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Curtains for Kings Cross Festival BY ALEX YUJIN The Kings Cross Festival has become a trademark cultural event since its inception several decades ago. Once a year the precinct comes alive with wine and cheese tastings, kid-friendly activities, art exhibitions, live music and more. Last year the festival even hosted a cinema screening in Beare Park to add to its already packed repertoire. But this year there will be no festival to enjoy, after City of Sydney council slashed funding without warning or any plan to replace the event. “They haven’t said it’s for other projects, they haven’t been transparent as to whether funding will be distributed to other groups or whether they’ll do an event in the area,” said Louise Shepherd of the Potts Point Partnership, the organization who runs the festival. Borne out of concern that Kings Cross was only seen as a shady red-light district, the objective of the festival was to help shine a more positive light on the area. The event helped to flaunt the artistic, charming side of the suburb that goes largely unnoticed. Since the 2014 lockout laws came into effect the night economy has suffered, making the event even more crucial for businesses and local organisations. Matt Sweiboda of local restaurant Waterman’s Lobster Co. said that 9.30pm used to be one of their busiest times, but since the lockout laws had come into effect there was almost no one in the area that late. “Unfortunately the neighbourhood isn’t able to make up for the loss of traffic it suffered through the lockout laws, and we really feel that the council should be doing everything it can to help reinvigorate that area. It’s been very challenging for many of the business owners,” he said. Mr Sweiboda said he was baffled that the council had withdrawn support when the event was such a long running success. “We believe that being involved in the Kings Cross Festival was a great way of introducing [the Lankelly Place] dining precinct to an audience that might otherwise overlook it. It was a very positive move for the neighbourhood,” he said. But the council, who were evasive when questioned by City Hub, indicated that the
A selection of images from the Kings Cross Festival in 2016. Credit: Supplied
organisers of the festival should look elsewhere for funding, rejecting responsibility despite having been its main benefactor until now. A spokesperson from City of Sydney said: “The Kings Cross Festival is not a City of Sydney event. The festival is coordinated by the Potts Point Partnership.
“In 2015, the City provided a grant to Potts Point Partnership so they could conduct an independent review of the festival and develop a new business plan, including a financial model to attract funding from various sources.” But the Potts Point Partnership is run by volunteers and expected that the council would
provide at least some support until they could find alternative finance. However City of Sydney informed Ms Shepherd that the festival would be unsustainable in the long term, which they gave as the reason for denying funding this year. Ms. Shepherd says the festival can still run in the short term. “Our belief is that you should still support it in the short term, even if you don’t think it’s viable in three years. The area still needs it at the moment, businesses are still struggling, there’s still a negative perception problem. “What we tried to do in 2016 was [have] a tighter budget in the hope that it would be financially sustainable over the medium term,” she said. Despite a record turnout of almost 25,000 people in 2014, they had scaled the event back in 2016 to significantly reduce their costs - as the council wanted. The festival still received almost 10,000 visitors that year. Tom Hespe from local business Grand Days Books said that as more and more apartments went up in Kings Cross and Potts Point, there was a fear that the area was becoming a “developers paradise” and community spirit was more important than ever. “We got an opportunity to mix with other businesses as well as customers. It was a very low key but simple way of doing that, and I think it was really important for morale in the business community. We do like to feel part of the community and the whole identity of Kings Cross,” he said. Ms Shepherd said there was proof the festival had helped foster community awareness. “We had feedback that locals were coming to Llankelly Place and saying they never knew that laneway existed. So you would assume there’d be some positive flow on effects of visitation after that. The festival created an opportunity to get some positive press, that was really beneficial for the area,” said Ms. Shepherd. “We would definitely like to work with council in renewing a commitment to the laneway festival and to Kings Cross Festival in general.”
Opinion
Smoke Weed, Smash the State Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Group Editors: Georgia Clark, Alex Yujin, Serkan Ozturk Contributors: Alex Yujin, Georgia Clark, Serkan Ozturk, Keiran Adair, Andrew Woodhouse, Dylan Crismale, Sathsara Radaliyagoda Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Advertising Managers: Mark Barnes, Karl Krticka Cover Photo: John Marmaras - Maggie Dence Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677, Fax: 9212 5633 Website: altmedia.net.au
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BY KIERAN ADAIR The ‘Free Cannabis community 420 picnic’ takes place from 2pm - 8pm at Victoria Park, Camperdown on Thursday, 20th April. I could bore you by listing off some statistics about the failure of the Government’s war on drugs. I could tell you that sniffer dogs, the most visible public arm of their anti-drug apparatus, have a failure rate of more than 70% and are predominantly used to target indigenous, low-income and youth communities. I could also tell you that their presence at music festivals continues to lead to numerous preventable overdoses and warrantless invasive searches. I could write about the countless health experts, legal practitioners, politicians and law enforcement officials that have admitted drug prohibition has failed - filling courts and prisons with young people busted for small amounts of marijuana and pills. Lastly, I could remind you that the whole thing is based on a lie. That if you strip back the moralism that now permeates political debate on drug prohibition, you find its origins are entirely political. “We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or black,” a former architect on the American war on drugs, John Erlichman, told Harper’s Magazine last year. “But by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities,” he said. I’m not going to do that. Instead I’m going to tell you about a celebratory protest
A recent 420 cannabis picnic gathering. Credit: Serkan Ozturk
happening this week to challenge this failed prohibition. This Thursday, Free Cannabis NSW will be holding their famous ‘4.20 Smoke-Off’ at Victoria Park to call for the full legalisation of marijuana in NSW. Attendees will be treated with free live music from God’s Broccoli, Ben 420, Smokin Joe Mekheal, and others, along with a sausage sizzle sponsored by D’Munchies cafe. “We hope to see everyone who has an interest in cannabis there on the day to celebrate with us,” said Chris Hindi, founder of Free Cannabis NSW.
“Although there is a lot more to do on getting cannabis actually legalised in this country, we want everyone to make this a day of true celebration because we think that people who enjoy cannabis or need it shouldn’t feel ashamed about it” he said. While the Federal Government has recently made some pro-marijuana pushes, such as introducing a medicinal scheme for those suffering terminal illness, they still seem happy to enforce the most regressive parts of their drug policing. This needs to change. To Hindi and others, have a Happy 420! city hub 20 APRIL 2017
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Hostel hell: residents contest Redfern development BY GEORGIA CLARK A development application for the conversion of an 1840’s cottage into a hostel in Cleveland Street has sparked controversy in Redfern, with over a hundred residents calling for its abolishment after already discontent locals bear the brunt of a backpackers just one door up from the proposed new development. 120 upset residents of William, George, Pitt, Stanley and Cleveland Streets in Redfern submitted their signatures to the Councillors of the City of Sydney last month, arguing that there are fundamental flaws in the plan and that it’s contrary to a number of council guidelines, including height and hostel development restrictions. Maggie and Doug McKelvey, who live adjacent to a backpackers that already exists on 207 Cleveland St, say backpackers have been causing disturbances near their home since a long battle taken to the Land and Environment Court was lost a few years ago. “This development will add nothing to the neighbourhood and will only cause more garbage, noise, traffic and pollution from smokers. We need to ask - do we need another 114 beds… that totally ruins a beautiful heritage property? This is an excessive concentration in a very small space, of people who are not interested in Redfern except as a place to party,” said the couple. The McKelveys argue the development of the 1840’s Georgian cottage is contrary to a section of the council’s Sydney Development
Maggie and Doug McKelvey, locals who will have their quiet street disrupted by a new hostel. Credit: Georgia Clark
Control Plan, which works to ensure backpacker accommodation is located away from predominantly residential areas. These provisions, however, are not legally binding. According to the petition, three boarding houses and one other hostel are already in the vicinity. But this isn’t the McKelveys only concern. The couple argue that there are fundamental structural flaws with the plan. Liberal Councillor for the City of Sydney,
Christine Forster said the concerns will be addressed in a May meeting. “I’ve met with the residents who raised a number of concerns including the saturation of hostels in the area, access issues, heritage and general amenity impacts. However, without having seen the details of the DA that were amended late last year, I can’t comment until it comes to Council in May for consideration,” she said.
Council tabled the application in late March and said it would review it at a meeting in May. But petitioners fear the development will be just another sell out. “The architectural design is solely focused on maximum profit without any regard for the original building or local heritage conservation area. The extension is ugly and of poor quality materials,” said petitioners. According to the McKelveys the hostel at 207 Cleveland St, which was also developed by Tricon, does not have a night manager despite promises by management that there would be one over 6 months ago. Tricon Developments were contacted but declined comment. The McKelveys said they have had many confrontations with the backpackers and fear the situation will snowball if another hostel is built. Management at the hostel at 207 Cleveland Street were contacted for comment but did not provide any. The development, which is estimated to cost almost $1.5 million and accommodate more than 62 people, would see a three story extension being built on the heritage site which would block the northerly sun from Maggie and Doug’s house of 36 years. While the application has yet to be approved, the McKelveys say that developers have found a loophole which allows them to commence developments immediately. “The applicant has commenced significant foundation work at the rear of the premises under the guise of a $36,000 renovation to internal structures,” they said.
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Woollahra Rolling towards recreational facilities
BY SATHSARA RADALIYAGODA AND TOMMY BOUTROS The decision to create a skate park in Rushcutters Bay Park now resides with the community. Woollahra Council has decided to enlist a designer to develop a draft proposal for the facility. The original proposal was created in response to a petition put forth by a group of residents named Skatecraft. The lack of youth facilities in the area and the see-saw nature of past proposals compelled the group to make changes. However, in their recently released report, Woollahra Council announced they will invite public consultation on the design of the project. “Council will engage a skate facility designer to prepare a site analysis for Rushcutters Bay Park … and will undertake public exhibition of the concept design for a youth recreation facility,” said the report. A longstanding movement from members of the community has been calling for the construction of a skate park and other recreation facilities. With 12.7% of residents in Woollahra falling within the age bracket of 10-19 years, members of the community argue there is insufficient infrastructure to accommodate for the needs of these youth. The park in Rushcutters Bay has been proposed as the most suitable site for the development due to its expansive area and central location, on Sydney’s harbourside. An online survey of residents conducted by Woollahra Council highlights the demand among
Skaters at Kelvingrove Skate Park. Credit: Thomas Nugent (Geograph)
locals for youth facilities, with 62% of people stating that the council had a duty to provide the facility and 53% saying they “felt a youth recreation facility was important.” Despite the widespread support, the development has also seen a backlash from some members of the community, who argue a skate park is not the most suitable solution. Local resident, Christian Lincoln Smith, objects to a skate park, saying it could encourage teenagers to misbehave.
“Rushcutters Bay Park has slowly transformed into a dog and family friendly park. I think a skate park would be an eyesore and attract the wrong crowd. It would have detrimental effects on the serenity the residents currently enjoy,” she said. Robbie Hall, another local resident of Rushcutters Bay said the skate park is not necessary for the area. “Everybody over here is against it, it should
be in Centennial Park. I hear that a number of the councils don’t support it. It’s wrong to have a skate park there, it’s very well populated by a lot of people in the Eastern Suburbs… we don’t want the distraction of a skate park there…we do not need it,” she said. Ms Hall said the area is frequented by many young families, the elderly and children on a regular basis, making it inappropriate for a skate park. Nonetheless, CSIRO released a report in 2013 titled ‘The Future of Australian Sport,’ where skateboarding was featured as a ‘megatrend,’ which they said would substantially alter people’s lives as “a lifestyle sport experiencing a rapid surge in popularity.” A spokesperson for the Sydney Skateboarding Association is eager for the construction to begin and commented on how the lack of facilities has impacted on local youth. “You’re not really giving them any opportunity, the same people who are complaining about the skate park being constructed are probably the same people who complain to the police about unruly youths wandering the streets and loitering. So you’ve got to meet in the middle and see that by not providing a place for these kids to go and actually socialise in a safe, fun and healthy environment you’re leading them down a much darker path,” he said. A council meeting on 10 April left locals with questions, after no further advice on the progress of the proposal to be found in the minutes.
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Google backs out of White Bay power station deal BY SERKAN OZTURK The dream of turning Sydney into our very own San Francisco has been thwarted, with tech giant Google abandoning plans to base its headquarters in the middle of the White Bay Precinct. The billion dollar company last week cited the poor public transport in the area as the key reason for their decision to pull out of negotiations. “Ultimately, the complexity of the project and the timing of associated transport infrastructure could not meet Google’s requirements at this time,” said a NSW government spokesperson. The decision by the multinational web behemoth to pull out of White Bay as it newest tax haven has seen the NSW Government come under fire for its years of poor transport and infrastructure planning. Local sustainable public transport advocates EcoTransit fired off a missive suggesting Google’s decision to back out lies solely with Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her team. “The Government’s become so fixated on underground metro as the solution for all of Sydney’s rail infrastructure deficits, it seems they clearly weren’t willing to consider other, more practical options,” said Colin Schroeder, EcoTransit’s co-convenor. The public transport lobby group has been
The now defunct White Bay power station, which Google have rejected as new headquarters. Credit: Wikimedia commons
promoting an extension of light rail into the Bays Precinct since 2011 , claiming it would be much cheaper than a metro line. “This could still be implemented, in a very short time frame - unlike the West Metro, which is still ten years away and appears to be playing second fiddle to WestConnex,” said Mr Schroeder. The group is calling on the Government to re-enter into negotiations with Google if it wishes for the Bays Precinct project to be an asset for the city. “The fact they haven’t bitten the bullet and extended light rail along it, has now lead to their key investor pulling out of the plan,” said Mr Schroeder. “There is a simple fix; build quality public transport, quickly, at very low cost and bring them back.” The State Government’s development team at Urban Growth NSW is the bureaucracy charged with making money from the former wharf. The project comprises 5.5 kilometres of harbour front, 95 hectares of largely Government-owned land, and 94 hectares of waterways in Sydney Harbour. “The Bays Precinct will transform over the next 20 to 30 years into a bustling hub of enterprise, activity and beautiful spaces,” said Urban Growth. “It represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver innovation and attract the jobs of the future for Sydney and NSW, equipping Sydney for the future and reinforcing its reputation as an internationally-competitive, resilient and prosperous global city to live, work and visit.”
Opinion
Anzac Memorial heritage heresy BY ANDREW WOODHOUSE What is an ANZAC? To me, it’s a golden syrup glazed oat biscuit. This brown bikkie is so significant that even use of the word, ANZAC is now protected by federal regulations. I can still smell their sweet, heady aroma as they emerged victoriously from my mum’s oven. To others it stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The 25th of April became ANZAC day, the day we commemorate the sacrifice of those who died in World War I and all wars since. Memorials were erected in most towns and in all capital cities. With nowhere else to build it, Sydney’s landmark ANZAC memorial was built in Hyde Park. Paradoxically, recent archaeological evidence shows this site was in fact a fighting ground for combative trials. Initially, the site was used between opposing Aboriginal clans and later, to ward off violations of land use by the British. A reflective pool and a cascading step-fountain were proposed on the north and south ends. Cyprus tree seeds taken from Gallipoli were sown and are proud, noble specimens. It was completed in 1934 in the popular Art Deco style, but the original design was never finished due to the worldwide economic devastation caused by the 1929-33 Great Depression. The proposed vertical fountain and cascading water feature, distinguished from the northern still pond counterpart, was never built. The memorial’s most visually arresting feature is a naked male statue, lying horizontal like a crucifix and fittingly named ‘Sacrifice’. Dellit, its French creator said the statue offers visitors the chance to reflect on the sacrifices of war. “It was placed in the lower chamber like Napoleon’s tomb, to offer visitors an opportunity for a quiet, dignified, physical and mental acknowledgment of the message. Once there, they must bow their heads to look into the Well of Contemplation containing it, to contemplate ‘Sacrifice’,” he said. Corresponding female nudes were also designed. However, the overtly vulgar sexual imagery attracted great criticism, and the 8
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Left: 1934 original scheme as proposed by architect showing full-width cascade and vertical fountains. Right: Current Proposal for ANZAC Memorial showing bi-sected cascade fountain. Credit: Andrew Woodhouse
sculptures were never realised. A domed ceiling veils 120,000 tiny golden stars, known as the Stars of Memory, each of which represent a serviceman or woman from NSW who sacrificed their lives in war. At the foot of the entrance, engraved in black granite, is brass lettering inset with the poignant phrase, “Let silent contemplation be your offering.” The museum includes personal letters, medals, books, diaries, uniforms, souvenirs, relics and banners relating to the various conflicts in which Australians were involved. It is part-sepulchre, part-shrine, partcathedral and part-history museum. This is not a building you fiddle with, ‘enhance’ or ‘improve’. it’s part of our past and future culture, part of our collective memory, heritage and DNA. It doesn’t ‘belong’ to anyone: we all belong to it. But the State Government has announced it
will be overhauling the memorial, saying they will “realise” Dellit’s original design. How? They will chainsaw the Cyprus trees, the only direct living link with Gallipoli’s beaches in Sydney and instead, spend millions introducing new spaces to the memorial. The commissioned architects, Johnson Pilton Walker, proposed a novel water “cascade” for the southern side. The group have distributed posters claiming they complement the second cascade, although there never was any secondary cascade anywhere. The design is fatally flawed. Water will spray passers-by during light winds as it is bisected by a tunnel walkway to a new undercroft inside the Memorial. The new bland, beige, cold cast-concrete under-floor space will contain 1,700 small patches of earth from each town from which personnel fought. Yawn.
The design shows no respect. It is anathema to the current site and those it commemorates, its very raison d’être. It is heritage heresy. This is another Mike Baird legacy. In August 2016 he turned the first sod on the $40 million project he said he’d “upgrade” and honour the original 1930s vision of the memorial. This is nonsense on stilts. It degrades and devalues those who sacrificed their lives. It butchers and politicises the architect’s original vision. Jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments, it’s due for completion in 2018, when the Centenary of Anzac is commemorated. Lest we forget.
Andrew Woodhouse is President, Potts Point & Kings Cross Heritage & Residents’ Society
Christian Right kills Safe Schools on Easter BY SERKAN OZTURK An announcement on Easter Sunday to axe the Safe Schools program has local gay groups worried, after the NSW Government decided to axe the anti-bullying program in a few months’ time when federal funding runs out. The decision by the state’s education minister, Rob Stokes, to cut the program has caused the likes of former Prime Minister Tony Abbott to break out in near-glee, while LGBTIQ groups have been alarmed at the sudden axing of the youth anti-bullying initiative that has become political football. In a statement announced during the lull of the Easter long weekend, Mr Stokes said a new anti-bullying program to be funded from state coffers would take the place of Safe Schools after June 30 this year. “Bullying will never be accepted in NSW public schools whether it be because someone is overweight, gay, based on the colour of their skin, or for any other reason,” he said. “Students and parents should expect that schools are a place where they feel safe.Schools remain one of the most secure and trusted public institutions in our community.” It is unclear if the new program, which will have input from independent and Catholic schools, will feature modules on sexuality and gender. The decision saw Mr Abbott – the poster boy of the Catholic hard-right – come out like a bullyboy on social media to celebrate the demise of the program.
Photo caption: Many in the community are outraged that the Government has dumped the Safe Schools campaign. Basykes (Flickr)
“Good that NSW is scrapping so called Safe Schools, a social engineering programme dressed up as anti-bullying,” the Liberal MP posted on Twitter on Easter Sunday. Despite being a self-confessed follower of the teachings of Jesus Christ, Mr Abbott could not find the time on Easter Sunday to post
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anything charitable – or indeed post anything else for that matter – on his Twitter account that day. It was Safe Schools he was happy to see “dead, buried, cremated” this time. As a fan of resurrections, you can, however, count on Mr Abbott not wanting to see Safe Schools back anytime soon.
Gay rights and marriage equality campaigner, Rodney Croome, said the campaigning by the likes of Mr Abbott and others like federal Senator Cory Bernardi against Safe Schools was part of a broader offensive against LGBTIQ people. “The backlash to the Safe Schools program has nothing to do with the wellbeing of schools students and everything to do with slowing down marriage equality,” he said. The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) said that since July 2014 when the voluntary initiative was launched, almost 250 member schools, including public, independent and faith-based schools, had signed up to the program. “The program has reached 60% secondary schools, 22% combined and 18% primary schools. 80 (53%) member schools in metropolitan areas, 70 (47%) in regional, rural and remote,” a lobby spokesperson said. “The program has delivered professional development sessions to 5,452 teachers and education staff.” The GLRL said the decision to end the program was counter-productive when it had proven to be successful in its aims. “Program demand continues to be high for professional development and support for schools,” the lobby spokesperson said. Following the announcement in NSW, the Tasmanian State Government has also indicated it will halt the program once federal funding for it comes to an end in June.
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FEATURE
Arts & Animal Activism
by Rita Bratovich Art is an inherent and integral part of a community. It enriches it. It helps build solidarity by allowing people to contribute and express themselves. It facilitates communication and enhances celebration. The animal rights movement began as a protest and has evolved into a sub-culture, enhanced by the creativity of its passionate and dedicated members. CEO of Animal Liberation, Lynda Stoner, joined the movement 40 years ago when she was a very popular actor. Initially drawn to the cause after seeing horrendous images of baby Harp seals being clubbed to death for their fur, Stoner took advantage of TV appearances and her celebrity profile to help bring attention to the issue. “It’s about all I had to bring to the movement back then.There’s no way I would have been listened to without being in the public eye.” Eventually, her devotion to animal rights displaced her acting career, but Stoner still finds herself surrounded by remarkably talented and creative people.Their work is a unique and significant contribution to the cause. “People say ‘what can I as an individual do?’… each and every one of us has the ability to bring to the movement our particular skills and creativity,” Stoner explains. She cites examples such as photographers Tamara Kenneally, who takes exquisitely intimate animal portraits and Jo-Anne McArthur whose photos are candid and confronting; and artist Jo Fredericks who paints bold and fiercely political artwork. Art offers alternative entry points for people to join the movement, and there is no doubt the movement is gaining momentum. Stoner’s 40 years at the forefront of animal activism has been emotionally exhausting, but she has seen gains such as an end to cosmetic testing, circuses will no longer have animals, end of sow stalls and the end of battery caged hens. Despite the progress we have made here in Australia sadly many developing countries are still lagging behind, especially when it comes to treatment of animals in zoos. The play Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo currently playing at the Old Fitz Theatre gives us a small glimpse into this very phenomenon. Often animals in captivity in developing countries will be seen slinking back and forth, a recognised sign of stress and boredom in animals. One key focus for Animal Liberation is the heinous cruelty in the dairy industry, which will be addressed in the upcoming fundraising event, Dairy Truths And Music. Headlining the event is prominent vegan rapper Elizabeth Usher who performs as MC Pony and describes her
Izzy the dog with MC Pony and Renée Jonas. Photo: Amin Ghanimifard
work as “Mindful Rhymes for Kinder Times.” She will be releasing her new single, Mother and Child, which describes the genuine relationship between a cow and calf. Usher has been vegan for 18 years - and in fact wrote a song, Happy Veganniversary, to commemorate the occasion. She started out writing activist poetry then turned her rhyming prowess to song lyrics, ultimately finding her niche in rap. “In song and music you can almost disarm people… there are fewer barriers to engaging them, especially if you have a catchy chorus to draw them in,” Usher explains. Hip-hop culture appeals because it is steeped in subversion, politics and social commentary, and, according to Usher, it is also “the biggest youth culture movement in the world.” Writing and performing for animal rights makes her feel like she’s doing something effective with her talents, skills and creativity. She also believes diversity of message is important: “The movement needs so many different approaches to it.You never know what is going to resonate with somebody. Maybe it’s accumulation - a steady drip of images, information, appeals and emotional connection then all of a sudden, one day, they flick the switch.”
Not all her music is confronting; some is celebratory, such as the aforementioned anniversary song and Vegan For Life which is upbeat. But the evocative songs get a more visceral reaction. After releasing Born To Die, a song about the broiler chicken industry, Usher says: “I had people who are not at all vegetarians say to me ‘oh I had no idea, I’m going to have to rethink my choices now!’” The young teens literary market is crowded with books featuring adolescent characters who experience all the typical pangs and angst of growing up, but there aren’t many whose main protagonist is a feisty 13 year old vegan. Amanda The Teen Activist is a work of fiction aimed at eight to 12 year olds, from the pen of Catherine Kelaher, head of NSW Hen Rescue. While not auto-biographical, the story is informed by Kelaher’s personal experience. She became vegetarian at age eight, then an activist and vegan at 21. Her mum was supportive, her dad was sceptical but not quite as averse as Amanda’s dad in the story. Kelaher wanted to write for children because she believes they have “such potential” and especially because she wanted to show that there was an option and a way for them to be vegan, without it being confronting. “It’s so much to take in and it’s overwhelming and horrible, so maybe an artwork or a piece of writing is a great way to be introduced to it, especially with this story and other works where you get a feeling of empowerment, you feel one person might be able to make a difference.” Kelaher agrees that art as activism is more subtle and gradual, but no less effective than other ways of delivering the message. There is an adage used in animal rescue ‘Saving one animal may not change the world but it will change the world for that one animal’ and she believes this can be equally true about art.
Dairy Truths And Music April 22, 6-10:30pm. Giant Dwarf, 199 Cleveland St, Redfern. $10-25. Tickets & Info: www.giantdwarf.com.au Elizabeth Usher www.veganthused.com Catherine Kelaher www.amandateenactivist.com Animal Liberation www.animal-lib.org.au Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo. For more information see our full review on page 11.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT w
REVIEW: Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo Maggie Dence. Photo: John Marmaras
Set in Baghdad in 2003 in the aftermath of the invasion, this is one of the earliest written plays depicting the chaos of the time. Written by Rajiv Joseph in 2009, this fits into a plethora of film and literature produced about the trauma of the Iraq war experience. The story revolves around two American soldiers, Kev and Tom. Whilst on duty guarding the Baghdad Zoo one night, Kev shoots dead a rare Bengal tiger after it bites off Tom’s hand as he is trying to feed it. From here their fates are intertwined, along with Iraqi interpreter Musa, as they are haunted
by ghosts both past and present. The play is actually based on a true story of a real-life incident where a US soldier had his arm mauled at the zoo. Of 650 animals the zoo housed prior to the invasion, only about 35 animals survived the Battle for Baghdad, not including several escaped lions some of which were shot by soldiers. Maggie Dence embodies the role of the tiger well, in a role previously played by Robin Williams on Broadway, she encapsulates the movement of the caged tiger, slinking back and forth in her cage then prowls the streets of Baghdad haunting the characters after her death. Supported by an excellent ensemble cast, there are some fine performances here. This is an intelligently written, witty and wellperformed play that will leave the audience with many unanswered questions. Sydney audiences are lucky to have a production of this caliber currently showing at the Old Fitz. (VP) Until May 6, Various performance times. Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo. $30-$42.Tickets & Info: www.redlineproductions.com.au
The Chapel Perilous Dorothy Hewett’s renowned play The Chapel Perilous is showing in Sydney, presenting the fast-paced journey of Sally Benner and her quest for freedom and self-realisation. The protagonist Sally Benner is a young aspiring artist and poet who is searching for love, immortality and truth. This play reflects the conservative attitudes of Australian society and follows her through the different stages of her life as she becomes a communist, feminist, lover and mother. “What first interested me about this play was that it had a woman at its centre… Sally is independent and brave but she still feels the need to define herself against men… she’s always looking for a man to save her and I think this is really relatable for women today…” director Carissa Licciardello said. Licciardello wanted the audience to immediately recognise themselves or people they know in Sally’s character. She presented the world which Sally imagines on stage, allowing the audience to experience what she does. “She is contradictory, complex, emotional and reactive… it will feel like an epic journey where they experience all her joy and excitement, as well as her tragedy.” The cast drive the story from beginning to end, providing the audience with a unique
Big Fish Mention musicals and most people think big stage, big cast, big budget. They run for big seasons with big advertising budgets, that sees them sprawled across bus shelters and AM radio. Sure ‘Mega-musicals’ have their place but sometimes entertainment supplants art and one can walk out wondering whether they have really ‘felt’ anything or just had their senses assaulted – although in a nice kind of way. Hayes Theatre are doing the other kind of musical – smaller, more intimate, more heartfelt – and the ironically titled Big Fish is a perfect example of the ‘chamber-style’ musical. Edward is a travelling salesman, who lives life to the full and then some. His stories are thrilling – larger than life – maybe even larger than the truth. His son Will, who is about to have a child of his own, determines to find the reality behind his father’s epic tales, where nursery witches and giants give way to circuses and cowboys and mermaids. Sometimes reality turns out to be stranger and warmer. Based on the Tim Burton film, in turn based on the 1998 novel by Daniel Wallace, it is about a father and son trying to reconnect – a father who feels that he is not enough for his son. In the heart of every father is the dream to be a hero to his son or maybe even a hero to himself. Told in flashback and alternating between realism and fantasy, the truth gradually unfolds. When it first opened on Broadway the response was initially underwhelming but it
a&e
11 STAGE 12 SCENE 13 Sounds 14 SCREEN
wasn’t long before the quality began to shine through. When Hayes first announced auditions for the show they were inundated with the highest quality actors, singers and dancers. Adam Rennie returns from his many New York accolades to play Will. (GW) Until May 14, Various performance times. Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $59-$65.Tickets & Info: www. hayestheatre.com.au or PH: 0280657337
REVIEW: Hysteria
Photo: Robert Catto
opportunity to see a big scale story about a young woman which is warm, funny and tragic. “I was very lucky to amass such a talented cast and the best possible creative team to put together this compelling night of theatre… it’s everything you need for a great night out.” Licciardello concluded. (JM) Apr 25-May 27, Various performance times. New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown. $20-$35. Tickets & Info: www.newtheatre.org.au
Phillip Lowe. Photo: Chris Pavlich
It’s 1938 in Hamstead, London, war time and Sigmund Freud (Jo Turner) has fled Nazi occupied Austria, he’s 82 years old, tired and suffering from cancer of the jaw. It’s the year before his death. Hysteria imagines what his final days may have been like. A young woman, Jessica, (Miranda Daughtry) comes knocking on his window one rainy night pleading for help. She’s hysterical, gags repeatedly, has a badly affected arthritic hand and is inclined to get naked and hide in the cupboard but the ‘Father of Psychoanalysis’ already has a full case load. It’s a dramatic start to a play by multi-award winning playwright Terry Johnson, that’s at its best right at the very beginning and the end using some wonderful black and white strobing
Arts Editor: Jamie Apps For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney
visual projections, audio and smoke effects. The set is large, imaginative and has weird backwards slanting doors. The strangeness gets even more surreal when the very tall Salvador Dali (Michael McStay) enters the set and this real life meeting between these two geniuses sparks with brilliance as they converse in chaotic psychobabble. A private file of Freud’s personal letters has him questioning his relationship with his father and daughter. Hysteria is rich in Freud’s theories, it paints them as wildly controversial- there’s penis envy, Oedipus complex and above all his theory that hysteria is caused by sexual shock in childhood. Freud’s physician Abraham Yahuda, (Wendy Strehlow) passes very well in a male role and if it weren’t for a feminine voice would have totally fooled the audience. When first produced in London in 1993 the play was called Hysteria - Or Fragments of an Analysis of an Obsessional Neurosis. Hysteria opens discussion on sexual abuse, incest and Freud’s controversial theories and will fascinate people interested in psychology. (MS) Until Apr 30,Various performance times. Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $38-$54.Tickets & Info: www. darlinghursttheatre.com or PH: 02 8356 9987.
Contributors: Alannah Maher, Alicia Sim, Athina Mallis, Barbara Karpinski, Caitlin Burns, Chantal Walsh, Craig Coventry, Daniel Jaramillo, Emily Shen, Georgia Fullerton, Greg Webster, Irina Dunn, Jade Morellini, James Harkness, Joseph Rana, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Olga Azar, Peter Urquhart, Rita Bratovich, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Shon Ho, Zeiya Speede, Jade Morellini,Vanessa Powell.
city hub 20 APRIL 2017
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Smurf in Wanderland
For enthusiasts of the physical performance of theatre and the drama of the world’s most popular sport: football or soccer (a contradiction to distinguish it from other codes) the new play Smurf in Wanderland presented by the National Theatre of Parramatta in association with Griffin Theatre Company brings together the two mediums in a light hearted comedy. Smurf in Wanderland tells the story of a suffering Sydney FC supporter nicknamed Smurf who even though he was born in Parramatta supports the club in a period of time when they were performing badly and slowly descending to the bottom of the table whilst their rivals the Western Sydney Wanderers were the brand new club on the ascent. The character of Smurf is based on writer David Williams’ own experience being a long time Sydney FC supporter and recognising the theatricality of football as a way to tell his own story on stage. Smurf is from the western suburbs himself and in his sky-blue jersey sticks out like a soar thumb amongst the red army of Wanderers supporters yet the play reveals how his sport brings out
a sense of unity amongst all football supporters. Williams own experience is based on a pathological pleasure for football and seeing no geographical boundaries in the game even though the play does examine how much our city has changed over the years through the lens of football, especially out west. The play also critiques police strategies and the media’s representation of the game. In an interview William told the City Hub, “The media tends to focus on alleged hooliganism at the expense of trying to understand the sport and the reason why people feel so passionately about it.” If you are a fan of Australian sports and theatre then Smurf in Wanderland is definitely for you. (DJ) Apr 20-29, Various performance times. Riverside Theatre, Corner market and Church Street, Parramatta. $22-$43+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.riversideparramatta.com.au May 2-13, Various performance times, Griffin Theatre, 13 Craigend St, Darlinghurst. $30-$43+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.griffintheatre.com.au
THE NAKED CITY
SURVIVALIST SYDNEY
With Coffin Ed With escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula, the tabloids and internet news feeds have had a field day with their predictions of nuclear mayhem. Only last week we were told North Korea might soon have the capability to launch a missile strike on the Australian mainland. Whether it’s Yorkeys Knob in far north Queensland or Sydney itself that takes the initial hit, we have to ask - should we all be worried? Flashback to the 50s and early 60s and much of America was possessed by the threat of a Russian nuclear rampage as the Cold War fuelled an increasing paranoia.A large number of Americans actually built home fallout shelters and school programs encouraged kiddies to “duck and cover” should the dreaded bomb ever fall from the sky. Here in Australia we took a lighter approach although there were many who advocated that we too could become the target of Russian aggression. We did however find a humorous side to the whole atomic furore. In the early 60s, hundreds if not thousands of spoof letters circulated in Sydney informing the recipient that they had been appointed “nuclear warden” for their particular street. The warden was required to have two or three buckets of water constantly filled to put out any fires as well as a pantry full of household supplies (enough to feed the whole street). It was clearly a pisstake but not surprisingly a number of citizens took up the challenge and revelled in the responsibility. What then if Kim Jong-un does develop the technology to launch an attack on Sydney? How prepared is this city should the very worst eventuate? The rich will no doubt quickly construct their own luxurious fallout shelters as will the political and business elites but the general public 12
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may well be left to fend for themselves. If the CBD became ground zero our railway tunnels might offer some minimal shelter and at least the City Council’s network of emergency speakers could broadcast the warning to “duck and cover”. However if we look to the American experience of both the 1950s and the present day, it will be left to the independent citizen to take their own precautions.The survivalist and prepper movements in the US have never been stronger as the average Joe (and Joanne) stock up on Spam and other long life tinned goodies in their backyard and rural bunkers, ready for not only nuclear holocaust but climageddon and political upheaval as well. Forget about granny flats, what we need to be building in backyards throughout the Sydney metropolis are ‘granny bunkers’ - fully equipped subterranean fallout shelters stocked with at least a year’s supply of Spam and dehydrated peas. No DA would be required and prefabricated units would become commonplace at outlets like Cosco and Bunnings. All you would need is a hole in the ground or the cavity left by an old swimming pool and bingo – in goes your bunker! Sydney today has an acute housing problem and as we await the holocaust the bunkers could take up the slack by providing cheap affordable housing for anybody prepared to embrace the underground experience and a toasted Spam sandwich.We could even go so far as to build entire subterranean suburbs beneath long established existing precincts. Not only would you have trendy Newtown, but a metre or two beneath the ground you would have a lower no frills Newtown, albeit a bomb proof maze of studio apartments, coffee shops and even the occasional Thai restaurant. If they can build multiple tunnels beneath Sydney harbour then surely a suburb beneath a suburb is not such a bad idea. Be prepared!
Photo by Eric Berry
Tom Blachford Midnight Modern Australian photographer Tom Blachford has captured a truely unique perspective of Palm Springs and their modern architecture. By only capturing images by the light of a full moon these images have a special, almost cinematic feeling.The crisp moonlight adds a new dimension to the famous mecca of desert modernism and shows a contrasting side of a town famous for its sunshine, cocktails, and hedonism. Working closely with the Palm Springs community, Blachford gained remarkable access to some of the most coveted architectural jewels in the area, including the Kaufmann Desert House, Edris House, Frey House II, Frank Sinatra Twin Palms House, and dozens of restored Alexander tract homes in the valley. To launch the exhibition, which took Blachford three years to capture and compile, Black Eye
E Apache Side
Gallery will be hosting Tom for a one off book signing where you can pick yourself up a special treat that will be an instant conversation starting coffee table book. (JA) Until Apr 30 (Book signing Apr 20, 6-8pm). Black Eye Gallery, 3/138 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst. Info: blackeyegallery.com.au
Omar Must - Millefiori Book Launch Poetry is one of the oldest art forms in the world and can just about be used to express any creative idea. Omar Musa is one of Australia’s most talented wordsmiths. He is the winner of the 2008 Australian Poetry Slam, often releases his own hip hop albums and has collaborated with many artists including Horrorshow and L-Fresh the Lion to name a few. Musa has also written a fiction novel titled Here Come The Dogs and is about to release his third book of poems titled Millefiori. Millefiori is an Italian word meaning a thousand flowers and a kind of decorative glass in which a number of glass rods are attached together then broken into sections which form flower patterns and is typically used to make paperweights.The title poem in the book has a double meaning: flowers as a goodbye symbol and glass paperweights holding your life down. In an interview Omar told City Hub,“It’s a book of goodbyes to remember childhood, a goodbye to lost relationships and a goodbye to an ageing generation of people my age so there is sadness in it but there’s hopefully beauty in it as well.” Millefiori uses different stylistic formats to grapple with pain and to embrace beauty by combining free verse love poems and fierce political raps. On what role a poet has to play in
the political landscape Omar said, “Poetry in many ways is still quite a fringe art form but I think poetry can distil the truth in a way that very few forms of writing can and that has to be a magical thing, poets on the fringes are witnesses to the world so we can distil the truth and relieve our sorrows by telling the truth.” (DJ) April 20, 6:30–9pm. Goodspace, 115 Regent St,Chippendale. FREE. Info: www.facebook.com
Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE Sydney Nadia Reid: Returning to Australia from New Zealand with her stunning second album full of stories of self discovery. The album and it’s inherent self discovery didn’t come easy as Nadia traversed 10,000kms in the 18 months since her debut record. Thu, Apr 20, The Golden Age Cinema The Tea Party: The much revered Canadian trio return to Australia this week to perform their first ever symphony show. Taking to the stage with a 48 piece orchestra this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that is not to be missed. Fri, Apr 21, The Star Caravana Sun: Proudly presented by Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, The Whale Song Tour see’s the band hitting stages supporting UK SKA legends Madness. Caravana Sun will be donating $5 per merchandise item to Sea Shepherd, marking the beginning of an ongoing relationship between the band and the not-for-profit organisation. Fri, Apr 21, Imperial Hotel Hellions: Sydney’s Hellions have been riding a wave of critical acclaim since they dropped their third album Opera Oblivia. Now to celebrate the boys will take their incendiary live show for a spin around the country, stopping in Sydney this weekend. Sat, Apr 22, Oxford Art Factory Songs Of The Black Arm Band: For a decade, Black Arm Band has been sharing the music, songs and stories at the centre of Indigenous life, touching hearts and minds across the country and abroad. This weekend the City Recital Hall will play host to the premiere of their 10th anniversary concert. Sat, Apr 22, City Recital Hall Ensemble Offspring Sizzle: Inner West music outfit, Ensemble
Greg Poppleton
By Jamie Apps
Offspring, present their annual free community music event, Sizzle. Now in its seventh year, Sizzle has become a fixture in the Inner West calendar — a mixture of art-meetspopular culture-meets-family fun. This year, audiences can experience a chamber music set, all-female big band, interactive music installation and an eco-friendly instrumentbuilding workshop with Reverse Garbage for all ages. Sun, Apr 23, Pertersham Bowling Club Greg Poppleton: Australia’s only authentic 1920s singer, entirely uninfluenced by contemporary music, his passion for classic jazz goes back to age three when he saw Louis Armstrong on television. Wed, Apr 26, Palmer & Co. Spooky Men’s Chorale: The de facto archdeacons of low frequency vocal mayhem, have performed at festivals and concerts all over Australia and internationally, including six critically acclaimed tours of the UK. This week will see these fifteen magnificent, craggy specimens of latter day masculinity undertake their most ambitious show to date. Wed, Apr 26, City Recital Hall
By Jamie Apps In 2016 Spenda C, aka Steve Lind, lived up to his reputation as one of Australia’s hardest working DJs by traversing the country with a 26 stop tour. Despite this busy touring schedule he has continued to toil away in the studio producing new singles, remixes and even an upcoming album. On ANZAC Day eve Spenda C will return to Sydney to complete his latest tour celebrating his new single Release ft. Cult Shøtta. “These shows have been wild and crazy. There’s been stage diving, hanging off ceilings and lots of crazy shit” said Lind, “We’re building all of the momentum towards the Sydney show, we’re going to have lots of guests and leave nothing in the tank for that one.” Throughout his life Spenda C has been involved in a number of different musical endeavours ranging from punk bands to DJing house parties to his 10 year residency at the esteemed Chinese Laundry and producing his own music. Most recently Spenda C has been nearing the end of a 12 month production process for his upcoming album.
Spenda C
“I don’t even know what close to the end means anymore. I’m just trying to polish and finesse everything to have it finished by the end of April for a July or August release but the last ten percent is 90 percent of the struggle.” Much like all of his previous releases Spenda C explained that the album will be filled with a diverse selection of styles. “It has that party vibe and energy going through every track but there are a lot of different tempos. There’s a bit of trap, twerk, New Orleans bounce and even some house.” Spenda C has also welcomed aboard a number of guest vocalists for the album because he feels they “give the tracks something interesting and an added energy.” With an album already on his plate we might expect Spenda C to take it easy for a while. That’s just not his style though as he already has tracks simmering away for later in the year following his recent US trip to work with Fly Boi Keno. Any aspiring music producers should take note of Spenda C’s work ethic, this is the formula for success. Apr 24, 9pm. Civic Underground, 388 Pitt St, Sydney. $12+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.facebook.com/SpendaC/
REVIEW: Jethro Tull (Ian Anderson) Photo: Craig Redfearn
The Blackeyed Susans Close Your Eyes and See
The Blackeyed Susans new album release ‘Close Your Eyes and See’ is their seventh album and is their first album of new material in over a decade. Chief Songwriter Phil Kaluas wrote seven of the nine tracks on the album and played bass, guitar and keyboard. Other musicians performed on the album, Kiernan Box, Mark Dawson, J.P Shilo, Graham Lee, Mathew Habben, Ken Gardner, Adam Hutterer, Clare Moore, Dan Luscombe with Rob Snarski on vocals. This beautifully packaged album did not reach me as it was hard to find a pulse and get interested in the music, each track was lacking in performance and energy. The vocals were sung in one octave and the music arrangement and production unchallenged. (LW) W1/2
Amy Shark Night Thinker EP
Surprise, surprise Amy Shark’s new Night Thinker EP is just as great as her juggernaut single Adore. Throughout the EP Shark employs many of the elements which we already know and expect from her, such as catchy pop melodies, simple processed beats and gentle vocals. The Night Thinker EP is more of the same but that is certainly not a complaint. Weekends is a heartfelt emotional track which shows an even greater depth to Shark’s songwriting ability. Whilst every track is great, Worst Girl ft. Allday is the sleeper hit which I believe will be the next song we’ll be hearing constantly spun on radio stations around the country. (JA) WWW
By Lynda Wehipeihana, Music Executive I’m sitting in Sydney’s beautiful State Theatre, thinking about a young school friend, a genius, who introduced me to the album Aqualung and is the reason I know about Jeffro Tull. The lights dim the audience scream, Ian Anderson walks onto the stage holding his flute above his head. The man behind Jeffro Tull, a British band who produced countless albums, the first This Was, released back in 1968. Anderson played the flute, acoustic guitar and harmonica, his musicianship talents clear as the point of difference when launched back in the 60s.
The show was pleasant but failed to deliver the standard expected of a music icon. When Anderson was on the mic, and did not throw his head back, strain his neck constricting his air flow, stand on tippy toes or run out of breath, we got to hear why he was such a standout artist of his time. Jeffro Tull’s hit albums, Aqualung,Thick As A Brick, Songs From The Wood, Stand Up, Benefit, Heavy Horses and Living In The Past, to name a few. Anderson crafted and composed countless songs which have stood up over many decades. Andersons, limitless music contribution, deserves recognition and respect. For more info on Jethro Tull head to www.jethrotull.com city hub 20 APRIL 2017
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Berlin Syndrome
Their Finest
Summer 1993 This cautionary tale which is similar to, but not as effective as Academy award winning Room, delivers a crystal clear message about travelling. Women should be extremely vigilant of their surroundings while holidaying overseas and especially of who they befriend. Whilst on a life experience in Berlin, fate unites lone Australian traveller Clare (Teresa Palmer) and local charmer Andi (Max Riemelt). A friendship blooms and when Clare announces in a moment of desire: “I don’t want this to end – I wish I could stay”, a night of lust and passion transforms into a horrifying nightmare. Held hostage in a small flat inside a vacant apartment block
nobody can hear her screams. The extent of the protagonist’s psychological disorder is terrifying, heightened by his inability to accept that his actions are criminal. Audiences will warm to this seemingly ordinary man until they realize that appearances are deceiving. This spin-chilling story of control and power, astutely directed by Cate Shortland, doesn’t rely on the traditional scare tactics of comparable films and contains graphic violence and sex scenes. A suspenseful and unsettling edge-of-your-seat thriller which only suffers from being slightly overlong, is provocative and essential viewing. (MMo) WWW1/2
This British film set during WWII has the same simple charm and careful balance of grave seriousness and wry humour as actual British films from that era. Gemma Arterton plays Catrin Cole, a copywriter who is drafted into a screenwriting role by the Ministry of Information who want to have a female perspective in their propaganda films. Working alongside pompous and misogynous screenwriter Tom Buckley (Sam Claflin), Cole is constantly battling his overt sexism and disdain in an effort to gain
respect for her writing. However, the ice between them soon melts and a flame begins to kindle (somewhat predictably). The slow boil romance is actually one of the weaker plot elements of the film.The cast includes a collection of diverse and somewhat archetypal characters who provide lots of texture. Undeniably though, it’s Bill Nighy as the reluctantly ageing screen star, Ambrose Hilliard, who’s the unofficial hero of the film, deliberately chewing up scenery with self aware ostentation. (RB) WWW
This film screens at the Spanish Film Festival which celebrates 20 years of presenting some of the world’s finest Spanish language films to local movie-goers.The national festival showcases a program of 38 Australian premieres which includes a mix of dramas, comedies and documentaries that should stimulate and culturally enrich the audience’s movie going experience. With the inclusion of opening/ closing night events, flamingo shows and special guests, this two week fiesta should prove to be a favourite event amongst film festival enthusiasts. Lovers of art house cinema should attend screenings of Summer 1993, a drama centering on a six year old girl named Frida who, after the death of her parents, relocates from Barcelona to the Catalan provinces to live with her Uncle and Aunty. With minimal emotion the film explores how the little girl adapts
to her new life and especially to her newly acquired sister.The simplicity of the story and average production values oddly but effectively enhance what is basically a study of new beginnings and family relations. At times this film seems like an endless collection of ad-libbed homemade family films as the camera pans on the girls playing and on the irrelevant family activities. However an important message underlies these banal and underwhelming sequences – the significance of communication and family bonding. The story progresses slowly and may be exhausting to watch, but the pace builds in the final quarter as Frida becomes inquisitive about her parent’s deaths and commences the grieving process. (MMo) WWW
Until May 7. Palace Cinemas. $20.Tickets & Info: www. palacecinemas.com.au
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JACCOM Air-Conditioning and Electrical Contractors Our services are conducted by expert professionals and therefore all our work is 100% guaranteed. Air-Conditioning & Electrical,Wall Hung Split Systems, Ducted Split Systems, Package units,Heat exchangers Exhaust & Ventilation Systems, Residential, Commercial, Educational, Medical.Call us for a Free Quote on: 0418 526 843 or www.jaccom.com.au SYDNEY COMFORT ZONE AIR CONDITIONING & ELECTRICIANS Installation, Maintenance, Sales, Servicing Prompt and reliable service,100% customer satisfaction. Domestic, commercial Industrial, Police checked and fully insured ARC TICK certified air CONDITIONING ,Licensed Staff. Upfront repair quotes, Affordable Rates Call: 0410 115 253
Carpentex Carpentry and Construction For all your carpentry and construction needs from Walls, Roof, Decking,Internal work including doors, architraves and skirting. Also, Renovations and extensions, Bathroom renovations and Granny flats. For a free quote Call George on 0433 732 486
Save on Funeral costs with Simplicity Funerals A prepaid funeral with Australia's leading prepaid funeral plan is locked in at $6500. That means no ongoing premiums or hidden costs. Why not contact Simplicity Funerals today on 1300 556 222 for more information on the benefits of a prepaid funeral. Proud Member of InvoCare www.Simplicityfunerals.com.au
REMOVALISTS PERFECT REMOVALS 11 Tonne Large Trucks, 4.5 Tonne Medium Size trucks and 1 Tonne Vans for smaller deliveries. Household removals, Full Pre-Packing , Packaging supplied Container removals & Corporate removals. Call Office: 9211 4989 or Roger 0404- 611- 279
Royal Removals - Budget Removalist CLEANING 8 Tonne truck, 2 men from $80p/hr East Coast Carpet Cleaning Great service at a budget price HOME RENOVATIONS Excellent Rates, Residential & Commercial Exact Reno Group Your all in one renovation Call Simon 0407 090 000 or 0406 999 000 Steam Cleaning & Dry Cleaning specialist. We specialise in Kitchen and All Carpets, Lounges & Mattresses Choose Your Mates Removals for your next Glass & Window Cleaning Call 0448 001 099 bathroom renovations, Tiling walls and floors residential or office move! We deliver 100% out or indoor, Gyprocking, Painting Extensions, Happy Moving experience. Prices from $16/qh. Timber deckings, Pergolas, Home FRIENDLY CLEANING is a trusted, www.yourmatesremovals.com.au maintenance and Insurance work. professional cleaning company servicing Phone: 1300 968 768 Call 0404750401 (any time) Sydney’s Metropolitan area. We specialize in strata cleaning, residential cleaning, office SHOWER SCREENS PAINTING SERVICES cleaning, end of lease cleaning and more. Clean Cut Glass & Aluminium - Our services ARTIFICIAL PLANTS & VERTICAL GARDENS Call 9211-4989 or Call Lee 0424 564 332 ANEW Painting is a Sydney based Korean range from a variety of Glass and Aluminium or Jackson 0431 109 074 Designer Plants: A Complete Solution for Professional Painting Service. We specialize work such as:Measure, install and repair a wide Artificial Boxwood Hedges and Fake Vertical in providing quality interior and exterior range of shower screens (Frameless, Semi Garden Plants. Buy Artificial Plants online and Limon Cleaning Service painting service of residential and commercial Frameless & Framed Showers) Mirrors, Kitchen Outrageously Reasonable office and home Vertical Gardens.We're the only company in properties at affordable prices. Call David Splash Backs, Windows and Doors, Sliding Doors, Australia that specialises in hedge coverings cleaning. Have your premises cleaned first 0402061585 www.ANewpainting.com.au Silicon bathroom, Glass Fencing/ Balustrade, time every time by our expert team . All designed specifically for walls and fences. Office Partitions Call 0423959712 A wide range of plants specifically designed inclusive $49 per hour Please contact PLUMBERS Linda on 0449584799 for outdoor use. Call 1800 617 341 or Shire Care Plumbing www.DesignerPlants.com.au ABS (Australian Bright Services) 24HR's Emergency Plumbing- One of We offer All sorts of cleaning services and Sydney’s most trusted Plumbing Companies. BATHROOM RENOVATIONS much more: Office cleaning, Domestic cleaning, Our professional plumbers are fully EBM Bathroom Renovations is fully licensed Housekeeping, Specialist in child care, Age accredited and insured, so you can assure Our mission is to Serve, Respect and and insured. We offer Complete Bathroom care,Windows cleaning, High water pressure, that in the odd event of any incidents, we Renovations, Fix Shower Leaks and Epoxy Seals. End of lease cleaning, Rubbish removal, Protect Forfrom a friendly, reliable and personal are fully covered.Call Today 02-9556-1573 $18 p/w* We will Custom Design and plan your project Timber floor maintenance, Floor polishing and www.shirecareplumbing.com.au and offer great packages. Call for a free quote discussion related matter. Call 1300over 991any 283finance or sealing hard floor Carpet cleaning and We Also 0400 078 009 www.ebmbathrooms.com.au sam@bondiclassifieds.com.au offer a service of gardening.Call Jose Mobile: *T&C’s apply 0402 457876 www.Australianbrightservices.com.au
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city hub 20 APRIL 2017