17–27 MAY
FESTIVAL OF Q U E E R A R T S A N D C U LT U R E BOOK NOW BRISBANEPOWERHOUSE.ORG
MELT \\ WELCOME
WELCOME TO
M E LT 2018
I’M THRILLED TO BE PRESENTING THE FOURTH MELT FESTIVAL.
Over the last year, we have been walking through living history together with our community and with
HOW TO BOOK
our allies. We’ve been analysed, discussed and often
All events in MELT are ticketed, except for the
evaluate who we are, what our politics are, defend our
ones with FREE listed on them throughout the
basic rights and to protect those who are vulnerable.
guide. To book, go to brisbanepowerhouse.org
Though a little tired and bruised, we came out on the
and follow the links to MELT or call Box
other end with an overwhelming YES and a revitalised
Office on 07 3358 8600. A $5.95 fee applies
sense of hope and positivity for the future.
judged in the media, in the streets, in our homes and on our computer/device screens. We’ve been forced to
per transaction. Our 2018 Festival offers a place to meet and for our Brisbane Powerhouse Box Office is open
broader communities to come together – to celebrate
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 12–4pm. Outside of
our shared experiences and also to heal and to
standard Box Office hours, the Box Office will
become strong again. This year we have moved the
open 60 minutes prior to the performance
festival to May, giving us the opportunity to mark
start time and will remain open until 30
IDAHOT Day with a very special outdoor ceremony,
minutes after the performance commences.
lighting of the building and a concert celebration. Inside, for the following 10 days, we have a scintillating program of theatre, comedy, music, cabaret, dance, musical theatre, queer tech, gaming and visual arts to share with you.
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE ACKNOWLEDGES THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND
Plan your festival now, grab your loved ones, partners,
AND PAYS RESPECT TO THE ELDERS BOTH PAST
family + friends and make a date to MELT with us.
AND PRESENT, AND EXTENDS THAT RESPECT TO ALL INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS.
01—
JAMES LEES FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
MELT // WELCOME
IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU TO THE ANNUAL MELT 2018.
Brisbane City Council is proud of our alignment to MELT through our support of Brisbane Powerhouse. MELT is a wonderfully diverse and exciting program that shares as much of the fun as it does the heartfelt stories from the LGBTI+ community. One of Brisbane’s greatest strengths is that we respect and embrace culturally diverse backgrounds and experiences. Further, Council helps promote a number of support services available for the LGBTI+ community, which includes the Open Doors Youth Service, Diverse Voices, LGBTI+ Legal Service and Clinic 30. MELT is a wonderful highlight in Brisbane’s events calendar and I trust you will enjoy the events on offer.
G R A H A M Q U I R K L O R D M AY O R WELCOME TO MELT 2018.
The Queensland Government is delighted to sponsor this dynamic program of curated events as a strong supporter of Queensland’s arts and LGBTI+ communities. I welcome to Brisbane Powerhouse a glittering line-up of Australian performers including the world-renowned headline act, Brisbane’s very own BRIEFS. This year’s MELT kicks off on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, a day when we are urged to recommit to supporting and fighting for our LGBTI+ friends and family, of course, applauding their incredible talents. We do so loudly and proudly over the next 11 days. Enjoy this wonderful celebration of queer arts and culture.
A N N A S TA C I A PA L A S Z C Z U K M P PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR TRADE —02
MELT \\ MUSICAL THEATRE
BARE PROVOCATIVE, FRESH AND UTTERLY HONEST, BARE IS A CONTEMPORARY POP ROCK LGBTI+ MUSICAL FOLLOWING A GROUP OF BOARDING SCHOOL STUDENTS GRAPPLING WITH THEIR SEXUALITY. Peter
and Jason fall
in love, but Jason, a popular athlete, fears losing his family and status and life as he knows it if he is discovered to be gay. With a stellar cast of over twenty of Brisbane’s best young performers and featuring ABC’s Jenny Woodward, BARE will roar from the stage with its captivating score, youthful energy and heart pounding lyrics. The company behind Boys of Sondheim and A Very Naughty Christmas present a realistic look at the dangers of baring your soul and the consequences of continuing to hide. PRESENTED BY UNDERSTUDY PRODUCTIONS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Thu 24 May–Sat 02 June TIME Wed–Fri 7pm,
Sat 26 May 1pm + 6pm, Sat 02 June 1pm + 7pm SUITABLE FOR AGES 15+
IMAGE: JOEL DEVEREUX
03—
MELT // CABARET
SHARE MY BLANKETS BENEATH THESE BLANKETS, THERE ARE STORIES OF HUMAN FLUIDITY AND VALIDITY TO BE UNCOVERED. With
a
two-piece band, Aly will guide you through the last five years of their life; coming into their queerness, processing sexual experiences (good and bad) and reclaiming their identity. Exploring concepts of sharing through moments of giving, grieving, receiving, and surrender, this work offers each of us permission to populate space in our own storytelling. PRESENTED BY TILTED PROJECTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Thu 17–Sat 19 May TIME Thu + Sat 6.30pm,
Fri 8.30pm SUITABLE FOR AGES 15+
—04
BRIEFS: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
MELT \\ CABARET
05—
BRIEFS ARE BACK WITH THEIR LATEST SHOW.
They've come from the future to test the limits of masculinity and decency with their iconic brand of circus, drag, burlesque and comedy. Expect interstellar aerials, incredible artistry, sharp social commentary and warp-speed strippers from outer space. Prepare yourselves for a close encounter.
“
P O L I T I C A L , E D G Y, A N D H I G H C A M P, C L O S E E N C O U N T E R S I S C I R C U S B OY L E S Q U E AT I T S M O S T R A D I C A L , AT I T S MOST POLITICAL, AND ITS M O S T E N T E RTA I N I N G .
PRESENTED BY
NOT TO BE MISSED!
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
êêêêê ARTSHUB.COM.AU
DATE Wed 23 May–Sat 02 June TIME Wed–Thu 8pm, Fri 25 May 7pm,
Sat 26 May + Fri 01 June 8pm,
“
R A U N C H Y. R I D I C U L O U S . RAUCOUS. REMARKABLE.
Sat 02 June 7pm + 9.30pm SUITABLE FOR AGES 16+
êêêêê GAY TIMES
IMAGE: JOHN TSIAVIS
MELT // CABARET
CLUB
BRIEFS BRISBANE’S FAVOURITE TRASH GLAMOUR DISCO CIRCUS IS COMING BACK TO TOWN FOR MELT.
Expect a pumping soundtrack with your favourite dance floor smashes and ridiculous performances from the BRIEFS boys, plus a cavalcade of hand-selected guest cabaret and circus artists. Stomp it out on the catwalk, dance until late, laugh until you ache and experience the Club Night that spawned the international touring sensation BRIEFS. One Night Only. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Fri 25 May TIME 9.30pm SUITABLE FOR AGES 18+
IMAGE: CHANTEL CONCEI
—06
MELT \\ MUSIC
COUPLING THESE ARE THE SONGS YOU MADE OUT TO, SONGS YOU LISTENED TO WHEN YOUR HEART WAS BROKEN, AND SONGS THAT STILL MAKE YOU GIGGLE OR CRY, DEPENDING ON THE DAY. For
one night only, Coupling takes the great
love duets of the 70s, 80s and 90s and completely reclaims them for same sex couples. Barbra and Neil, Kylie and Jason, Dolly and Kenny – the amazing songs we grew up with finally being sung the way you always imagined them in your mind. Performed by Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, and special guest vocalists, Coupling is something to share with your special someone (or that person you want to get frisky with); a night of great music, pop sensationalism and most importantly, love. Remember – it takes two to tango. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Sat 19 May TIME 7pm
07—
IMAGE: SEAN DOWLING
MELT // SPECIAL EVENT
M E LT
BEAUTY PAGEANT MELT’S SHOWSTOPPER EVENT RETURNS TO CROWN THIS YEAR’S MOST GORGEOUS DRAG QUEEN, DRAG KING OR TRANS BEAUTY.
Our contestants battle it out across three categories: Graceful Glamourzons, Tremendous Talent and Costume with a Message, all vying for the ultimate crown, MELT Brisbane Beauty. With an all-star judging panel and hosted by the fabulous Tina Bikki, don’t miss this outrageous night of gorgeousness overload for all genders and sexualities to enjoy. Following this event, boogie on with us for free as the MELT After Dark Party takes over the venue. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Fri 18 May TIME 7.15pm SUITABLE FOR AGES 16+
IMAGE: DYLAN EVANS
—08
RESIDENT ALIEN
MELT \\ THEATRE
09—
FROM HIS EARLY YEARS AS AN ANDROGYNOUS NUDE MODEL IN 1930S LONDON, TO FINDING FAME AS THE FIRST TO SPEAK SO OPENLY ABOUT LIFE AS A GAY MAN, THERE WAS NO ONE QUITE LIKE QUENTIN CRISP.
In Tim Fountain's Resident Alien, the legendary author of The Naked Civil Servant opens the door to his famously filthy New York apartment for an unforgettable heart to heart about life as only he knows it. Oprah Winfrey, Princess Diana, oral sex – no topic is off limits as Quentin explains, in his inimitable way, how to be happy. Starring five time Helpmann Award winner Paul Capsis as Crisp, and directed by Green Room Award winner Gary Abrahams, Resident Alien shares Quentin’s unforgettable philosophies and asks, are they truer today than even he would have imagined? PRESENTED BY CAMERON LUKEY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Thu 17–Sun 20 May TIME Thu–Fri 7pm,
Sat 1pm + 7pm, Sun 6pm SUITABLE FOR AGES 15+
MELT // THEATRE
—10
MELT \\ CABARET
LIKE MARIAH THE YEAR WAS 2001, THE GREATEST
Join Josh Daveta as he resurrects
PRESENTED BY JD ENTERPRISES
SELLING FEMALE ARTIST OF THE
the career of the five octa- sorry,
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
90s HAD TO TAKE TIME OFF FROM
now two octave, artist who
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
“EXHAUSTION” AS SHE WAS
possesses the record for the longest
DATE Thu 17–Sat 19 May
REPORTEDLY HANDING OUT ICY POLES
and second longest running single
TIME Thu + Sat 8.30pm,
TO AUDIENCE MEMBERS ON TALK
in Billboard history. The spirit of
Fri 6.30pm
SHOWS AND LEFT RAMBLING VOICE
Mariah Carey’s presence will be
MESSAGES ON HER ENTOURAGE’S
made known and manifest within
ANSWERING MACHINES.
In true
the room!
form, she didn’t stay out of the headlines and soon kept the Twitterverse active with memes and diva-esque antics.
IMAGE: KENN SANTOS
11—
MELT // COMEDY
HOOKING UP IMPROVISED STORIES OF PEOPLE COMING TOGETHER
WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE FIRST
improvised look at the delights and
DATES OFTEN HAPPEN AFTER A ONE
dramas that come with Hooking Up.
NIGHT STAND. SEX WITH STRANGERS
PRESENTED BY IMPROMAFIA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
CAN BE AWKWARD, VULNERABLE
Taking inspiration from real-life
DATE Thu 24–Sat 26 May
AND DOWNRIGHT FUN!
scenarios, they’ll spin never-
TIME Thu + Sat 6.30pm,
before-seen stories of love, sex
Fri 8.30pm
Join a cast of hilarious LGBTI+
and everything in between. Grab
SUITABLE FOR AGES 18+
performers from Brisbane’s own
your friends (or friends with
ImproMafia for a completely
benefits) for a unique night out you won’t regret in the morning! —12
MELT \\ SCHEDULE
M E LT 2 0 1 8 S C H E D U L E SHOW
VENUE
BARE*
VISY THEATRE
03
BRIEFS: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS*
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
05
CASSANDRA AND THE BOY DOLL
GRAFFITI ROOM
17
CLUB BRIEFS
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
06
COUPLING
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
07
7pm
CREATING OURSELVES: QUEER YOUTH PANEL
TURBINE PLATFORM
22
2.30pm
GAYMING NIGHT & VIRTUAL DRAG
TURBINE PLATFORM
21
HOOKING UP
TURBINE STUDIO
12
IDAHOT DAY CEREMONY
POWERHOUSE PLAZA
16
KNOCKOFF
TURBINE PLATFORM
26
LIKE MARIAH
TURBINE STUDIO
11
LIVESPARK
TURBINE PLATFORM
26
MELT AFTER DARK PARTY
TURBINE PLATFORM
19
8.30pm
MELT BEAUTY PAGEANT
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
8
7.15pm
QUINN EADES: ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS
VISY THEATRE
22
RESIDENT ALIEN
VISY THEATRE
09
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
15
SHARE MY BLANKETS
TURBINE STUDIO
04
THE BOWERY HAUS: CLOSING PARTY
TURBINE PLATFORM
20
THE MEASURE OF A MAN
GRAFFITI ROOM
17
TRAGIC TRIVIA
TURBINE PLATFORM
21
TURBINE
TURBINE STUDIO
18
YES! BRISBANE PRIDE CHOIR: 20 YEARS ON STAGE
POWERHOUSE THEATRE
16
7.30pm
MELT VISUAL ARTS
VARIOUS
23
All day
All day
All day
All day
MELT PORTRAIT PRIZE
TURBINE WALLS
25
All day
All day
All day
All day
ROBERT WEBB + BENJAMIN LAW: HOW NOT TO BE A BOY
P.
THU 17
SAT 19
SUN 20
6.30pm 6pm 8.30pm
7.30pm
8.30pm 3.30pm
7pm
7pm
1pm 7pm
6pm 5.30pm
6.30pm
8.30pm
6.30pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm 9pm 8pm
*BARE and BRIEFS: Close Encounters continues until Sat 02 June. Check brisbanepowerhouse.org for times.
13—
FRI 18
MELT // GETTING HERE
WED 23
8pm
THU 24
FRI 25
SAT 26
7pm
7pm
1pm 6pm
8pm
7pm
8pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
SUN 27
9.30pm
HOW TO GET TO BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
6pm 6.30pm
8.30pm
6.30pm
6pm PARKING
3.30pm
The Brisbane Powerhouse carpark has over 100 free car parks. During busy times a one way link road connects to New Farm Park carpark that provides more than 200 additional car spaces.
1pm
If driving, we recommend you arrive early to allow time for parking. BUS
The 195 + 196 bus services stop at the end of Brunswick Street at Oxlade Drive, on the East side of New Farm Park. The 199 bus stops at Merthyr Road and Hawthorne Street.
8pm
Both stops are a short walk away from Brisbane Powerhouse. FERRY
As part of the Lord Mayor’s commitment to deliver
7.30pm
8.30pm
6.30pm
8.30pm
All day
All day
All day
All day
All day
All day
All day
All day
All day
All day
Australia’s most modern public transport, the New Farm Park ferry terminal will be closed for upgrading between mid-April 2018 and late 2018. For more information on public transit schedules and stop locations visit translink.com.au
This schedule correct at time of printing.
—14
MELT \\ WRITERS+IDEAS
ROBERT WEBB + BENJAMIN LAW:
HOW NOT TO BE A BOY RULES FOR BEING A MAN: DON'T CRY. LOVE SPORT. PLAY ROUGH. DRINK BEER. DON'T TALK ABOUT FEELINGS.
Robert sits down with writer In his new book, comedian, actor
Benjamin Law to look back over
(Peepshow, That Mitchell and
his life, from schoolboy crushes
Webb Look) and writer Robert
(on girls and boys) to discovering
Webb explores the nature of
the power of making people
masculinity, the relationships that
laugh, and from losing his
PRESENTED BY
made Robert who he is as a man,
beloved mother to becoming
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
the lessons we learn as sons and
a husband and father. Robert
DATE Sun 20 May
daughters and the understanding
and Benjamin will delve into the
TIME 5.30pm
that sometimes you aren't the
absurd expectations boys and
Luke Skywalker of your life –
men have thrust upon them at
you're actually Darth Vader.
every stage of life.
15—
WRITERS+IDEAS IS SUPPORTED BY O’NEILL ARCHITECTURE AND RPS
MELT // SPECIAL EVENT
I DA H OT DAY CEREMONY KICK OFF MELT WITH A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION IN SUPPORT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA, TRANSPHOBIA AND BIOPHOBIA. IDAHOT
Day has been celebrated the world over
since 2005 and falls on the date the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases in 1990. Join us for a remembrance gathering in the Plaza including special guest speaker Gai Lemon, memorial ceremony and the lighting of the building. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Thu 17 May TIME 6.30pm FREE EVENT
YES! BRISBANE PRIDE CHOIR 2 0 Y E A R S O N S TA G E FOLLOWING THE IDAHOT DAY CEREMONY, THE BRISBANE PRIDE CHOIR WILL TAKE AUDIENCES ON A MUSICAL JOURNEY TO CELEBRATE THEIR 20TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE HISTORIC 'YES' VOTE.
Enjoy an uplifting evening of songs and stories at Brisbane Powerhouse. Special guests include Candy Surprise, Dawn Daylight, Mary Jane Carpenter, Petit Four and Lucinda Shaw. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE PRIDE CHOIR IN PARTNERHSIP WITH BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Thu 17 May TIME 7.30pm
—16
MELT \\ THEATRE
THE MEASURE OF A MAN STARE INTO THE HEART OF ONE MAN’S SEXUAL ANXIETIES AS HE DRAWS OUT STORIES SHROUDED IN YEARS OF EMBARRASSMENT AND SHAME.
Told in a humourous, raw and deeply candid
style, The Measure of a Man perfectly blends comedy and drama – transitioning from light-hearted and hilariously funny moments to gut-wrenching dark memories in the blink of an eye. PRESENTED BY GAVIN ROACH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Thu 17–Sat 19 May TIME Thu + Fri 7.15pm, Sat 7.15pm + 9pm SUITABLE FOR AGES 16+
CASSANDRA AND THE
BOY DOLL
CASSANDRA IS A WOMAN. SHE ALWAYS HAS BEEN, BUT HER WHOLE LIFE PEOPLE TOLD HER SHE WAS A MAN.
She transitioned and
now it's time to put away her 'boy doll'; her constructed male identity. Unfortunately, Cassandra is discovering that cutting parts of your personhood is more difficult than expected. Boy Doll was her shield while she found her footing as female, but now he has a mind of his own and he’s not ready to give over his life. PRESENTED BY MAGNETIC NORTH THEATRE COMPANY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Thu 24–Sat 26 May TIME 7.15pm SUITABLE FOR AGES 16+
17—
MELT // DANCE + MUSIC
TURBINE POWER AND IDENTITY COME FACE-TO-FACE WITH CONTEMPORARY BALLET
PRESENTED BY COLLUSION MUSIC AND
AND LIVE MUSIC IN THIS INTIMATE AND PERSONAL WORK BY COLLUSION.
DANCE ENSEMBLE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
Turbine questions what is good and what is right. Powerful dance
DATE Wed 23–Sat 26 May
meets the full force of composer Thomas Green, with original
TIME Wed 7.30pm,
music directed and performed by Collusion’s Camille Barry and
Thu + Sat 8.30pm, Fri 6.30pm
Benjamin Greaves. It asks what freedom we should enjoy and what price we are willing to pay.
IMAGE: JOEL DEVEREUX
—18
MELT \\ PARTY
M E LT
AFTER DARK PARTY
IMAGE: DYLAN EVANS
19—
CELEBRATE BRISBANE’S DIVERSE AND
the glamourous stars from the
GENEROUS QUEER CULTURE AT THE
Beauty Pageant as they strut their
MELT AFTER DARK PARTY.
stuff on the dance floor. Party late into the night and help us make it
Featuring DJ Black Amex and
a year to remember.
special guests, get your most spectacular dancing shoes ready
PRESENTED BY
and party into the night with the
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
MELT team. Join MELT artists and
DATE Fri 18 May TIME 8.30pm–late FREE EVENT SUITABLE FOR AGES 18+
MELT // PARTY
THE BOWERY HAUS
CLOSING PARTY FRIENDS, LOVERS AND BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS! JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE MELT CLOSING PARTY AT THE BOWERY HAUS, A COSTUME PARTY CELEBRATING INCLUSIVITY, SELF-EXPRESSION AND ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST LEGENDARY QUEER ICONS, LEIGH BOWERY.
Come as your interpretation of the Australian icon for this dazzling fashion/ costume dance party extravaganza featuring DJ Death Stares Sullivan and Paul Mac (Stereogamous). We invite all lovers of dressing up to join this free event and remember that channelling Leigh is not about expensive clothes, but about creativity and a radical spirit. Prizes for the most creative looks. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Sat 26 May TIME 8pm–late FREE EVENT SUITABLE FOR AGES 18+
—20
MELT \\ FREE
TRAGIC TRIVIA GLAMOUR! TRASH! TRIVIA! GATHER ROUND FOR AN UTTERLY OUTRAGEOUS NIGHT OF TRAGIC TRIVIA!
Brisbane’s most glorious (and sweaty) drag superstars take us through the colourful pages of the queer history books – testing your knowledge along the way. Hosted by Quiche Lorraine, Richie Lestrange and Christina Draguilera. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Sat 19 May TIME 8pm FREE EVENT
G AY M I N G N I G H T + VIRTUAL DRAG TAKE PART IN A HELLA QUEER AND INCLUSIVE AF GAMING EXPERIENCE AS PART OF MELT. Brought
to you by the
Hella Gay Game Collective, step up to a mix of tabletop gaming and digital platforms for a gaming experience from a diverse array of queer creators. Chat with developers, playtest in-progress games and try your hand at your own queer game creations. Brit Snaggel from Hella Gay Games will then lead a conversation about what queer gaming is and what it could be. Virtual Drag also returns as part of Gayming Night, encouraging users to get a 3D drag experience. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Thu 24 May TIME 6pm FREE EVENT
21—
MELT // TALKS
QUINN EADES:
ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS IN THE SIX WEEKS BETWEEN MALCOLM TURNBULL ANNOUNCING THAT HE WOULD CONDUCT A POSTAL SURVEY ON EQUAL MARRIAGE, AND THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SURVEY RESULT ON NOV 15, QUINN EADES WROTE AND PUBLISHED SEVEN PIECES OF WRITING IN THE LIFTED BROW. A
poet, writer, and
academic, Eades made a commitment to capture the realities of queer and trans lives during this time. Come and listen to him read a selection of this writing, discuss writing as activism and answer your questions! PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE Sun 27 May TIME 1pm
IMAGE: JAMES PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES
C R E AT I N G O U R S E LV E S : A QUEER YOUTH PANEL AUTHOR AND BROADCASTER BENJAMIN LAW WILL INTRODUCE MELT AUDIENCES TO INDIGENOUS ACTIVIST ARETHA STEWARTBROWN, WRITER/PERFORMER ALY LORÉN AND MUSICIAN/SINGER JOSH DAVETA. In
a short space of time, all three of these
out and proud young people have made their mark in their chosen fields. Find out more about their journeys of growing up queer, what keeps them motivated to achieve their dreams and becoming who they are in this dynamic talk-show style panel event. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE IN ASSOCIATION WITH OPEN DOORS YOUTH SERVICE DATE Sat 19 May TIME 2.30pm FREE EVENT
—22
MELT \\ VISUAL ARTS
QUEERTECH.IO 2018 ENTRANCE FOYER FREE EVENT TAKE THE LEAP INTO THE QUEER DIGITAL REALM WITH THIS EXTRAORDINARY PROJECT THAT GATHERS DIGITAL ARTWORKS BY QUEER IDENTIFYING ARTISTS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE, PRESENTED BY QUEERTECH.IO.
Themes emerging from the 2018 selection include digitally-born queer utopias, queer re-imaginings of computer game platforms and interactive works that extend the digital as a queer prosthesis.
HUNG DADA BY ETHAN WAGHORN SWITCH WALL FREE EVENT
HUNG DADA EXPLORES WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE A GAY MAN IN A SEX-CRAZED CULTURE.
Each pop art print exaggerates and overtly sexualises the nude male form beyond its physical limitations, both mocking and celebrating gay porn culture.
THE CAVE BY SOPHIE REID-SINGER VISY FOYER FREE EVENT
DEVELOPED AS A SINGLE-PLAYER COMPUTER GAME, THE CAVE INVESTIGATES THE PHILOSOPHICAL FUNCTION OF STORYTELLING THROUGH DRAWING, SOUND AND INSTALLATION USING COMIC BOOK AESTHETICS AND THE SUBVERSION OF MYTHOLOGICAL SYMBOLISM.
This quest explores the relationship between narrative identity and heteropatriarchy, through the videogame as a queer space that revels in a narratological middle lacking a climax. 23—
MELT // VISUAL ARTS
CRY BY JESSI LEWIS TURBINE FOYER WALLS FREE EVENT CRY SHOWS MEN OPENING UP AND REVEALING THEIR PAIN THROUGH THE TEARS THEY SHED IN VIDEO PORTRAITS.
In an increasingly threatened world, we need conversation and ideas be put forward that, from their very foundations, shake or at least question what society deems acceptable behaviour.
ROBBING THE MUSE BY MATTHEW TAYLOR THOMAS VISY FOYER WALLS FREE EVENT
ROBBING THE MUSE IS A COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAITS INSPIRED BY THE WORDS AND LYRICS OF TORI AMOS’ 2014 LP UNREPENTANT GERALDINES.
Each image tells a story that is open to interpretation by the viewer, whilst simultaneously representing a form of self-expression.
TRUE TOXIC LOVE BY TYRONNE CURTIS EXTERNAL WALL FREE EVENT
TRUE TOXIC LOVE IS AN EXPLORATION INTO THE HIGHEST HIGHS AND THE LOWEST LOWS OF QUEER RELATIONSHIPS.
Presented using augmented reality technology and invisible to the naked eye until revealed using a device and a free iOS/Android app. Curated and created by queer artists, True Toxic Love combines emerging technology with an age old framing tool, relationships. Two free standing zones will represent both the positive and the negative sides to queer relationships. —24
MELT \\ VISUAL ARTS
M E LT
PORTRAIT PRIZE NOW IN ITS THIRD YEAR, THE MELT PORTRAIT PRIZE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR VISUAL ARTISTS ACROSS THE GLOBE TO CELEBRATE THEIR HEROES IN THE LGBTI+ COMMUNITY.
During MELT a selection of shortlisted artworks submitted by artists from Brisbane and beyond will be exhibited in the annual MELT Portrait Prize, with the overall winner to be announced during the Festival and will receive $1000 in prize money. FREE EVENT MELT PORTRAIT PRIZE IS SUPPORTED BY THE JOHNSON
UNIQUE EXOTIC UNIQUE EXOTIC IS A RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION OF HILLARY GREEN – A VISUAL ARTIST WHO EXPLORES IDEAS OF SELFHOOD, REPRESENTATION AND PERFORMANCE THROUGH THE LENS OF PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY.
Hillary’s images captured a huge
range of stage performances, artists and events from the Brisbane queer arts scene and beyond. A beloved member of the queer community, Hillary passed away in 2017 due to complications from cancer. This exhibition pays tribute to Hillary, her work bringing creative expression into sharp focus, and celebrates her vivid, electrifying and often mischievous perspective on the world as an artist and as a human being. FREE EVENT
25—
IMAGE: 2017 PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER, KENN SANTOS
MELT // FREE
LIVESPARK JOIN US EACH SUNDAY OF THE FESTIVAL FOR A SPECIAL MELT LIVESPARK.
Kristy Apps will take the Turbine
Platform stage on Sun 20 May from 3.30pm as she performs songs from her forthcoming album.
KNOCKOFF IF YOU LIKE YOUR COMEDY FREE, FUNNY AND FULL OF SURPRISES
Kristy is known for her gutsy and passionate
LOOK NO FURTHER THAN KNOCKOFF.
songwriting style. On Sun 27 May don’t miss award
a special MELT Knockoff will be programmed each
winning broadcaster/comedian/artist and all round
Friday from 6pm, with comedians to be announced
funny gal Ruth Gardner in conversation with some
closer to the date. Enjoy a variety of comedians
of Queensland’s best LGBTI+ songwriters, including
bringing you the best one-liners, hilarious stories
Adele Pickvance and more.
and side-splitting observations.
M E LT T E A M JAMES LEES
Festival Director TANYA-HIROKO MARTIN
Producer BRI ZAMMIT
Associate Producer ALEXANDRA DONALD
Programming Administrator MICHAEL HARDGRAVE
Production Manager
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
During the Festival,
NAOMI GORDON
Acting Technical Director, Production Services
FIONA MAXWELL
EMMA MILLERS
Chief Executive Officer
Senior Events Manager
KRIS STEWART
EMMIE PARANTHOIENE
Artistic Director
Visitor Services Manager
LYN PATCH
Programming Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chief Operating Officer SUMMER BLAND
GIULIANA BONEL
DAVID CONRY (CHAIR)
CATHY DE SILVA
Marketing & Communications
Marketing & Communication Manager
LIBBY ANSTIS, ANDY ARTHURS,
Director
LAUREN SHANNON
NEIL CAIRNS
Designer
Precinct Director
ARUGA
MICHELLE CONNERY
Public Relations
Commercial Partnerships &
PHIL PETCH
Development Director
JASON BIRD, JOHN COTTER, KEVIN GRIFFITHS, HAYLEY JOHNSON, DAVID LYONS, CATHERINE MICHAEL
Corporate Partnerships Manager
—26
Brisbane Powerhouse is Brisbane City Council’s centre for living art, ideas and experiences helping to deliver a vibrant and creative city.
FESTIVAL PARTNER
DIVERSITY PARTNERS
FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS