Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 5, 2014 - Page 37
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NATIONAL LIEDERFEST The Secret Tent
By JULIE HOUGHTON
● Leown Tarrant (Naomi), Peter Shepherdson (Christopher) and Michael Bentley (Inspector Thornton) in The Secret Tent at Strathmore until March 9. ■ Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG) opens their 2014 program with The Secret Tent, first staged by the company in 1959. Written by Elizabeth Addyman and directed by Robert Harsley, the drama’s title is derived from Psalm 27: “Keep me, oh God, in a secret tent, from the strife of tongues.” Ruth Martyn is missing after a night out. After identifying a murdered girl as Ruth, the police investigation reveals her past, which shocks Christopher her husband. If Ruth does arrive home, an explanation will be needed to restore Christopher’s love and trust. Tony Leatch maintains his usual high standard of set design with the Martyn’s living room, and stage manager Renata Colwell and team do great work facilitating smooth scene changes. Director Robert Harsley is to be congratulated on creating a successful show by working with a diversely experienced cast. I believe this is integral to the fabric of community theatre, that newcomers work with experienced performers to observe and develop stagecraft skills in a mentored, performance environment. The cast includes Jo Godbee (Ruth Martyn), Peter Shepherdson (Christopher Martyn), Leown Tarrant (Naomi), Michael Bentley (Inspector Thornton), Jack Taylor (Ernie Briggs), Veronica Haneberry (Miss Pearce) and Michelle Tanner (Miss Mitchum-Browne). Versatile Michelle Tanner delivers a terrific performance as gossipy Miss Browne, and Michael Bentley (Inspector Thornton) again believably portrays the constabulary. Jack Taylor impresses in his first acting performance as Ernie, regarded as the ‘village simpleton’. Heed the director’s notes: “Watch out world! Here he comes!” Peter Shepherdson as nervy war veteran Christopher, delivers an effective performance, his first acting since high school. The car sound effects will no doubt improve after opening night. Congratulations to STAG for once again presenting enjoyable theatre in a friendly, community environment. Performance season: Until March 9 Venue: Strathmore Community Hall, Cnr. Loeman and Napier Sts., Strathmore. Tickets: $20/$15 Bookings: 9382 6284 www.stagtheatre.org/reservations - Review by Cheryl Threadgold
● Elena Xanthoudakis ■ Running a large national singing competition is not for the faint-hearted, but Lieder Society of Victoria President Ian Lowe is never one to resist a challenge. This year marks the 33rd annual National Liederfest, a competition which was started to celebrate the practice of singing classical German songs. There were plenty of aria competitions around the celebrate opera, but nothing to feature the pure beauty of voice and piano, singing in another language. Australia's singers agreed, because each year the National Liederfest is well patronised with singers of all ages from both professional and non-pro backgrounds. Singers 25 years and under sing a program of 10 minutes in the heats while those 26 or older must sing a 20-minute program. And the young emerging singers are not forgotten - there is a special secondary schools session to encourage teenage classical singers. And while the Lieder Society of Victoria encourages a supportive and encouraging atmosphere rather than a cut-throat competition environment, singers are always delighted if they manage to win first prize, which is a total amount of $5500, comprisingvarious awards. The Liederfest is a generous competition, with many other prizes available. On Saturday, March 29, singers compete in heats in the afternoon and evening, after which eight singers are chosen for the final on Sunday afternoon, March 30. Singers may enter with their own accompanist, as there are prizes for the pianists and for the best combination of singer and pianist. There are two adjudicators, Antony Ransome as the vocal specialist and Darryl Coote as the piano expert. The honour roll reads as something of a who's who of Australian singers who have made their mark here and overseas, with previous winners including Sally-Anne Russell, the 1999 winner; Glen Flavin from 1985; and Joshua Bloom who won in 2003, and the 2004 winner, Elena Xanthoudakis, all of whom are well known on international stages as fine singers. Entries close on Friday, March 14, and entrants can request entry forms and find full details of the competition by phoning 9857 0216.
● Sally-Anne Russell, the 1999 winner
Bangarra’s 25 years
● Jasmin Sheppard and Thomas Greenfield in Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Patyegarang, from August 28-September 6 at the Arts Centre, Melbourne. Photo: Greg Barrett ■ This year, Australia’s multi-award winning dance theatre company Bangarra Dance Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary . Tickets are now on sale for the premiere season of Patyegarang, the inspirational journey of a potent indigenous spirit alive in Australia’s past and present, to be presented at the Arts Centre, Melbourne, from August 28 – September 6. Directed and choreographed by Stephen Page, with musical direction by David Page, this powerful and historically important new work acquaints us with Patyegarang, a young Aboriginal woman of intense and enduring courage, and an inspiration today for the respect of Aboriginal knowledge and language. As the colonial fleet arrived on Eora country in the late 18th Century, Patyegarang befriended Lieutenant William Dawes, gifting him her language in an extraordinary display of trust and friendship, which now inspires our imaginations about ‘first contact’. This deeply moving production is told through the acclaimed creativity of Stephen Page’s choreography and David Page’s soundscape, in a powerful and meaningful dance theatre experience. Performance Season: August 28 – September 6 Tickets: $29 - $89 plus transaction fees Venue: Arts Centre, Melbourne Tickets: 136 246 www.artscentremelbourne.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold