05–15 February 2015
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
brisbanepowerhouse.org
BOOK NOW
Welcome
I am very honoured, thrilled and proud to be bringing the very first MELT to you.
I’ve long believed the arts and the broader queer community have shared a special history together, providing an important entry point to create and communicate true and authentic personal identities. Across the entire queer landscape, there is every sort of human and personality; so too in the queer arts world. When bringing this program together, this is what I have kept in the front of my mind - I hope you’ll find shows and events that resonate with your life and experiences. I am so happy about the number of shows we are bringing to Brisbane for the very first time including Confessions Of A Grindr Addict, Matthew Mitcham’s Twists And Turns and Jeff Duff’s Bowie Unzipped. Other highlights include the Brisbane Pride Festival Comedy Gala, Vulcana Women’s Circus’ Ladies Lounge Cabaret, Ruth Gardner’s world premiere Ruth: The Musical and one of this country’s crown jewels, the legendary Paul Capsis.
MELT also incorporates the long-running Brisbane Queer Film Festival, presented this year at our screening venue, Palace Centro Cinemas. The two festival programs run alongside and around each other. I hope you will take advantage of being able to enjoy amazing queer cinema, and then make the short journey down James Street to continue your MELT festivities at Brisbane Powerhouse. There are many more highlights and stories to tell within, too many to list here in this introduction... and now this festival needs one more thing – and that is YOU. We rely on you and the queer community to bring this festival and these events to life. So get involved and gather your family, friends and partners and make a date to engage, participate and create the very first MELT with us.
James Lees Festival Director
PARTY
Melt Opening Night Party Enjoy a show and then prepare to party – you’re officially invited to the hottest opening night in town… and best of all, it’s free!
MELT’s opening night is your entry point to the festival. Grab a drink and take a stroll through the venue for the unveilings of two exclusive art exhibitions, followed by your choice of two amazing shows. There’s the very svelte Matthew Mitcham’s Twists and Turns and the irresistible Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche.
After the shows, join the party on the Turbine Platform and enjoy some very special guest performers and party tunes spun by the sublime DJ Ish. We invite you to stay up late and celebrate what we create, what we embrace, who we are and who we love.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
TICKETS
F REE ENTRY. TICKET HOLDERS FOR
DATE
THU 5 FEB
ANY OPENING NIGHT SHOW WILL ALSO
TIME
8.30 – 11PM
RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY DRINK.
VENUE
TURBINE PLATFORM
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
3
4
CABARET
A Night Out With Paul Capsis Join this legendary five-time Helpmann Award-winner for a special evening of exquisite cabaret.
Paul Capsis is one of Australia’s favourite performers, and an international cabaret sensation. In this intimate show Capsis will take you on a journey of his favourite singers through the decades – from Winehouse to Weill. Don’t miss this chance to witness one of the world’s most versatile and critically-acclaimed performers live on stage as he closes the inaugural MELT festival.
“Cabaret of the highest order…” THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
“Paul Capsis really is a king” AUSTRALIAN STAGE
“There is no one like Capsis….” BAZ LUHRMAN
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE IN ASSOCIATION WITH DEBORAH TOBIAS CREATIVE MANAGEMENT DATE
SUN 15 FEB
TIME 7PM VENUE
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
TICKETS $39 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE TICKETS/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
CABARET
5
Matthew Mitcham’s Twists and Turns Discover the secrets of life as an elite gay athlete and enjoy the tunes of Alanis Morrisette, the Spice Girls and Nick Cave in this new cabaret.
“…a remarkable feat, one that Mitcham deserves a mountain of praise for” OUT IN PERTH ***** ARTSHUB **** THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
With ukulele in hand, trampoline by his side and the special appearance of cabaret icon Spanky, get set for one wild ride as Mitcham takes you through the poignant, playful and phenomenal moments of his life. Based on his tell-all autobiography, Mitcham candidly recounts the highs and lows of his career; overcoming drug-addiction, his climb to goldmedal fame in Beijing, coming out as gay, and other twists and turns.
DIRECTOR NIGEL TURNER-CARROLL MUSICAL DIRECTOR JEREMY BRENNAN FEATURING MATTHEW MITCHAM AND RHYS MORGAN (AKA PERFORMER SPANKY) PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND TWISTS AND TURNS PRODUCTIONS DATE
THU 5 + FRI 6 FEB
TIME
7.15PM
VENUE
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
TICKETS $39 (STALLS), $45 (TABLE) / $249 (TABLE OF 6) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
6
THEATRE
5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche The Off-Broadway smash that will have you coming back for second helpings!
Come in, take your name tag, and have a blast at the most outrageous community meeting of your life. It’s 1956 and the Cold War is at its peak, but even the threat of nuclear annihilation won’t stop the charming widows of the Susan B Anthony Society For The Sisters Of Gertrude Stein from getting together and celebrating their annual Quiche Breakfast. “It’s raw and magnetic dementia seems destined to attract a cult following” THE NEW YORK TIMES
“High spirited theatrical comfort food with a bit of a saucy kick” CHICAGO TRIBUNE
5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche is the uproarious, award-winning, Off-Broadway smash, about sisterhood, community, and the best way to eat a quiche: deliberately and face first.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND IMPRINT THEATRICALS DATE TUE 3 – SUN 8 FEB TIME TUE – FRI 7PM, SAT 2PM + 7PM, SUN 5PM + 7PM VENUE VISY THEATRE TICKETS $43 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE TICKETS/ $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS) PRESENTED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH SAMUEL FRENCH INC.
THEATRE
Songs of the Flesh A coming-of-age love letter to those who have searched for true love and discovered it was a monster.
One of Australiaʼs leading experimental theatre companies, The Danger Ensemble, brings its signature fearlessness and fierce aesthetic to a uniquely queer Queensland story.
PLAYWRIGHT CHRIS BECKEY DIRECTOR STEVEN MITCHELL WRIGHT
Get ready for an evening of bold, beautiful and visceral theatre, inside a superbly hyper-visual world.
DATE
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND THE DANGER ENSEMBLE THU 5 – SUN 15 FEB
TIME 5,6,7 FEB 7.30PM / 8,11,12,13 FEB 8.30PM / 14 FEB 7.30PM / 15 FEB 8.30PM VENUE
TURBINE STUDIO
TICKETS $30 (C) $35 (F) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE TICKETS/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
7
8
MUSIC
A Fancy Evening with Brendan Maclean Described as “a modern day Mick Jagger” by Baz Lurhmann and “a f***ing miracle” by Amanda Palmer, Brendan Maclean knows how to make an impression. Fresh from performing in Italy, France and New York, Maclean returns for a rare and intimate solo show. See Maclean perform his original songs and infamous covers of Leonard Cohen, Fleetwood Mac, Lady Gaga and more.
“Brendan Maclean has been blurring lines since long before Robin Thicke even thought of doing so, albeit his are the lines of genre.” THE BRAG PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND BRENDAN MCLEAN DATE
FRI 6 FEB
TIME 8.15PM VENUE
TURBINE PLATFORM
TICKETS
$25 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
My Surrogate Boyfriend
THEATRE
Does the Bro Code still apply if your best friend is too busy sipping martinis and checking out other men? The rules have changed. Friendship archetypes are so yesterday. Based on the real lives of two young men, My Surrogate Boyfriend explores whether a gay man and a straight man can be best friends as Ethan and Josh construct their own Bro Code. Somewhere between Kath & Kim and Modern Family, this comedy illustrates the heart we can find behind equality and gender stereotypes.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE, ETHAN JONES & JOSHUA MCCANN-THOMSON DATE
FRI 6 FEB
TIME 9.30PM VENUE
TURBINE PLATFORM
TICKETS
$25 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE TICKETS/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
PANEL DISCUSSION
9
The Queer Community’s Political Paradox: “Queering Society or Socialising Queers?” Hosted by the former director of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Dr. David Fenton, this interactive discussion will include a panel of queer professionals from the arts to politics. Join the experts for an evening of witty debate and robust conversation as they look at the big, and often controversial, questions posed to the queer community.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND DAVID FENTON DATE
SAT 7 FEB
TIME 5.30PM VENUE
TURBINE PLATFORM
TICKETS FREE
THEATRE MUSIC
Kristy Apps and the Shotgun Shirleys featuring Lucinda Shaw Rediscover the critically acclaimed, platinum-selling Indigo Girls self-titled album. This 1988 recording is now an American folk-rock classic, just begging to be dusted off!
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND SUGARRUSH MUSIC
Join alt-country favourites Kristy Apps and the Shotgun Shirley’s, also featuring Lucinda Shaw, as they perform this seminal album from start to finish as a special Long Player Sessions encore performance.
VENUE
DATE
SAT 7 FEB
TIME 9.30PM TURBINE PLATFORM
TICKETS $20 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE TICKETS/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
10
MUSIC
Bowie Unzipped Following sold-out shows at Sydney Opera House of his critically acclaimed show Ziggy, Jeff Duff explores beyond the stardust in BOWIE Unzipped.
Duff has been commended by Andy Warhol, appeared in The Great Gatsby and recruited members of Deep Purple to play on one of his recent albums; now see this legendary Aussie rocker take on one of the most spectacular entertainers of all time. Get ready for glitz’n’glam and sultry renditions of ‘Let’s Dance’, ‘Space Oddity’, ‘Young Americans’, Life on Mars’ and many more of your Bowie favourites. “If you closed your eyes, you could believe it was Bowie on stage - Jeff Duff is a legend!’’ FASTER LOUDER
“No fan of the music or the man could possibly leave disappointed.” AUSSIE THEATRE
PRINCIPAL VOCALIST / PERFORMER JEFF DUFF GUITARIST / VOCALIST JAK HOUSDEN (THE WHITLAMS, BADLOVES, RICHARD CLAPTON) KEYBOARDS / PIANIST / MUSICAL DIRECTOR GLENN RHODES (GRACE KNIGHT, RICK PRICE) DRUMS / BASS JESS CIAMPA (THE LION KING, SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA)
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND JEFF DUFF DATE
SAT 7 FEB
TIME 9.15PM VENUE
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
TICKETS $39 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
Gaypocalypse
COMEDY
The zombies are coming. And they’re fabulous.
As a celebrity gossip on commercial radio, co-creator of ABC program Outland and team captain on Spicks and Specks, Adam Richard knows how to throw down the comedy gauntlet. Are there boatloads of gay zombies trying to enter Australia illegally? Will gay marriage be the end of civilization as we know it? Richard will be answering none of these questions in his new stand-up comedy show. If you like your comedy bawdy, unrestrained and fabulously hilarious, Gaypocalypse is the show for you.
“..nothing is safe from his dry wit and hilariously snarky jabs…” SAME SAME
**** “will have you howling
with laughter” ADELAIDE ADVERTISER
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND ADAM RICHARD DATE
SAT 7 FEB
TIME 7.15PM VENUE
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
TICKETS $25 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
11
12
THEATRE
Transgender Seeking... After sold out shows in Europe, the USA and Canada, Transgender Seeking returns to Brisbane with its funny and heartfelt story of queer romance-aholic, Jimmy, and his attempts to quit romance, cold turkey. Combining sharp live performance and highly interactive projections, Sunny Drake presents this visually stunning, fast-paced take on dating in the digital age.
“Charming and disarmingly clever… Drake is one of those rare provocative performers who are uber smart but ultra-cosy at heart.” GSCENE, UK DIRECTOR GEIN WONG (CANADA) WRITER & PERFORMER SUNNY DRAKE PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND SUNNY DRAKE TICKETS $25 + TRANSACTION FEE DATE SUN 8 FEB ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TIME 2PM TICKETS) VENUE POWERHOUSE THEATRE
DANCE
HEX
What does the AIDS crisis means to those born after 1981? Award-winning choreographer James Welsby presents Hex, a three person dance work reflecting on AIDS, activism, sex and disco. Hex will transfix you with its dizzying mix of stunning performances and bittersweet moments, seen through the eyes and bodies of a younger generation.
“HEX is a powerful work that looks at the AIDS crisis from a generation away, and explores its legacy and impact” **** THE GUARDIAN PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND JAMES WELSBY DATE
SUN 8 FEB
TIME 7PM VENUE
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
TICKETS $25 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
DANCE CABARET / COMEDY
Ruth: The Musical
13
Join RAW comedy state finalist Ruth Gardner on a costume clad, sensible shoe shuffle as she re-enacts her journey from socially awkward child to mediocre lesbian icon of a very small town. This hilarious show is told via song, dance and the occasional video link-up. Most importantly it’s about laughing and not letting the turkeys rule the farm.
“A one woman bush party where everyone is invited to eat the person next to them.” DAVID STAVANGER AKA GHOSTBOY. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND GARDNER GROWS DATE
SUN 8 FEB
TIME
6PM
VENUE
TURBINE PLATFORM
TICKETS
$20 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE TICKETS/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
CABARET / COMEDY
Hans: Like a German If you like accordions, hot pants and glitter, you’ll love Hans! The German icon with a wicked sense of humour and a razor-sharp tongue is here to show you a good time. After a triumphant sold-out season at Adelaide Fringe, backed by his band The Ungrateful Bastards, Hans the boy wonder of Berlin is bringing his delicious show to Brisbane for the very first time.
“The hilarious Hans… both ridiculous and brilliant at the same time” VOGUE AUSTRALIA PERFORMED BY MATT GILBERTSON PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE, SLIDE ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTIONS AND HANS DATE
WED 11 FEB
TIME 7.15PM VENUE
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
TICKETS $37 (TABLE SEAT), $210 (6 X TABLE SEATS), $30 (STALL SEAT) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
14
CABARET
Ladies Lounge Cabaret Delight your senses and dazzle your inner diva with Ladies Lounge Cabaret presented by Vulcana Women’s Circus!
Expect the beautiful and the bizarre, the queer and the queerer and a va va voom night full of Vulcana’s best in circus. A soundtrack of sweet and sultry music will fill you up from the tips of your ears to the depths of your soul as luscious ladies tumble from the ceiling before your very eyes and contort their bodies into spaces you never thought possible. Floor to ceiling fun for one night only!
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND VULCANA WOMEN’S CIRCUS DATE
THUR 12 FEB
TIME 7.15PM VENUE
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
TICKETS $20 (C), $30 (F) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE TICKETS/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
COMEDY / DRAMA
Two Dads and Me
15
Say goodbye and good riddance to boring 1950s cookie-cutter families, and hello to Two Dads & Me. One of the faces of the controversial Rip & Roll campaign, Michael James tells his inspiring, funny and heart-warming story. When Michael and his partner became foster carers and fathers every aspect of their lives transformed. Be sure to see this glimpse into modern family life when Two Dads & Me makes its stage debut.
“If modern families come in all shapes and sizes then this one is large and heart-shaped. With a twist” CHRISSIE SWAN PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND MJ PRODUCTIONS DATE
THU 12 FEB
TIME
6PM
VENUE
TURBINE PLATFORM
TICKETS
$25 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
I Might Take My Shirt Off
CABARET
It’s Lionel’s first time. You won’t be too rough, will you? From the mischievous mind of one of Queensland’s favourite actors, Dash Kruck (A Tribute of Sorts), this is the story of Lionel and the reluctant world-premiere of his debut cabaret show; a musical evening of sex, booze, boys and mythical beasts.
“Kruck has long been one of Brisbane’s most brilliant performers.” AUSTRALIAN STAGE PRESENTED BY SHARPENED AXE DATE
FRI 13 + SAT 14 FEB
DURATION 60MINS
TIME
FRI 9.30PM, SAT 6PM
TICKETS $25 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE TICKETS /$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
VENUE TURBINE PLATFORM
16
CABARET
The Divine Miss Bette Bawdy, brash and just as fabulous as Midler herself - The Divine Miss Bette is your chance to become intimately acquainted with one of the greatest cabaret artists of our time.
After sell-out seasons across Australia, Catherine Alcorn brings her acclaimed smash hit to Brisbane audiences. Trained by Steve Ostrow, the man who discovered Bette Midler, Alcorn will take you on a thrilling roller coaster ride back to the Palace Theatre, New York 1973.
Backed by a five piece band, Alcorn will belt out the diva’s early classics including ‘Stay With Me Baby’, ‘You’re Moving Out Today’, ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ and ‘In The Mood’. “A helluva lot of butt-wiggling, boob squeezing and classic Midler filth... you won’t be disappointed.” OUT IN PERTH
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE, NEIL GOODING PRODUCTIONS AND CATHERINE ALCORN DATE
FRI 13 FEB
TIME 7.30PM VENUE
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
TICKETS $34 (STALL), $45 (TABLE), $249 (TABLE OF 6) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE TICKETS/ $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
THEATRE
Confessions of a Grindr Addict
17
Felix is a Grindr addict. Can he make it through an actual romantic encounter where he has to ‘meet’ the person? Prepare yourself for the hilarious, scary and romantic antics of Felix as he takes the journey from Grindr addict to an actual date. Confessions of a Grindr Addict is a comical and awkward journey through the world of sex, love and the odd fetish... or two.
WINNER BEST OF SYDNEY FRINGE 2011
“Fun and Cheeky... It touches a nerve with anyone who’s opened up their heart a little and hoped for the best” ARTSHUB PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND GAVIN ROACH DATE
FRI 13 + SAT 14 FEB
TIME
FRI 6PM, SAT 9.30PM
VENUE
TURBINE PLATFORM
DURATION 60MINS TICKETS $28 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE TICKETS/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
The Sister Sessions:
THEATRE
“Lesbian” is Not a Musical Genre Grab a chilled beverage, pull up a cushion, and get ready for some sparkling banter and inspired sing-a-longs with four of the friendliest singer songwriters in Brisbane.
Let Kristy Apps (Shot Gun Shirley’s), Lucinda Shaw (ISIS and Silver Sircus), Melissa Evans (Florence’s Balcony) and Nikolaine Martin (Blue Honey) welcome you to their group — before you know it you’ll be thick as thieves.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND THE SISTER SESSIONS DATE
SUN 15 FEB
TIME 3PM VENUE
TURBINE PLATFORM
DURATION 60MINS TICKETS $20 + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
MUSIC
18
BURLESQUE
Voyeur
Prepare to be seduced as Sydney’s finest specimens take to the stage in this delicious, dark and provocative new show. Starring a multi award winning cast, including Blue Phoenix aka Mr Pole International 2014, Voyeur takes male burlesque to a whole new level with its stunning multi-media effects and dazzling light show. Grab a drink and get set for some adults-only fun as the boys of Voyeur perform daring and erotic acts, showing-off their beauty, strength, agility and a whole lot of skin.
“Fabulous costumes, pole dancing, aerial tricks, a bit of song and a lot of dance... Striptease without the sleaze. …Highly recommended.” DANCE AUSTRALIA
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE, ENTIRE PRODUCTIONS AND JAMES TAYLOR DATE
SAT 14 FEB
TIME
9.15PM
VENUE
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
TICKETS
39 (STALL), $45 (TABLE), $ $249 (TABLE OF 6) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE TICKETS/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
CABARET / COMEDY
Brisbane Pride Comedy Gala Don’t miss out on this opportunity to laugh your way to do-gooder status.
A dream team of stand-up comics, drag artists and comedy performers unite for this spectacular Comedy Gala to raise funds for Brisbane Pride Festival. Leading the laughathon will be Charlie Hides – most celebrated for his hysterical parody-based skit comedy Charlie Hides TV.
PRODUCED BY RUTH GARDNER FEATURING CHARLIE HIDES PRESENTED BY BRISBANE PRIDE FESTIVAL AND BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE
SAT 14 FEB
TIME
7.15PM
VENUE
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
TICKETS
45 (TABLE SEAT), $249 (6 X TABLE SEATS), $ $34 (STALL SEAT) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
19
20
VISUAL ARTS
Melt Art Exhibition
During MELT the walls of Brisbane Powerhouse will come alive with imagery from a diverse range of queer artists. The space will be transformed by two exhibitions; a group art show featuring the work of Hillary Green, Dan Webb and Jennifer Leonforte as well as a solo exhibition by Joel Devereux. HILLARY GREEN BLACK BY POPULAR DEMAND Where does the performance end and the “real” person start? Via a selection of hyper-real portrait photographs, Green examines ideas of selfhood, representation and performance-identity.
JENNIFER LEONFORTE MIDDLE SEX As a cisgendered, bisexual girl, Leonforte explores the constricts of binary gender, the grey area of the gender spectrum and the expectations which limit selfexpression of respective genders.
DAN WEBB BOYS OF SUMMER Evoking memories of teenage summers spent lifesaving, Webb draws upon the beauty of boys in (and out of) speedos, colours of gold and bronze, and the crisp white sands of Bondi’s shores.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE
TUE 3 – SUN 22 FEB
VENUE
MOSQUITO FOYER
TIME
MON 9AM – 5PM,
TICKETS
F REE
TUE – SUN 9AM – 9PM
FESTIVAL ARTSY Brisbane Powerhouse is also proud to include Joel Devereux as the official photographer for MELT’s Festival Artsy program. Leading up to and throughout MELT, Joel will create inspired images of a selection of the festival’s artists and shows, merging the worlds of visual and theatrical art.
VISUAL ARTS
Joel Devereux Hydra A deeply atmospheric and beautiful collection by this local photographer and a celebration of the online publication of the same name. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND TROY ARMSTRONG MANAGEMENT DATE
TUE 3 – SUN 22 FEB
TIME
MON 9AM – 5PM, TUE – SUN 9AM – 9PM
VENUE
VISY FOYER
TICKETS F REE
21
Oscar Wilde’s DE PROFUNDIS
“JUST BELOW THE SURFACE, YOU SENSE THE SAME ROVING CRITICAL EYE THAT MISSES NOTHING” NEW YORK TIMES
“Wilde inside – a prayer from the depths”
SANDRASandyland BERNHARD
SQUE & CABARET THEATRE, ROCK’N’ROLL, STAND-UP WITH A LITTLE BURLE
FRIDAY 13TH MARCH ANE POWERHOUSE ISB BRETS ON SALE NOW FROM BRISCOMFEST.COM TICK
24
Eat & Drink BAR ALTO Simply Italian On the river at Brisbane Powerhouse Level 1 119 Lamington St New Farm 07 3358 1063 baralto.com.au Tuesday – Sunday 9.30am til late
WATT RESTAURANT + BAR Casual Waterfront Dining On the river at Brisbane Powerhouse Ground Level 119 Lamington St New Farm 07 3358 5464 wattrestaurant.com.au Monday – Friday 9am til late Saturday + Sunday 8am til late Public holidays 10am-6pm (CLOSED Christmas day)
BQHE0274_MELT_QH
H.I.V. TEST ING . N O M M O C T S O M T HE RESU LT IS PEAC E O F M IN D. WHY WAIT? Anyone can be at risk of getting H.I.V. so speak to your doctor. Know your status, always play safe and together we can put a full stop to H.I.V. Find out more at endhiv.org.au
Mel t + BQFF Partners
We also acknowledge and thank our team of Artistic Advisors for contributing their support, thoughts and opinions to laying the groundwork for the MELT festival: Damian Overton, Kieran Swann, Kristy Apps, Jaxxon Chilli and Lucinda Shaw.
06–15 February 2015
QUE E R
FIL M
AL TIV S E F
• THE SIXTEENTH ANNUAL •
Q UE E B R IS B A N E R F I L M F E S T I VA L • 6–15 FEBRUARY • PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AT PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
brisbanepowerhouse.org
BOOK NOW
16TH BIRTHDAY — 16 FILM SESSIONS
Welcome Welcome to the 16th annual Brisbane Queer Film Festival. Thank you for celebrating with us this milestone year, when Brisbane Powerhouse brings the festival to Palace Centro Cinema for the first time. This is also a milestone year for me, as it’s my first year as curator after working on the festival behind the scenes for several years. As always, Brisbane Powerhouse are committed to bringing high quality International and Australian queer cinema to Brisbane, and I invite you to celebrate and explore what it means to be LGBTIQ around the world. This collection of films has been drawn from the last few incredible years of queer filmmaking, to continue bringing you a quality BQFF. In particular, these films illustrate the strength and diversity in our community and our ongoing pursuit for equality and visibility.
The festival opens with the remarkable award-winning feature The Way He Looks, which has garnered critical acclaim from the worldwide festival circuits. The program continues on with a fabulous bunch of films including the love-ain’t-a-crime docudrama The Circle, Ester Martin Bergsmark’s boundary-less Something Must Break and legendary Australian contingent Croc-a-Dyke Dundee and Limited Partnership. Thank you for your continued support of this beloved event, where we can join together to share our stories, culture and experiences, and celebrate our community.
Shannon King Festival Curator
FILM / DRAMA
OPENING NIGHT
Gala
HOJE EU QUERO VOLTAR SOZINHO
The Way He Looks DIRECTED BY Daniel Ribeiro (BRAZIL) 2014
Leonardo is a blind teenager searching for independence. His everyday life, the relationship with his best friend, Giovana, and the way he sees the world change completely with the arrival of Gabriel. Struggling towards a more independent life, Leo has to overcome the vulnerability orbiting his condition. Glimpsing a possible way to independence, Leonardo changes the way he looks at himself via the blossoming of new and intense feelings towards Gabriel. WINNER TEDDY AWARD BERLIN FILM FESTIVAL 2014 WINNER AUDIENCE AWARD FRAMELINE 2014
DATE
FRI 6 FEB
TIME
BQFF OPENING NIGHT GALA 6PM
THE WAY HE LOOKS 7PM
VENUE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 95MINS TICKETS $20 (F), $18 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS) PORTUGUESE WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
FILM / SHORTS
Queer Shorts Got a short attention span? Then these shorts are for you. Covering various aspects of the LGBTIQ community, and multiple genres, highlights include Australian film maker Anna Helme’s stunning sci-fi short film, MyMy, and international works such as Roy Dib’s Teddy award-winning Mondial 2010. Please see full shorts program online closer to the festival dates.
DATE
SUN 8 FEB + SAT 14 FEB
TIME
SUN 3.30PM, SAT 3PM
VENUE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 95MINS TICKETS
$16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
FILM / DRAMA
Xenia
DIRECTED BY PANOS H. KOUTRAS (GREECE) 2014 Strangers in their own birthplace, brothers Dany and Odysseus cross the entire country in search of their father.
DATE
SAT 7 FEB
TIME
7PM
VENUE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
After the death of their mother, Dany, 16, leaves Crete to join his older brother, Odysseas, who lives in Athens. Born from an Albanian mother and a Greek father they never met, the two brothers decide to go to Thessaloniki to look for their father.
DURATION 128MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS) GREEK, ALBANIAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
SPECIAL MENTION MIX MILANO 2014 UN CERTAIN REGARD CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2014 BEST ACTOR (KOSTAS NIKOULI) QUEER LISBOA 2014
“In a country where economic downturn has assisted the rise of far-right politics, Koutras’ forthright celebration of homosexuality, advocation of immigrant rights and rejection of patriarchy collectively make a neon-bright statement.” – VARIETY
FILM / DRAMA
FILM / DRAMA
FLORES RARAS
Reaching For The Moon DIRECTED BY BRUNO BARRETO (BRAZIL) 2013 Two iconic women. One unyielding passion. Based on the true love story of Pulitzer Prize Winner Elizabeth Bishop and Lota de Macedo Soares. This is a sophisticated tale of an unlikely romance between two extraordinary artists, set against the backdrop of political upheaval and a clash of cultures. WINNER AUDIENCE AWARD FRAMELINE 2013 DATE
SAT 7 FEB
TIME 4.30PM VENUE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 118MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS) ENGLISH, PORTUGUESE WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
FILM / DRAMA
JONGENS
Boys
DIRECTED BY MISCHA KAMP (NETHERLANDS) 2014 How does it feel to win a race when you know you lost a love? During the summer holidays Sieger is training with the new athletics team for the national relay championships. When he meets the intriguing and unpredictable Marc, he discovers feelings that go far beyond their ordinary friendship.
DATE
SUN 8 FEB
TIME 5PM VENUE PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 78MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS) DUTCH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
FILM / DOCUMENTARY
Double Doco Croc-a-Dyke Dundee: ´The Legend of Dawn O´Donnell´ DIRECTED BY FIONA CUNNINGHAM-REID (AUSTRALIA / UK) 2014
Dawn O’Donnell was a penniless lesbian in 1950s Australia. In a time when all women were third class citizens and lesbians were practically invisible, O’Donnell stormed her way through Sydney’s gay underworld and built herself an empire. Was she a criminal? Did she run brothels? Did she commit arson? Did she commit murder? This film shares the myth and legend of her life.
Limited Partnership DIRECTED BY THOMAS MILLER (AUSTRALIA / USA) 2014
“…this film is a guide to a lost time of gay Australian outlaw history, far from the corporate good behaviour our movement now espouses.” – UK LGBT ACTIVIST – LISA POWER
The love story between Filipino-American Richard Adams and Australian Tony Sullivan, who in 1975, were one of the first same-sex couples in the world to be legally married. After applying for a Green Card for Tony based on their marriage, the couple received a denial letter from the Immigration and Naturalization Service stating, “You have failed to establish that a bona fide marital relationship can exist between two faggots”. Outraged, the couple sued the US government, filing the first federal lawsuit seeking equal treatment for a same-sex marriage in US history. “The documentary serves as a relevant LGBTrights history lesson and is equally a poignant love story” – THE SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER DOUBLE FEATURE DATE
SUN 8 FEB
TIME
7PM
VENUE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 129MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
FILM / ROMANTIC COMEDY
Gerontophilia
DIRECTED BY BRUCE LABRUCE (CANADA) 2013 A humorous, shocking and heartfelt tale of a young man and his provocative desires. Lake is in a straight relationship with Desiree but finds himself becoming attracted to elderly men at the pool. Fate conspires to land him a summer job at a nursing home where he develops a tender relationship with Mr Peabody.
DATE
THU 12 FEB
TIME
7PM
VENUE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 82MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS) FRENCH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
BEST FEATURE FILM MONTRÉAL FESTIVAL OF NEW CINEMA 2013 OFFICIAL SELECTION MARDI GRAS FILM FESTIVAL 2014 OFFICIAL SELECTION MELBOURNE QUEER FILM FESTIVAL 2014
FILM / COMEDY
The Foxy Merkins DIRECTED BY MADELEINE OLNEK (USA) 2014
An outrageous urban escapade that is altogether uproarious, subversive and poignant. Margaret is a down-on-her-luck lesbian hooker in training. She meets Jo, a beautiful, self-assured grifter and an expert on picking up women, even as she considers herself a heterosexual. As they navigate the bizarre fetishes of their “dates”, the hilarious disparity between the two comes into focus. OFFICIAL SELECTION SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2014 NEXT CATEGORY
DATE
FRI 13 FEB
TIME 7PM VENUE
DURATION 81MINS TICKETS
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE $ ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
FILM / COMEDY
Appropriate Behaviour DIRECTED BY DESIREE AKHAVAN (USA) 2014
Meet Shirin. Bisexual Brooklynite, wannabe hipster, closeted to her Iranian-American family and recently broken up with her girlfriend Maxine. An unapologetic bisexual in her personal life, Shirin is still trying to live up to her Iranian family’s traditions and ideals while regularly, and comically, hinting at her sexuality. GRAND JURY PRIZE FOR BEST SCREENWRITING OUTFEST LA 2014
DATE
THU 12 FEB
TIME 9PM VENUE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 86MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
FILM / HORROR
Lyle
DIRECTED BY STEWART THORNDIKE (USA) 2014
A sharp and scary tribute to the infamous 1968 film Rosemary’s Baby. Leah and her partner June move into the apartment of their dreams with their child, Lyle. Soon bliss turns to paranoia when very bad things start to happen. As June works longer hours, Leah (now pregnant again) is completely isolated, except for the creepy neighbours. AUDIENCE FAVOURITE OUTFEST LA 2014 DATE
FRI 13 FEB
TIME 9PM VENUE PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 65MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
FILM / DRAMA+COMEDY
ANG HULING CHA-CHA NI ANITA
Anita’s Last Cha Cha DIRECTED BY SIGRID ANDREA P. BERNARDO (PHILIPPINES) 2013
Set against the backdrop of colourful local characters, this tender coming-of-age story treats life’s hardships with an innocent and light hand. Commander Anita Flores is a quiet leader who has earned rank and respect among military officials, despite her gender. It has been ten years since she visited her hometown; the moment she steps off the bus, memories flood her senses… DATE
SAT 14 FEB
TIME 4.30PM VENUE PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 110MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
FILIPINO WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
FILM / DRAMA
NÅNTING MÅSTE GÅ SÖNDER
Something Must Break DIRECTED BY ESTER MARTIN BERGSMARK (SWEDEN) 2014 A love story between two young men; the androgynous Sebastian and Andreas, who is not gay. It’s them against the polished Swedish Ikea society. Sebastian and Andreas dream about escaping boredom and the risk of becoming what everyone else is. And then there is Ellie — the superwoman growing inside of Sebastian who Andreas loves and fears. This is the summer when everything happens and both of them will choose paths that will determinate their lives forever. WINNER TIGER AWARD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ROTTERDAM 2014 JURY PRIZE BEST FEATURE FILM QUEER LISBOA 2014 DATE
SAT 14 FEB
TIME
7PM
VENUE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 85MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS) SWEDISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
FILM / DRAMA
PRAIA DO FUTURO
Future Beach
DIRECTED BY KARIM AÏNOUZ (BRAZIL) 2014 A story of loss, longing and searching for a brighter future. When two men are caught in dangerous ocean currents, Donato dives in and manages to save Konrad, a German tourist, but his best friend’s life is claimed by the sea. The film follows those in search of love who are prepared to risk everything to discover themselves.
FILM / DRAMA
Tiger Orange DIRECTED BY WADE GASQUE (USA) 2014 In a small Central Californian town, two estranged gay brothers struggle to reconnect after the recent death of their father. Brothers Chet and Todd couldn’t be more different. Chet keeps his sexuality discreet as he runs his Dad’s hardware business; while Todd, recently returned from LA, is confrontational, tattooed and more than capable of picking up a hardware store customer for sex.
GRAND JURY AWARD LA OUTFEST 2014 DATE
SUN 15 FEB
TIME 5PM VENUE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 76MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS)
WINNER THE SEBASTIANE LATINO AWARD SAN SEBASTIÁN FILM FESTIVAL DATE
SAT 14 FEB
TIME 9PM VENUE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 107MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE/$6 MULTIPLE TICKETS) PORTUGUESE, GERMAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
FILM / DOCUDRAMA
DER KREIS
The Circle
DIRECTED BY STEFAN HAUPT (SWITZERLAND) 2014
Set in Zürich in the mid 50s, two young and very different men fight for their love and gay rights.
Hailing back to a time when repression against homosexuals was at its most intense, Ernst, a shy, young teacher becomes a member of the gay organisation Der Kreis. There he gets to know the transvestite star, Röbi, and immediately falls head over heels in love with him.
TEDDY AWARD BEST DOCUMENTARY/ESSAY FILM 2014 BERLIN PANORAMA PUBLIC AWARD BEST DOCUMENTARY 2014 BOSTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL DATE
SUN 15 FEB
TIME
3PM
VENUE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
DURATION 102MINS TICKETS $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE ($3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS) SWISS AND GERMAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
INFORMATION/TICKETS
BQFF
Ticket Packages Triple Choc Pass
Fanny Pack
Choice of 3 films and may include Queer Shorts in the selection, *Excludes Opening Night Film
Choice of 4 films, from the selection below *Excludes Queer Shorts *Excludes Opening Night Film
PACKAGE $39.50 + $6 TRANSACTION FEE
Directors Pass 5 films only as selected below *Excludes Queer Shorts *Excludes Opening Night Film Croc-a-Dyke-Dundee / Limited Partnership Gerontophilia Reaching For The Moon Something Must Break The Circle PACKAGE $68 + $6 TRANSACTION FEE
Single Ticket $16 (F), $14 (C) + TRANSACTION FEE $3 SINGLE / $6 MULTIPLE TICKETS
Anita’s Last Cha Cha Appropriate Behaviour Lyle Reaching For The Moon The Foxy Merkins PACKAGE $55 + $6 TRANSACTION FEE
Packed Lunch Choice of 4 films, from the selection below *Excludes Queer Shorts *Excludes Opening Night Film Boys (Jongens) Future Beach Gerontophilia Tiger Orange Xenia PACKAGE $55 + $6 TRANSACTION FEE
INFORMATION/TICKETS
Bookings All bookings for MELT and Brisbane Queer Film Festival: ONLINE brisbanepowerhouse.org PHONE 61 7 3358 8600 IN PERSON Brisbane Powerhouse Box Office 119 Lamington Street, New Farm BOX OFFICE OPENING HOURS Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 12–4pm Sun 90 mins prior to performance TICKET PRICES All information is correct at time of printing. Please confirm all details when booking. An email confirmation is available upon request. Please note transaction fees apply when purchasing tickets.
REFUND & EXCHANGE POLICY No refunds of exchnges will be possible once a booking is complete as provided for in the Live Performance Australia TM – Code of Practice for the Ticketing of live Entertaiment in Australia. WHEELCHAIR AND SPECIAL NEEDS SEATING IS AVAILABLE Please notify the Box Office of any requirements when booking. Valid companion card holders accepted. GIFT VOUCHERS Gift Vouchers are available to purchase over the phone or online. Please phone Box Office to redeem.
Information BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
PALACE CENTRO CINEMA
119 Lamington Street, New Farm 4005
39 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Tel 61 7 3358 8622 Fax 61 7 3358 8611 Box Office 61 7 3358 8600 info@brisbanepowerhouse.org BUILDING OPENING HOURS Mon 9am–5pm Tue–Sun 9am–9pm
Please note: All film ticket bookings need to be made via brisbanepowerhouse.org / 61 7 3358 8600. Warning: Brisbane Queer Film Festival contains films that are unclassified and therefore the entire festival is rated R. Films in this festival are legally restricted to 18+ years Photo ID may be required when collecting tickets.
17
SHOWS + FILMS
VENUE
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche
Visy Theatre
A Fancy Evening with Brendan Maclean
Turbine Platform
A Night Out With Paul Capsis
Powerhouse Theatre
Anita’s Last Cha Cha (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
Appropriate Behaviour (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
Bowie Unzipped
Powerhouse Theatre
Boys (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
BQFF Opening Night Gala and Film: The Way He Looks
Palace Centro Cinema
Brisbane Pride Comedy Gala
Powerhouse Theatre
Confessions of a Grindr Addict
Turbine Platform
Croc-a-Dyke / Limited Partnership (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
Future Beach (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
Gaypocolypse
Powerhouse Theatre
Gerontophilia (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
Hans: Like a German
Powerhouse Theatre
Hex
Powerhouse Theatre
I Might Take My Shirt Off
Turbine Platform
Kristy Apps and the Shotgun Shirleys
Turbine Platform
Ladies Lounge Cabaret
Powerhouse Theatre
Lyle (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
Matthew Mitcham’s Twists and Turns
Powerhouse Theatre
Melt Art Exhibitions
Brisbane Powerhouse
MELT Opening Night Party
Turbine Platform
My Surrogate Boyfriend
Turbine Platform
Queer Shorts (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
Reaching for the Moon (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
Ruth: The Musical
Turbine Platform
Something Must Break (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
Songs of the Flesh
Turbine Studio
The Circle (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
The Divine Miss Bette
Powerhouse Theatre
The Foxy Merkins (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
The Sister Sessions
Visy Theatre
The Queer Community’s Political Paradox
Turbine Platform
Tiger Orange (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
Transgender Seeking...
Powerhouse Theatre
Two Dads and Me
Turbine Platform
Voyeur
Powerhouse Theatre
Xenia (Film)
Palace Centro Cinema
Brisbane Powerhouse 119 Lamington Street, New Farm 4005 Palace Centro Cinema 39 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
TUE 3 FEB
WED4 FEB
THUR 5 FEB
7pm
7pm
7pm
All Day
All Day
7.15pm All Day 8.30pm
7.30pm
FRI 6 FEB
SAT 7 FEB
SUN 8 FEB
7pm
2pm, 7pm
5pm, 7pm
WED 11 FEB
THUR 12 FEB
FRI 13 FEB
SAT 14 FEB
SUN 15 FEB
8.15pm 7pm 4.30pm 9pm 9.15pm 5pm Gala 6pm Film 7pm 7.15pm 6pm
9.30pm
7pm 9pm 7.15pm 7pm 7.15pm 7pm 9.30pm
6pm
9.30pm 7.15pm 9pm 7.15pm All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
9.30pm 3.30pm
3pm
4.30pm 6pm 7pm 7.30pm
7.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
2pm, 7.30pm
8.30pm 3pm
7.15pm 7pm 3pm 5.30pm 5pm 2pm 6pm 9.15pm 7pm