City Hub 27 April 2017

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PADDYSMARKETS.COM.AU 16/03/2017 11:45 am

Powerhouse may stay put in Ultimo after backlash

By Serkan Ozturk A community-led push to keep the Powerhouse Museum where it currently sits in the inner-city may just be working with the NSW Government now strongly considering backing down on its original proposal to move the entire museum to Western Sydney.

The concessions come as Arts Minister, Don Harwin, announced the government was still intent on building a new museum in Parramatta by 2022 but that its construction could mean “keeping some Powerhouse presence at the current site in Ultimo”.

Mr Harwin said the government would soon be seeking public input on its plans for the new museum and how it may affect the current Powerhouse site before a final business plan on the proposal was released later this year.

“The new Parramatta museum will be on the cutting edge of science and innovation, bringing the very best to a booming Western Sydney,” the minister said.

“The NSW Government is committed to building a truly iconic museum in Western Sydney and we want it to be one the community can proudly call their own.”

In response to the government’s turn-of-face, Parramatta Council has stated it is “confident” that any business plan would show that a complete move away from Ultimo would be beneficial from a “population, financial and logistical perspective”.

The decision to relocate the Powerhouse museum to Parramatta and sell its current site in Ultimo was made in 2015 by former premier, Mike Baird.

The plans have been mired in controversy ever since with many inner-city residents decrying the decision as a simple land grab by property developers friendly with the Liberal Party.

Earlier this year, a parliamentary inquiry heard that the cost of moving the museum and its exhibits to Parramatta would be at least $800

The landmark Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

million, with that figure likely to balloon close to $2 billion according to some experts such as former Powerhouse museum director, Lindsay Sharpe.

At the same time, it is believed the site in Ultimo where the museum currently resides would only generate about $150 - $200 million if sold to property developers.

There have also been safety concerns regarding the new proposed museum site at Parramatta’s Riverbank with experts in recent months warning of a very real risk of flooding at the location.

The continuing controversy has resulted in radio broadcaster, Alan Jones, coming in to bat for inner-city residents who want to keep the museum in Ultimo.

“Western Sydney and the inner city need cultural assets. We’re not denying Western Sydney. I’ll fight for you every day of my life. It’s not either/or, it’s both,” Mr Jones said on his 2GB radio show.

“Everything about the new museum has been planned in secret … so we know nothing about this Parramatta plan.”

City of Sydney Labor councillor, Linda Scott, has also welcomed the decision to rethink moving the whole museum away from Ultimo.

“I welcome the NSW Government reconsidering the sale, and urge them to commit to saving the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo for good,” she said.

“Western Sydney communities deserve more cultural facilities - but this shouldn’t come at the

expense of funding cuts to inner city cultural institutions.”

However, Ms Scott’s support for the museum to have some continuing presence at Ultimo is at odds with state Labor leader, Luke Foley, who said not moving the entire museum to Parramatta was “a stab in the back to the people of Western Sydney”.

His comments led to him being pilloried on social media by a number of his own supporters.

“As a Labor voter I think the Powerhouse Museum should absolutely stay put in Ultimo and not sold off to developers,” Labor supporter Anne Abercrombie wrote on Mr Foley’s Facebook page.

“However, build museums and art galleries for the west. Get all the treasures out of storage.”

The museum currently holds about 400,000 artefacts, many of which are not on public display but kept in storage.

The Save the Powerhouse lobby group has led the campaign over the past 18 months to keep the museum in Ultimo with a series of protests and events. Its co-convener, Patricia Johnson, said it was now up to the local community to inform the government of its views.

“Let’s all take this opportunity that Don Harwin offers by writing to him, and telling him once again what we want: The iconic Powerhouse Museum must remain in Ultimo where it will continue to go from strength to strength, “ Ms Johnston said.

“And Parramatta must have the new, worldclass museum that the government has promised in the location that the Parramatta community advocates.”

More than half-a-million people visit the museum annually, with a 12% increase in visitor numbers noted for last year, according to the Save the Powerhouse campaign.

The museum in Ultimo has existed as a structure since 1893 and has been collecting items since 1879.

Hundreds smoke dope in defiance Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide.

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BY GEORGIA CLARK The war on drugs has prompted disillusioned youth to raise arms against authorities for as long as anyone can remember. They’ve waged war in the name of Vietnam, women’s rights and more recently, medical marijuana. But last week, on Thursday, April 20th a congregation of about 400 pro-weed hippies assembled in Sydney’s Victoria Park to celebrate Bob Marley’s landmark substance on a counterculture day known as 420 worldwide.

Chris Hindi, founder of Free Cannabis NSW said it was the best turn out he’d seen in the time the event has been running.

“There’s been a lot of talk about legalisation. I think that’s why [420] has gained a lot of momentum,” he said.

420 has gained traction as a worldwide counterculture pro-cannabis movement. So what’s the provenance of the infamous day’s name? Like most grassroots movements, it began somewhere in California in the late ‘70’s, where 420 was the police code for marijuana smoking in progress.

Despite Government reform giving some companies the green light to legally import, store and sell the drug last year, there are still hurdles to accessing it. Jack McCusker came to the 420 rally from Scotland a few days before the festivities began.

“I cannot wait for cannabis to be legalised.

I think that along with other drugs it’s people’s personal choice whether they want to smoke cannabis, take drugs, drink alcohol, take coffee,” he said.

The Government’s recent push towards the legalisation of medical marijuana is

Andreaa Kindryd rallies for the legalisation of weed at 420 last Thursday. Credit: Georgia Clark

a step forward, but many pro-smokers believe Australia’s policies are still about as regressive as a nuclear weapon.

Andreaa Kindryd is an Australian citizen from California.

“Enough is enough. It’s time to free the weed. I’m 78 years old. My choice is commit suicide or go to jail. People who have bi-polar and have the urge to kill themselves can’t have weed because it’s illegal and they go to jail… [but] cannabis is a plant that’s been around longer than me,” she said.

For many at the protest, cannabis is not the devilish substance the general public make it out to be. One of the protestors, who wished to be known as Alex Smith, said cannabis use is the only antidote to his pain and mental health concerns.

“When I go without it my whole body convulses up. I lose control of my left hand… Codeine doesn’t help. It just helps get rid of the pain…cannabis is the best medicine,” he said.

While those who have specific doctor approval can still access the drug, it can take months to import and for treatment to commence. However, because the drug isn’t approved by the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), doctors can only approve the drug for treatment if they are authorised prescribers or through a Special Access Scheme.

For most people like Alex, access is difficult.

“They should go about treating people first and go about researching later. What matters is people like me are suffering and we need the treatment now,” he said. city hub 27 APRIL 2017

3

How not to waste your waste: pop-up repair stores

BY GEORGIA CLARK Consumerism has become more like a religion than a pastime. It only takes a stroll in Sydney’s inner west to see that we’re disposing of useful items at an astronomical rate - 50 million tonnes of waste per year to be exact.

With scientists estimating that our landfill will one day have us on the verge of a nuclear meltdown, our generation must start looking at more sustainable solutions.

A movement championing the repairing and reusing of household items is gaining traction in Sydney. The Bower Repair and Reuse Centre, Marrickville could stop the impending landfill doom in its tracks. Annette Mayne of the Centre is a strong believer in grassroots recycling.

“You only have to drive around and see the amount of bulky waste collection items to realise we have become such a disposable society. We don’t really think about what we’re keeping or throwing away, or whether something that we had for a long time could continue its life with a bit of repair,” she said.

According to Ms. Mayne the centre has gained significant traction over the past few years, with people from all walks of life bringing in broken toasters, kettles, computers and even furniture for repairs. Now these popup repair centres are trending across Sydney.

According to Helen McCaffrey, Mayor of Canada Bay Council, waste management has many hidden benefits.

“There’s been a big turn-around in people wanting to reuse and fix things. We’re living

The Bower Repair & Reuse Centre in Marrickville. Credit: Georgia Clark

in a throw-away society, we’re all consuming and disposing and we cannot continue to do it. We’re depleting resources, and waste management is really expensivet.”

Dr Ulku Yuksel from the University of Sydney recently conducted research into extending the life of products to reduce growing

waste, with a focus on the effect of product warranties. Dr Yuksel says that the average NSW household generated 23.6 kg of waste a week, with a recycling rate of less than 50%, and that many people claimed recycling was not convenient enough.

“According to a study 25% of the people say

they cannot easily access a recycling bin, while 10% blame it on physical costs and efforts it involves.

“While these people find recycling is timeconsuming, others say they forget to recycle despite having the intention. This makes it apparent that people need to be provided with some inspiration as to why they should recycle,” said Dr Yuksel.

While Dr Yuksel said the failure to recycle and repair often comes down to mindset, and one of the decisive factors is the expense of doing so.

“Clearly, pop-up repair centres would help solve growing waste levels. Yet, an important issue here is the price of repairs. Repairing should not be very costly as this motivates to straight new-buy,” she said.

Ms Mayne says that attitudes towards disposability and the production of waste are largely generational.

“Somewhere along the way we lost that art of repair. With the rise of easy manufacturing, we’ve fallen into a false sense of security that it’s easier to replace something than to fix it. One day surely we’ll run out of landfill and then what?” she said.

Repairing and reusing items doesn’t only have benefits for the environment and future generations, but can also create a great deal of joy for the recycler, says Ms Mayne.

“If you’re already struggling feeling you’ve got a lot of stuff, how about finding joy or satisfaction in rehoming rather than going out to buy more.

Why not sell it? There’s loads of ways to make money,” she said.

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Smokin’ Joe sparks ANZAC Day outrage

By Serkan Ozturk A storm of debate has ignited over whether the ANZACs really died “for our freedoms” after a DJ was arrested and charged for offensive behaviour. Joe Mehkael, a.k.a Smokin’ Joe held a one-man protest at this year’s ANZAC dawn memorial service in Martin Place.

Known as the “most electrifying man in dance music today” and self-dubbed as “revolutionary warrior number one”, Mr. Mehkael was arrested just before 5.30am on the morning of Anzac Day after chanting an anti-war slogan while a military trumpeter played the Last Post.

“The courageous will never be silent as long as these laws continue senseless violence! Stop the wars! Bring peace to the world!” he shouted.

The the Merrylands resident was then taken to Surry Hills police station where he was charged with behaving in an offensive manner in a public place, and resisting an officer in the execution of duty.

Speaking with City Hub, Mr. Mehkael explained how his action was a “peaceful protest with maximum impact”.

“All that it takes for evil to prevail is for good men and women to do nothing,” he added.

At no point during Mr Mehkael’s protest did he swear or use coarse language towards any group or individual.

“Anzac Day is a celebration of war and murder,” Mr. Mehkael posted on his Facebook page after he was bailed from police custody.

“They feed you the same lies time and time again to keep you scared and supporting their new world

order illuminati government, perpetual wars, and an ever-growing police state.”

Mr. Mehkael’s protest has divided opinion in the community, with some claiming ANZAC Day is sacrosanct and should not be used to hold an anti-war protest.

“Joe Mehkael – Revolutionary warrior? More like delusional fuckwit!” wrote one person onto Mr. Mehkael’s personal Facebook page.

Mr.Mehkael has received numerous violent threats in the hours and days after his protest.

Others however have highlighted the hypocrisy

Smokin’ Joe protested on ANZAC Day. Credit: Facebook

An ANZAC Day memorial in Martin Place. Credit: Wikipedia

of arresting a person for using their freedom of speech on a day meant to commemorate sacrifices others have made for freedom.

“They fought and died so we could be free, unless you yell inappropriately, then you’re going to prison,” one person wrote on Facebook in response to Mr Mekheal’s arrest.

Another Facebook user pointed out: “Yelling “stop the war” in a public space is now a criminal

offense. Need any more proof that ANZAC Day has been hijacked as a tool for spreading jingoistic authoritarianism?”

Last March, the state government introduced controversial anti-protest laws which civil liberties groups and others have labelled an expansion of police powers, at the cost of democracy and freedom of expression.

Mr. Mehkael – who happens to be a Guinness world record holder for playing the longest ever single DJ set – has been granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on May 18.

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5

Immunisation Clinics close their doors

BY ANNA MCGRATH Woollahra Council’s monthly Childhood Immunisation Clinic has closed down, after parents are electing their GPs as preferred vaccination suppliers. The closure of Woollahra Council’s clinic on March the 13th follows a trend seen in Council Immunisation programs across Sydney.

Attendance to the clinic has been falling consistently since 2006. While the clinic was vaccinating a monthly average of 25-30 babies in 2005, numbers have fallen to an all-time low of 7 in October 2016.

A Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) spokesperson said that immunisations continue to be one of the most effective preventative health measures available in the community.

“Vaccination is the best way to protect a child from these serious diseases. Vaccine preventable illnesses like whooping cough, chicken pox and measles continue to occur in the community,” they said.

The National Health Performance Authority reported that Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs immunisation coverage rate for children between 1 and 5 is below 92%, with the rate of 2 year olds dropping to 88.2%. For effective disease control, at least 95% coverage is needed.

Clinics have been shut down consistently over the past few years, such as in North Sydney in August 2016, Willoughby in December 2015, Manly in September 2013, Redfern in 2002 and Kings Cross in 2002. All of these closures were the result of falling number of attendees lost to the more effective and convenient treatment offered by GPs. According to the NSLHD spokesperson the council is responsible for all immunisation clinic closures.

“The decision to run a council clinic, or not, ultimately lies with a local council.”

Council Spokesperson and mother of two Justine Henderson said that she preferred her local GP over an immunisation clinic to vaccinate

Child vaccination centres are closing across Sydney. Credit: James Gathany, Judy Schmidt, USCDCP, Pixnio

her children.

“It was much quicker and more effective… a one stop shop.”

The trend of parents towards using GPs as vaccination suppliers has benefits. Unlike a vaccination clinic, GPs can simultaneously vaccinate and provide parents and their children with general check-ups, dieting assistance and counselling. Doctors also tend to be in closer proximity in the event of an anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine.

GPs also allow Medicare to notify Centrelink much faster than the manual based system of immunisation clinics which could take up to 6-8 weeks.

Justine said that GPs tend to be able to offer more services than the clinics themselves.

“Obviously, we are a council, GPs are better equipped,” she said.

The reasons for the closure of the clinics are similar across Sydney. Councils across Sydney have been faced with shortages of accredited immunisation nurses who can administer vaccinations without the guidance of a doctor.

Woollahra council was forced to close in February with all staff resigning due to other commitments.

Pressure has also been placed on clinics with the tightening of National and NSW Health guidelines around the storage and transportation of vaccines. Woollahra’s vaccine refrigerator did

not fully satisfy the guidelines of the Cold Chain Breach Protocol.

Karen Osborne, a trained immunisation nurse with 30 years of experience, commented on the regulations surrounding the Cold Chain Breach Protocol.

“We have to check the vaccines manually...we strive for 5 degrees but it has to stay between 2 and 8,” she said.

The net cost of Woollahra’s clinic has increased six-fold in the last 10 years. Nurses and council administration staff costs are no longer fully reimbursed by the NSW Health department, as they were in 2006 when the clinic was last reviewed.

Woollahra Council said the closure of the clinics is appropriate given the current trends of families towards GPs. “The council completely understand and support the need for rigorous protocols surrounding the administration of immunisations, as the health and safety of patients is the number one priority. However, the South-East Sydney Public Health Unit’s recommendations highlighted that Council is not the best organisation to be providing this type of service; they need to be provided by medical services organisations who have trained staff and appropriate facilities, to protect patient safety and ensure the efficacy of the vaccines”.

The World Health Organisation states that a 95% immunisation coverage rate is needed for effective disease control.

The NSLHD said vaccinating healthy children has flow on benefits.

“If most children are vaccinated this also protects those who are too young to be vaccinated, or those who can’t be vaccinated because of medical conditions.”

Immunisation rates are a problem beyond local council’s control, and are being dealt with in different approaches at a local level. Sadly preventable, yet life-threatening diseases are not confined to these borders.

MEET the locals

A vision of health

By Alex Yujin In 2009, Joel Baur decided he’d had enough of a career filled with stress. A Chef by trade, Joel says he didn’t have any time to keep fit and was leading “the typical hospitality life, drinking and unhealthy habits.”

He says it took several months to turn his own health around, in a move he describes as “a complete 360.”

Today he is Director of the popular fitness franchise in Sydney, Vision Personal Training Pyrmont. Unlike a large gym with hundreds of people coming in and out all day, Vision has more of a ‘boutique’ approach, offering personalised service to all of their customers.

Starting out as an employee for the company, one of Joel’s own clients was so impressed with his work that he asked him to start a joint franchise with him.

It was an offer Joel couldn’t turn down. He realised an opportunity like this might not come again. The client eventually moved on and Joel is now the sole owner of the Pyrmont business.

Joel is passionate about nutrition, saying that many people’s downfalls are not knowing simple things about food. With so many heavily processed products that are full of hidden sugars, it can be hard to know what’s really healthy.

6

city hub 27 APRIL 2017

“There’s so much information out there sometimes you don’t know where to start.

“Health is important, I would say everything starts at school. When we’re young there needs to be more awareness about how nutrition works,” he said.

Vision runs free nutrition education seminars regularly, as well as supermarket tours to help clients navigate the abundance of food available in shops.

Joel’s Pyrmont business has excelled in leaps and bounds, claiming Trainer of the Weight Loss Challenge in 2010, the Owners “Comeback of the Year” award in 2013 and the company Gold Star award for excellence three years running in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Joel says he wants to give back something similar to what helped him out in the beginning.

“I know it’s very daunting to decide whether you want to be an owner or not, but if I see that a trainer within my team wants to take the plunge, I will be very happy to help him.

“I knew I couldn’t do it on my own straight away, and [the client I started the business with] gave me support to get started, financially and mentally. I think that’s why I was comfortable to do it straight away. So I think it will be the same for me to give that opportunity to one of my trainers,” he said.

The Vision PT team.

Credit: Supplied

Opinion

Privatise everything, sell off the parks

By Andrew Woodhouse I’VE just had an epiphany. The sort of lightbulb moment you get at 3am in bed or under the shower. So how’s this for a brain-wave?

Since New South Wales receives about 30-40% of its income from real estate stamp duties alone, the total revenue from the multitude of other sources is relatively scant.

At the same time, the cost of administration, public servants, education, police, the judiciary and roads and hospitals are rising exponentially with our ageing population. This could be me soon with the (dangerously high-speed) $5,000 “delux celebrity” electric mobility scooter with its “feature-rich reclining Captain’s seat”. Whoa!

We’re getting older and sicker and, frankly, more expensive to keep alive. So do we legislate for compulsory euthanasia? No. Or perhaps cut off all medical cancer research and other crippling killer diseases to keep the average population younger? No. Well, what then? My solution and modus operandi are simple, just as modest genius often is!

Firstly, flog off anything that doesn’t make a handsome profit, such as housing commission properties in Millers Point or the heritage-worthy Sirius building in The Rocks. Sell the lot. They can live elsewhere.

Secondly, save costs. Refuse to increase staff in much-need areas such as front line police in Kings Cross or school rooms with no air-conditioning and ramp up classroom sizes as well.

Thirdly, sell current public assets which might make money such as energy infrastructure and freeways, or build new West Connex-style roads ones that are saleable. Bituminise the landscape and never mind about bulldozing parks or areas in Surry Hills or Haberfield. Demonise objectors as NIMBYs.

Landscape-nature-sunset-trees. Photo caption: no blade of grass is safe Credit: Pexels

I’m half-expecting newspaper ads offering heritage rooms for the night in Parliament House. After all, they’re hardly there and can use Skype, email and video conferencing to name-call and can cast votes electronically.

Fourthly, dispose or lease whole government departments that do make money such as the Property Information Services Department, which guarantees land titles. And while we’re at it, let’s shrug off and get rid of another loss-making division or anything under the government’s Crowns Land Act. Yep, let’s get rid of parks and gardens, wholesale. Management costs can be completely eliminated. There’s no financial return let alone profit in this musky, cobwebbed, billabong department.

I do jest but with this current state government, they may be reading this piece for pointers.

Or just give all responsibility for these outdoor spaces away. But to whom?

Local Councils that’s who, with a gold carrot to let them do they want with them.

Mark me as skeptical or even cynical: who really trusts council to do right by us?

Would you buy a used car from council? No. State government propaganda on the Crown Land website touts: “All transfers of local land to local councils will be voluntary and there will be no forced transfers.”

So can this phrase magically make things better - or worse? Government claims their idea will “streamline management”. I agree. It will be streamlined into oblivion. But they say “the Minister is required to have in place a community engagement strategy that sets out community engagement procedures and standards.” Of course he will.

The standards are written by him, for him,

approved by him and with him in mind but with one eye on the state’s bulging coffers.

All this is based on a false premise: a previous dodgy government review written by them, for them, with them in mind whose conclusions just happen to favour them. They trumpet: “there was some support for the local land transfer concept … not all crown lands need to be retained and managed by the State Government”.

No blade of grass is safe in Sydney. Even beaches, swimming pools, community centres and libraries on crown land are threatened.

The finer detail in the Act, section 4.6, states “The Minister may, by notice … vest specified transferable Crown land in a local council if: (a) the land is wholly located within the local government area of the council, and (b) the council has agreed, and … (d) the Minister is satisfied … the land is suitable for local use.

(2) The regulations [decide] the criteria to be applied in determining whether … land is suitable for local use.”

So who decides the regulations defining “local use?” The minister, of course. So are high-rise apartments a local use? Yes, developers can say they are on local land, used by locals and benefit locals.

Councils are rubbing their grubby hands in anticipation, especially those financially struggling.

Locals are being duped. And what will state government do with this cost saving?

Build more suburb-destroying, saleable, moneymaking tollways?

Perhaps they’ll resume high rises and build them through former crown lands and parks, thus proving the hidden raison d’être for these changes.

Andrew Woodhouse is President, Potts Point and Kings Cross Heritage and Residents’ Society

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7

FEATURE

Welcome To Glebe

by Rita Bratovich “We thought we were doing a portrait of Glebe, but over the last seven years we came to realise, we’re really doing a portrait of the community.”

This is how Tom Psomotragos sums up his photographic exhibition, Welcome To Glebe, an installation of local portraits that will run as part of the prestigious Head On Photo Festival in May. Psomotragos and facilitator Eulalie Moore began the project in 2009 when Glebe was celebrating its 150th year as a suburb. Paul Angell, then president of the Glebe Chamber of Commerce, noted photographer North Sullivan and Psomotragos wanted to celebrate the anniversary by taking 150 photos representing Glebe and its residents, and displaying them in shops, cafes, on fences, in public buildings and spaces.

“The idea originally was to capture the coffee culture of Glebe as a project…I showed North a book called Faces of The Twentieth Century [a collection of portraits by major photographers] and said ‘I’d love to do something like this for Glebe’ and it went from there,” says Psomotragos.

Sullivan took colour photos and Psomotragos focused on black and white.

The project was so well received that it was repeated the next year.

Moore and Psomotragos have since continued it unfunded, out of genuine pride and enjoyment, and also as an act of historical imperative.

“We are looking at putting all the works together and seeing whether the state archives are interested, because it’s a celebration of the diversity of the community,” says Moore. She remarks that many businesses in Glebe that have existed for decades may soon be gone due to inevitable gentrification and development. Both she and Psomotragos are acutely aware of the significance of these photographs in capturing the profile and personality of an iconic part of Sydney at this particular moment in time.

Psomotragos lived in Glebe for 18 years and feels very connected to the suburb. Moore has also spent many years in Glebe, as an active resident and member of the Chamber of Commerce. Not only are they both very familiar with the streets and landmarks, but they know the people who are just as inherently a part of this inner city suburb.

“What this is about is photographing our neighbours, photographing our shopkeepers, photographing people we rub up against in our living process,” explains Psomotragos. “It’s kind of like getting into the heart of an area… something very intimate coming through in that you’re seeing people being themselves.”

grandmother he was working on. He says that when he zoomed in on the image: “I could actually see myself reflected in her eye and I could see a person walking around behind me in the street.”

The subjects themselves are a demographic melting pot and include shop keepers, business people, kids, elderly and the homeless.

“And they’re definitely not all happy snaps…” says Moore, describing the candour in the photos and with that, the incredible amount of rapport building and trust required to encourage people to be involved. One thing that worked in their favour was the connectivity within the community.

“When I ask people if they’d like to be part of it and I show them some of the photographs that we’ve had, they go ‘oh yeah, I know this person, I know that person’… even if they don’t necessarily know them, they recognise faces,” explains Moore.

Having people like respected indigenous member, Kathy Farrawell on side meant they were able to make contact with and gain consent from people who would never otherwise have agreed to be photographed.

Moore and Psomotragos have made sure everyone photographed is comfortable with the way they have been portrayed. Many of the photographs are being placed in venues frequented by the subjects, so it is vital that no one feels vulnerable or mocked. The subjects will be receiving a signed copy of their photograph. Psomotragos is also creating a book, deliberately using low-quality newsprint to enhance the grittiness of the photos. The book will be placed in different venues and will feature all the photos for people who can’t get to see the whole exhibition.

Being part of the Head On Festival means higher visibility for the project and for Psomotragos as a photographer - self confessed as a renegade in modern gallery circles.

“I think it can tie my approach back into the mainstream of creative, artistic photography… it exposes the general public to it… Don’t do any trickery, don’t go into high key colour, don’t do anything seductive, but see these people as they are.”

Master Bruce. Photo: Tom Psomotragos

The photos are indeed, poignant and revealing. Almost all of them are in black and white, which Psomotragos believes, allows the focus to fall on the person in the photo. “Most of the time, the colour distracts away from the story of the person.” However, there are a handful of occasions where colour is part of the story, for instance, one subject whose colourful clothes complemented her colourful hair.

The photos are also gritty and organic. All bar three were taken in natural light with little or no editing or post production, giving them a strong feel of authenticity. Psomotragos broke with his usual rule of asymmetrical composition, choosing instead to place his subjects at centre, emphasising their indisputable importance in the story.

Another technical choice was the very high resolution, with some file sizes being close to 200MB. The intensity and clarity achieved is stunning. Psomotragos cites one half length portrait of a Sierra Leone

May 5-17, The Shop Gallery, 112 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, and various other venues.

Info: www.headon.com.au or www.tompsomotragos.com

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT w

Emily Tresidder Is Not Your Ex

Fresh from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Emily Tresidder brings her new show Not Your Ex to the Sydney Comedy Festival this week at the Enmore Theatre.

“The show sort of morphed out of a break up, but basically it’s a funny and silly

celebration of accepting who you are.”

Tresidder said.

Following sold out runs of Crazy in 2016 at festivals in Australia and the UK, Not Your Ex explores the chaos of relationships and the process of getting over them while finding hilarity in hindsight.

Audiences can expect “a good laugh and a feel good feeling when they leave. Every show has been quite different because each crowd is different, so they can expect something that’s theirs as well.” Tresidder said.

In regards to the inspiration behind her content?

“I usually pick something that’s happened to me or someone around me, then add some seasoning,” Tresidder said.

“I love everything about [stand up], but I would have to say number one is probably the exchange that happens between audiences and I, there’s a level of trust and then an energy exchange and it’s magic.” (SH) April 27-30. Enmore Theatre.

18-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown. $20-$25+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.enmoretheatre.com.au

REVIEW: The Sylph The Sylph gives us an insight into the Romantic ballet era, a beautiful, aesthetic world, gracious and rich in nostalgia.

This one woman show, starring Gertraud Ingeborg, is an autobiographical monologue, delivered effortlessly, very naturally and unforced, telling the story of ballet legend, lover and woman, Marie Taglioni, born in Sweden in 1804.

Dressed in vintage black 1800s long bustle dress and pearls, Ingeborg is dignified as she interweaves a personal story of love and heartbreak, with that of her dancing career, the stage performances in front of royalty and tours across the cities of Europe.

Set in the twilight of her life, this production looks back on the life Taglioni lived and the choices she made along the way. Born into a family of opera singers, choreographers and ballet dancers, Taglioni credits her success to a domineering father who home schooled her and instilled a severe regime of ballet practice, hours upon hours of repetition that produced her ground breaking style.

The Sylph sometimes slips into magic realism, a world of forest fairies and fantasy, a metaphor to her ethereal quality of dancing and reference

perhaps to the play’s title, Sylph, an imaginary spirit of the air.

Written by Australian ballet dancer Jodi Rose, The Sylph is a real story about a compelling woman, complete with foibles, insecurities and a trifle egocentric. It doesn’t particularly feel like a period piece, it’s timeless, it could be from any era. There is commonality in the tales this famous performer spins, the visits backstage by suitors and fans, the whirlwind of romance, juggling motherhood while trying to perfect her art and a fairy tale life lived with princes and palaces. (MS) Until Apr 29, 8pm. Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza St, Newtown. $30-$45.

Tickets & Info: www.old505theatre.com

a&e

11 STAGE 12 SCENE 13 Sounds 14 SCREEN

REVIEW: Sex Object

Ben and Veronica (Ron) are sitting in her late father’s house, awaiting the arrival of her brother Gustav.

It seems Ron’s father was a bit of a pervert, his house adorned with sexualised pieces of art, objects and sex toys.

Ben is like your typically Aussie guy, blonde, a little scruffy, with all of the mannerism of an Australian male. We learn that despite a soft porn addiction and masturbation habit Ben’s is unable to have sex with girlfriend Ron who is seeking a more intense spiritual and Charlie Falkner, Grace Victoria, Charlotte Devenport & emotional connection from him.

Andrew Hearle. Photo: Omnes Photography This is a play about modern day sexuality, and reflects upon some culture that privileges masculinity. Andrew interesting themes. Despite western cultures Hearle’s character Gustav is much more the obsession with sexuality, including overtly alpha male in comparison, but his characters sexualised media and widespread availability of sexuality is also questioned towards the end. porn, but this has not necessarily translated into An enjoyable production, audiences will be able a culture of openness around sexuality. to relate to these often not talked about themes Written by up and coming playwright Charlie of modern day sexuality and the dysfunction that Falkner who also plays the lead Ben, this is a goes along with it. (VP) brave role to play especially considering he Until Apr 29, 8pm Wed- Sat, 5pm Sun. admitted in previous interviews that there was a The Depot Theatre, 142 Addison Road, part of him in his character. He’s playing a Marrickville. $22-$32.Tickets & Info: character who has sexual inadequacies, in a http://thedepottheatre.com

Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen Todd Mckenney first saw Peter Allen perform when he was fifteen. Until then McKenney had never heard of him.After that concert, however, he bought every record Allen had made and was completely enthralled.Years later, after Allen’s death, McKenney had a chance encounter with Peter Allen’s sister and eventually formed a strong friendship with her and Allen’s whole family.

When the opportunity came up to audition in London for the lead role of The Boy From Oz, McKenney was not only warmly encouraged by Allen’s family, but Allen’s mother actually gave McKenney three of her son’s sequinned shirts to wear.

“That’s where it all began… so I’ve always been endorsed by the family and I’ve always taken it quite seriously,” says McKenney.

Of course he got the part and he’s never looked back.

“It taught me my craft and it definitely put me on the map. I would not have had the career I’ve had without being cast in that show, for sure.”

While McKenney was already proficient as a singer and dancer, there was one aspect of playing Allen that presented a challenge - chatting to the audience.Allen was flamboyant, glib and had a quick, wicked sense of humour.

“That absolutely freaked me out because I’d never done that before,” says McKenney.

By all accounts, he appears to have mastered it.

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

McKenney is currently touring a Peter Allen tribute show, in which he pays homage to Allen.

“This show is more about Todd McKenney singing Peter Allen, not Todd McKenney being Peter Allen.”

The repertoire is broader, with songs selected from amongst 250 that Allen recorded during his career. The show also features guest appearances by phenomenal singer Queenie Van de Sandt and, incredibly, Liza Minnelli (in the shape of Trevor Ashley)!

It’s a parred down production in the intimate setting of The Studio at Sydney Opera House, and it will be unforgettable. (RB) Apr 28-29, 7pm.The Studio, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Pt, Sydney. $79+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

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 27 APRIL 2017

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Photo: Matthew Murphy

by Lynda Wehipeihana, Music Executive With music and lyrics originally composed by Cyndi Lauper it’s no wonder Kinky Boots was a hit on Broadway and hence now makes its way down under.

Kinky Boots is about transgender issues in a shoe factory that needs to be relevant to stay in business. “Lola” a transgender person played

by Toby Francis is a sensational lead character who breathes life into a failing shoe factory, Price and Son in Northampton, England.

Through Lola’s outrageous personality, exuberant determination and persistence, Price and Son take their factory from the brink of failure to a roaring success.

Lola demonstrates to the factory owner and staff that their old way of manufacturing shoes no longer works in a changing world and inspires them to change, because no women or man wants to buy ugly shoes. Lola’s vision

brings to life “Kinky Boots...the sex is in the heel…”

Lola’s character, the star throughout the show, takes you on an emotional ride by singing various songs with faultless vocals and character performances. Hold Me In Your Heart the standout ballad.

The cast was vibrant with the energetic blend of drag queens and ordinary factory workers making for an upbeat colourful very funny musical production.

Kinky Boots sends a strong message about the reality of what happens to people when they are so different in appearance or thinking to the norm and the emotional courage and strength required to gain acceptance for who they are.

Kinky Boots is a Triumph.

Until July 23, Various performance times.

Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket. $60-$170+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.capitoltheatre.com.au/kinky-boots

The Popular Mechanicals

It’s a perennial favourite amongst directors to turn to the cast at some stage during rehearsal warm-ups and say,‘Let’s improv the backstory’.

One can imagine a similar genesis for Popular Mechanicals – the backstory of the play within the play, Midsummer Night’s Dream. For those who saw STC’s recent production of Dream and were left staring in stunned disbelief at the final strains of Pyramus and Thisbe, by The Rude Mechanicals, this production is almost the sequel.

Written by Tony Taylor and Keith Robinson and first directed by Geoffrey Rush for Belvoir in 1987, this is what happens when Bottom, the self-styled matinee idol, succumbs to some fairy magic and disappears into the forest. Leading the comedic way are two of the greatest clowns in Australian theatre, Julie Forsyth (The Book of Everything, Romeo and Juliet) and Amber McMahon (Girl Asleep,Twelfth Night). Forsyth, one of our great comic actors, though not well known outside the sphere of regular theatregoers, is Robin Starveling.

McMahon plays the rubber-faced, savant-like, Snug the Joiner. It’s a raunchy, hysterical, physical romp, with plenty of sight gags, fart jokes and goon sculling. Sarah Giles, former STC resident director, steers the mayhem with her usual absurdist flair.

Amber McMahon.

Photo: Kris Washusen

REVIEW: Kinky Boots

This show probably won’t change your life – unless of course you are in dire need of an evening of pure joy and laughter – in which case it should be a sell-out.

Disclaimer : No rubber chickens were hurt at any point in this production. (GW) Until May 13,Various performance times.

Sydney Theatre Company,The Wharf 2, Pier 4, Hickson Road Walsh Bay. $49-$55. www. sydneytheatre.com.au or Ph: 02 9250 1777

ITS Axel Cobretti Undercover Axel Cobretti (Will Erimya) is the coolest, slickest, hairiest undercover dude you ever did see. He gets into all kinds of trouble but never leaves without solving the case and getting loose.

Originally conceived by two-time Cranston Cup winner and two-time National Theatresports Champion, Simon Greiner, ITS Axel Cobretti Undercover is a 1970s-styled cop detective show that could go anywhere. During the show the ‘world famous’ super detective is struck by a mysterious tragedy and must come out of retirement to solve the case and save the world.

Taking to the stage alongside Erimya will be Theatre Sydney’s award winning improv ensemble. Taking suggestions and input from the

audience this performance is guaranteed to be a unique experience, even if you’ve seen the show previously. (JA) Apr 29, 7pm. GiantDwarf Theatre, 199 Cleveland St, Redfern. $17.40.

Tickets & Info: www.giantdwarf.com.au

THE NAKED CITY

Citizens Caned!

With Coffin Ed Back in the days of restricted immigration in this country the Barton Government invented the so called “language dictation test”, giving it the power to block unwanted migrants by forcing them to sit a test in “any European language”.Thankfully we have come a long way since then but Malcolm Turnbull’s recent announcement of an ‘Australian values’ test for aspiring citizens could well spark a furious debate as to what is actually bona fide, fair dinkum,‘Aussie’.

There are still plenty of Aussies who prefer Joe Dolce’s Shaddap Ya Face to Advance Australia Fair, the latter written by a Scotsman back in 1878. Likewise many Australians would be flat out naming any Federal Politician bar Pauline Hanson, such is the level of political apathy in this country. So who actually has been awarded the task of writing a set of questions that will determine whether migrants to this country have enough Australian values to be given citizenship?

Maybe it’s a committee made up of Corey Bernardi, Miranda Devine,Andrew Bolt and even Mark Latham but in reality it’s probably some faceless bureaucrat.

Whoever it is, here’s a set of questions that I personally would like to see included in any future citizenship quiz. I have not indicated the answers as

12

city hub 27 APRIL 2017

one of the great things about this country is the diversity of opinion.There may be one definitive answer – then again all three could be correct. Go for it!

1. When you apply tomato sauce to a meat pie do you put a hole in the top with? (a) Your forefinger (b) Your thumb (c) Your pinkie 2. In Australia the best place to buy a bag of ice is? (a) At your local supermarket (b) At a bottleshop (c) In Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross 3. The most iconic Australian musical instrument is? (a) The Lagerphone (b) The Fairlight Synthesiser (c) The Wobble Board 4. Which of the following is not a native Australian animal? (a) Poteroo (b) Kangaroo (c) Portaloo 5. Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott once bit into? (a) An onion (b) A watermelon (c) Malcolm Turnbull 6. Old school Australians often enjoyed? (a) A cup of tea, a Bex and a good lie down (c) The occasional Quaalude (c) A six pack of Cold Gold KB 7. Singer Kylie Minogue is sometimes known as? (a) The Singing Budgie (b) The Singing Banshee (c) The Singing Bodgie 8. Which of these Australian towns or places is a popular tourist attraction? (a) Yorkeys Knob in Queensland (b) Mount Buggery in

Victoria (c) Snowtown in South Australia 9. Which of these statements about voting in Australian elections is correct? (a) You must not draw a penis and testicles on your ballot paper (b) Voting is by a show of hands (c) Those who identify as Jedi in the Census are restricted from voting

10. Canberra is the national capital but the fun capital is? (a) Rooty Hill (b) Wollongong (c) Wolf Creek 11. Australia is proud to have the world’s largest number of? (a) Merino Sheep (b) Angus Beef Cattle (c) Poker Machines 12. Australia’s most deadly spider is? (a) The Red Back (b) The Funnel Web (c) Rolf Harris

Encounter My Heart

Put your beliefs to the test with Encounter My Heart, a newly devised immersive theatre experience from The Leftovers Collective. Lower yourself into the murky waters of moral ambiguity and explore where you personally draw the lines of forgiveness with this punchy half-hour performance, which borrows anonymous confessions from members of the Sydney public.

“All of us make mistakes in our own lives, and that’s the reason why we’ve chosen confessions from the Sydney public,” explained The Leftovers’ Artistic Director, Mr Curly Fries.“They’re not all necessarily these confessions that break the law – some of them might be misdemeanours between social friends, some of them might be of a sexual nature, some of them might be things that are done behind closed doors by yourself.We’re looking at things that aren’t just black and white in the law.”

The performance takes place in a mock “courtroom” in the downstairs bar at the Two Wolves Community Cantina on Broadway, the audience becoming the “jury” and deciding the fate of the “prisoner” after hearing the arguments of the “defence lawyer” and “prosecutor”.

To uphold intimacy, a strict cut off ten audience members only per show is allowed to each performance, of which there will be four a night (with a new prisoner/case trialled each time).The Leftovers’ are tight-lipped on how the verdict, as decided by the “jury”, will play out – but without giving too much away, you are advised to layer up your wardrobe and/or don your wet weather gear.

With the season starting in the lead-up to the two-year anniversary of the notorious execution of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, this work is inspired by the case and the loaded conversations that still surround it without imposing a “moral slant”.

This is a highly engaging production from a crop of noteworthy young names in stage and screen, and is the group’s first full season (rather than a one-off performance) since gaining the support of Bell Shakespeare and Bakehouse Theatre. (AM) April 28-29; Various performance times.

Two Wolves Community Cantina, 202 Broadway, Sydney.

FREE (bookings essential).

Tickets & info: www.theleftoverscollective.com

Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE Sydney

By Jamie Apps

Marguerite Montes: Tonight marks the launch of Montes’ debut album All The Time In The World. An artist with music in her bones, Montes believes in the need to take “all the time in the world” for a productive and authentic life.

Thu, Apr 27, Georgia’s Koutouki OKA: Bring their electric dreamtime roots back to local stages. Embracing the future without losing sight of the past, OKA draw upon their indigenous connection to place and country to create their signature feel good Australian earth sound, an irresistible blend of influences spanning house, reggae-dub, roots, jazz and world music.

OKA

Fri, Apr 28,The Lair at The Metro Jarrow and Good Boy: Fast-rising Brisbane trio Good Boy and freakishly talented Melbourne quartet Jarrow are about to become best friends. Both bands are strikingly original and prolific in their output, they’ve only been around a couple of years but have built a reputation for barnstorming live shows and recordings which are poetic, funny and raucous.

Fri, Apr 28,The Chippo Hotel At The Dakota: Hailing from tropical Darwin, have established

themselves as one of the most exciting bands to come out of the Northern Territory with their addictive pop sensibilities and hooky, quirky lyrics and melodies. At The Dakota’s sound is influenced by the warmth and optimistic attitude that epitomises Northern Territory living.

Sat, Apr 29, Captain Cook Hotel Toby Martin: The singer, songwriter and frontman of indie rock band, Youth Group, will perform a special concert inspired by the residents of Bankstown for one night only this weekend.

Sat, Apr 29, Carriageworks The Velvet Addiction: Sharing dark pasts, it was from the rubble of family violence, broken homes and way too much of a good thing that The Velvet Addiction rose. The formation of this nostalgic, sweat dripping leather ripping band is proof that rock and roll can shake life back into an ugly soul.

Sun, Apr 30, Frankie’s Pizza Hans Zimmer: The Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning composer will perform with two very special guest vocalists early next week. Joining Zimmer for this show will be the voice of The Lion King, Lebo M and also Lisa Gerrard, who is herself an acclaimed composer having worked on the score for Gladiator.

Tue, May 2, Qudos Bank Arena Milky Chance: Last time the German duo were here they performed to a sold out show. Now after two solid years of touring around the world they return with their new album Cocoon.

Wed, May 3, Enmore Theatre

By Jamie Apps For many bands it’s not necessarily the moments on stage that stand out in their memories but rather it’s the feeling of camaraderie they have when travelling up and down the roads between gigs.

The Tommyhawks Ness Thornton echoed this sentiment when speaking to the City Hub ahead of their shows in Sydney next week.

“We tour a lot in a camper van and it’s just so rad to be in a van with a fridge, some beer and be able to stop at beachside towns in between gigs to hang out for a day.”

Inevitably with four band members cramped into the tight quarters of a camper van for “weeks at a time” they have moments where they get on each others nerves. Although Ness says they’ve all grown to recognise when “someone needs their space” and thus they haven’t had any “major blow ups.”

Screamfeeder Pop Guilt

TITANIC: THE EXHIBITION History enthusiasts and moviegoers who enjoyed James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster film The Titanic will not be disappointed by this comprehensive exhibition which has finally arrived in Sydney.

Upon entry all visitors are made to feel as if they’re passengers embarking the Titanic. Boarding passes displaying details of genuine passengers are distributed and visitors will ultimately learn the fate of these passengers.

The exhibition details the construction of the Titanic, the grand lifestyle on the maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York and the final moments which led to the tragic fate of the ‘unsinkable’.

The separation of passenger classes are meticulously described and on display are 375 artifacts which include china and cutlery and an assortment of original newspapers which headlined the disaster.

A postcard sent from one of the passengers describing her joy at being on this floating palace is chilling and stories of how fate brought many of these people on board the doomed ship are also immersing.

Visitors will be mesmerized by spectacular recreations and memorabilia from the blockbuster film which includes costumes worn

by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, the Heart of The Ocean blue diamond necklace,

The Grand Staircase

Jack’s sketch of Rose and an original movie script.

Footage captured by submersibles during the exploration of the Titanic four kilometers below the surface is haunting and breathtaking.

Walk the 1st class hallway or have your photo taken on the replica of the grand stair case from the film, as tunes of the day and music from the film add class and atmosphere to this must-see event.

(MMo) Until June 30. Byron Kennedy Hall - Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park. $35-$80+b.f. (family pass).

Tickets & Info: www.titanictheexhibition.com.au To win a double pass to see Titanic The Exhibition please email - arts@altmedia.net.au

The Tommyhawks

The Tommyhawks was originally a duo project conceived by Ness and Addison Axe following the departure of their drummer from a previous band. Losing their drummer was “really disappointing” for the duo because they wouldn’t be able to “jam every week” anymore, so they set out to find a replacement

In an age where music has become a precisely tuned electronic medium it is occasionally refreshing to hear something with a little grit and grime in the recordings.

The latest release, Pop Guilt, from Brisbane’s Screamfeeder delivers just that with their collection of 13 throwback tracks.Throughout the record Screamfeeder harks back to the garage punk rock days of Triple J in the 90s.

Whilst all of these songs perfectly capture this era it would have been nice to see some growth and perhaps even the injection of some fresh elements from modern production techniques. If however you simply want to rekindle your love for a bygone era this record is the one for you. (JA) WW1/2

but wound up with both a new drummer and a saxophonist. This new configuration brought with it a lot of excitement which according to Ness was what “kept the band going.”

Ahead of the upcoming shows in Sydney the band’s excitement was clear in Ness’ voice.

The second show of the stop at

the Meatstock barbecue festival is a somewhat unexpected one for The Tommyhawks given that the band consists of two vegans and a vegetarian.

“It’s a bit confronting and obviously nothing we would chose to partake in,” explained Ness, “but the world is made of many many different types of people with many different priorities and ethics so we’re not judging anyone else.”

Following this tour the band will likely head home to begin work on a debut album because as Ness said “It would seem that it might be time to do an album given that we’ve done the three EP’s now.”

May 4. Frankie’s Pizza, 50 Hunter St, Sydney.

Info: www.thetommyhawks.com May 6. Meatstock Festival, Sydney Showgrounds, 1 Showground Rd, Sydney Olympic Park.Tickets & Info: www.meatstock.com.au

Iluka - Blue My Soul EP

Before diving into Iluka’s newest EP I was anticipating a pop driven assortment of tracks.

Initially that is precisely what I was greeted with but soon was soaking in her sepia, soulful tones in a mesmerised state of bliss.

Throughout the EP Iluka infuses blues and soul elements with a retro-pop aesthetic to create something uniquely her own.

The strongest elements of the EP occur when Iluka’s voice is allowed to shine and soar above everything else. Despite being just 24 there is a wisdom and depth to Iluka’s vocals which is far beyond her years.

The only element I could fault the EP on is somewhat nit picky in that I felt it should have ended one song early with The Fools rather than In The Heat. In the current configuration the EP simply petters out rather than leaving the listener with one final lasting memorable moment. (JA) WWW city hub 27 APRIL 2017

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Table 19

Photo: Jace Downs

On the surface, this looks like a cookie-cutter, icing-coated rom-com, replete with an unlikely mixed bag of characters brought together through their obliged invitation to a wedding.

The Table 19 of the title is the one tucked away in a corner from which “you can smell the toilets.”

Each character at this table has a story: the demoted bridesmaid/ex-girlfriend of bride’s brother (Anna Kendrick); the forgotten nanny (June Squibb); the ex-communicated relative (Stephen Merchant); the awkward, pubescent

son of family acquaintances (Tony Revolori); the bickering couple (Lisa Kudrow and Craig Robinson), there only by virtue of a Facebook connection.

The humour, admittedly, is predictable, though it often works, but it’s the exposition of each character’s stories that gives the film some depth and validity. The writing is quite good and the plot is tidy and thoughtful. The 1980s wedding band playlist provides some ‘name that tune’ amusement. (RB) WWW

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 2.

The highly anticipated sequel to one of the most successful Marvel Studios films arrives in cinemas and should unquestionably deliver box office gold.

The superhero team which includes Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax The Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) returns and once again stops an enemy who threatens to annihilate the entire galaxy.

Sylvester Stallone amusingly mumbles his way through a supporting role and Kurt Russel appears as a pivotal character which delves deep into the storyline of Quill’s parentage. David Hasselhoff also makes a ludicrous but effective 14

city hub 27 APRIL 2017

cameo which would never be considered in other Marvel film franchises.

Amongst the high powered space battle sequences and the mesmerizing cartoonish CGI overload, the story of the transformation of these superheroes from bickering friends to close family resonates. The shock villain is disclosed in the action-packed yet sentimental finale.

Audiences will be treated to the same brand of irrelevant humour and wonderful collection of 80s music which have become signature elements in this very unique and delightful science fiction franchise. (MMo) WWW1/2

Free Fire

This British action comedy is one of the funniest yet most confronting and violent films to surface in recent years.

Set in Boston in the late 1970s, the basic plot concerns two Irishmen who plan on selling weapons to a gang in a deserted warehouse.

A simple provocation transpires and a full-on shootout eventuates where everyone battles for the money until only the last man standing remains.

Martin Scorsese is credited as an executive producer and Academy award winning Brie Larson (Room) demonstrates her comedic prowess in the starring role as an intermediary.

Australia’s Noah Taylor also has a small but pivotal role.

Gritty and fast paced with a wealth of skilfully choreographed gunfire action sequences and a high body count, this film possibly contains the longest shootout sequence ever filmed for a motion picture.

Initially it’s difficult to be affected by the exorbitant brutality as the humorous oneliners and general comic undertones downplay the severity. Only when the comic flavouring subsides in the horrifying finale will moviegoers perceive the extremity of violence.

The somewhat bizarre inclusion of John Denver’s tranquil melodies in the finale is a cleverly devised and effective musical contrast to the outlandish savagery which culminates. (MMo) WWW1/2

The Innocents

It’s inconceivable that this little-known and reprehensible post World War II story of brutality and inhumanity against catholic nuns is based on actual events.

Set in Poland in 1945, the story centers on a group of nuns living in a convent who are impregnated after being sexually abused by Soviet soldiers. They cannot find consolation in prayer and wish they had alternatively been killed. Fearing damnation they ask, why did God allow this to happen?

A French red-cross doctor named Mathilde (Lou de Laage) provides medical assistance and vows to keep the nun’s indescribable nightmare a secret, as they fear rejection and certain eviction from the new regime.

A tragic story which ironically leads to positive new beginnings for the nuns, also details a sinful twist from within the convent to prevent scandal and disorder.

This confronting story is beautifully filmed and darkly graded to enhance the intensity and gruesome atmosphere. Harrowing sequences of nuns giving birth (which are possibly the first in motion picture history) are disconcerting, but clearly resonate the war crimes perpetrated upon the innocent.

This remarkable story of the fragility of faith, trust, friendship and courage was a hit at the recent French Film Festival and indisputably flourishes in excellence. (MMo) WWWW1/2

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