PROUDLY PART OF THE MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL 19 JANUARY - 10 FEBRUARY 2019
WHAT IS MIDSUMMA WESTSIDE? The Midsumma Westside program draws together the wonderful array of events that take place during Midsumma Festival in Melbourne’s west.
MESSAGE FROM THE MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE - KAREN BRYANT Midsumma Festival goes west once again in 2019. Midsumma Westside brings a new face to a partnership between Midsumma and the Councils of the West that stretches back a decade. With 18 separate events Midsumma Westside includes festivities for the whole family, the best in queer theatre, contemporary visual art exhibitions, installations, and even a tea party! Festivals are about having fun, sharing experiences and trying something new - they are a tasting plate for the senses, mind, and soul. Explore! Dive right in! Take a walk out west with Midsumma Westside! midsumma.org.au
midsumma.org.au
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MIDSUMMA WESTSIDE PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
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WERRIBEE
HITCHED Wyndham Art Gallery, 177 Watton St, Werribee
Looking to art and the public archive, Hitched - curated by Maddee Clark and Neika Lehman - reflects on the politics of queer communities since the legalisation of same sex marriage in 2017. On 9 December 2017, after a period of heightened public debate, legalised coupledom in the Marriage Act 1961 was defined as ‘the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life’. 17 Jan–10 Feb | Mon–Fri 9am–5pm | Sat–Sun 11am–4pm Opening Thu 17 Jan 6:30pm FREE
midsumma.org.au
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FOOTSCRAY
PERCEPTIONS OF OUR FUTURE Pride Of Our Footscray, 1/86-88 Hopkins St, Footscray
Presented by the Fabulous Art Group Society, Pride of our Footscray plays host to Perceptions of our Future - featuring works by Andrew Li, Ben Barek, Chris Wong, Dave Behrens, Marco Ryan, The Hairy Loft and Jimmy Twin. What do you Perceive of our Future? Is it the emergence of new technology or does it belong in the realm of design? Is it a scene stolen from dreams or a dystopian soap opera? Perceptions of our Future explores the future that is now in our society, and the futures that may be. It explores futuristic design and use of emerging technology. It explores what dreams we wish for in the future and takes a light-hearted and cheeky approach to how warped these dreams may become. 15 Jan–17 Feb | Opening Sat 19 Jan 6–9pm | Exhibition Wed–Sun FREE #midsummawestside
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FOOTSCRAY
POLARI Trocadero Art Space, Level 1, 119 Hopkins St, Footscray
Polari brings together a range of local, interstate and international queer artists to explore ideas of language, symbols, gesture and communication in relation to their own arts practices, artwork as a medium for these concerns. Curated by Matto Lucas, Polari will take over all of Trocadero’s exhibition spaces for ten days. A contemporary art experience exploring the ideas of visibility, of hiding in plain sight; about revealing and concealing, and our ability, as queer people, and as artists, to communicate through a range of coded mechanisms. 16–26 Jan | Wed–Sat 12–5pm Opening Wed 16 Jan 6–9pm (with performances) FREE
midsumma.org.au
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NEWPORT
CHORUS The SUBSTATION, 1 Market St, Newport
CHORUS is a video and sound installation by artist Melanie Jame Wolf about the power of rumour. The work consists of a series of videos in which Wolf performs a cast of personas as they inhabit an imaginary Mythic Space. From this stylised, darkly humorous pop space of ‘critical camp’, CHORUS explores the pleasures and perils of the unison voice of the group, and of speaking alone. 20 Jan–16 Mar | Opening Sun 20 Jan 2-5pm Exhibition 22 Jan–16 Mar | Tues-Sat 11am–5pm FREE
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ST ALBANS
LEIGH IN LONDON The Bowery Theatre, Princess St, St Albans
This profoundly striking exhibition hones in on the work of Australian photographer, Robyn Beeche, during her time in London. The prolific artist documented seemingly opposing worlds: the post-punk, new romantic fashion and music scenes of 1980s London and Hindu ceremonies held in the Indian pilgrimage town of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. Throughout this time she was renowned for collaborating with counter-culture personalities including Zandra Rhodes, Vivienne Westwood, Divine and, of course, Sunshine’s art-fashion icon, Leigh Bowery.
21 Jan–22 Mar | Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–4.30pm, Sat 9am–12.30pm FREE
midsumma.org.au
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Tyza STEWART, Nap 2017, oil on board, 60 x 185cm (detail)
MOONEE PONDS
PERSONAL TOUCH Incinerator Gallery, 180 Holmes Rd, Moonee Ponds
Throughout history, self-portraiture has provided a means for artists to critically examine perceptions about themselves and their place in society. In the time of the ubiquitous camera phone, challenging forms of self-representation by artists provide cut-through and provoke needed discussion on the problematic binaries associated with gender and identity. Personal Touch highlights the work of queer artists who employ the body as conduit for their ideas, and as subject matter in their work. Artists include Archie Barry, Tyza Stewart and choreographer Bailee-Rose Farnham. 22 Jan–17 Feb | Tues–Sun 11am-4pm Opening 25 Jan 6-8pm FREE
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NEWPORT
MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY The SUBSTATION, 1 Market St, Newport
Don’t be late for this very important date! Are you 12-25 living in Victoria? Want to meet other gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer young people? Join us for a Mad Hatter Tea Party event! No cost for the event but please bring money for food. There will be DJs, prizes and give aways for best costume. Alcohol and drug free event. Friends and allies welcome! 23 Jan | Wed 12–4pm FREE
midsumma.org.au
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NEWPORT
WRITERS IN CONVERSATION Newport Community Hub, 13 Mason St, Newport
Bobuq Sayed and Adolfo Aranjuez are friends and colleagues at Archer magazine. Archer is an award winning publication about sexuality, gender and identity. As writers and editors they are an intrinsic part of Melbourne’s queer lit scene. Join them as they discuss their writing, their inspiration and the direction of queer stories for a new generation. 31 Jan | Thu 6.30–7.30pm FREE (bookings required, libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au)
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FOOTSCRAY
MOUTHY Bluestone Church Arts Space, 8A Hyde St, Footscray
Women are to be seen and not heard… or is that children? Either way, these three have never done what they’re told. Mouthy is a showcase of Melbourne’s most out, loud and prominent lesbian comics. Starring - Sharon Andrews (Raw national finalist), Gabe Hogan (JOY94.9) and Kellyn Lee (South Africa, radio host). They’ve seen some things and have something to say. Well two of them do anyway. 31 Jan– 2 Feb | Thu– Sat 7.15–9.15 pm Full: $20 | Concession: $15 | Group: $15 per person (min 6 people)
midsumma.org.au
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ST ALBANS
SUNSHINE BOY The Bowery Theatre, Princess St, St Albans
Dance, text, fashion, art, sex and music. This was Leigh Bowery – the art-fashion icon of the underground clubs of 1980s London, hailing from Melbourne’s working-class west. You’ll be lured into the depths of his infamous nightclub, Taboo for ninety pulsating minutes of dance and physical theatre, backed by the unmistakable soundtrack of a generation. This is an in-your-face eyeshot into a life lived wildly… a long way from Sunshine. Sunshine Boy Concept and Performer - Andy Howitt Costume Designer - Bryn Meredith Music - David Bowie, Sonic Youth, The Cure, The Fail, The Stranglers, Associates and The Velvet Underground. Recommended ages 16+
1 Feb | Fri Performance 7.30–9pm, followed by Q&A $15 per person
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Photo: ©Damjan Janevski, Star Weekly
NEWPORT
TWILIGHT CELEBRATIONS - RAINBOW STORYTIME AND MUSIC ON THE DECK Newport Community Hub, 13 Mason St, Newport
Newport Community Hub are throwing open the doors and inviting the whole neighbourhood. Join Rainbow Storytime with drag performers Rex Spandex and Jesse Dean for a very special storytime celebrating diverse families, celebrating identity, and embracing who you are. All families welcome. Enjoy a sausage sizzle, fairy floss, face painting, local community information stalls, and from 5pm Music on the Deck kicks off out on the lawn. Music on the Deck features a great line up of local youth bands, and you can win movie passes and other great prizes on the night. A fantastic afternoon and evening for the whole family. 1 Feb | Rainbow Storytime 4–4.45pm, Music on the Deck 5–7pm FREE (bookings required Rainbow Storytime, libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au) midsumma.org.au
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WILLIAMSTOWN
MISS GAY & MISS TRANSSEXUAL AUSTRALIA INTERNATIONAL Williamstown Town Hall, 104 Ferguson St, Williamstown
Miss Gay and Miss Transsexual Australia International is the country’s biggest and most talked about pageant for drag queens and transgender beauties, promoting inclusion, diversity and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, contestants go head to head competing for the title at the iconic Williamstown Town Hall. Contestants will proudly represent cultural diversity and celebrate uniqueness through this year’s theme, Colours of the World. 2 Feb | Sat 6–11pm Full: $50 | Concession: $40 | Premium: $60 allocated seat with table
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WERRIBEE
PARK LOUNGE Kelly Park, Corner of Cherry and Synnot Sts, Werribee
Soak up a #deepwest LGBTQIA+ experience in Werribee! Bring your family and your friends, pull up a beanbag and enjoy the festivities. Feast your eyes, relax and prepare to dance to a jampacked program that celebrates all shades of Queer-expression. Music – Performance – Markets – Food – Drink. 2 Feb | Sat 5–9pm FREE
midsumma.org.au
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FOOTSCRAY
WESTGAY Littlefoot Bar, 223 Barkly St, Footscray
A very special Midsumma WESTGAY edition, presented by the kids who bring you the fab FRIYAY and CLOSET parties. WESTGAY turns Littlefoot, Footscray’s nicest neighbourhood cocktail bar, into the big, gay party westside queers have been waiting for. So dress yo-selves up, uber across the West-Gay-te and come on down! Then cosy up in the beer garden, break it down on the d-floor to Melbourne’s finest dj’s and generally just have a good ole queer time. 2 Feb | Sat 8pm–3am $10 at the door
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FOOTSCRAY
MAMAS’ LITTLE GAYBY Bluestone Church Arts Space, 8A Hyde St, Footscray
In this One Woman Cabaret by an emerging artist, Mamas’ Little Gayby shares stories of growing up in the 90s with lesbian mothers and discovering her own queer in her 30’s. As a Cis, Hetero, Mono woman, in a community and family of LGBTIQA+ peeps, Courtney pays respects to those who don’t have the same privilege in the nuclear norm, while sharing where she fits in. Wearing Mr Ophelia X designs and hitting home with storytelling, song and video, you won’t know you’re being educated. 6–9 Feb | Wed–Thu 7–8pm | Fri–Sat 8–9pm Full: $30 | Concession: $24 | Group: $22 per person (min 6 people)
midsumma.org.au
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FOOTSCRAY
QUEER ASIANS ANONYMOUS Footscray Community Arts Centre, 45 Moreland St, Footscray
How does it feel to be a minority within a minority? Welcome to another group session where queer Asian men unpack issues and concerns that impact them being not only a sexual minority but also a racial minority in a predominantly White Australia. From the eternal cultural debate of “East versus West” to the much-debated sexual racism of “No Curry, No Rice” to demystifying the Model Minority myth and identity politics, this dramedy play looks into these issues (and more) through the eyes and voices of the men in a newly established queer Asian support group. So, fill out the sign-up sheet; pull up a chair and watch a group of queer/gay Asians (Gaysians?) discuss, opine and argue about being gay and Asian in an oh-so White gay Melbourne. 7–10 Feb | Thu–Sat 7.30pm | Sun 2pm Full: $32 | Concession: $24 | Group: $20 per person #midsummawestside
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MOONEE PONDS
DRAG STORY TIME Incinerator Gallery, 180 Holmes Rd, Moonee Ponds
Join our fabulous drag artist to hear stories, sing songs, eat fairy floss, giggle, and celebrate loving who you are. Presented in collaboration with the Women*s Circus and Moonee Valley Libraries. There are two sessions; the first is age appropriate for families, and the second is a little bit risque (for adults only). After the program find somewhere comfy in the garden with a rainbow library book to share with your family and friends. 9 Feb | Drag Story Time for Families 11am, Drag Story Time for Grown-Ups 1pm FREE (bookings required)
midsumma.org.au
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ALTONA
RAINBOW PRIDE IN ALTONA Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, 5 Sargood St, Altona
Walk with pride as you cross over at the rainbow crossing to the rainbow party in Logan Reserve for a Rainbow Pride Tea Party. All manner of delicious rainbow-inspired foods will grace the tables under a rainbow marquee. There will be activities for the kids, music for everyone to enjoy and rainbow bubbles to blow. Be the rainbow and help paint the rainbow crossing in our public art project and visit the Joel Gallery for an LGBITQ+ exhibition to complete a day filled with rainbow pride. 9 Feb | Sat 11am–4pm, Afternoon Tea 2pm FREE
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Event Title (in Midsumma Festival date order)
Event Location
Hitched
Wyndham Art Gallery, Werribee
Perceptions Of Our Future
Pride Of Our Footscray, Footscray
Polari
Trocadero, Footscray
CHORUS
The SUBSTATION, Newport
Leigh in London
The Bowery Theatre, St Albans
Personal Touch
Incinerator Gallery, Moonee Ponds
Mad Hatter Tea Party
The SUBSTATION, Newport
Writers In Conversation
Newport Community Hub
Mouthy
Bluestone Church Arts Space, Footscray
Sunshine Boy
The Bowery Theatre, St Albans
Twilight Celebrations - Rainbow Storytime and Music On The Deck
Newport Community Hub
Miss Gay & Miss Transsexual Australia International
Williamstown Town Hall
Park Lounge
Kelly Park, Werribee
Westgay
Littlefoot Bar, Footscray
Mamas’ Little Gayby
Bluestone Church Arts Space, Footscray
Queer Asians Anonymous
Footscray Community Arts Centre
Drag Story Time
Incinerator Gallery, Moonee Ponds
The Rainbow Collection
Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, Altona
midsumma.org.au
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All information correct at time of printing and may be subject to change.
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OUT WEST!
This publication has been printed carbon neutral on recycled paper.