Time out

Head of the ANU School of Music, Kim Cunio, has composed a new work, CO2 and the Ice Core, that will be premiered at the CSO Classic Afternoon on Saturday 19 June. Photo: Kerrie Brewer. players, but the opportunity to write for a full orchestra doesn’t come along too often.

“Usually if you get a commission rarely more than three to five minutes … It’s really bold by the CSO to say ‘let’s have a major work.” The Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s Classic Afternoon will be performed at Llewellyn Hall, ANU, 19 June 2pm; cso.org.au - Denholm Samaras Meggs’ original creator, Jimmy Bancks, immortalised on these coins.” Ginger Meggs: 100 Years of Adventure is on display at the Royal Australian Mint, Deakin until 21 November; ramint.gov.au

to come to Canberra next month

Centenary of iconic comic strip celebrated

As part of the 25th anniversary of its national touring program, Opera Australia is bringing an exciting new production of Bizet’s Carmen, by director Matthew Barclay, to the Canberra Theatre Centre this July. The Royal Australian Mint is This new production of the Bizet marking a century of one of classic is set in Franco’s socially That’s arts and Australia’s most iconic comic strips, Ginger Meggs, with a brandnew exhibition. Mint CEO Leigh Gordon noted conservative 1950s Spain and follows the ill-fated relationship of a free-spirited gypsy woman, the fiery Carmen, and the passionate entertainment that since first appearing in the Sun Herald in 1921, Ginger Meggs has been brought into the lives of families across Australia and the and ultimately destructive police corporal-turned-rebel, Don José. Barclay said he hopes this production enables newcomers to world. “fall in love with the opera”. The elements reign “Like all of us, climate change is “The exhibition will excite a sense “Carmen really has it all, some supreme at CSO such a big thing, right; we’ve got of nostalgia in collectors and of opera’s greatest music and Classic Afternoon this sleeping cliff we’re about to fall Ginger Meggs fans alike,” he said. most famous tunes, Spanish While it won’t be a disco-infused over,” he said. Capturing the life and times of flair, passion, tragedy and a truly boogie wonderland when the “I just kept thinking … What’s the lovable redhead, the exhibition enigmatic character in Carmen, but Canberra Symphony Orchestra the role of art, is it possible for art features cartoon strips from the above all it’s about love,” he said. explore earth, wind and fire in their to aid this thing and make us think original 1921 comics created by The tour also provides an upcoming Classic Afternoon, the about it.” Jimmy Bancks, as well as current opportunity for local Canberra music will be of a standard befitting With a significant research cartoons drawn by Jason Chatfield. children to experience this the legendary outfit. element behind it, CO2 and the Mr Chatfield notes that traditional art form with a

The elements of earth, wind, air, Ice Core is centred on recordings Ginger Meggs epitomises the professional company, by and fire will be unpacked through of gas escaping 180,000 year- quintessential Aussie larrikin spirit, participating in the children’s four pieces in a dynamic program old Antarctic ice, and coal being which has allowed him to thrive for chorus. directed by Concertmaster, Kristen ground in modern India. a century. Carmen will be performed at the Williams. “It’s like this visceral sound “It is a great honour to have Canberra Theatre Centre, 8-10 July;

The Orchestra will take to the informing our whole lives has my work and the work of Ginger canberratheatrecentre.com.au sky with Vaughan Williams’ The become the data for a piece of Lark Ascending, before diving music,” he said. into the tempestuous waters of “It’s actually a bit of an Welsh composer Grace Williams’ experiment for me … A lot of my Sea Sketches, and bristling with music has a research component Haydn’s spirited Fire symphony. but it’s not quite like this.”

The element of earth takes on Running at approximately 20 new meaning and urgency with a minutes, Cunio praised the CSO commission from head of the ANU for giving him the opportunity to School of Music, Kim Cunio, titled create a piece of such length – it’s CO2 and the Ice Core. been three years since he last

Cunio told Canberra Weekly he composed a major orchestral work was asked by the CSO to compose of this scale. a work relating to the most “I’m immensely excited; for pressing issue of social justice to composers, it’s not so hard to write Opera Australia is bringing an exciting new production of Bizet’s Carmen, by director Matthew him, which is climate change. something for one player or four Barclay, to the Canberra Theatre Centre this July. Photo supplied.

time out Burley & Brave: no small love for Canberra

Scattered around a heritage 1920s home in Queanbeyan, brutalist bus stops and mini Black Mountain Towers can be found on almost every surface.

All painstakingly designed and handmade by Marisa Martin and David Tynan, the miniatures are a passion project to show their big love for Canberra.

Starting off at the local handmade markets, the duo has been creating iconic Canberra figurines for

Marisa Martin and David Tynan are the creative duo behind Burley & Brave. Photo: Kerrie Brewer. almost seven years.

Recently, after deciding to separate the Canberra-centric products from Suitcase Dollhouse, a creative business for handmade things, Ms Martin and Mr Tynan have officially introduced Burley & Brave to the world, with the popular products sold at POP Canberra and Splatter.

Both Ms Martin and Mr Tynan grew up in Aranda, admitting to spending “a lot of time” in the bus shelters as teenagers, where their love for the iconic Canberra structures began.

Ms Martin says she has always been a creative person and first fell in love with tiny things when making the clay figures for her short film, Tegan the Vegan.

“What happened was I was making all my miniatures for my sets and I just discovered I really loved making little things,” she said.

As an avid collector of mini cities, she couldn’t shake the idea that Canberra needed its own memorabilia.

“You go to Paris and you can take the Eiffel Tower home with you,” she said. “We didn’t have that … I thought Canberra deserved to have the same.”

With a degree in archaeology and experience building things big and small, Mr Tynan helps to construct each miniature and writes a snippet of Canberra’s history to be included with every piece.

He shares his business partner’s passion for the city’s iconic Clem Cummings bus shelters.

“They were going to be fancy with electric lighting and a sort of sky light above them as well but that was all killed by the NCDC when he presented the plans,” Mr Tynan said.

The duo admits they were a little surprised at the popularity of their products but have come to realise it’s nostalgia mixed with love for the Capital City that keeps bringing customers back.

“A lot changed after the centenary; after 2013 there was a big push for loving this city and enjoying this city and seeing it in a different way,” Ms Martin said.

The duo’s next task is to create dolls of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin to celebrate their contribution to the design of Canberra.

- Erin Cross

Longitude Latitude Solitude – Solo Exhibition by Andrew Vukosav

The Serpent 2016, Kimberley Coast NT 2400mm x 1200mmw

2 June to 27 June Wed - Sun 10am to 4pm

Minamata (MA15+)

In 1971, formerly acclaimed American photojournalist W. Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp) receives a commission from his old boss Robert Hayes (Bill Nighy) at Life magazine to return to Japan to investigate the poisoning of Minamata residents. After refusing, a pair of Minamata citizens visit the reclusive photographer.

Depp plays the quintessential photographer. With a scruffy white beard, unkempt locks, glasses, beret, constantly lit cigarette and bottomless glass of alcohol, the world-weary and pessimistic Smith is aware of his mortality and frivolous life. His long-suffering (ex) boss remembers the man and photographer Smith once was, and so believes in his ability to investigate the tragedy unfolding in Minamata and present it to the world.

Once in Japan with translator Aileen Mioko (Minami), Smith works to capture the effects of mercury poisoning on the villagers and, in doing so, becomes embroiled in the fight against the Chisso Corporation responsible for polluting the region’s water. Through Smith’s struggles with internal and external obstacles, he inadvertently gains the trust of the small fishing community necessary to fully utilise his talents.

Depp completely inhabits Smith, a man with a sensitive soul although hardened by the world around him. It is through the commission in Minamata that Smith achieves a sort of redemption; joining the world he had turned away from and, in doing so, marking a measurable difference in countless lives. Verdict: Depp has never been better. An Oscar nod for sure! 4.5 stars. Minamata is showing at Dendy and Palace Cinemas. - Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net

ON SHOW UNTIL 8 AUGUST 2021

First Australians Focus Gallery NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA

nma.gov.au/piinpi

FREE ENTRY

Exhibition organised by Bendigo Art Gallery Exhibition organised by Bendigo Art Gallery Grace Rosendale, Grace Rosendale, Seedpods Top and Pant Seedpods Top and Pant 2019. Linen. Courtesy of the artist, Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre 2019. Linen. Courtesy of the artist, Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre and Queensland University of Technology. Model: Magnolia Maymuru. Photographer: Bronwyn Kidd. and Queensland University of Technology. Model: Magnolia Maymuru. Photographer: Bronwyn Kidd.

time out Book talk

This week, Jeff Popple reviews three thrillers to read over the long weekend. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

Falling by T. J. Newman

Simon & Schuster, $29.99 Falling is a terrific thriller to read this long weekend, provided you are not flying anywhere! Former flight attendant T. J. Newman has written a scary tale about a pilot on the Los Angeles to New York flight who is put into an impossible situation when a terrorist seizes his family and threatens to kill them unless he crashes his plane. The pilot, Bill Hoffman, has less than six hours to thwart the terrorists on the ground, and in the air, and save his family and passengers. This is a thrill-a-minute read that rushes through some good twists to the final tense conclusion. Recommended.

Still by Matt Nable

Hachette, $32.99 A more sedate and substantial read is Still by actor and author Matt Nable. Set in in a harshly described Darwin in 1963, it features a determined cop who has to face deepseated corruption as he tries to determine the truth about a series of brutal murders. This is a very evocative novel that excels in its characterisations and depictions of life in Darwin. Although it is set 60 years ago, the themes are just as relevant today and Nable does a masterful job of pulling his story together. A superbly written and credible novel that is a must for fans of Jane Harper’s The Dry.

Dead Ground by M. W. Craven

Constable, $32.99 M. W. Craven is a rising star on the British crime scene and his award-winning series about Detective Washington Poe and civilian data analyst Tilly Bradshaw is a firm favourite with readers. Dead Ground opens with Poe summoned to a backstreet brothel in Carlisle, where a man has been beaten to death. It seems to be a simple assault and well outside Poe’s normal area of expertise, but it soon becomes clear that sinister forces are at work and Poe finds himself caught up in a complex case involving old crimes and new security threats. A confident and enjoyable crime thriller ideal for the long weekend.

Your local, independent bookshop in Kingston

Canberra’s newest independent bookshop - stocking a large range of quality new books for readers of all ages.

We sell pages for all ages

47 Jardine St, Kingston hello@bookcow.com.au www.bookcow.com.au 5100 2730

time out What’s on

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE: A surprising, intimate theatre experience revealing the stories of health professionals, 10-12 June at The Q, Queanbeyan; theq.net.au

BOOK LAUNCH: Dorothy Topfer’s new book, Past Presence will be launched at Paperchain Bookshop, Manuka, 10 June 5pm. RSVP: 6295 6723 or books@paperchainbookstore.com.au

LEGENDS OF OL’55: Two of Australia’s rock and roll and TV legends, Frankie J Holden OAM and Wilbur Wilde, will play classics at Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, 10 June 8pm; Eventbrite.

LIGHTBULB IMPROV: A night of comedy completely made up on the spot, 10 June 7pm at Smiths Alternative, Civic; smithsalternative.com

PIALLIGO ESTATE: Pialligo Glasshouse will be transformed into a cabaret-style speakeasy for Songs & Sonnets Dinner & Show on 10, 11, 18 and 19 June 6-10pm; thepialligoestate.com.au

PHOTOACCESS: The Dickson gallery hosts three new exhibitions, A Surrounded Beauty, Portrait, and Canberra Re-seen, 10 June-10 July; photoaccess.org.au

CREATIVE JUICES: An exciting long weekend of creative arts with local food and wines at Contentious Character Vineyard, Wamboin, 11-14 June; contentiouscharacter.com.au

ANU CLASSICS MUSEUM: Tours of the museum’s collection of ancient Greek and Roman antiquities run on the second Friday of each month; call 0438 883 373.

GINGER MEGGS - 100 YEARS OF ADVENTURE: An exhibition celebrating Australia’s most iconic comic strip at the Royal Australian Mint, Deakin, until 21 November; ramint.gov.au

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY: The acclaimed theatrical adaptation of the award-winning children’s TV series comes to the Canberra Theatre Centre, 12-13 June; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Legends of Ol’55, Frankie J Holden and Wilbur Wilde, at Harmonie German Club, 10 June 8pm.

MUSIC FOR THE PEOPLE: Musica da Camera returns with Vivaldi Autumn, Saturday 12 June 2pm, Holy Covenant Anglican Church, Cook; trybooking.com/BQZKK

RAPT IN FELT – REFLECTIONS: Canberra Region Feltmakers open their new exhibition at Textile Works Gallery, Chifley, 12-14 June; canfelt.org.au

MILK: World premiere of a work created by locally based playwright and performer Dylan Van Den Berg, until 12 June at The Street, City West; thestreet.org.au

MEGALO PRINT STUDIO: The Kingston gallery presents Defining Shapes – Creating Edges by Roslyn Kean until 12 June; megalo.org

LGBTIQ+ ELDERS DANCE CLUB: promoting social connection in healthy physical activity for those 55+, Sunday 13 June 1-3pm, Ainslie Arts Centre, Braddon; free, RSVP via Humanitix.

GALLERY OF SMALL THINGS: The Watson gallery hosts their third Emerging Artist Support Scheme group exhibition, EASS2021, until 13 June; galleryofsmallthings.com

GERMAN FILM FESTIVAL: The best of German cinema that will have you saying “Ach du Lieber”, at Palace Electric, New Acton, until 13 June; germanfilmfestival.com.au NGA: BOTTICELLI TO VAN GOGH: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London, the first major international exhibition in Australia since COVID-19 at the National Gallery of Australia until 14 June; nga.gov.au

THE VERONICAS: Bring their first national tour in six years to Canberra Theatre, Civic, 15 June; theveronicas.com

21ST MANNING CLARK LECTURE: Stan Grant will explore how history shadows our world, 17 June 6pm at Manning Clark Hall, Kambri, ANU; trybooking.com/BRFJU

KISS ME, KATE: A Queanbeyan Players production of the Broadway hit musical, 18-27 June at The Q, Queanbeyan; theq.net.au

STEVE KILBEY AND THE WINGED HEELS: Perform their latest album Eleven Women at the Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan, 18 June 6.30pm.

GINA JEFFREYS: The country music superstar will perform at Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, Friday 18 June 8pm; cscc.com.au

CSO: Canberra Symphony Orchestra presents Classic Afternoon: The Elements, at Llewellyn Hall ANU, Saturday 19 June 2pm; cso.org.au/events

TALLAGANDRA HILL: The Gundaroo winery hosts Darren Percival and Bill Risby playing their favourites from the Australian rock catalogue, Saturday 19 June 4.30pm; tallagandrahill.com.au

A POOCH AFFAIR: An awesome doggie day out, proudly supporting RSPCA ACT, at Exhibition Park in Canberra, 19 June 10am-3pm; $10 entry; facebook.com/apoochaffairaus

PACO LARA: The critically acclaimed flamenco guitarist presents an evening of Spanish guitar at Bicentennial Hall, Queanbeyan, 19 June 8pm; theq.net.au

Send your free entertainment listings to: arts@canberraweekly.com.au with ‘what’s on’ in the subject field. Deadline is 10 days prior to Thursday edition date.