ARTISTS’ ISLE By Andrea Louise Thomas
SINCE the dawn of tourism, the allure of the tropical island paradise has drawn writers and artists to sandier shores. Something about swaying palm trees, balmy breezes and exotic cultures sow the seeds of artistic inspiration. Bali is the siren song of many Australians, but particularly its artists. In that vein,
McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery presents Australian Artists in Bali: 1930 to Now. Put together by guest curator, Rodney James, whose own travels to Bali inspired this exhibition; the collection explores what it is about Balinese culture and geography that so enchants Australian artists. Featuring the works of some of Australia’s
finest artists who have lived and worked in Bali as well as some European artists for whom Bali was their port of call prior to coming to Australia, the exhibition highlights art of historical, cultural and contemporary significance. The exhibition contains 40 works from 25 artists. See Australian Artists in Bali: 1930 to Now from Sunday 20 September to Sunday
29 November at McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, 390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin. Entry by donation. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4.30pm. Call 9789 1671 mcclellandgallery.com
POWER AND PASSION By Andrea Louise Thomas
Australian musical theatre star, Maria Mercedes, performs her dream role as iconic opera diva, Maria Callas in Terence McNally’s Tony award-winning play, Masterclass. Bringing to life the passion, drama, drive and artistic genius of Callas is for Mercedes, the greatest of honours because she has always admired not only her incredible talent, but
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also the honest and uncompromising way in which Callas lived her life. Masterclass re-enacts the story of Callas’ infamous 1973 visit to New York’s Julliard School of Music where she taught, mentored and pushed students to achieve their dreams – although a bit harder than some of them would have liked.
Featuring three of Melbourne’s best young operatic talents along with Mercedes in the role of a lifetime, see Masterclass for a truly spine-tingling night at the theatre on Thursday, 24 September at 8pm or Friday 25 September at 1pm at Frankston Arts Centre. Bookings: thefac.com.au or 9784 1060.
bayside & mornington peninsula