previously. Kids can game online living in Sydenham participating with the collective who live in the suburbs of Shanghai and Buenos Aires.”

Carsley and co have made a concerted effort not

the fraught and fractured relationship between modern civilisation and the natural environment. Porter employs his characteristic photorealist aesthetics to a project which commemorates 160 years since since Australian artist Eugene von Guérard painted Tower Hill (1855). Porter alludes to the complexities of the impact of colonization and the varying success of the restoration program which attempted to rejuvenate the area that have been cleared since Guérard painted his series. (AM) May 19–Jun 11;Tues–Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Arthouse Gallery, 66 McLachlan Avenue, Darlinghurst.

Info: arthousegallery.com.au THE ART OF THE BRICK: DC COMICS An exhibition built from Lego and based

to simply write off what they don’t understand, something that is sure to intrigue new age thinkers.

“This show is speculative; it draws on artists who in many respects are using atrophied artisanal techniques. Things that have disappeared from the catalogue of memory that previously enabled the history of art that we know, which has been replaced by a more lateral arrangement.”

Very simply, this exhibition is about the way we use our minds and how that has changed over generations, for better or worse.

“We’re trying to address this particular moment around memory, because memory is not simply not forgetting something, memory is this network of things.” (AH) Until Jul 1; Mon–Fri 12-6pm, Sat 12-4pm.

UTS Gallery, 702 Harris Street, Ultimo.

Info: art.uts.edu.au

around comic book characters may seem juvenile in nature, but ‘Lego artist’ Nathan Sawaya’s sculptures are nothing short of mesmerizing. Comprised of many thousands of individual Lego bricks, these pieces are technical marvels. The exhibition pays tribute to the biggest heroes and villains of the DC (Superman, Batman, The Joker, etc.) but Sawaya also pays equal care and attention to more marginalised characters.

You don’t necessarily need to be a DC fanatic to get a kick out of this exhibition; it will still ‘inspire the hero within’. (AM) Until Jun 13, 10am–5pm (last entry 3.30pm). Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo. $16.60-$26 (family passes available).

Tickets & info: maas.museum or ticketek.com.au (or on the door)

HEAVY ARTILLERY Prominent themes in this group show are identity and tradition and the modernist impact on both. Furthermore (with all artists hailing from China and Taiwan) the restrictive atmosphere in which Chinese artists live results in work which is subtly subversive and intricately planned. For example: He Xiangyu’s contribution,‘Tank Project’ (2011–2013), is a life sized leather replica of a Chinese tank – the creator sneaked into an army base to obtain accurate dimensions.

Heavy Artillery showcases the craft, the cunning and the imagination of artists who need to navigate the perils of political indoctrination and censorship. (LR) Until Aug 7 (10am-5pm,Wed-Sun).

White Rabbit Gallery, 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale. Admission Free.

Info: whiterabbitcollection.org

Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps Matty T Wall: The Australian blues music community has been steadily bubbling away just below the surface thanks to exciting artists such as Matty T Wall. Now as the genre is about to explode into the mainstream, Matty is set to tour the east coast to launch his new album Blue Skies.

Thu, May 19, Lazybones Lounge Loose Tooth: The Melbourne guitar-pop trio have just unleashed their brand new single ‘Sherry’ from debut EP Saturn Returns.

Mixing fuzzy-pop with washed out guitars, soothing vocals, and drum beats – this show is bound to be both relaxed and punchy.

Fri, May 20,Tokyo Sing Song Josh Cashman: 21-year-old Cashman planted his seed in the soil of the Australian music industry last year and has since grown to be an exciting sapling in the garden. Josh’s blending of folk with electronic textures has set him apart from the pack and intrigued listeners both online and at his live shows.

Fri, May 20, Brighton Up Bar Melody Pool: With the release of her sophomore album Deep Dark Savage Heart last month, it’s now time to hit the roads and showcase these new tracks to fans around the country. Tomorrow night Sydney fans will have the chance to experience these intently personal and revealing

stories in a truly unique venue that will only add to the atmosphere of the evening.

Fri, May 20, Paddington Uniting Church Fear Like Us: During their twelve year career Fear Like Us have managed to grow and evolve from a folk-punk outfit into a powerful genre-bending melodic punk group who have since influenced many bands that have followed in their footsteps. Now with their new album out in the wild, the group hit the roads again with their uniquely Australian narratives which will send shivers down your spine.

Sat, May 21, Blackwire Records Pirra: Despite currently putting the finishing touches on their debut album (due later this year) this extremely tight four piece band are still very intent on performing for their fans around the country. This weekend they will be in Sydney to celebrate the release of their new single ‘Wake Me’.

Sat, May 21, Captain Cook Hotel Imperial Bells Of China: The culture of ancient China takes over Sydney’s Capitol Theatre this week as the sound of romantic and melodic bells fill the air while dancers grace the stage to bring the culture to life.

Wed, May 25, Capitol Theatre

By Jamie Apps One of the most exciting elements of heading out to a concert is the added dimension an artist can bring to their music through their live performance and stage presence which you simply can not experience by sitting at home listening to a record. For fresh talent Sahara Beck, this has been a part of her show that she has been contemplating from her early childhood.

“My parents always took me out to the theatre and different shows when I was growing up, so that’s the standard I’ve set for myself now,” explained Sahara. “It’s great to simply sing your songs, but then to really perform them it makes such a difference. I feel like that performance side of it is how you grab people, if they’re not connecting with a song they can can look at you and understand the emotion that way.”

Taking this mindset into consideration, it makes sense that Sahara’s show has been described as ‘theatrical’ and ‘a bit cabaret’. The only other element that Sahara hopes to add to her

Columbia Buffet – How To Survive An Atomic Bomb

shows in the future is the ability “decorate the stage” in line with the themes of the songs – “That will be the next step, when I have enough money,” she said coyly.

Before even getting to this point where she has

Within the music there is an unavoidable image of a beach, one where teenagers fall in love, fight and probably get back together – accompanied by rhymes that pour out and describe their deepest, most desperate feelings.

This reviewer (and no doubt some of the listeners) has never lived by the beach, but in these fluid punk songs I can imagine it well. This music allows you to go back to your younger days (or reinvigorate your still young days) even when far away from beaches and lovers.Vicarious feelings wash in and out like the waves, not all of them friendly but all of them rushing with the vivid force of living.

When it comes to creating memories that never existed, to building instant nostalgia for imagined pains, and to feel that innocence that never really leaves us, Brisbane band Columbia Buffet’s album is a go to. (SP) WWW

the ability to tour these new songs, Sahara had to battle an unfortunate set of circumstances which rattled her confidence. “We recorded my last EP Bloom at Applewood Studios and they closed the week after we finished there.

Then we went to Byron and that closed the day after we finished there, so I begun to think ‘oh god I hope we’re not cursing these studios!’.”

Having now overcome this, excitement levels are extremely high for what is set to be her first ever headline tour. As an independent artist this is a huge milestone, Sahara was very thankful for the help she has received from her managers along the way. “It’s been really great having all my managers looking after the business side of things because I’m not great at that,” she said. “I think it’s important to have people who you can trust and who can help you with that side while you cover the creative side.”

May 19. Newtown Social Club, 387 King St, Newtown. $12+b.f.

Tickets & info: newtownsocialclub.com

The Boxer Rebellion – Ocean By Ocean

Listening to The Boxer Rebellion’s new album gives you the feeling of riding atop the undercurrents of varied musical influences in a life raft constructed from the vocals of singer Nathan Nicholson.

Throughout the record Nicholson’s vocals act as the binding force bringing a range of styles together, and while this may sound interesting on first listen it can be a touch off putting due to the constant chopping and changing.

After further listens though the record certainly grows on you and proves that it deserves the time invested, my only concern in this ‘instant gratification’ age however is that many won’t afford it that time. If you are one of those that can’t make the time investment, I suggest you at least listen to ‘Weapon’ as it is the record’s most compelling track. (JA) WWW

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FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENT AMERICAN CINEMA

By Mark Morellini Essential Independents, a new film festival, comes to Sydney presenting 32 feature films and two documentaries for film festival buffs who have a deep interest in quality American Independent cinema.

“America leads the world in Independent feature production. These films have been produced since the silent movies – the inventors of cameras and projectors initially made the films,” explained festival artistic director Richard Sowada. “After WWII the technology became accessible and by the mid1950’s independent films really started – there was an international explosion.”

Many independent American films over the years have had considerable success, including Midnight Cowboy, The French Connection and Cruising, all of which are screening at this festival.

“Independent films are produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studios,

identifiable by the content and style and considerably lower budgets than major studio movies. They are script orientated, well composed and tight in storytelling – they are better movies for that,” continued Sowada. “But lower budgets doesn’t mean ‘crap’. These films are beautifully filmed and the ingenuity of the scripts make these stories meaningful and elevates the quality of these films.”

“Producers of Independent films have to exploit everything at their fingertips to make their films work, as the marketplace is so congested with films and this limits their chances of success.”

When asked who these films would appeal to, Richard said he gave up thinking of demographics long ago, as it’s all about how you think.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re 16 or 90, these films are for movie-goers who look for something different, who want something fresh.

There’s something for everyone.”

The Angry Birds Movie

It’s not easy rating a movie above four stars. It makes you think and re-think your decision. But once in a while comes along a movie that blows your mind away. Probably the first genuinely great movie of the year in my opinion, The Angry Birds Movie is a laugh riot with a conscience.

With the singular failing of being predictable (after all it’s meant for kids and is based on an HANGMEN National Theatre Live has captured a performance of this award-winning English stage production in high definition and transformed it into a cinematic event. In this comedythriller, primarily set in Oldham England in 1965, the focal character is Harry, who was a hangman until the death sentence was abolished. Two years on he’s a publican, and his former profession is detailed in the newspaper, which becomes the catalyst to all the drama. If moviegoers feel uncomfortable laughing in all the inappropriate places during this wildly funny and gripping black comedy, then this theatrical production has been a resounding success. (MMo) WWWW Limited release, for participating cinemas go to: ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk 18

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App), Angry Birds strikes at the heart of entertainment, telling the story of Red (Jason Sudeikis), a different bird with a mind of his own and some anger issues. It juggles staying true to the App and the demands of the genre (especially after mega-hit The Lego Movie) with ease and perfection.

From the moment the lead character of Red says “Pluck my life!” to the end, Angry Birds is a joy flight for both young and old. It’s full of humour, warmth and subtle messages of friendship, acceptance and colonisation (the Pigs invasion, aka the East India Company perhaps?). If you can stand another remake/reboot/rehash/resurrection of Batman, you definitely should watch this! (JR) WWWW1/2

THE FIRST MONDAY IN MAY This documentary follows Vogue Editor Anna Wintour and Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton as they orchestrate the Met Ball and bring to life one of the biggest fashion exhibitions the Met has ever run, ‘China: Through The Looking Glass’. From the first discussions, to interviews with designers and fashion creatives, and the night that launches the whole event, it is a glimpse at what it takes to produce something that brings art and fashion together.

(LS) WWWW FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS Only a versatile actress of Meryl Streep’s calibre could successfully portray 1940’s New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, a unique lady who pondered the pleasure derived from enchanting audiences through singing. Attempting to realize her

dream, she hired a singing coach and piano accompanist and performed for the public – but she was justifiably labelled “the worst goddam singer in the world”. Based on a true story, this is an extremely funny film and the laughs abound. Inspiring and cleverly written, audiences will deliberate whether Jenkins was delusional. (MMo) WWW1/2 BASTILLE DAY An unlikely partnership develops when American pick-pocket Michael Mason (Games of Thrones’ Richard Madden) picks the wrong pocket and is coerced into joining forces with disgraced CIA agent Sean Briar (Idris Elba).

They embark on an anti-terrorist mission in Paris on the eve of Basille Day. This crime-thriller is a welcoming 90 minutes of pure octane-charged and action-packed escapism, boasting an unlikely but

HOT FLICKS The Fits – A coming of age story which follows an 11-year-old tomboy as she looks for a place to belong. Fresh and fluid with a young cast and a flowing narrative structure, this film is unmissable.

Time Out Of Mind – Richard Gere spent time living on the streets to prepare for the role of a homeless man on the downward slide in New York. Unrecognizable, he delivers a remarkable performance.

I Smile Back – US Comedian Sarah Silverman swaps comedy for depression, as a wife and mother whose addiction to drugs, alcohol and promiscuity shatters her marriage.

Tumbledown – A snappy and enjoyable romantic drama about a woman grieving the loss of her husband. A warm, sensitive and humorous film about moving on.

The Keeping Room – A fast paced western starring Sam Worthington about three women who must resort to violence for survival when they cross paths with two scouts from the Union Army.

Until Jun 1. Palace Norton Street & Palace Verona. $19.50-$80 (5 film pass).

Tickets & info: essentialindependents.com

Harry & Snowman Horse-lovers should be delighted by this insightful documentary which details the remarkable story of a man’s dream to become a professional horseman, and the reputation and respect which he garnered from a doomed horse.

Harry deLeyer, an 85-year-old Dutch immigrant to America, recounts the story of Snowman, a horse destined for the glue factory which he purchased for $80. The horse became a star in post-war years, winning top show-jumping championship titles in the nation.

Known as The Cinderella Horse, this uplifting rags-to-riches story analyses how a former plough-horse beat the best showjumpers in the nation, from obscurity transforming into a phenomenal worldwide hero which led to fan clubs, record book sales and television appearances.

Fascinating interviews with family and friends, vintage photos and home-made films assist in following the horse’s rise to fame and the tragedy that ensued, resulting in the horse’s demise in 1974. riveting storyline with many twists which should captivate enthusiasts of this style of film. (MMo) WWW1/2 THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY Based on true events, this film tells the remarkable story of the mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan. Having lived in Madras, India, his whole life, Ramanujan (Dev Patel) has his world upended when he is invited by Professor G.H. Hardy (Jeremy Irons) to Cambridge University to further analyse his bold new theorems. Patel and Irons do well to highlight the complex relationship between the two men, combined with excellent cinematography and attention to historical detail, The Man Who Knew Infinity does justice to the important work they accomplished.

(ASim) WWW1/2

Audiences should be touched by this triumphant and inspirational story which ultimately highlights the love between a man and his horse. (MMo) WWW1/2

AN Sentaro (Masatoshi Nagase) runs a non-profitable bakery, selling dorayakis (pancakes with sweet red bean paste – “an”) when Tokue (Kirin Kiki), a 76-year-old lady with crippled hands, applies for a part time job.

Upon tasting her exquisite “an” he employs her and business booms until rumours emerge that she is suffering from leprosy.This visually stunning and beautifully written film from Japan deals with the crushing effects of ignorance and gossip. (MMo) WWW1/2 A MONTH OF SUNDAYS Anthony LaPaglia returns to the big screen in this Australian comedy about a real estate agent whose life has stagnated. Fate intervenes when he receives a call from a lady (Julia Blake) who claims to be his mother (who has passed on), which leads to an unlikely but therapeutic friendship.

This film accentuates that an

established cast doesn’t necessarily translate to quality cinematic viewing.

The film seems contrived, lacks substance and moves at a laborious pace bordering on tedious. (MMo) WW1/2 PAWNO On an unassuming day in a dusty old pawnbroker’s store, world weary owner Les (John Brumpton) and his reserved employee Danny (Damian Hill) watch on as the very best and worst of human experiences collide and tangle around them.A love letter to the Melbourne suburb of Footscray, Pawno is a seemingly endless tapestry of scenery and people of all creeds and colours (including blue).While Danny’s bumbling, fledgling romance serves as the through line for this film, the peripheral love stories and heartbreaks provide a great, stewing depth of emotion.This is an unpolished gem of independent Australian cinema. (AM) WWWW

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TRY KATHERINE SABBATH’S CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY TARTLET AT MÖVENPICK SYDNEY CBD Rich chocolate shortbread tartlet filled with a scoop of Mövenpick ice cream. Finished with a dark chocolate and raspberry chocolate shard and raspberry coulis.* Visit us at Mövenpick Sydney CBD, 580 George Street to taste this exquisite dessert made by Australia’s cake creative Katherine Sabbath. *Subject to availability. At participating stores. For a limited time only.

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city hub 19 MAY 2016