Winners

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

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Book talk

This week, Jeff Popple reviews three great books for Mum this Mother’s Day! More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

27 Letters To My Daughter by Ella Ward

Harper Collins, $32.99 In 2018, Ella Ward was hit with the devastating news that she had a rare cancer. Happily married in Melbourne with a young daughter, 36-year-old Ella was shocked by the news that she might die, but with a gritty determination she decided that death was not going to stand in the way of her mothering her child. As her treatment for cancer began, she started drafting letters to her daughter telling her about the important things in life and about her extended family. These endearing letters form the basis for this marvellously uplifting and very entertaining book. A great present for all mothers!

Little Nothings by Julie Mayhew

Raven Books, $29.99 The dark side of mothers’ groups and toxic female friendships comes to the fore in Julie Mayhew’s suspenseful novel about a trip gone wrong. Liv Travers never knew real friendship until she met fellow mums Beth and Binnie. The three became inseparable as they muddled through early parenthood together, but the introduction of wealthy Ange to the group changed the dynamics and opened up new tensions. When the four families take a three-week trip to a luxurious resort, the rivalries explode in unexpected ways. This a relatable and compelling tale about how relationships can turn destructive and dangerous.

The Mallee Girl by Jennifer Scoullar

Penguin, $32.99 Mothers who enjoy rural romances will appreciate Jennifer Scoullar’s heart-warming novel, The Mallee Girl. Pippa Black finally escapes her violent marriage and conservative upbringing, and heads for the remote town of Currajong in search of her long-lost brother. Implicated in a violent act of terror committed by her husband, she seeks refuge at Brumby’s Run, a wild horse sanctuary managed by the enigmatic Luke. Once there she finds her beliefs and life upended. A touching and enjoyable romance, The Mallee Girl also deals sensitively with abusive relationships, prejudice, and the healing power of animals. A good light and entertaining read.

Canberra Weekly competition winners

The winners in CW’s latest round of competition draws are: Hampton Water Rosé pack: M Edmondstone, Harrison; J Dickinson, Bruce. Mickey Mouse Funhouse toys: J Wallace, Dickson; F Anderson, Karabar; J Roll, Gordon. Moro Spanish Film Festival passes: S Di Mezza, Mawson; K White, Dickson; K Pfitzner, Macgregor; R Bielenberg, Macquarie; D Gozzard, Ngunnawal. Pixar Putt pass: C Lees, Red Hill.

Now showing

The Northman (MA15+)

Back in AD 895, King Aurvandill (Ethan Hawke) returns from his overseas conquests to his kingdom on the island of Hrafnsey. The kingdom happily celebrates the King’s reunion with his wife, Queen Gudrún (Nicole Kidman), and his young son and heir, Prince Amleth (to be later played by Alexander Skarsgård). The next day however, the King is besieged upon by his own brother Fjölnir (Claes Bang).

Director Robert Eggers continues to go from strength to strength, starting with his debut directorial effort The VVitch, a disturbing folktale, and continuing with The Lighthouse, a psychological horror infused with Greek mythology. The Northman is a sprawling revenge tale based on the legend of Amleth, the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. With harsh environments, realistic costumes and props, and brutal violence, it is rich and authentic. While the landscapes and country-hopping is epic, the frame is constrained around our characters, offering an intimate and visceral experience.

Skarsgård adopts his lion-inspired physicality from True Blood; his hulking frame displaying his Viking roots. Where Amleth brings the rage and the brawn, the sorceress Olga (Anna Taylor-Joy), brings the cunning and seduction to try to exact the machinations of a successful revenge. Things aren’t all smooth once this simplistic and toxic wish for vengeance is contrasted against the established path to power and notions of forgiveness and acceptance.

Verdict: A stark retelling of Hamlet elevated by Egger’s striking signature cosmic surrealist imagery. 4 stars.

Viewed at Palace Cinemas. - Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net

pixarputt.com.au

Architect, artist, trailblazer.

Marion Mahony Griffin has often been overshadowed by her famous collaborators, Frank Lloyd Wright and Walter Burley Griffin. Marion: the other Griffin reveals and celebrates the life and achievements of this extraordinary woman.

Free exhibition

Open daily, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm 11 February – 8 May 2022

Kings Avenue, Parkes ACT

naa.gov.au

Image: Section B - A southerly side of water axis government group, 1911–12 (detail). NAA: A710, 43

time out What’s on

SIX THE MUSICAL: The “electrifying musical phenomenon” continues at Canberra Theatre Centre until 15 May; sixthemusical.com.au

PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT: FreeRain Theatre’s production of the musical classic continues at The Q, Queanbeyan, until 22 May; theq.net.au

CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL:

The legendary 10-day festival features 41 events, 29 April-8 May; cimf.org.au HOTEL SORRENTO: The Australian modern classic performed by Canberra REP at Canberra REP Theatre, Acton, 29 April-14 May; canberrarep.org.au WHILE YOU SLEEP: A musical performance like no other featuring total sound and sight immersion at The Street, City West, 29-30 April 7.30pm; thestreet.org.au

AUSTRALIAN DANCE WEEK 2022: Ausdance ACT host a series of events across town for people of all ages and abilities, 29 April to 8 May; Ausdance.org.au

AUSTRALIAN HAYDN ENSEMBLE: The Australian period-instrument premiere of Haydn’s Creation at The Fitter’s Workshop, Kingston, 29-30 April 7.30pm; australianhaydn.com.au SENSORY ART LAB: An interactive art experience for kids of all ages (accompanied by an adult), Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon, 29 April to 8 May. Free, bookings recommended; agac.com.au

SAME BUT DIFFERENT: Lucas Granpa Abela presents ecstatic performances with shards of amplified glass, Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon, 29 April 8pm; agac.com.au NMA: The Greek-Australian poet and rapper Luka Lesson premieres Agapi & Other Kinds of Love until 29 April; Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes continues until 1 May; nma.gov.au

Photo Kerrie Brewer

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, at The Q, until 22 May.

HANDMADE CANBERRA: Returns in-person in full force with over 220 retailers at EPIC, Mitchell, 30 April-1 May; handmadecanberra.com.au ART IRL: Live art activations, performances, music and more at this free event for young people 15-25 at the NGA, Parkes, 30 April 6-9pm; nga.gov.au ZERO WASTE FESTIVAL: Speaker panels, stalls, workshops, a giant clothes swap and children’s activities at Kambri, ANU, Saturday 30 April 11am–4pm. Entry is free. Swap and workshop bookings: www.zerowasterevolution.net CHILDREN COLLIDE: The three-piece bring their “epic and frenzied” live show to UC Hub, Bruce, 30 April 8pm; moshtix.com.au CANBERRA TREE WEEK: The Australian National Botanic Gardens host a series of events from 30 April to 8 May; parksaustralia.gov.au/botanic-gardens WHITE PEARL: An entertaining satire of cancel culture, the online world, corporations, and intraAsian politics at The Playhouse, Civic, until 30 April; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

GLASS PLANTER WORKSHOP: Cast your own garden planter in a one-day Glass Casting Beginners workshop at Canberra Glassworks, 30 April; canberraglassworks.com SINGING IN THE PARK: A fun-filled participatory heritage event at Queanbeyan Central Park & playground, 1 May from 2pm; Eventbrite.

CANBERRA DRAGON DANCE: Chinese Tiger & Lion Dance Workshop at Main Hall, Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon, 1 May 1-3pm; Eventbrite. BRINDABELLA SUNSET: Enjoy live music and food as the sun sets over the Brindabellas, at Strathnairn Arts, Holt, 1 May 4-6pm; strathnairn.com.au/brindabellasunset22

OLD BUS DEPOT MARKETS: The much-loved markets have returned to the Old Bus Depot in Kingston every Sunday 9.30am-2.30pm; obdm.com.au KIPPAX MARKETPLACE: Indoor market to run 3rd Saturday of every month, 8am-12pm, at Kippax Uniting Church Community Centre; free entry. THE PARTY ROOM LIVE: join Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas for a live recording of their hit podcast at The Playhouse, Civic, 2 May; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

AHN DO: The Happiest Refugee Live at The Q, Queanbeyan, 3 May 8pm; theq.net.au AUNTY DONNA: The Australian comedy trio bring The Magical Dead Cat Tour to The Playhouse, Civic, 3-4 May; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

FIVE MASTERS AT THEIR BEST: Pianist Damien Ruan plays works Scarlatti, Haydn, Chopin, Debussy and Grieg 4 May, 12.40-1.20pm at Wesley Music Centre, Forrest; trybooking.com/BYANC BIGGER AND BLACKER: A variety show featuring Steven Oliver and Michael Griffiths at Belconnen Arts Centre, 5-7 May 8pm; belcoarts.com.au BACH TO BOLLING: The Black Tulip Jazz Trio with virtuosic cellist Teije Hylkema play The B (Bicentennial Hall), Queanbeyan, 5 May from 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.

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS A SHAKE & STIR THEATRE CO PRODUCTION