Culture magazine, Issue 7, Jul-Sep 2016, The Arts Centre Gold Coast

CULTURE The Arts Centre Gold Coast | Gold Coast City Gallery | Evandale Parkland FREE

OPERA QUEENSLAND’S The Barber of Seville CIRCA The art of acrobatics

JUL

SEP

SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY RETURNS

Issue Seven: July — September, 2016

Welcome to Culture

CREDITS Chairman Kerry Watson Deputy Chair Richard Munro Directors Dr Patrick Corrigan AM Cr Bob La Castra Tomas Johnsson Christine Lohman

In this issue we hear from Opera Queensland’s Head of Wardrobe, Karen Cochet, about creating dozens of stunning costumes for The Barber of Seville (p.6). Circa’s Artistic Director, Yaron Lifschitz, talks about the upcoming Il Ritorno (p.5) and Sydney Dance Company returns to our stage with the stunning Countermove (p.12) - an absolute must-see for dance lovers.

Get social with us #culturemagazine

Dr Patrick Mitchell Steve Romer Executive Staff Destry Puia General Manager Anna Carroll Director Cultural Precinct Project

Children can enjoy The Moon’s a Balloon (p.24) and The Peasant Prince (p.22) these school holidays, and will be treated to the gorgeous Snugglepot & Cuddlepie (p.27) later in July.

Tracy Cooper-Lavery Gallery Director Pietro Delpechitra Director Commercial Operations Brad Rush Programming Director Lindsay Wallace Director Marketing and Communications Lynda White Director Corporate Services CULTURE TEAM Michelle Macwhirter Marketing Coordinator / Culture Editor

Gold Coast City Gallery brings us the ever-popular Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award (p.33) and reports on the Stradbroke Island Indigenous Artist Camp (p.35).

See you at the show.

Destry Puia - General Manager

Katie Loveday Marketing Supervisor Chris Bouffler Graphic Designer Contributors Virginia Rigney, Sarah Worrall, Emma Collerton,

Contents

Anastasia Scott-Myles, Rob Loudon, Amber Patch Proofreader Angela Sunde CONTACT PO Box 6615, GCMC QLD 9726 (07) 5588 4000 theartscentregc.com.au

STAGE – THEATRE 05 The art of acrobatics 06 Fit for the opera 07 The story of Patsy Cline 08 Staging a classic 09 Viral

Editorial contributions or comments can be sent to macwhirter@theartscentregc.com.au.

Culture is published by The Arts Centre Gold Coast.

STAGE – DANCE 12 Imperial Russian Ballet 13 Sydney Dance Company returns

SCREEN 30 Coming to the Arts Cinema GALLERY 31 Regions of Alienation / Satellites of Love 32 JUWS Photography Award 33 Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award 35 South Stradbroke Island Indigenous Artist Camp

The publication of editorial does not necessarily constitute endorsement of views or opinions expressed.

The publisher does not accept responsibility for statements made by advertisers.

Acknowledgement of Country

STAGE – MUSIC 14 Indigenous song 15 Voices from Soweto 16 Miss Mandy Swings 18 Fiesta de la Musica

We acknowledge and pay respects to the traditional Aboriginal people of the Gold Coast and their descendants. We also acknowledge the many

STAGE – COMEDY 21 Comedy in The Basement

Aboriginal people from other regions as well as Torres Strait and South Sea Islander people who now live in the local area and have made an important contribution to the community.

KIDS & TEENS 22 Dream of a dancer 24 Is the moon a balloon?

27 A May Gibbs classic

The information in this magazine is correct at the time of printing (May 2016). Cover Image: Sydney Dance Company 2016 featuring dancer Bernhard Knauer. Photo by Irenaeus Herok.

OPPORTUNITIES 29 Next Stage / Works in Progress

EVENTS 36 Farmers and fitness 37 Unseen GC 38 Pasifika MORE 40 Cultural Precinct update 41 Talking space with Dr Patrick Mitchell 42 Fire & Ice Christmas party 44 Sharing a love for art 50 An extraordinary legacy 51 Make a real difference 54 Friends of The Arts Centre Gold Coast 55 Partners

STAGE THEATRE

Image: Damien Bredburg

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STAGE THEATRE

The art of acrobatics Circa’s Artistic Director, Yaron Lifschitz, tells us why Il Ritorno rises above many people’s expectations of circus.

It’s incredible to think one of the most groundbreaking circus companies in the world is based just up the highway in Brisbane. In just over a decade, Circa has toured to 34 countries across six continents, with work that has been rapturously received by audiences, presenters and critics around the world.

Circa is at the frontier of new circus – creating powerful works of circus art that challenge, thrill and delight. At the centre of Circa is the art. Shows that push the boundary of the circus artform, blur the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus and yet are a unique, singular ‘Circa’ experience.

Circa’s Artistic Director, Yaron Lifschitz, says ‘… for the past 17 years I have believed, naively, totally and to the embarrassment of many doubters that this genre of circus is a real artform. That it can express deep emotions and higher truths, that it can grapple with issues, exalt our spirits and touch our souls. Sadly, today it is constantly debased by the idea that it can only entertain. Like opera, it is full of conventions and keepers of the ‘one true way’ who suffocate it by purporting to protect it.’

Circa’s groundbreaking new work, Il Ritorno, fuses extraordinary acrobatics with baroque opera.

It retells Claudio Monteverdi’s 17th Century opera Il Ritorno D’Ulisse in Patria (The Return of Ulysses to his Homeland), intermingling it with folk song and new compositions.

Of Il Ritorno, Yaron says ‘…I wanted to break it all. To rebuke off those who think opera is about sets and warbling, to annoy those who believe circus is an extension of the strip club or adolescent technicolor lycra fantasy. With Quincy Grant, our exceptional musical collaborator, we fashioned a world out of Monteverdi as a tale within a tale – surrounded by Mahler, folksong and Quincy’s own compositions. With our singers we asked them to sing across style with a multitude of bodies and stagings around, over and in the middle of them. And with our acrobats we, as always, challenged them to embrace the new, invest themselves and pursue what is vital and necessary.’

The story of Il Ritorno follows the Greek hero Ulysses returning home after twenty long years of war and wanderings, desperate to reach his faithful wife Penelope before she succumbs to her suitors. At the core of Il Ritorno is the hunger to return home – saturated with loss and war, powered by longing and haunted by the past.

‘It would be absurd to imagine that what we do, in a small room in Brisbane, can really make a practical difference,’ says Yaron. ‘But I doggedly believe that when we challenge ourselves, when we make it personal, when we try to communicate difficult, inexpressible things and when we share them, raw, vulnerable and without the safety net of convention, then we have continued to help a little to keep culture alive – culture which may be our only defense.’

See Il Ritorno on Friday 26 or Saturday 27 August in the Arts Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets are Adult $48, Concession $42, Group 6+ $42 and Student / Child (U15yrs) $26. Running time is 80 minutes (no interval). Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

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Fit for the opera After a 25 year career in Europe, Gold Coast resident, Karen Cochet, brings a wealth of experience to her role as Head of Wardrobe for Opera Queensland.

See her stunning work in the upcoming production of The Barber of Seville.

Images: (left to right) Tracey Grant Lord working with Karen Cochet, an illustration and fabric of Berta’s dress, Karen Cochet in wardrobe.

Karen Cochet has had an interesting and varied career that has taken her from the Gold Coast to England, continental Europe and back again. She plays a huge part in bringing all Opera Queensland productions to life on the stage. With The Barber of Seville coming up, the wardrobe department is a hive of activity.

Karen, tell us about your work on The Barber of Seville.

The Barber of Seville is a new production directed by Lindy Hume with vibrant costumes designed by Tracy Grant Lord.

As it's a new production, we began making the costumes early to be ready for July. It’s always exciting to build a new show and our talented, dedicated team is working together to make Lindy and Tracy’s vision come alive.

How would you describe Tracy Grant Lord’s designs?

There’s a real Spanish influence but then there’s a real couture touch. Even in the colours and the appliques and everything we are putting together. It’s very lovely.

We’ve had toile fittings (using calico to test the patterns on the cast). If you’re working on a flat pattern and it goes on a person you can change the line of the costume and add volume. It’s a lot of work, but working with these designs is so interesting. I love it.

What’s the most interesting costume for you?

Berta’s dress. It’s a stunning hot pink duchess satin, but you should see it for real.

You couldn’t even capture the colour of it in a photo. It’s pink, but it’s shot with orange. We sourced it from a company in Lyon, France.

I used to live in Switzerland and use this company a lot so I still had their samples.

Usually shot fabric would be woven with pink thread one way and orange thread the other, but in this fabric the actual threads are shot.

It’s really interesting to see it. Interesting to me, anyway!

Is it true you have to make 30 costumes fit 250 different chorus members?

Yes! It’s a tall order but we’ve already done it when we brought La bohème to the Gold Coast. For the Brisbane season, we have 16 men and eight ladies in the chorus so that’s 24 people, but they’ve got a couple of costumes each. The chorus builds to 32 on tour*. We send out measurement pages to the towns ahead of time and try to match what costumes we have. Whatever we can’t make fit, we have to create. When we arrive in town, there’s no time to alter the costumes, so it all comes down to the planning and how the costumes are constructed. We plan ahead so that we can fit as many shapes as possible into those costumes.

How did you find working with the community choirs?

I was there for first leg of the La bohème tour on the Gold Coast. It was unbelievable. The chorus were delighted to be doing it. It’s such a good vibe to be backstage with them, help prepare them. They bend over backwards to do everything right – it’s so lovely. It was the same reaction through every town. It was really touching how everybody gets into it.

Are you enjoying being back on the Gold Coast?

Oh yes, I‘ve been back six years. My family were here. My husband is French-Swiss and my daughter is French speaking. She was only nine years old when we moved back so there was a settling in period, but she’s 15 now and happy at Southport State High.

Will your daughter follow in your footsteps?

No! She says it’s too much hard work! Crazy hours, crazy life. You’ve got to love it.

Experience the stunning costumes and Spanish madness as Rossini’s celebrated, razor-sharp, musical wit is brought to life.

See The Barber of Seville on Friday 29 July at 7.30pm or Saturday 30 July at 2pm in the Arts Theatre. Tickets are Adult $65, Concession $59, Group 6+ $54, Student $42. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

*The chorus in each town is formed by an auditioned community ensemble, under the banner Project Rossini, which is proudly Supported by Friends of The Arts Centre Gold Coast.

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STAGE MUSIC

The story of Patsy Cline Award-winning country music sensation, Courtney Conway, channels a legend in the hit musical,

Always…Patsy Cline.

More than just a tribute to the legendary country singer, Always…Patsy Cline is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger. Louise befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961s, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her tragic death.

The musical play, complete with country humour, includes 27 of Patsy’s unforgettable hits, such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight. The show’s title was inspired by Cline’s letters to Seger, which were consistently signed ‘Love ALWAYS… Patsy Cline.’

Taking on the role of Patsy is award-winning country music artist, Courtney Conway. Courtney graduated from the College of Country Music in Tamworth, then burst onto the country music scene with her debut EP A Few Little Things. She won Best New Talent at the 2011 National Country Music Awards and was nominated for multiple awards at the 2015 Country Music Channel Awards.

Courtney recorded her first album 21 Days in Nashville in 2014 and it reached the Top Ten ARIA Australian Artists Country Albums Chart.

Courtney says, ‘I’m so excited to be playing one of my idols. Patsy had so many beautiful, classic songs and they are really showcased in this wonderful show.’

Courtney has spent significant time researching Patsy in readiness to take on the role, including travelling to Nashville. ‘I recently visited the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, which was originally the Grand Ole Opry, where Patsy Cline performed from 1960 until she tragically passed away when she was 30. This is also where Always…Patsy Cline premiered in 1994,’ says Courtney.

‘Patsy was quite the character. She was very funny. I’ve gone through some of her letters she’d written and she has made me laugh quite a bit. She was a very strong woman. She paved the way for a lot of country music artists like myself and many others,’ says Courtney.

Coming from a big musical family in Bendigo, Courtney remembers long car trips listening to Patsy Cline CDs. ‘Some of my favourite Patsy Cline songs are Crazy, Walking After Midnight and I Fall to Pieces, so I’m really excited to perform them. Everybody loves these songs, they are classic, they never age, so I can’t wait to get there and perform them to everyone,’ says Courtney.

Always…Patsy Cline has enjoyed great success all over the United States, including a successful run off-Broadway. This new production, directed by AFI award winning Denny Lawrence, also stars popular stage star, Mandi Lodge (Menopause The Musical) as Louise Seger.

Image: Courtney Conway

See Always…Patsy Cline on Saturday 23 July at 2pm or 7.30pm in the Arts Theatre. Tickets for the evening performance are Adult $48, Concession / Group 6+ $42 or Student $26. Tickets for the 2pm matinee are all $29.50. Purchase pre-matinee lunch or high tea (served at 12.30pm) for just $13.50 – must be prebooked. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

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SECTION STAGE THEATRE SECTION

Staging a classic Mercury’s Wings Theatre Company brings us one of the most influential and revered plays of the 20th Century.

The themes and ideas of Waiting for Godot have had a lasting effect on the world theatre, and it is still performed and studied all over the world.

Waiting for Godot is an absurdist play in which two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, wait endlessly and in vain for the arrival of someone named Godot. Godot's absence has led to many interpretations since the play's 1953 premiere. Set in an apocalyptic landscape, the play covers themes of life and death, meaning and uncertainty and the value of optimism.

Mercury’s Wings is headed by husband and wife team, James Anderson (recipient of an Actor’s Fellowship at Shakespeare’s Globe London) and Claudine Anderson (LAMDA, NIDA), who were both drawn to the work in different ways. James says, ‘This is a play that has been on my list for a long time. We took the plunge with another Beckett play, Endgame, a few years ago and the experience was very rewarding for us as a company and for me as an actor. Classic works are so theatrically rich and offer many different challenges.’

Claudine, who will direct the work, says, ‘We don’t often see classic plays here on the Coast. I’m looking for meaningful work that resonates with how I perceive the human condition and my environment. Godot felt like a piece I needed to investigate in my lifetime. The imperative factor for me was how to interpret the text in a way which reflects and resonates with our Queensland environment.’

James adds, ‘This play is often done in a very 'European' way, with the characters portrayed as 'tramps' or 'hobos' and we felt that this was not indicative of where we are. Mercury's Wings is part of the Gold Coast community and we want to present work that reflects what we see around us and the people we perform for.’

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A unique Queensland setting has been chosen for the play, to emphasise its apocalyptic feel in way that is recognisable to local audiences. ‘A few years ago, we drove to Mt Isa. As I was driving over four days, I had an overwhelming feeling that this dry, red, unrelenting landscape was powerfully dramatic. The unchanging nature of the landscape lent itself to the ‘Groundhog Day’ feel of Godot,’ says Claudine.

If you’ve never seen absurdist theatre, James assures us it might not be what you imagine. ‘It is a term that can be misunderstood, as our modern understanding of the word is different to when it was first coined. Absurdist theatre deals with the many complexities of being human and some of the illogical and 'absurd' things that we do.’

‘This type of writing is still very modern, even though it was written in the 50s, as it deals with universal truths. The themes of the play: existence, waiting, the circularity of life and the search for meaning, are as relevant today as ever,’ says James.

Claudine says, ‘This piece is a classic. It’s funny. It’s also profound.

We laugh a lot in rehearsal. The humour is our way in to a text. It’s like an invitation to come and play. An invitation to join a journey, exploring the absurdity and profundity of the human condition - with a touch of Laurel and Hardy, Harpo Marx… and philosophic Australian roadworkers.’

See Waiting for Godot Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights between 14 and 23 July at 7.30pm in The Space. Adults are $32, Concession/Group 6+ $28 and Student $17.50. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000. Recommended 15+ Adult Themes.

STAGE THEATRE SECTION SECTION

Viral Shock Therapy Productions stages a brand new work examining the role of technology and social media in our community.

Viral is a new work written and devised

by Shock Therapy Productions. It is being developed through a series of community consultation workshops aimed at gathering true accounts of acts of discrimination.

It explores the role of social media and technology and how it impacts the way we record, communicate and think about events of racism, abuse, violence and sexual assault in the community.

After the success of The Pillowman (2014) and The Forwards (2015), Hayden Jones and Sam Foster of Shock Therapy Productions return to our stage with another powerful story that is not to be missed. Sam talks with us about the process.

Sam, how is the community consultation process going?

We have reached out to a number of community groups, media outlets and individuals. It’s a delicate process as we are very conscious to go through all the appropriate channels and ensure that communities are fully aware of why we are addressing this subject matter. You need to build trust and make community groups feel connected to the project and to see the value in it.

What themes are emerging from the process?

We are pretty clear on the themes and issues that we would like to explore, but it’s great

to discuss these issues with a wide range of people to gain a broader perspective and gauge people’s reactions. We are really interested in the way social media and technology are used to document and report on various events. We are also interested in the way technology and social media have changed the way we communicate, both in a constructive and destructive way.

Was there a specific, real incident that inspired this show?

Yes. In fact there have been a few actually.

We like using real life as a starting point and inspiration for exploring themes and issues.

It gives things an authentic voice and allows the audience to connect with the narrative on a deeper, more personal level.

What sort of characters have emerged?

With this work we want to tell these stories / events from a number of different, sometimes contrasting perspectives. In our research we are always conscious of the voice that each story could be told from.

This is one of the benefits of using real life events as the starting point, as great characters naturally emerge. You get the perspective of the victims, the perpetrators, bystanders, etc. We try to create a wide array of characters to develop empathy from the audience.

How will you manage multiple characters?

At this stage, actors will be playing multiple roles throughout the show. It is a convention we really like and feel comfortable with. It has been a trademark of the work that we do. We like theatre where the actors are working hard and I think the audience really appreciates that as well.

Will you use physical theatre techniques like your previous productions?

Absolutely. The human body is the instrument for an actor and it tells a story all on its own.

We are always interested in exploring the physical language in a show and how that fuses with the dialogue and other text. Viral will explore a range of physical styles as well as include music, AV content and dialogue.

Experience Viral on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays nights between 1 to 10 September at 7.30pm in The Space.

Tickets are Adult $27, Concession $24, Group 6+ $24 or Student $15.

Recommended for mature audiences aged 15 and over. Contains adult themes.

Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

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STAGE THEATRE

Short+Sweet

Angels in America: Part One: Millennium Approaches

A lot can happen in ten minutes…

Don’t miss this

and we’re here to prove it.

Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

The biggest little play festival is back at The Arts Centre Gold Coast, feeding short attention spans with bite-sized theatre and shot glass cabaret! As the sushi train of the performance world, Short+Sweet serves you more than 30 new performance works by local artists - each one deliciously different from the next.

See up to ten plays or eight cabaret acts at once, then vote for your favourite to send them through to the Gala Finals. You don’t need a big appetite to sample everything on the menu – we’re here to keep it Short+Sweet.

Angels in America: Part One: Millennium Approaches takes place in a city of lost souls, living amongst fear and isolation. A new disease is ravaging the community but is being hushed up by the conservative government.

The audience is dropped into the whirlwind of the private lives of some of its inhabitants. Among the complex and colourful characters are the charismatic villain, Roy Cohn; gay couple Louis and his partner Prior, who has AIDS; Joe and Harper Pitt, a seemingly straight couple who couldn’t be more ‘bent’; Joe, a Mormon and closet homosexual; and his wife Harper, a neurotic Mormon housewife, agoraphobic and valium addict, who is frequently visited by her imaginary friends. Soon these characters unwittingly become entangled in one another’s lives through dreams, betrayal, chaos and the comical.

Written by Tony Kushner, Angels in America is about love, fear, and hope for change. It’s a sensitive and complex portrait of a restless generation in revolt against a seemingly heartless society. The stage becomes a microcosm of the world, and mankind unleashes its own hesitant revolution.

The production is headed by director and producer Claire Goodwin.

Her most recent work was multi award-winning Australian feature Bad Behaviour. Claire was on the producing team and was also the Casting Director for the film, sourcing a stellar cast including John Jarratt (Wolf Creek), Roger Ward (Mad Max), Dwaine Stevenson (Gabriel), Robert Coleby, Georgina Symes and Jean Kittson, catapulting the film forward to distribution and awards nationally and internationally. Claire’s theatre productions combine music, theatre and the cinematic. Credits include Scenes from a Separation, The Crucible, Vinegar Tom, and Death and the Maiden.

SHORT+SWEET THEATRE STRAND 5 Thu 4, Fri 5 & Sat 6 Aug, 7pm Sat 6 Aug, 1.30pm STRAND 7 Thu 11, Fri 12, Sat 13 Aug, 7pm Sat 13 Aug, 1.30pm Tickets are Adult $28, Concession $24.

SHORT+SWEET CABARET STRAND 6 Sat 6 Aug & Sat 13 Aug, 9pm Tickets are Adult $24, Concession $20.

Ticket prices are as above or purchase a Short+Sweet Double Bill ticket: Adult $40, Concession $34. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

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See Angels in America: Part One: Millennium Approaches on Friday 30 September or Saturday 1 October at 7pm, or Sunday 2 October at 2pm in The Space. Tickets are Adult $25 or Concession $20. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

STAGE DANCE

A ballet classic Following their sell-out 2015 performances of Swan Lake, the Imperial Russian Ballet Company returns with The Nutcracker.

With its gorgeous story full of wonder and fun, is it any wonder The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most loved ballets?

The Nutcracker is famous for the musical genius of Tchaikovsky, who created one of the most recognisable and enduring music scores ever written.

On Christmas Eve, family and friends gather in the parlour to decorate the Christmas tree. Presents are given out to the children. Suddenly, a mysterious figure enters the room. It is Drosselmeyer, a talented toymaker who has brought with him gifts for the children, including a wooden nutcracker carved in the shape of a little man.

During the night, after everyone else has gone to bed, Clara returns to the parlour. The nutcracker grows to life size and Clara is swept up in a journey into the land of toys and a battle between King Rat and his mice. When Clara interferes, the mice retreat and the nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince.

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The prince leads Clara to the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy, where a glorious celebration of sweets is held in honour of the young heroine.

The illustrious cast of the Imperial Russian Ballet enjoy performing The Nutcracker more than any other ballet, especially when they are joined by children from local ballet schools in the cities they perform in around the world.

The Imperial Russian Ballet Company was formed in 1994 by the Bolshoi Theatre soloist, Gediminas Taranda, and comprises 40 dancers from the major ballet schools of Russia.

See The Nutcracker on Saturday 17 September at 8pm. Tickets are Adult $87, Pensioner/Senior/Student/Group 10+ $77, Child (U15yrs) $67, Group (adults 10+) $77, Ballet School $57. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

STAGE DANCE SECTION SECTION

Exhilarating Dance Sydney Dance Company brings us a stunning double bill of contemporary dance.

Sydney Dance Company is a legendary force in Australian contemporary dance. Its performances have appeared on the great dance stages of the world, from the Sydney Opera House in Australia, to the Joyce Theatre in New York, the Grand in Shanghai and the Stanislavsky in Moscow.

Sydney Dance Company’s CounterMove explores luminescence and life in a double bill that will enchant, compel and amuse with exhilarating physical dance by some of Australia’s finest dancers.

From one of the world’s most exciting choreographers comes a laugh-out-loud funny and affectionate tribute and parody of modern art: Cacti. Swedish Alexander Ekman’s witty and energetic piece, will take you in with a knowing wink, then surprise you with its bracing physicality.

Choreographer, Alexander Ekman says, ‘Cacti is about how we often feel the need to analyse and ‘understand’ art and simply about criticism and opinions. I believe that there is no right way to interpret art and everyone experiences it through their own context.’

‘Cacti demands high concentration, both from the dancers and musicians, which makes it very exciting to observe,’ says Alexander.

Rafael Bonachela’s world premiere, Lux Tenebris, provides the perfect contrast: light and darkness emerging from a dusky sonic landscape. Movement follows deep, unexpected, visceral beats and sharp, sudden twists to discover a dark place where there is space for beauty and light. Bonachela’s work, as always, is deeply emotional.

‘I wanted to evoke an instinctual connection between people and wanted to draw out the tension that comes from those interactions - the human encounters that surround us as they move into and out of focus and light, blinded at times by direct light or looking sideways into the edge of the shadow,’ says Rafael.

‘For me, there was a driving force about how light and darkness affects us all, our moods, our memories of specific periods in our lives – the physical sense of light and darkness, overlaid with the emotional connections to those contrasting worlds,’ says Rafael.

If you love dance, CounterMove will intrigue, move and entertain you. See it on Friday 15 July or Saturday 16 July at 7.30pm in the Arts Theatre. Tickets are Adult $56, Concession $48, Group 6+ $45, Student / Child (U15yrs) $32, Student Group $27. Running time is 55 minutes.

Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

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SECTION STAGE MUSIC SECTION

Songs of spirit Take a powerful musical journey through Australia’s cultural heartland.

Inspired by the words of Alexis Wright, winner of Australia’s prestigious Miles Franklin Award, dirtsong is a performance that will move the heart and lift the spirit.

Set against a backdrop of stunning moving images and text, dirtsong features unforgettable songs performed in 11 different Aboriginal languages by some of Australia’s most extraordinary performers and backed by an exciting ensemble of the country’s finest musicians.

In exploring the connections between people, language and land, dirtsong draws a map of Australia in music – a map that charts the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country. dirtsong does not simply reinforce or affirm cultures and traditions; it also actively creates them. Many of the songs featured are new commissions. dirtsong features the talents of Black Arm 14 CU LT UR E ISSUE SEVEN

Band, a collective of renowned Indigenous singers, musicians, performers and actors from across Australia, and is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the very best of contemporary Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, culture, experience and identity.

Black Arm Band is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) organisation and one of Australia’s leading performing arts companies, widely acclaimed in Australia and internationally for its distinctive music theatre performances, celebration of indigenous music, culture and language and uniquely powerful visual imagery. Their musical tradition and presentation is forged from over 40,000 years of living culture, infused with contemporary styles that have been adopted as their own by Aboriginal Australia.

They are a flexible ensemble of highly skilled

blackfulla and whitefulla musicians and artistic technicians who represent the apogee of Australian music theatre. Exceptional artistry, authentic storytelling, profoundly affecting performances and an artistic memorandum of celebration revolutionreconciliation are the features of Black Arm Band that have imprinted us on the landscape of Australian Indigenous arts.

This event is part of our Indigenous Program, proudly presented by Bond University.

See dirtsong on Fri 16 Sep at 7.30pm in the Arts Theatre. Tickets are Adult $48, Concession / Group 6+ $42, Student / Child (U15yrs) $26. Running time is 80 minutes (no interval).

Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

STAGE MUSIC

Voices from Soweto Soweto Gospel Choir is one of the world’s greatest vocal ensembles.

Since its formation in 2002, Soweto Gospel Choir has won four Grammys (two in musical collaboration), an Emmy Award and an Academy Award nomination for its work with Peter Gabriel.

Hailing from Soweto in Johannesburg, Soweto Gospel Choir brings together some of Africa’s finest singers performing a repertoire that combines traditional African songs handed down through the generations, African Gospel, their unique renditions of international classics as well as South African freedom songs.

Soweto Gospel Choir has performed for and celebrated with the leaders of the world including Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Presidents Obama and Clinton, as well as the British Royal Family. The ensemble has recorded and performed with some of the world’s greatest

artists including Bono, Robert Plant, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion and Diana Ross.

In its over 1,000 performances, Soweto Gospel Choir has brought joy into the lives of audiences all around the world. With soaring harmonies and that unique South African sound, witnessing a performance by Soweto Gospel Choir is unforgettable and a truly extraordinarily moving musical experience.

Experience Soweto Gospel Choir on Sunday 28 August at 5pm in the Arts Theatre. Tickets are Adult: A Reserve $89, B Reserve $79; Concession: A Reserve $84, B Reserve $74; Family (2 Adults, 2 Children): A Reserve $280, B Reserve $260; Group 8+ A Reserve $65. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

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STAGE MUSIC

Swingin’ fun Relive the big band era with

Miss Mandy Swings.

Join in the fun as our showgirl, Miss Mandy, a cookin' six-piece band and swing dancers pay tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, Liza Minelli and many more.

Enjoy the brassy sound of Miss Mandy and her three-piece horn section, swinging to the songs of yesteryear. Relive the big band sound as Miss Mandy belts out the up tempo swing of Bette Midler in Miss Otis Regrets and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. With an early career in variety television, Mandy Goullet went on to perform as singer / dancer in two productions at Jupiters Casino, Starz and Galaxies. Mandy has performed leading roles in dinner shows at the Tivoli Theatre Brisbane, Club Tropicana Cairns, Paradise Follies on the Gold Coast and the Za Za Club in Japan.

This old-school entertainer is the real deal. Miss Mandy combines jazz and cabaret to coin her own style 'Jazzaret'.

See Miss Mandy Swings on Tuesday 13 September at 11am (complimentary morning tea is served from 10.15am). Purchase a high tea or lunch for an additional $13.50 (bookings essential).

Tickets are Adult/Concession $19.50 or Group 6+ $16.50. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

STAGE MUSIC

An unforgettable recital

Gold Coast Jazz & Blues Club

Timothy Young will astound in this recital of

The Gold Coast Jazz & Blues

works by Ravel, Scriabin and Rachmaninov.

Club draws acclaim for its selection of bands, singers

Timothy Young heads the piano department at Australia's most prestigious music school.

His 2013 recital displayed his immense sensitivity with an unforgettable performance of Beethoven's final sonata and his great virtuosity in Rachmaninov's ëtudes.

In this program, he begins with Ravel's watercolours and impressions in Gaspard de la nuit, a piece the composer desired to be the most difficult thing yet written for the piano.

The rest of the program turns to Russia, first with Scriabin's perfumed harmonies and then to Rachmaninov's towering structures in the epic b-flat minor sonata.

See Timothy Young – Ravel, Scriabin and Rachmaninov on Saturday 20 August at 7.30pm in Gallery 1. This is part of the Con Brio Concert Series. Tickets are Adult $30, Concession $25, Student $15. Running time is 60 minutes. Book at theartscentregc. com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

and musicians drawn from all over Australia.

AN EVENING IN PARIS Saturday 23 July Bring back memories of the fashion, style and cafés of Paris! We take you back to the music of pre-WWII Paris, when artists such as Stéphane Grappelli, Django Reinhardt and the inimitable Edith Piaf placed ‘le hot jazz’ to the fore on the world scene. The headliner will be former Le Moulin Rouge principal dancer/singer Marissa Burgess, together with the George Washingmachine Quintet from Sydney and, of course, the Can-Can dancing girls.

AN OSCAR MOMENT Friday 26 August Back in 2002, the aspiring, young Australian jazz pianist, Matt Baker, went to New York to sit at the feet of jazz piano legend, Oscar Peterson, who had a week-long engagement at the Blue Note. Peterson befriended Baker and remained his friend and mentor for the rest of his life. Matt Baker and his Trio fly in direct from New York to play the music made famous by Oscar Peterson.

Image: Keith Saunders

SWING INTO SPRING Friday 23 September As the days grow longer and warmer we’re going to Swing Into Spring with the music of the legends such as Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra. Our musical director, pianist extraordinaire and headliner vocalist, Craig Schneider, will lead an orchestra consisting of some of the young stars of the Brisbane Conservatorium of Music playing the songs of your lifetime. Bring your dancing shoes!

All performances are staged in the Paradise Showroom. The bar and bistro opens at 6pm and the show starts at 7.30pm.

Members tickets are $23 and Visitors are $28. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

ISSUE SEVEN CULT URE 17

STAGE MUSIC

Fiesta de la Musica Following the success of previous years, Fiesta de la Musica returns to delight audiences again in 2016.

The two-week Fiesta de la Musica will run from Thursday 1 September through until Sunday 18 September and will feature an eclectic mix of classical and world music, across performances, workshops and events.

In an extension on previous years, the festival is also presenting a series of free lunchtime concerts on the first Thursday of each month, which have proved to be wonderfully popular with audiences. The varied blend of classical and world music offerings consistently draw crowds to engage in their love of music.

Over the months of July and August, in the lead up to the commencement of the main festival, the free performance schedule features a lakeside orchestral performance and a unique AFTER DARK event.

YOUNG STARS Star Perfect invites music students of all levels and instruments to come together in a noncompetitive performance environment that is fun and entertaining for everyone.

Young Stars provides concert practice and learning opportunities for our up-and-coming Gold Coast musicians. Selected local students will also perform to showcase the future of musical talent on the Gold Coast.

Sun 11 Sep I 4pm – 5.30pm I The Basement I FREE (booking required)

exploring the concept of ‘success’ in music performance. This hands-on practical workshop aims to revitalise and empower music students and teachers and will explore what elements are inherent in ‘successful’ music performance.

Aspiring musicians and experienced educators will come away armed with powerful tools for successful live performance.

Thu 1 Sep I 4.30pm – 6.30pm I The Basement I $40 participant, $25 observer RHAPSODY IN BLUE – SOUTHERN CROSS SOLOISTS DINNER & MUSIC EVENT An enchanting evening of remarkable food, wine and music feature the Southern Cross Soloists, Rhapsody in Blue is a program of lyrical and rhapsodic masterpieces. A unique chamber music ensemble comprising of leading musicians from around Australia, Southern Cross Soloists delivers exciting and uplifting performances in their signature up close and personal style. From Ravel’s fantastically twirling La Valse, to Debussy’s gem Rhapsody for clarinet to Gershwin’s revolutionary Rhapsody in Blue, this program will charm and delight.

Fri 2 Sep I 6.30pm I Paradise Showroom I $65

BACH @ LUNCH Across the globe, audiences flock to experience the intimacy and meditative power of Bach’s music. Artists paint to his music, dancers move, poets write. Join us to experience for yourself what it is about his music that endures and captures the imagination. Experience this intimate concert that celebrates the beauty, the joy and the pure genius of J.S. Bach’s music for cello as a solo voice and with sparkling harpsichord.

Thu 1 Sep I 1pm - 1.45pm I The Basement I FREE (booking required)

PHILHARMONIC FIESTA The Gold Coast Philharmonic Orchestra and Conductor, Mark Turpin, launch into a feast of orchestral classics and music from the stage and screen in their return to The Arts Centre.

Experience the power and beauty of the Gold Coast’s own orchestra as Philharmonic Fiesta takes you on a journey from Mozart through the romantic era. They will also pay homage to 30 years of musicals at The Arts Centre with medleys from Porgy and Bess, Les Miserables, a sing along with The Sound of Music and more.

Sun 18 Sep I 2.30pm – 4.30pm I Paradise Showroom I Adult $25, Concession $23, Child (5-15yrs) $5, Friends of the Philharmonic/ The Arts Centre $20

FLAMENCO FIESTA Local dance companies, El Bari Flamenco and Gems of the Nile present Latin and Spanish flavoured flamenco dance with live music and song. Set outdoors on The Terrace, come and dance the flamenco with the professionals and enjoy the casual atmosphere, colourful costumes and fine music.

Fri 9 Sep I 6pm – 8pm I The Terrace I FREE

WORKSHOP: What makes a successful performance?

Louise King will present an informative and useful music workshop discovering and

Fiesta de la Musica runs 1-18 September in various locations across The Arts Centre Gold Coast. For bookings and more information, visit theartscentregc. com.au/fiesta.

ALSO ON IN JULY AND AUGUST Music Down The Rhine Music Down the Rhine features splendid orchestra music from the students at Bond University. Aspiring future doctors, lawyers and young business professionals will delight the audience transporting you to Europe and the beauty of the Rhine.

Thu 7 Jul I 1pm I Lakeside Terrace I FREE

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Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra There’s something special about hearing the classics performed live. Featuring some of the world’s brightest young instrumentalists performing under the baton of Lio Kuokman, Assistant Conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra, MYSO’s repertoire ranges from the mighty Tchaikovsky to contemporary Macanese composer Doming Lam. Thu 4 Aug | 1pm | Arts Theatre | FREE (booking required)

Composing Art: an AFTER DARK event Do composers hear music when they see visual art? Can music and visual art connect at a deep cultural level to express the spirit of space and time? Take a journey into music, art and collaborative creativity with composer Dr Corrina Bonshek.

Thu 4 Aug I 6pm I Gallery 1 I FREE

STAGE MUSIC SECTION SECTION

ISSUE SEVEN CULT URE 19

COMEDY IN THE BASEMENT

Friday 1 July

Friday 8 July

Mickey D

Tommy Dean

Friday 29 July

Friday 5 August

Dilruk Jayasinha

Friday 26 August

Al Del Bene

Friday 15 July

Friday 22 July

Chris Wainhouse

Doug Chappel

Bev Killick

John Burgos

Friday 12 August

Friday 19 August

Friday 2 September

Friday 9 September

Friday 16 September

Daniel Connell

Tom Siegert

Cam Knight

Chris Radburn

Enjoy guaranteed, non-stop laughs and hilarious antics every Friday night from 8pm at Comedy in The Basement. Doors and bar open from 6.30pm.

Tickets are $25 for adults or $22 for groups of six or more. Dinner and show packages available for $79. Groups please book in advance. Strictly 18+.

Friday 23 September

Lindsay Webb

Friday 30 September

Ashley Fils-Aime

theartscentregc.com.au July — September, 2016 #comedyinthebasement

KIDS AND TEENS

Image: Heidrun Lohr

Dream of a dancer The aspirational story of Mao’s Last Dancer comes to life for children in

The Peasant Prince these school holidays.

The Peasant Prince is an aspirational story for children laced with dreams, perseverance and love. It follows the true story of Li Cunxin’s rise from poverty to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated dancers.

Mao’s Last Dancer, Li Cunxin’s autobiographical book and film, is the inspiration for The Peasant Prince. Tim McGarry from Monkey Baa Theatre Company had the foresight to see that this was a children’s story worth telling on stage and approached Li Cunxin with his idea. Cunxin approved, saying ‘along with ballet, opera and music, theatre is one of the most powerful performing art forms that can truly move and inspire people’.

This play explores Cunxin’s childhood and how he came to be plucked from Shandong province to attend a six-year program at the Beijing Dance Academy. It also explores the social, cultural and political issues of the time through children’s eyes. It will spark discussions about China, the Communist Party and poverty. Although this is a play, rather than a ballet, the movement scenes are beautifully choreographed by Danielle Micich of Force Majeure, and Li Cunxin himself spent time with each of the performers developing and honing the choreography.

In fact, Cunxin’s involvement from the script writing to choreography and final production reflects his pure passion and determination – the same determination he has carried since he was 10 years old. At that age Cunxin left his village to go to Beijing, pursuing his dream of being a famous ballet star. Chosen as one of 15 children of 7,000 auditionees across China, Cunxin began his six-year program at the Beijing Dance Academy.

22 CU LT UR E ISSUE SEVEN

Director Tim McGarry writes: ‘Li Cunxin’s life journey feels like a fairy tale, a ‘rags-to-riches’ story about a boy who was propelled from a life of utter poverty onto the world stage to become one of the greatest ballet dancers of our time. It is all of this and so much more – a story of fate and agency, pain and loneliness; of an astonishingly determined spirit who overcame adversity and an emotional and physical struggle to simply survive.’

Bringing The Peasant Prince to the theatre, without overwhelming the young audience (remember this is communist China, with all of its foibles and desperate poverty), is not an easy task, but Monkey Baa Theatre Company paints a beautiful tapestry of script, movement and imagery.

Cunxin hopes that young children that see the play will be motivated and inspired to dream and try hard to achieve, no matter what their background.

This event is part of our 2016 Family Series, proudly supported by McGrath Estate Agents.

See The Peasant Prince these school holidays on Monday 4 July at 6pm or Tuesday 5 July at 10.30am and 2pm in the Arts Theatre. It’s suitable for ages 6-12 years. Running time is 55 minutes. Tickets are Adult / Child / Concession $22.50, or Family (2 adults and 2 children) $69. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

KIDS AND TEENS

For young imaginations I See You is a touching theatre experience for children 2 – 5 years transforming the mundane into dreamlike worlds.

Thom Browning, Artistic Director of Imaginary Theatre, talks about this gorgeous interactive performance that will inspire play, warm the heart and set the imagination alight.

How did the idea for I See You come about?

I See You is inspired by children’s remarkable capacity to explore, investigate and generally to accept the differences of others through play. When we toured our previous early years theatre work around the world, we noticed something remarkable. The reception we received from children, despite language and cultural differences, was almost always the same! We were greeted with open hearts and minds, despite the fact we were obviously different, and found that, through play, we could find common ground where understanding and acceptance was abundant.

We wanted to explore this idea more with the help of our Korean friend and performer, Tak Hoyoung.

What inspired the Korean influence?

We have been lucky to have been working with Korean artists since 2004, when some of our funding members worked in a university secondment with LATT Children's Theatre in Seoul. Now, over 12 years later, we are members of a collective of artists in Brisbane and Seoul who have been creating a whole range of Australia-Korea collaborations. I See You is the first of these collaborations made especially for children. The show is mostly non-verbal, containing just very basic text in both Korean and English.

보인다 I See You 우리 모두 함께 차가운 눈 속에서 오들오들 떨어보고, 하얀 눈 위에 발자국을 남겨보아요. 쏟아지는 빗속에서 맘껏 달려도 보고, 우리 안의 기억 속을 이리저리 여행해봐요. 긴 선을 따라 생겨난 도로 위를 씽씽 달려 보고, 사뿐사뿐 걸어도 보아요. 자, 이젠 난 당신을 볼 수 있어요. 보인다 는 우리가 일상에서 듣고, 보고, 느끼던 평범한 소리와 이미지 그리고 감각을 마치 꿈결과도 같은 새로운 경험의 세계로 전환해주는 유아•어린이 체험 연극입니다. 한국 및 호주 예술가들의 공동협업으로 만들어진 본 공연은 한-영 2개 국어로 진행되며, 극 중 관객과의 상호 교감을 통해 놀이에 대한 새로운 영감을 불러일으키고, 관객의 가슴을 무궁무진한 상상력으로 따뜻이 채워줄 것입니다.

What can children expect from the interactive part of the show?

We think our audience's experience is not complete until they have been able to embody the ideas in the show for themselves. So, both children and adults will be able to play, interact, re-create images from the show, as well as create new ones! It will be a lot of fun.

Does this piece include music or other art forms?

We make our children's theatre to be as rich and sophisticated as we can, as we think children both deserve and appreciate the best and most interesting art we can offer. Though I See You will be mostly recognisable as theatre, it might contain some unexpected things that are more in common with live art, or installation art. Expect the unexpected and be delighted!

Bring little ones aged two to five years to I See You on Friday 8 or Saturday 9 July at 10am or 12pm in The Space. Tickets are $19.50 Child (2-5yrs). Adult free with paying child. Running time is 60 minutes including interactive play. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

Images: Kim Kyungtae

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SECTION KIDS ANDSECTION TEENS

Playful invention Patch Theatre’s The Moon’s a Balloon is a moving story exploring childhood play, invention, friendship and connection, for children 3 – 8 years.

Exploration, play and invention are at the heart of the way children make friends. The Moon’s a Balloon combines magical lighting, digital imagery and a stunning soundscape to delight and inspire the hearts and minds of three to eight year olds and their carers.

Always a source of wonder for humanity, the moon throughout history was thought to be flat, made of cheese, a giant mirror or reflection of the sun. It is only through scientific endeavour that we know exactly what the moon is made from; its dimensions and impact on the earth.

Without this scientific understanding, children infuse the natural world with magic and wonder, sometimes with the help of their parents – the rainbow has a pot of gold at the end of it, or the sun has gone to bed.

The Moon’s a Balloon taps into this sense of wonder, combining themes of balloons, friendship, play through music, imagery, lights and story. Brought to the stage by Patch Theatre (Cranky Bear, Me and My 24 CU LT UR E ISSUE SEVEN

Shadow), this wonderful theatre production will take you back to your childhood and thrill little ones. It is a beautiful visual feast of imagery and movement, exploring playful themes, and will leave you asking, is the moon a balloon?

This event is part of our 2016 Family Series, proudly supported by McGrath Estate Agents.

See The Moon’s a Balloon on Thursday 7 July at 6pm, or Friday 8 July at 10am or 2pm in the Arts Theatre. Adult, Child and Concession tickets are $22.50 or purchase a Family (2A+2C) for $69. Running time is 45 minutes. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

KIDS AND TEENS

Once upon a time White Rabbit Theatre Ensemble invites creative creatures to explore fairy tales in these school holiday workshops.

Children aged five to 10 years can explore magical characters and scary settings from our most enduring fairy tales, and reimagine stories featuring their own heroes and villains!

Using theatre games and arts activities, these free workshops offer participants the chance to explore the fun – and fear – of storytelling. After all, while it’s easy to love the hero, there’s a little bit of the villain in all of us.

Book your child for a free Once Upon a Time workshop these school holidays.

The workshop for ages 5 to 7 is on Monday 4 July at 10am. Workshops for 8 to ten year olds are on Monday 4 July at 2pm, or Wednesday 6 July at 10am. Bookings are essential and places are strictly limited. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000 Please note: Participant’s carers will be asked to sign a release form to state their understanding that some content gathered may be used in the creation of a contemporary children’s work for theatre, as well as a consent for photo images that may be used in public forums such as websites in the future. White Rabbit Theatre Ensemble would like to take children’s names and ages and keep them informed as the work develops, as well as crediting them as creative collaborators to the final work.

Please note: Participant’s carers will be asked to sign a release form to state their understanding that some content gathered may being used in the creation of a contemporary children’s work for theatre, as well as a consent for photo images that may be used in public forums such as websites in the future. White Rabbit Theatre Ensemble would like to take children’s names and ages and keep them informed as the work develops, as well as crediting them as creative collaborators to the final work.

26 CU LT UR E ISSUE SEVEN

KIDS AND TEENS

A May Gibbs classic The gumnut babies are live on stage!

Teachers! Gain some ideas for the classroom. Join facilitator ThereseFlynn Clarke to explore the legacy of May Gibbs and delve into the world of botanical art on Monday 18 July, from 4 until 6pm.

RSVP and request invoice: education@theartscentregc.com. au or theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

L to R: Georgia Adamson as Little Ragged Blossom, Jacob Warner as Snugglepot, Kirk Page as Cuddlepie, Original Cast, Images: Branco Gaica.

Generations of children have followed the adventures of the Gumnut Babies, the Banksia Men and the cast of animals and bushland creatures that populate the iconic Australian stories of May Gibbs.

CDP Theatre Producers, along with their creative partners Monkey Baa Theatre Company work hard to bring young audiences uniquely Australian stories and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie is no exception. Opening at the Sydney Opera House to rave reviews, this beautiful production is introduced by a voice over from May Gibbs and is set in her imagination.

May Gibbs’ Australian bushland fantasy explores themes of kindness and helping others, our responsibility to look after the environment, diverse family relationships and

the power of our imagination.There are a lot of wonderful messages for children.

At the Sydney Opera House premiere season, original producer Christine Dunstan said, ‘We’ve kept the spirit of May Gibbs, the stories, the characters, but we've put it in today's language,’ Dunstan says. ‘May Gibbs wrote Snugglepot and Cuddlepie to be read to children; these days, children's books are written to be read by children.’ The play, she says, ‘speaks directly to kids in a language they understand’.

The story picks up when the Gumnut Babies are young boys on a mission to see a human in real life. A cast of adorable characters support the Babies on their mission. They are funny, charismatic and infused with the bush charm that May Gibbs artfully crafted many years ago.

This is an opportunity to introduce a new generation to the bush, the secret world of the Gumnut Babies and Australian icon, May Gibbs.

This event is part of our 2016 Family Series, proudly supported by McGrath Estate Agents.

See Snugglepot and Cuddlepie on Monday 25 July at 11.30am or 1.30pm, Tuesday 26 July at 10.30am, 12.45pm or 6pm. Adult, Child and Concession tickets are $22.50 or purchase a Family (2A+2C) for $69. Running time is 55 minutes.

Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

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SECTION KIDS ANDSECTION TEENS

Gold Coast Eisteddfod The Gold Coast Eisteddfod celebrates its 35th year in 2016.

Mark your diary to see highlights from this year’s Eisteddfod at The Musicale on Sunday 16 October at 2pm in the Arts Theatre. Also making a special appearance at this concert will be the winner of the International Musical Theatre Section of the Llangollen Eisteddfod in Wales.

It began as part of Tropicarnival, the first Community Festival, in 1982, and when the Festival concluded in 2000, the Eisteddfod became an entity of its own. The Competition had 600 competitors in the first year and this year more than 71,000 competitors will take to the stages.

It is the biggest event of its type in the country and the Chairman and General Manager have tried to find anything bigger internationally, with no success - as no others appear to cover all genres – vocal, piano, speech, drama, dance, bands, orchestras, choral, instrumental groups and importantly, Children and Young Adults with Special Needs.

This year around 158 Primary and Secondary Schools will participate and over 70 Dance Studios.

Between 60 and 70 thousand people watch the performances over seven weeks of competition in three venues – The Arts Centre, Robina and Albert Waterways Community Centres. For a tiny entry fee the

public is invited to watch the outstanding entertainment.

Past competitors are seen all over the world – as musicians, choreographers, dancers, singers; in ballet companies and orchestras; on cruise ships and in entertainment venues.

For those who say the Gold Coast has little culture, one has only to look at the numbers involved in the Eisteddfod to know this is far from the truth. Our teachers in the school and private system are among the best in the world and their hard work is showcased each year during the Eisteddfod.

The Gold Coast Eisteddfod runs 28 July to 9 September at The Arts Centre Gold Coast, Robina and Albert Waterways Community Centres. Visit goldcoasteisteddfod.com.au for more information.

Image: Move Photography

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OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities Next Stage — Sing it, play it, launch it Are you looking for a venue to showcase your music, band or cabaret show? Are you launching your album? Apply now for our Next Stage program to be considered for financially-supported access to The Basement to produce your own performance.

buenen@theartscentregc.com.au, including: • A biography, outlining your performance experience (include links to online footage where possible) • A 250 word performance pitch • Preferred dates Let us help you take your career to the next stage.

What we offer Next Stage recipients will receive a support package valued at $1200, including venue access plus professional, technical, front-of-house and ticketing support. Specifically, The Arts Centre Gold Coast will fund and manage: • 1 night-only access to The Basement • 6 hours of ST technical labour • 3 hours of ST Front-of-House labour • Set ticket pricing and schedule of performance • Ticket sales management • Standard lighting and audio equipment • Advertising in eNews and website After the expenses* are settled, artists will receive 70% of the Box Office takings. Next Stage recipients will be emerging or established artists with the ability to deliver a polished performance and actively drive their own sales. To be considered, please email Vicki Buenen, Producer, on

Works in Progress Would you like time, space and mentorship to develop your theatrical idea?

Apply for a Works in Progress grant to help develop an artistic work to bring it closer to performance standard.

This assistance consists of a grant of up to $1000 for professional development of the product and access to our black box theatre The Space for development sessions and rehearsals. The Works in Progress program is not geared toward a performance outcome. Funds should be used by recipients to engage experienced professionals to challenge and offer new insight into the existing work, such as hiring a professional playwright or directing mentor. To apply for a Works in Progress grant, please send your expression of interest with an outline of your project including mentor information to Vicki Buenen, Producer at buenen@theartscentregc.com.au.

*Expenses include booking fees, credit card charges, computer programming and labour above agreed contribution

SECTION CINEMA SECTION

Coming to the Arts Cinema Cinema Supervisor and Programmer, Mika Mantykivi, gives us a sneak peek of the upcoming program.

Love & Friendship

Sing Street

The Founder

Captain Fantastic

(July)

(July)

(August)

(September)

Set in the opulent drawing rooms of eighteenth-century English society, Love & Friendship focuses on the machinations of a beautiful widow, Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale) who, while waiting for social chatter about a personal indiscretion to pass, takes up temporary residence at her in-laws’ estate. While there, the intelligent, flirtatious, and amusingly egotistical Lady Vernon is determined to be a matchmaker for her daughter Frederica and herself too, naturally. She enlists the assistance of her old friend Alicia, but two particularly handsome suitors complicate her orchestrations.

Sing Street takes us back to 1980s Dublin seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), who is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents' relationship and money troubles, while trying to adjust to his new inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious, Ăźbercool and beautiful Raphina (Lucy Boynton), and, with the aim of winning her heart, he invites her to star in his band's music videos.

There's only one problem: he's not part of a band... yet.

The Founder is a drama that tells the true story of how Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton), a salesman from Illinois, met Mac and Dick McDonald, who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc was impressed by the brothers' speedy system of making the food and saw franchise potential.

He manoeuvred himself into a position to be able to pull the company from the brothers and create a billion-dollar empire.

This heart-warming family tale follows a father (Viggo Mortensen), devoted to teaching his six children how to live and survive in the deep forests of the Pacific Northwest.

When he is forced to leave his selfcreated paradise and is confronted with the real world, he begins a journey that challenges his ideas of freedom and what it means to raise a family.

Become a

Love chatting about movies?

Cinema Member

Join our Movie Review Club!

Friends of the Arts Cinema membership offers greatly reduced cinema ticket prices to its members. The yearly membership covers the financial year 1 July to 30 June. It includes discounted movie tickets (presenting membership card at box office is required to receive discount) and one complimentary ticket to a movie of your choice (excludes special price events or films on a 'no free list').

On the fourth Wednesday of each month, the Arts Cinema hosts a Movie Review Club. This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and discuss the selected film with a forum of academics.

Simply see the film ahead of time, and join us on the day for an interactive discussion. Morning teas are offered at a special price and it costs nothing to become a member of the Movie Review Club.

The next Movie Review Clubs will be held Wednesdays 27 July, 24 August and 28 September in The Basement at 10.30am.

Films to be advised. See you there!

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GALLERY

Satellites of Love / Regions of Alienation

ENERGIES 2016

Satellites of Love / Regions of

Talented secondary school students

Alienation is an inclusive visual arts

from across the Gold Coast present

project between local artists and

a vivid insight into the concerns and

community groups.

interests of young people.

The exhibition shines a light on the northern Gold Coast and Hinterland, home to a wonderfully diverse range of formal and informal group activities. From the hardworking Pacific Pines Residents Group to the Men’s Shed in Oxenford; from the 30-year-running Polynesian Cultural group to a Drawing Club for artists with disabilities at FSG Coomera, the exhibition reveals a vital connection between group participation, happiness and social cohesion in community.

Artists featured are Warrick Coady, Kel Edso, Lucy Fosberg, Lily Halton, Tyler Jackson, with project producers, Suzanne Howard and David M Thomas and facilitator, Kate Woodcroft.

Using video, sculpture, photography, installation, text and performance, the artists address ideas of community building, social isolation, cultural identity, spiritual connection, social engagement and skills sharing.

Please join us for the official opening event on Saturday 18 June, 3-5pm in Gallery 2. Free event, all welcome.

Organised by local visual arts teachers, ENERGIES allows state and non-state school students across the Gold Coast region to exhibit their artwork in a non-competitive environment. The selected works include wonderfully varied artistic media, from painting to video installation, across a diverse range of themes and subject matter important to these creative teenagers.

Each year ENERGIES captures a unique snapshot of the current social, emotional and global views held by young people here on the Gold Coast, whilst offering a preview of Queensland’s emerging art scene of the future.

Satellites of Love / Regions of Alienation is on display in Gallery 2 from 18 June until 24 July. Please check the website for details of public programs.

ENERGIES 2016 is on display in Gallery 2 from 23 September until 30 October.

SAVE THE DATE Students Art Immersion Day will be held on Friday 17 October.

Part of the Young Artist Development Program and supported

by Friends of The Arts Centre Gold Coast

Image: Generations come together with the North Gold Coast Seahawks Basketball club. The junior girls and boys, men and women's teams practicing for International Running Man Challenge with artist Lily Halton documenting. (Photo Ricardo Lawyer)

Image: Georgiana Vine, Ultra World, 2015. Courtesy of the artist.

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GALLERY

Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award 2016 Last year’s winner, Owen Leong, joins us for a special opening event artist talk.

Owen Leong’s complex photograph Mudra evoked many responses in viewers when it was selected as the winner of the 2015 Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award

by Judge Natalie King.

Owen Leong is a Sydney-based contemporary artist exploring the transmission of culture and the body as a physical site of exchange. His work transforms the body through fictional selves to open a space for new identities to come into being. In recent work, including Mudra, Leong engages more deeply with his heritage, turning towards Chinese medicine, philosophy and ancient systems of cultural knowledge to explore the poetics of healing.

An artist whose first love was printmaking, he is currently in residence at Parramatta Artist Studios and has been making a full body cast and further castings of his hands forming a sign language in the shape of Buddhist mudras; sculptures with rare minerals; and working on his metal welding in preparation for a solo exhibition at Aretereal Gallery Sydney.

These diverse practices, involving the making and construction of objects that the artist then photographs, are indicative of the many ways that contemporary artists are using the medium of photography.

Join Owen Leong for a special artist talk on Saturday 25 June from 4pm in the Panorama Suite. Then stay on after for the 2016 JUWS Photography Award opening and prize announcement in Gallery 1 from 6pm with 2016 Judge, Professor Susan Best from Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.

Presented in conjunction with the 2016 Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award on display in Gallery 1 from 25 June to 21 August 2016.

Image: Owen Leong, Mudra 2014, pigment print on archival cotton paper. Collection: Gold Coast City Gallery. Winner 2015 Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award

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Public Programs AFTER DARK: Composing Art COLOURING SPACE AND TIME New Music-Art-Film from the Asia Pacific Rim — art.music.talks.food Take a journey into music, art and collaborative creativity with composer Dr Corrina Bonshek.

Involving images and accompaniment, Corrina will share insights into how composers from different cultural backgrounds engage with visual art.

Following this talk, experience new music for piano inspired by visual art and short music-art-films from five composers from Australia, Asia and the USA. We will also hear the winner of the Composers Competition, which has seen local musicians create a piece of music in response to a photograph in the exhibition.

Join us on Thursday 4 August at 6pm.

Galleries stay open 5 - 8pm, cash bar available. This is a FREE event presented in conjunction with the 2016 Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award and Fiesta de la Musica.

PHOTO FANATICS 13 - 18 year olds with an interest in photographic practice to work intensively with artists featured in the exhibition.

Join us on Friday 1 July from 11am until 4pm at multiple venues across The Arts Centre Gold Coast. Book at (07) 5588 4000. Places strictly limited. Supported

by Friends of The Arts Centre Gold Coast.

GALLERY

30th Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award A showcase of contemporary artists from around the world working in ceramics.

There has been a revival of ceramic art enthusiasts recently, with this ancient medium now surprisingly contemporary. Everywhere you look from, art fairs and biennials to cutting-edge galleries around the world, ceramics are popping up in all their intriguing, versatile, handmade physicality.

Gold Coast City Gallery is excited by the recent renaissance of ceramic art - this new vogue for fired clay - and want to tap into this growing trend in order to more fully celebrate contemporary ceramic art.

Now in its 30th year, the Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award showcases a generation and breed of ceramic artists who are making stand-out, entirely of-the-moment ceramic works. These artists are pushing the boundaries and categorisation of ceramic art, as well as artists highlighting traditional ceramics in a contemporary art scene allowing audiences to experience the breadth of contemporary ceramic art practice happening around the world.

With a major first prize of $10,000 and up to $5,000 for additional acquisitions, chosen works become an important addition to Gold Coast City Gallery’s permanent collection. This year’s guest judge is renowned artist and Co-Director of The Curator’s Department, Glenn Barkley.

The Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award is on display in Gallery 1 from 27 August until 23 October. Please check the website for Public Program details.

Image: Niharika Hukku, Dark Sky 2014, Porcelain Collection: Gold Coast City Gallery.

Acquired 29th Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award

Image: Damien O’mara, Star Jet 2 2015, Inkjet print on composite aluminium panel, 390x100cm, Courtesy of the artist

Damien O’Mara’s Airport Local artist reimagines Gold Coast Airport with panoramic photography.

Damien O’Mara is a locally based artist drawn to using photography as a way of re-examining infrastructure as a symbol of conformity in contemporary Australian society.

His background as a structural engineer gives him a very direct knowledge of the buildings and structures we create to service our needs.

He will make the most of the high wall in the Foyer Gallery to present large scale, panoramic photographs made recently at the Gold Coast Airport. O’Mara’s work aims to transform the image we have of the familiar commercial aeroplanes we fly in as something inert and generic, by finding the unique particularities of their forms and shapes

through the detailed eye of his camera lens.

The artist wishes to thank Gold Coast Airport, Queensland Airports Limited for their support in facilitating the making of this project.

Airport is on display in the Foyer Gallery 27 August until 16 October.

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GALLERY

Collection Highlights

NEW ACQUISITION

NEW ACQUISITION

Artist Daniel Boyd has an international reputation with his artwork featured in such prestigious exhibitions as the National Gallery of Australia’s inaugural National Indigenous Art Triennial: Culture Warriors (2007), the 56th Venice Biennale: All the World's Futures (2015) and the 20th Biennale of Sydney: The Future Is Already Here — It's Just Not Evenly Distributed (2016).

In this work, Boyd devotes his attention to the geographical region surrounding Cairns, where he was born. It also continues his investigation into how historical representations frame our view of the past and inform culture in the present. Beneath a veil of monochrome dots, a group of men hold distinctive north Queensland rainforest shields. Boyd sees the shrouding of the image with these dots as a metaphor — a prism by which historical understanding is fractured — and he leaves the spaces in between as the unexplainable void. The viewer is left to wonder what the men are doing, and what the photograph originally depicted.

The ways in which objects are collected, displayed and stored in museums fascinates Boyd. The rainforest shields held by these men are now prized artefacts in museum collections around the world but without the attachment to the individual man they have lost their very distinctive cultural meaning and Boyd seeks to reassert this attachment.

Does this work look familiar? It featured in the Gallery’s recent Made in QLD: Ode to the Souvenir exhibition where several local artists were invited to respond to the Gallery’s eclectic souvenir collection.

Luddite is not the artist’s real name. He attended art school in North America, enabling him to lecture full-time over the past three decades at tertiary level in Australia. Luddite does not use a computer and prefers the nostalgia of yesteryear. He drives a 1960 Holden to explore, discover and gather objects that he playfully reassembles.

His artwork pays homage to the beauty inherent in everyday preloved objects, which on this occasion references the Gold Coast. Luddite remarked, ‘The Gold Coast beach culture, neon strips and the kitsch souvenir has become a rich source of memories for the ‘hunter-gatherer’.

For decades he has scoured antique shops, markets and garage sales from Southport to Coolangatta and Tamborine in the Hinterland.

Luddite’s hunt for and love of well-preserved, worn and scratched objects has enabled his ‘trophies’ to become honoured relics as assemblage artworks.

Image: Daniel Boyd, Untitled (RCB) 2016, oil, charcoal and archival glue on linen Collection: Gold Coast City Gallery, Purchased 2016. Photo: Jessica Maurer. Courtesy of the artist and Roslyn Oxley 9 Gallery Sydney

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Image: Fred Luddite, Koala, Kitsch-n-Cabinet 2016, mixed media, Collection: Gold Coast City Gallery, Purchased 2016

GALLERY

South Stradbroke Indigenous Artist Camp Artists absorb the natural environment and each other’s stories and practice.

Delvene Cockatoo-Collins – woven forms made at camp; Glynis Briggs shows her work to Education Officer, Anastasia Scott-Miles, and Gallery Director, Tracy Cooper Lavery; Glenn Barry working late with Neville Torrishiba; a final print by Glenn Barry. Photos V Rigney.

The Gold Coast’s lingering summer made for perfect conditions at the 3rd South Stradbroke Indigenous Artist Camp that took place in April.

Starting early in the morning and working till late at night at the sheltered Dux campground operated by The Southport School, the artists were under the guidance of acclaimed Cairnsbased, Torres Strait islander artist, Brian Robinson.

The camp is a project developed in partnership with City of Gold Coast and aims to support the development of local indigenous arts practice through mentoring, immersion in traditional country and networking with fellow artists and industry.

Located just north of Tipplers Passage at the northern tip of the island, the camp environment feels remote from the bustle of the city yet is only an hour away by tinny and a number of the artists reflected on the contrast of this experience in the work they made while there.

One of the outcomes of the camp is the subsequent exhibition at Gold Coast City Gallery.

Mentor artists have chosen a particular medium, practice or material as a challenge

for each camp participant and, this year, Robinson, who is known for his intricate carved lino prints, gave each artist a square of lino and tools and asked them to experiment with the medium and make a design that was a response to their time on the island.

The resulting prints will be on display in the exhibition alongside drawings paintings, photographs and sculptures that build a very rich and layered picture of contemporary indigenous expression from the Gold Coast region.

This exhibition is part of our Indigenous Program, proudly presented by Bond University.

This year’s exhibition of works from the 3rd South Stradbroke Indigenous Artist Camp will be displayed in Gallery 2 from 30 July until 18 September. Check the website for further details of public programs over the exhibition’s closing weekend which will coincide with the presentation of dirtsong (p.14) in the Arts Theatre.

This project and other first nations exhibitions and programs, developed and presented at the Gallery and The Arts Centre over the past four years, were selected to be presented at the first-ever joint annual conference of Museums Australia and Museums Aotearoa / New Zealand held in Auckland in May. Senior Curator, Virginia Rigney; Jo-Anne Driessens, Senior Arts and Culture Project Officer with City of Gold Coast; and Joy Vercoe, First Nations Coordinator at The Arts Centre Gold Coast travelled to Auckland to deliver a joint presentation and learn from other museum professionals about innovation in their cross-cultural practice.

Virginia Rigney’s travel to MA/NZ2016 was supported by a bursary from Regional Galleries Association of Queensland. Jo-Anne Driesens was supported by Indigenous Mentorship Program of National Gallery of Australia. Joy Aroha Vercoe was supported by The Arts Centre Gold Coast. Images: V Rigney

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EVENTS

Events Events and festivals happening at the Cultural Precinct, including Evandale Parklands, The Arts Centre Gold Coast and Gold Coast City Gallery.

Fresh produce

Parkrun

and art When you grab your fresh produce at The Arts Centre on a Sunday morning, make time to enjoy a free guided tour of the UnSeenGC exhibition (p.37) or watch live drawing in the Gallery.

The 'live drawing' sessions in Gold Coast City Gallery on the first Sunday of each month have been hugely successful with both artists and patrons alike. Market goers have been thrilled to witness local, talented artists from the Royal Queensland Art Society bring to life wonderfully unique interpretations of farmers who volunteer to sit each month.

For one hour, a stall holder sits for artists who use a variety of mediums to draw, including paint, ink, charcoal, stencil work, pencil and pastels.

If you’re at the Bundall Farmers’ Market on the first Sunday of the month (3 July, 7 August, 4 September), pop in to the Gallery to watch the live drawing from 9am. If you are interested in participating as an artist, please contact Sally Wright at wright@theartscentregc.com.au – places are limited.

Image: Antonio Duarte, pastel drawing of Farmer Greg Foster, January 2016. Photo by Mark Warne

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Emma Love charity luncheon

Every Saturday morning, 30 to 40 locals and tourists visit The Arts Centre to participate in parkrun from 7am. parkrun is a worldwide phenomenon combining fitness with interactive technology.

Started in 2010 in London by Tim Oberg, and brought to the Gold Coast in 2011, parkrun is unique in that it allows participants to have their personal times electronically scanned and saved, making them accessible for future use at any other parkrun course.

The highly inclusive, free community event commenced last November and is just one of many new attractions as part of the continued development of the Cultural Precinct, the Gold Coast’s future cultural and social hub.

The Cultural Precinct aims to offer something for everyone on the Coast, and parkrun brings the lake and surrounding parklands to life each Saturday morning. Local residents are enjoying the convenience of regular exercise and forming new friendships so close to home.

More information about the Surfers Paradise parkrun is available at parkrun.com.au/surfersparadise.

The Emma Love Childhood Cancer Charity is a special place for you to eat, drink, dance, laugh and smile together with other beautifully special people – all in support of taking another step closer to obliterating childhood cancer.

Through the generosity of all those beautiful people involved in the 2015 Childhood Cancer Charity Luncheon, a grand total of $25,611.60 was raised.

This event will be held on Friday 19 August from 12.30pm at The Arts Centre Gold Coast. For more information visit to www.emmalovecharity.org. au. Book at theartscentregc.com.au or (07) 5588 4000.

EVENTS

Making the invisible, visible Making the most of the exceptional public spaces at Evandale Parklands, discover a mobile, 3D-augmented reality art experience.

Designed to introduce the Gold Coast community and our city’s visitors to some of the world’s best in augmented reality art, the first stage of UnSeenGC was launched on 30 April at GLOW. In an experience on par with leading international cultural offerings, UnSeenGC consists of virtual artworks positioned around The Arts Centre and parklands. Invisible to the naked eye, these sculptures are discovered by looking through your smartphone or tablet. Combining the technologies of video, GPS and a compass, artworks appear on the screen of your device as you move around the Cultural Precinct, blending the real physical landscape with the virtual digital artwork.

Working in residence at The Arts Centre, Jake Hempson, a multidisciplinary artist, whose work has previously been exhibited at the Swell Sculpture Festival, has created digital sculptural works in response to specific locations around the Cultural Precinct.

Later this year, Gold Coast artists will have the opportunity to to work directly with a professional, augmented reality artist to further

develop their skills, with the aspiration of including their works into this digital art experience.

Engage in art and public spaces a new way, through illusions made possible by the latest technology. Discover a new frontier in the world of modern art as you explore these ‘hidden’ works – those that exist only in the realm between the visible and the invisible.

This project is presented by The Arts Centre Gold Coast and dLux MediaArts. It has been supported by our generous Benefactors.

To experience UnSeenGC, simply download Layar (free augmented reality application for Apple or Android) and bring your device with you when you visit Evandale for a self-guided tour. The exhibition runs until Sunday 2 October and is free. For more details, visit theartscentregc/unseengc.

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EVENTS

A taste of the Pacific Celebrate Pasifika 2016 at The Arts Centre Gold Coast this September.

Images: Danny Santangelo

Pasifika is a popular festival that celebrates diversity of the pacific people.

Over six years, Pasifika has been bringing the community together in one place to experience and share cultures of the pacific.

The ever-popular Pasifika Festival will be held at Evandale Parklands this year.

Come along and enjoy a community of First Nations, cultural arts, crafts, dance and food.

Bring a fala (Mat) to bask under the city scape while listening to the unique talents of pacific entertainment.

This year Pasifika has partnered with The Arts Centre Gold Coast, giving the festival an exciting new flavour and location. The venue allows for broader platforms, adopting a vision to grow in the future, incorporating visual and performing art showcases.

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Celebrate Pasifika Festival on Saturday 17 September at Evandale Parklands.

Visit theartscentregc.com.au for further details and added events closer to the festival date.

SECTION MORE SECTION

It’s Gold for our architects

The success of the third annual GLOW festival has sparked the community’s hunger for family friendly events in the city’s cultural heart More than 12,000 people enjoyed lights, lasers and illuminated art around Evandale Lake, proving a great opportunity to see the precinct in full activation. The Arts Centre Gold Coast was alive with a theatre performance, workshops in the Gold Coast City Gallery, cinemas and live music on The Terrace.

Further supporting the groundswell of support for the project was the popular free ferry service from Surfers Paradise, signalling a clear need for active transport options to access the precinct.

Such strong participation is building the hunger for a variety of experiences at the city’s future home of art, cultural and civic celebration.

The stage is set for the amphitheatre to be the shining light for activation of the 17-hectare precinct when stage 1 opens in 2018 ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2018. Visit: goldcoastculturalprecinct.info.

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Urban Oasis in the city The city is well on its way to delivering an Urban Oasis in the heart of the Gold Coast’s bustling tourist precinct.

Five finalists have been selected from a pool of more than 50 local, national and international submissions for the public art commission.

Jury chair, Robyn Archer AO, the City’s Arts and Culture Strategic Advisor, applauded the high calibre applicants. ‘We were so happy to find so many terrific artists had made the effort to apply and similarly delighted by the stimulating concepts they had offered,’ Ms Archer said.

The finalists included Alex Pentek, Buchan Group, Brian Robinson, Dr Chris Bennie and Kuuki. They have further developed their concepts and the winning design will be installed later this year at the intersection of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Elkholrn Avenue. It will signify the pivot point between Surfers Paradise as a precinct and our city’s future cultural heart at Evandale.

As Urban Oasis moves into its final stages a mentorship opportunity for local artists will be announced.

Visit: moregoldcoast.com.au/publicart.

Images: Dani Katz

GLOW shines light on cultural future

Gold Coast Cultural Precinct designers, ARM Architecture has been awarded the country’s highest architectural honour.

The Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal for 2016 was presented to ARM’s three founding partners, Stephen Ashton, Howard Raggatt and Ian McDougall.

Announced at the 2016 Australian Achievement in Architecture Awards, the gold medal recognises ARM’s three-decade contribution to architecture and urban design across Australia.

The Cultural Precinct is one of ARM’s current significant cultural transformation projects. ‘We’s always been interested in architecture that tells stories about our lives, about our cities. It is humbling to have our ideas acknowledged in this way,’ said ARM Founding Director, Ian McDougall.

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Talking Space with Dr Patrick Mitchell Cultural literacy is defined as facility in the traditions, aesthetics, manners, customs, language and creativity in the arts. On the Gold Coast this facility is acquired through formal institutions such as schools, key independentevents such as the Gold Coast Eisteddfod and informal institutions such as the family. There are many other ways also.

Participatory cultural practice is the engagement of individuals and groups in cultural activities in a non-professional setting. Performances such as St. Hilda’s or other schools; the Eisteddfod again; community / amateur theatres; community orchestras and choirs; dance schools and groups; and garage rock bands are some examples of participatory cultural practice.

Professional cultural goods and services are the products of professional cultural producers and individual practitioners, whether working in the commercial or nonprofit sector. (Kreidler & Trounstine, 2005, p. 6). On the Gold Coast these might include a touring professional theatre, dance and opera company presented at The Arts Centre; a new computer game produced by a local software company; support for a professional director to work with a local amateur or independent company; a public sculpture commissioned from a local artist by the Gold Coast City Council; or a computer graphic created by a local artist for use on a tourist website.

This diagram from the 2005 Creative Community Index shows the study findings as a structural hierarchy:

It is the last Friday in April 2016 and I am sitting at The Arts Centre in a packed main theatre watching St Hilda’s School perform Once Upon A Mattress – a musical re-imagining of the story The Princess and the Pea. There is a cast of 150 girls on stage singing, dancing and acting with confidence, precision and much enjoyment. The lead players are very good, and all this is shared with an audience of very supportive families and friends. There is an atmosphere of strong engagement, hard work, dramatic moments all taken but punctuated by lots of smiles amongst a cast who are going about their work with pleasure and confidence.

Sitting alongside me, I discover, is a woman who turns out to be grandmother to one of the performers in the show. After some talking, I learn that this grandmother has had an extensive career in the commercial theatres and television as a singer, dancer and actor. She has done it all, having played the touring circuits, the major theatre venues across Australia and appeared on many television variety shows.

She is one of that rare breed of performer who has had a continuous and successful professional career in the Australian arts sector.

These two random, yet actually connected events underline for me the capacity of The Arts Centre to be not only a place for the many types of theatre and performance, but also for a wide range of people, their children, their families, their schools and their life interests. It is a place to learn, to grow and, perhaps, to begin a career.

This thinking reminds me of a study completed in Silicon Valley California (The Creative Community Index 2002 / 2005) that explored how the social and financial success of a place could be developed and sustained. The findings of the study centred on three elements that were essential in generating ‘the creative ideas significant to the region’s economic and social well-being’ (Kreidler & Trounstine, 2005, p. 1). These elements were: Cultural Literacy, Participatory Cultural Practice and Professional Cultural Goods and Services.

Professional Cultural Goods and Services

Participatory Cultural Practice

Cultural Literacy

CULTURAL ECOLOGY

It is through presenting productions like St. Hilda’s or the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, now the largest of its type in Australia, that The Arts Centre contributes to the literacy, the participatory and the professional arts activities of the area. It demonstrates the Centre’s capacity, perhaps responsibility, to ‘contribute to the enrichment of our families, our communities and our personal lives’ (Kreidler, 2002, p. 6).

Figure 1. A cultural ecology (Cultural Initiatives Silicon Valley, 2005, p. 6)

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MORE

Fire & Ice Christmas Party Last Christmas the Retail Food Group held their Cocktail Christmas Party in our themed Paradise Showroom.

Delegates roasted their marshmallows on braziers at the Lakeside Terrace surrounded by tiki torches on the fire side and scooped delicious ice cream on the ice side in this Christmas party to remember.

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A snow machine, ice sculptures and igloo tunnel were set up, leading the delegates to the reception area with its own bar. The whole area was cooled down significantly to create the atmosphere of inside an igloo.

If you’re interested in holding an event your guests or delegates will love, talk to our Events team today on (07) 5588 4000 or events@theartscentregc.com.au.

Now is the time to secure the best room in the house for your 2016 Christmas Party!

Whether you need an elegant, waterfront venue for a small gathering or want to entertain 800 guests, The Arts Centre Gold Coast is a central, unique destination for your Christmas party this year.

You can hold a private Christmas event with packages starting from $75 per person with complimentary canapĂŠs on arrival for events over 100 people, if you book before September.

For enquiries please call the Events team on (07) 5588 4084 or email events@theartscentregc.com.au

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Sharing a love for art Board Director and Chair of the Gold Coast City Gallery Committee, Dr Patrick Corrigan AM, talks about the past, present and future of the Gallery.

received a Queensland Great Award from the Queensland Premier in recognition of his 40 years of philanthropic contributions. In 2015, he was appointed to the Board of the National Portrait Gallery and became a recipient of the Keys to the City of the Gold Coast.

Appointed to the Board in 1996, Dr Patrick Corrigan AM is our longest-serving Board Director. Born in China, he began his career in the transport industry in the 1960s and by the mid-70s he was head of several freight companies. Pat began his love affair with collecting art and art books in his 30s and, for him, just purchasing an artwork and hanging it on a wall describes only part of his interest in creativity. Meeting artists and supporting their early careers, publishing books, commissioning sculpture as well as encouraging others to give have all been part of his life in art. Pat keeps up an extraordinary schedule of seeing the latest in contemporary art practice alongside his other great love of watching rugby.

In recognition of this philanthropic work he has been made a Member of the Order of Australia and holds an Honorary Doctorate from Bond University. He is a life benefactor of the State Library of Queensland and The Art Gallery of New South Wales Library as well as a life patron of the National Association of Visual Arts. In 2010, Pat and his wife Barbara were bestowed the title of inaugural Life Benefactors of The Arts Centre Gold Coast in recognition of their meritorious services in enhancing the Gold Coast City’s Art Collection. In 2014, Pat 44 CU LT UR E ISSUE SEVEN

What are some of the greatest memories you have during your 20+ years association with the Gallery?

One of my greatest memories is the consecration and launch of the stone sculpture Wiyung tchellungna-najil (Keeper of the Light) on the Sculpture Walk in 1997, which was created by world-renowned sculptor, Chris Booth. Chris made this work in response to the story of aboriginal matriarch, Jenny Graham, whose husband Andrew was the river pilot and light-keeper on the Nerang River – a role which Jenny took over in 1919.

The project was funded by myself and Cr Lex Bell (Division 7) and opened by Ken Scarlett OAM. Other memorable events were the Sculpture Symposium held in a great marquee in 2001 and the launch of the inaugural Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award in 2002. Both events saw many great artists from around the country visit the Gold Coast for the first time.

More recently, I enjoyed the launch of the Saltwater Country exhibition, which drew so many well-known people from the art world, including Ken Thaiday, and I particularly enjoyed seeing spritely octogenarian Mavis Ngalamietta who visited us from Cape York. It was a fantastic exhibition curated by Virginia Rigney and Michael Aird with great speeches and was very well attended.

You first joined the Board in 1996. What was it like in those early days?

It was very different from now, with a much smaller Board and a much smaller budget to work with. The Arts Centre itself was smaller too, without the extension of the administration building, the second cinema or the café. We spent a lot of the early years lobbying the Council (Mayor Gary Baildon at the time) for facilities such as the café. There have been

many significant changes to the Centre during my years on the Board. I was requested to join the Board by the then Mayor Ray Stevens. Both galleries existed back then. We had around 800 artworks compared to today’s estimate of 4,000. I must say it is more fun today with the new direction and the excitement of where we are heading with the new Gallery and Cultural Precinct.

As we get closer to building a new purposebuilt gallery for the Gold Coast, what are the design elements we need to get right?

We need plenty of gallery space with high ceilings to showcase the City’s Collection as well as touring exhibitions, lifts and /or escalators to move visitors around and a great food and coffee offering.

Do you have a favourite piece in the gallery’s collection?

My favourite is the Donna Marcus Offspring which is an artwork made of aluminium teapots. She is one of my favourite artists who used to live on Mount Tamborine, now living in Brisbane. It’s quirky and successful, and you can see it on display as you walk up the stairs to the Panorama Suite.

What is the Gold Coast’s biggest challenge in becoming a major force in the Australian arts scene?

We need to convince the majority of the community to get on board to support the visual arts. The Gold Coast has so many competing interests such as our beaches, tourist parks and the hinterland, and the geographic spread of the City is large. The Gold Coast does not have a central place to gather to honour visual and performing arts and I am hoping that the new Cultural Precinct will provide this.

How do we find the next generation of philanthropists?

That’s the million-dollar question. It’s difficult.

We need to keep up the high standard of excellence, create more touring shows and exhibitions in the hope of attracting younger philanthropists.

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A new Board member Mr Kerry Watson, Chairman of the Board, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cr Bob La Castra to the Board of The Arts Centre Gold Coast.

Replacing Cr Jan Grew, Cr La Castra previously served as a Director on TACGC Board for approximately four years from May 2004 to April 2008.

'It’s terrific to have Cr La Castra on the board again; his expertise in the arts industry and with the community is a welcome addition to The Arts Centre Gold Coast,’ said Kerry Watson.

Cr Bob La Castra was first elected to the Council for the City of Gold Coast in 1997. Just one year later, he took on the role of ‘Chairman Community Services’ (now the Community and Cultural Development Committee), which has largely been responsible for Arts & Culture, as well as Community, Health, Sport & Recreation. Bob has also chaired the Events Advisory Committee since 1998.

Cr La Castra’s background is in the arts, where he has received both national and international recognition as an actor, television presenter and scriptwriter. Spending five years as a host of Australia’s longestrunning, national children’s TV program – Wombat (Channel 7), for which he received a coveted, Television Society of Australia, ‘Penguin Award’, for ‘Best Children’s Television Personality’, Bob went on to spend almost a year as a regular cast member of the international hit soapie, Neighbours.

Cr La Castra was re-elected on March 19, 2016 in Division 8, City of Gold Coast.

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July Monday

Once Upon a Time (p.26)

Tuesday

The Peasant Prince (p.22)

Wednesday

Once Upon a Time (p.26)

The Peasant Prince (p.22)

4

11

5

12

6

13

Teacher Workshop –

Thursday

Music Down The Rhine - Fiesta de la Musica (p.18)

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comedy (p.21)

parkrun (p.36)

Farmers Market (p.36)

1

2

3

The Moon’s A Balloon

parkrun (p.36)

Farmers Market (p.36)

(p.24)

I See You (p.23)

Comedy (p.21)

The Moon’s A Balloon (p.24)

I See You (p.23)

7

8

9

10

Waiting for Godot (p.8)

Comedy (p.21)

parkrun (p.36)

Farmers Market (p.36)

Countermove (p.13)

Countermove (p.13)

Waiting for Godot (p.8)

Waiting for Godot (p.8)

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15

16

17

Waiting for Godot (p.8)

Comedy (p.21)

parkrun (p.36)

Farmers Market (p.36)

Waiting for Godot (p.8)

Always… Patsy Cline (p.7)

Last day to see Satellites of Love / Regions of Alienation (p.31)

Snugglepot & Cuddlepie

Waiting for Godot (p.8)

(p.27)

GC Jazz & Blues (p.17)

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19

20

21

22

23

24

Snugglepot & Cuddlepie

Snugglepot & Cuddlepie

Movie Review Club,

Gold Coast Eisteddfod

Comedy (p.21)

parkrun (p.36)

Farmers Market (p.36)

(p.27)

(p.27)

10.30am (p.30)

begins (p.28)

The Barber of Seville

South Stradbroke Artist Camp exhibition opens (p.35)

Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase

(p.6)

The Barber of Seville (p.6)

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27

28

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30

31

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August Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Farmers Market (p.36)

Short+Sweet (p.10)

Comedy (p.21)

parkrun (p.36)

After Dark (p. 32)

Short+Sweet (p.10)

Short+Sweet (p.10)

4

5

6

7

Short+Sweet (p.10)

Comedy (p.21)

parkrun (p.36)

Farmers Market (p.36)

Short+Sweet (p.10)

Short+Sweet (p.10)

12

13

14

Emma Love - Childhood Cancer Charity Lunch (p.36)

parkrun (p.36)

Farmers Market (p.36)

Comedy (p.21)

Timothy Young.

Ravel, Scriabin and Rachmaninov (p.17)

Last day to see JUWS Photography Award (p.32)

19

20

21

Comedy (p.21)

parkrun (p.36)

Farmers Market (p.36)

Il Ritorno (p.5)

Il Ritorno (p.5)

GC Jazz & Blues (p.17)

Ceramic Art Award opens (p.33)

Soweto Gospel Choir (p.15)

26

27

Fiesta de la Musica – Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra (p.18)

1

8

15

2

9

16

3

10

17

11

18

Movie Review Club, 10.30am (p.30)

22

23

24

29

30

31

25

28

MARIO MAIOLO AND MELLEN EVENTS PRESENT DIRECT FROM AMERICA

THE ARTS CENTRE GOLD COAST TUES 27 SEPT - 7.30PM BOOK NOW - (07) 5588 4000 // theartscentregc.com.au CELEBRATING SWING AND THE BIG BAND ERA

Performing the hits of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and so much more.

Featuring the all American String of Pearls Orchestra & IN THE MOOD Singers & Dancers.

www.inthemoodlive.com // www.mellenevents.com ISSUE SEVEN CULT URE 47

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September Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

12

Saturday

Viral (p.9)

Viral (p.9)

parkrun (p.36)

Fiesta de la Musica begins (p.18)

Comedy (p.21)

Viral (p.9)

Sunday

Farmers Market (p.36)

Rhapsody in Blue (p.18)

1

2

3

4

Viral (p.9)

Viral (p.9)

parkrun (p.36)

Farmers Market (p.36)

Comedy (p.21)

Viral (p.9)

Young Stars (p.18)

9

10

11

Miss Mandy Swings

Comedy (p.21)

parkrun (p.36)

Farmers Market (p.36)

(p.16)

dirtsong (p.14)

The Russian Ballet: The Nutcracker (p.12)

Philharmonic Fiesta (p.18)

Pasifika Festival (p.38)

Fiesta de la Musica closes (p.18)

16

17

18

Comedy (p.21)

parkrun (p.36)

Farmers Market (p.36)

24

25

Rugby League The Musical (check web for details)

5

Friday

6

13

7

14

Flamenco Fiesta (p.18)

8

15

GC Jazz & Blues (p.17) Energies opens (p.31)

19

26

20

27

21

22

23

In The Mood (check web for details)

Movie Review Club, 10.30am (p.30)

Comedy (p.21)

28

29

30

Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches (p.10)

A festival of classical arts and world music

1 – 18 September Tickets available now theartscentregc.com.au/fiesta

48 CU LT UR E ISSUE SEVEN

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An extraordinary legacy The legacy of long time Benefactor and passionate arts advocate, Jock McIlwain OAM, lives on.

The Arts Centre Board, staff and patrons alike were deeply saddened to hear of the tragic news of the passing of long time Benefactor and passionate arts advocate, Jock McIlwain OAM, on 22 April of this year.

Jock set up his engineering firm on the Gold Coast in 1959 and during the late 60s and early 70s, he served on Gold Coast City Council. In the 70s and 80s, he undertook several major residential waterfront developments, including Mermaid Waters, Broadbeach Waters and the Isle of Capri.

In 1986, The Arts Centre opened to the public much to the delight of Jock who had been the chair of the Museum and Art Gallery Committee in the early 70s. Since that time, Jock, along with wife Beverly,

50 CU LT UR E ISSUE SEVEN

continued to play a leading role in growing philanthropic support for the arts.

The Beverly McIlwain Scholarship, the Jock and Beverly McIlwain Bus Fund and their annual Diamond Benefactor contribution have ensured that countless young people from across the Gold Coast have been able to experience the arts on a regular basis, whether as budding young performers, children watching a theatre show for the first time, classes participating in gallery workshops, or a young dancer wanting to pursue further studies.

All of these immeasurable moments have been created as a result of the passion, energy and dedication of one remarkable man. Moce Ni sa moce (Fijian farewell phrase), Jock, and rest in the knowledge that we will continue your incredible work.

Make a real difference To achieve our vision and provide the opportunity for even more people to enjoy the wonder of the arts, we need your help.

One contribution can support various facets of the arts. Whether it be assisting a young artist to get a start in their career, contributing to the purchase of a piece of art for the collection, or subsidising a world class artist to perform in a musical, every contribution makes a difference.

Donors who contribute $1,000 or more p.a. are eligible to join our Benefactor Program. Our Benefactors play a leading role in building and enriching the cultural life of the Gold Coast, by helping deliver outstanding performing and visual arts now and

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in the future. This level of contribution can have a direct impact on the artistic outcomes our Centre provides. You can help in one or more of the following ways • Benefactor Program • Monthly Giving • Bequests • Supporters ( donations under $1,000) You can make a one-off, tax deductible contribution or make a regular monthly, quarterly or annual donation. For more information or to make your contribution contact the Development Team on 07 5588 4081.

The Board and Management of The Arts Centre Gold Coast would like to acknowledge and thank our donors for their continued support.

It is only through the generosity and support of these individuals and corporations that the sustained development and enhancement of the arts will become a reality for the future generations of the Gold Coast.

LIFE BENEFACTORS • Patrick Corrigan AM &

Barbara Corrigan • Win Schubert AO on behalf

of The Josephine Ulrick and

Win Schubert Foundation for

the Arts PERPETUAL BENEFACTORS The following donors have made significant and sustained contributions of artwork to the Gold Coast City Gallery Collection: • Adam Knight • Dr Colin & Elizabeth Laverty • Tom & Sylvia Lowenstein • Evan Lowenstein • Adam Micmacher • Ken McGregor • Denis Savill DIAMOND BENEFACTORS • Jock McIlwain OAM &

Beverly McIlwain PLATINUM BENEFACTORS • Barry & Maureen Stevenson

GOLD BENEFACTORS • Philip Bacon • John & Susan Barr • Prof. Emeritus Ray Byron &

Carole Byron • Pauline Ewers • Richard & Ann Glenister • Hecand PAF • Ray & Jill James • Tomas & Fiona Johnsson • Morgans Financial Limited • NAB Private Wealth • Paradise Point Community

Bank Branch, Bendigo Bank • The Pemberton Family • Kathy Martin Sullivan AM • Arthur Waring SILVER BENEFACTORS • Australian Decorative & Fine

Arts Society, Gold Coast Inc. • John & Bonnie Bauld • Lucy Cole Prestige Properties • Kerry & Lena Crawford • Dr Norman & Mrs Margot Davies • The Follent Family • John & Alison Kearney • Anna-Lisa Klettenberg • Peter & Moira Lockhart • Christine Lohman • Alan & Barbara Midwood • Peter & Annette Minck • Leonard & Glenda Neilsen • Pamela Railey-Mitchell • Maxine Semple

• Dr Roger Welch • Betty Wheeler BRONZE BENEFACTORS • Penelope Jane Anderssen • Kylie, David & Ryan Corrigan • Kevin & Jane Doogan • E.C.Pohl & Co • Paul & Maureen Fitzgerald • Gold Coast Eisteddfod • Jacqueline Green • Jackie Hughes • André & Eva Jaku • Bruce & Bennie Johnston • Lyn & Gerry Keogh • Roger & Jenny Mayfield • Rhona McKay • Graeme & Patsy Meyer • Doug & Yvonne Moorhead • Richard & Rosemary Munro • Mark & Elizabeth Niall • Michael & Jennifer Pinter • Barry & Karen Plant • Destry & Poppy Puia • John Punch OAM &

Dr Renée Punch • Christene Pye • Don Robertson • John & Julie Romanin • Steve Romer • Mr Sam Smorgan AO &

Mrs Minnie Smorgan • Dr Nerida Smith • Peter & Wendy Spencer • Kerry Watson

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT • Friends of The Arts Centre

Gold Coast • The Late Roma Blair • The Late Elaine Bermingham PLUS1 PROJECT In 2015, The Arts Centre Gold Coast received support from Creative Partnerships Australia's Plus1 program*. This project relied on contributions from a collection of 10 supporters, which were then matched by Creative Partnerships Australia for a total of $72,100. The Arts Centre Gold Coast gratefully receives funds from Creative Partnerships Australia and the following Plus1 Project supporters: Founding Partner • McLaughlins Lawyers Leading Advocates • Richard & Ann Glenister • Ray & Jill James • Tomas & Fiona Johnsson • Christine Lohman • Morgans Financial Limited • The Follent Family • Steve Romer • Kerry Watson • Australian Decorative and

Fine Arts Society (ADFAS)

ISSUE SEVEN CULT URE 51

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Snapped The Launch of How to Make a Monster

Enriching your life

www.crosbiewealth.com.au

52 CU LT UR E ISSUE SEVEN

SECTION SECTION

Steiglitz

THE BROADWATER

South Stradbroke Island Coomera

Coombabah Lake

Gold Coast Seaway

GOLD COAST CITY

The Spit

Southport

CORAL SEA

Nerang River Nerang River canals lakes canals andand lakes

Tallebudgera Creek

Currumbin Creek

NSW

COOLANGATTA

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The Friends of The Arts Centre Gold Coast Join The Friends of The Arts Centre Gold Coast!

The Friends of The Arts Centre Gold Coast is a not-for-profit organisation of around 2000 members who share a common interest in the arts. The organisation maintains an active interest in promoting and developing The Arts Centre Gold Coast.

The Friends makes donations to the Centre for various projects, including youth theatre, using funds raised through membership fees. A Gift Fund established in 2006 provides grants to talented local individuals to aid them in pursuing a career in the arts.

The Friends hold frequent social events for members, catering to a variety of interests. Members of The Friends receive discounts to movies, the Arts Café and selected shows.

By joining The Friends, you will help young artists and support the Centre while enjoying social events and the benefits of discounts to Members.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP Single $35, Double $50

54 CU LT UR E ISSUE SEVEN

GETTING HERE To plan your bus journey, please visit www.translink.com.au. To book a taxi, phone 131 008 or visit www.gccabs.com.au. A designated taxi setdown and pick-up area is located out the front of The Centre.

Patron parking, including wheelchair accessible parking, is located out the front of the building. We recommend arriving one hour before a performance as parking is limited.

PATRONS WITH INDIVIDUAL NEEDS We are committed to providing access to the performing arts for visitors with special needs. If you require mobility assistance, please call Box Office on (07) 5588 4000 to book your tickets, and notify the staff at this time. We will then arrange for Front of House staff to assist you when you arrive.

The Arts Theatre and Arts Cinema are both wheelchair accessible.

If you require wheelchair access and seating at the Arts Theatre, please notify Box Office when you book your tickets. We don’t require advance notice for wheelchair access to the Arts Cinema.

BOOKINGS Visit www.theartscentregc.com.au or phone (07) 5588 4000. Transaction fees apply to phone and online bookings.

OPENING HOURS Box Office Hours: Mon – Sat 9am-9am, Sun 10am-8pm Gallery Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat / Sun 11am-5pm

Includes: • Invitations to social events • Discounted cinema tickets • Discounted food and beverages • 1 complimentary cinema ticket To join, visit the Box Office, phone (07) email friends@friendsoftheartscentre.com.au friendsoftheartscentre. com.au

Centre Information

ENEWS Sign up to the fortnightly eNews on our website.

5588 or

4000, visit

Partners PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

INDIGENOUS PROGRAM PRESENTING PARTNER

PRESENTING PARTNER

MARY POPPINS MAJOR PARTNER

VENUE PARTNERS

SUPPORT PARTNERS

ACCOMMODATION PARTNER

CULTURAL PARTNERS

ISSUE SEVEN CULT URE 55

The Arts Centre Gold Coast presents

IL RITORNO

By Circa Created by Yaron Lifschitz with Quincy Grant and the Circa Ensemble

A groundbreaking new work fusing Circa’s stripped-back acrobatics with baroque opera.

DATE Fri 26 Aug and Sat 27 Aug, 7.30pm VENUE Arts Theatre COST Adult $48.00 Concession $42.00 Group 6+ $42.00 Student / Child (U15yrs) $26.00 BOOK theartscentregc.com.au | (07) 5588 4000

Il Ritorno is co-comissioned by Brisbane Festival, The Barbican, Les Nuits de Fourvière / Département du Rhône, CACCV Espace Jean Legendre-Compiegne, Dusseldorf Festival and Les Théâtres de la ville de Luxembourg and was first presented at Brisbane Festival. Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Circa received funds from Creative Partnerships Australia and Danielle and Daniel Besen Foundation towards the creation of Il Ritorno.