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SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
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Westconnex asbestos blunder By Wendy Bacon NSW Labor, the Australian and NSW Greens and Federal asbestos authorities called last week for a halt on all Westconnex motorway work, following revelations by the ABC that asbestos is contained in road mix being used in the construction of the 34 kilometre Westconnex tollway project. Shadow Minister for Roads Jodi McKay said that all Westconnex work should be halted in the light of claims by a former worker that road mix contaminated with asbestos is being used in its construction. This fresh investigative report adds to many previous reports about unsafe handling of asbestos by the Sydney Motorway Corporation and its contractors that are being paid billions to build Westconnex. Until the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in Australian construction and is frequently present in buildings being demolished. If breathed into the lungs, asbestos fibres can cause the fatal disease mesothelioma and lung cancer. The ABC report relied on video and information supplied by whistleblower Daniel McIntyre who was sacked by excavation company Moits after he complained about asbestos being left in road mix, some of which he said had been delivered to Westconnex project sites and other sites in Sydney. The company Moits, which has grown from being a very small family company into one of New South Wales’ largest excavation and civil works companies, has denied the allegations. It has issued a statement saying that all its road mix is certified as asbestos free. The Sydney Motorway Corporation (SMC), which is responsible for the contraction of Westconnex, is continuing to work at full pace. NSW Greens spokeswoman for Transport Mehreen Faruqi called on the NSW Environmental Protection Authority to carry out a thorough investigation of the claims. “It is deeply disappointing that the Environmental Protection Authority was notified by this brave whistleblower at the excavation and demolition recycling facility and didn’t take any action. This further erodes the public’s trust in the environmental regulator.
Westconnex protestors at a rally. Image Suppled: Westconnex Action Group
“There needs to be an urgent investigation into all locations where this road base has gone and how widespread it is.” A serious investigation of the claims would take some time as Westconnex work is continuing from Granville to Homebush on the old M4 and in Beverly Hills for preliminary works. In Haberfield, St Peters, Arncliffe and Kingsgrove huge construction sites are being built before tunnelling can start. Asbestos fibres could pose a life threatening risk to workers, residents and pedestrians. Westconnex work is contracted out by the SMC to a consortia including CIMIC (previously known as Leightons) which in turn contracts out work to other companies. It will require substantial investigative resources to trace the road mix, especially because the government has established the SMC as a private company, which does not have to publish its contracts. One of the problems is that Westconnex construction and NSW Planning process has been set up in a way that offers little public accountability and plays into the hands of a large number of contractors, all of whom need to meet deadlines in order to make a profit. The head of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, Peter Tighe, has seen the video and told the ABC that the material was almost certainly asbestos. He urged the NSW government to halt the WestConnex project so it
could take samples of the road base for testing. If the company holds an asbestos free certificate but in fact asbestos is found in the road mix, McIntyre’s claims add to concerns about the management of asbestos along the Westconnex route and the capacity of the NSW Environmental Authority to adequately respond to risks of contamination not only on the Westconnex project but across NSW. As early as 2014, Granville residents drew NSW Planning and Westconnex’s attention to asbestos lying just outside the edge of the Westconnex project site. They have been trying to get the asbestos moved for many years. City Hub was present at a meeting last year when Westconnex and the NSW EPA claimed to know nothing about this asbestos. The ABC also reported last year on Granville residents’ concerns that asbestos found along the M4 widening site was not being properly covered or protected. Very little of this asbestos had been identified in the EIS during the planning process. City Hub visited the site and also observed the unsafe piles of waste. The claims were denied by SMC. Premier Mike Baird was alerted to concerns about the handling and transportation of asbestos by WestConnex by Greens member for Newtown Jenny Leong in October 2015 in the NSW Parliament. City Hub has read a number of emails from Leong informing Premier Mike Baird
and Roads Minister Duncan Gay about significant asbestos safety issues on WestConnex sites in St. Peters, Granville and Erskine Park where a large amount of asbestos contaminated material was dumped last year. In January 2016, Duncan Gay assured Leong’s office that all discoveries of asbestos were ‘managed in a regulated and controlled way’ and that ‘the safety of residents and workers is the number one priority for the NSW government in situations’ like these. In May this year, City Hub also observed and reported on unsafe removal of asbestos from houses in Haberfield during very windy conditions. This week, residents also drew City Hub’s attention to pieces of fibrous like material on construction sites along the Westconnex route at Beverly Hills where protesters were picketing against the destruction of Cooks River Ironbark critically endangered forest for a Westconnex parking lot. The possibility of this site being contaminated has been reported to the NSW EPA. Leong is currently on maternity leave but in a newsletter issued on her behalf, she wrote that Gay’s assurances were “meaningless unless he takes action to ensure that WestConnex work sites are free from asbestos contamination.” The Australian Greens spokesperson for transport and infrastructure Janet Rice is also pursuing the concerns at a Federal level. “The number of serious concerns raised over the past 12 months regarding asbestos handling and safety precautions on the WestConnex project should have raised red flags for Duncan Gay,” said the Australian Greens spokesperson for transport and infrastructure Senator Janet Rice.“However, Minister Gay has continuously disparaged or rebuffed claims from residents and from Jenny Leong, NSW Greens spokesperson on WestConnex, that WestConnex has been acting outside proper health and safety protocols.“The project must be stopped while all health and safety concerns around asbestos are investigated,” said Senator Rice. Stop Press: Just on City Hub deadline, protesters have occupied a construction site at Beverly Hills to stop Westconnex bulldozers destroying critically endangered forest.
Opinion
Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Manager: Chris Peken Group Editor: Jordan Fermanis, Kristen Tsiamis Contributors: Lucas Baird, Jordan Fermanis, Charlotte Grieve. Arts Editors: Jamie Apps, Alannah Maher Advertising Managers: Mark Barnes, David Sullivan Cover Photo: Chris Peken – Eliza Sanders Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: altmedia.net.au
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Two votes make Greens doubly mad BY Lindsay Johnston The NSW Government introduction of two votes for business is a divisive and damaging piece of legislation. It pitches the value of the business vote as being twice as important as a resident’s vote, and it pitches those who live outside the City of Sydney as being more valuable than business owners who live within the LGA. As a small-business owner I detest the threat of a $2,200 fine for not registering to vote. Using force to make ratepayers and small businesses vote goes against every basic tenant of democracy. Then add that small-business owners are spending hours trawling through mountains of application documents only to find that if the business owner is a resident of the City of Sydney, like the City’s beleaguered residents, they only get one vote. I believe that we will see pushback from businesses and residents alike at this election that could seriously backfire on the State government and the Liberals generally. I’ve spoken to many residents who are furious at business getting a double vote in what they see as a totally undemocratic process. Meanwhile, there is anger from business owners because they
Lindsay Johnston, The Greens candidate for Lord Mayor of Sydney City Council
are being forced to vote against their will. At a reported $12 million wasteful cost to the City, I think that there will be a strong protest vote, and justifiably so. The question is, where will that vote go? Whether we see the 23,000 forced business voter registrations – up from 1,700 voluntary registrations - turn into extra votes cast remains to be seen. I believe that the brazen use of threats and force to double the nonresidential vote is likely to see protest
votes supporting the Lord Mayor rather than abandoning her. This comes at a time when many in the community are expressing disillusionment with her Council administration. No doubt there is further political opportunism at work that does nothing to serve the people of the City. With the cost to the City and the immeasurable cost to business, this State Government’s opportunism is breathtaking. The amendment to the City of Sydney Act should be repealed. The Greens’ view is that democracy can only be served by upholding the principle of one vote one value for residents only. We oppose the compulsory imposition of non-residential voting in the City of Sydney and propose that Local Government and the rights of its citizens be protected by constitutional recognition in the Australian Constitution. If elected to the City of Sydney, my promise to the people and the business community is to work with our Greens State colleagues to repeal this inefficient, wasteful and obnoxious attack on democracy. There has never been a time so important to have Greens on Council. Lindsay Johnston is the Greens candidate for Lord Mayor of Sydney City Council. city hub 8 SEPTEMBER 2016
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Resilience: Erko School pauses to reflect By Jordan Fermanis On Saturday 3 September, Erskineville Public School welcomed the public to celebrate one of its most notable teachers. Accompanied by the celebration of history, was a reminder of the adversity the school overcame almost ten years ago, when it was marked to close down by the then Carr government. Saturday’s event was in honour of Lucy Woodcock, a ‘local heroine’ of Erskineville, champion of gender equality and a former teacher at the school. UTS Emeritus Professor Heather Goodall addressed an audience in the hall named in Lucy’s honour. Professor Goodall spoke of Erskineville’s history as a working class suburb and Lucy Woodcock’s strong commitment to those Erskineville Public School. forgotten children in poorer areas of Sydney. “Lucy wanted to work in working class areas and improve housing and opportunities in Erskineville,” Professor Goodall said. In a statement made by the City of Sydney CEO Monica Barone, she praised the collaboration between the council and the school in making the event happen. “The City’s matching grant program allows community groups to partner with the City to deliver community-based projects and events that engage their local neighbourhood. “We’re delighted to be collaborating with the Erskineville Public School to share their fascinating stories – from local heroes and Indigenous origins, to how the great depression and the natural landscape has shaped the area today,” Ms Barone said. Erskineville Public School was constructed in 1883 but the heritage listed school almost met its end in 2001/2. In a 2001
report entitled ‘Building the Future’, a lack of students and supposedly ample surrounding schools meant the school was recommended to close, which would divert more revenue to other local high schools as part of a ‘selling-off’ of public assets. Angel Nunley, from the Erskineville Public P&C Association said that more than decade on, the school is in a position to reflect on its tumultuous history. “At the time the school was to close the government said no kids were going to school in the inner city.” “The whole Erskineville community came together to save the school,” Ms Nunley said. The day was also a chance to Image: Jordan Fermanis celebrate the indigenous history of Erskineville, a lesser-known facet of the suburb. “One of the best things about today is the chance to hear about indigenous history. Aunty Norma Ingram is doing a talk about indigenous Erksinevillians,” Ms Nunley said. At the time it was due to close, the school had an enrolment of only 40 students. However since 2002, enrolment numbers have swelled to over 300. In 2012, Fairfax reported that the school had ranked sixth overall in the state for NAPLAN literacy and numeracy tests. A former student of the class of 1948-49 and current grandparent of a student said that the school has expanded since his time. “Half the buildings weren’t here, the playground was just bitumen,” the former student said. Saturday’s event was attended by about 300 people, where a permanent sign about Lucy Woodcock was unveiled as well as the screening of short film ‘Saving Erskineville School’.
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University responds to sexual assault protest with silence
Image supplied by USYD Women’s Collective
BY CHARLOTTE GRIEVE On August 27, a student protest coincided with the University of Sydney’s Open Day. Organised by the university’s women’s collective, approximately 20 students took over the Eastern Avenue Auditorium where prospective parents were being briefed by the Chancellor, Belinda Hutchinson. The students were protesting the University’s handling of reports of sexual assault on campus. In an attempt to shut down the protest, university staff turned off the auditorium lights and ushered the parents towards the exit. Almost two weeks later, the students involved have received no response from the University. Leader of the Women’s Collective, Anna Hush, believes this approach to be symbolic of the university’s handling of their cause more generally. “They [the University] are unwilling to listen to students when they voice their
concerns and demand changes,” Ms Hush told City Hub. The protest was reminiscent of the Columbian performance protest carried out by student Emma Sulkowicz between 2014-15. This protest involved the student carrying around the mattress she was raped on throughout campus to draw attention the university’s inaction on the matter. In 2015, a survey conducted by the University of Sydney, “Creating a Safer Community for All” attempted to measure the prevalence of sexual assault on campus. Of the 1926 students who responded to the survey, nearly a quarter of those reported experiencing some form of unwanted sexual harassment or assault over the time they were enrolled at the University. Of these students, less than 30 per cent reported these incidents to the University. The survey indicated that awareness of existing processes for incident reporting was scarce with almost 60 per cent claiming they would benefit from
additional information about how to seek help on campus if they wanted to report an incident of sexual assault. Ms Hush views this report as “disappointing” in that the recommendations made were “so vague.” “We are yet to see them properly implemented or lead to any real change for students,” she said. In an open letter, the Women’s Collective stated this report does not go far enough. It read “data about prevalence does not tell the whole story and cannot be meaningfully analysed without information about the culture in which these data arise.” Among their demands are greater collaboration between University staff and students as well as better education for students about consent. “We will continue to bring public attention to this issue until the university agrees to make some concrete changes about the handling of sexual assault cases,” said Ms Hush.
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city hub 8 SEPTEMBER 2016
BY KRISTEN TSIAMIS Linda Scott, Labor’s candidate for Lord Mayor, has confirmed her party’s preferences will go to Clover Moore and the Greens. According to Cr Scott, this decision was made based on “ the shared values we are concerned about.” Cr Scott stated that “if Lord Mayor Clover Moore were truly progressive, she would preference Labor to help protect against a conservative Council. City Hub has learned that both Labor and the Greens are prefencing Clover Moore for Lord Mayor and are swapping preferences for the Council ticket. For Linda Scott, ths Saturday’s upcoming election will boil down to one key issue for Cr Scott: housing affordability. Cr Scott said that Saturday’s election “is a referendum on affordable housing… the Lord Mayor says it’s the responsibility of the State and Federal governments, but Labor disagree.” The first part of ensuring housing affordability in the City is “working with owners of vacant space in the city to assess whether there is potential there fore the development of affordable housing.” It’s not just privately owned property that Cr Scott said she is committed into looking into, but also council owned vacant property. Despite the fact that there is a complex process involved with allowing people to
Labor Councillor Linda Scott. Photo: Provided
be utilising city owned commercial space, Cr Scott didn’t rule this out as a method of assisting with battling homelessness in the City. Cr Scott conceded that making these vacant spaces a part of the plan to combat housing affordability “isn’t going to be profitable at every single site, but we are putting it as a priority – there is a housing affordability crisis and more people than ever sleeping rough.”
Reviewing the City’s “development control plans for boarding houses, which are currently charging commercial rent and creating incentives for people to work in affordable housing” is key to making a practical first step in rolling back these numbers. City showers and public toilets would be made more accessible to the homeless, and Cr Scott said that the development of another Common Ground Facility like the one in Camperdown would be the ideal way of combatting homelessness and helping those in need. When Cr Scott was elected in 2012, she said that had there been one more Common Ground Facility, there would have been enough “space for every single person sleeping rough in the city”. This is a target that Cr Scott says Labor is committed to reaching. Perhaps the biggest commitment that Cr Scott has said she’s committed to is changing the City’s planning controls. This would allow people to put solar panels on their own homes, something that she said the Lord Mayor and her council has disallowed for aesthetic purposes in some areas of the City. Cr Scott said that she believes she is working in the best interests of both residential and business voters, and that she is very proud to have been selected as a candidate who won 80% of the primary vote of hundreds of local Labor offices.
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Businesses State Government under come out fire after Inner-West Council loses third general manager for City pre-poll BY LUCAS BAIRD The business vote reforms in Sydney looks are set to hurt incumbent Mayor, Clover Moore, as business owners showed up in force at the Town Hall pre-polling booths voicing their displeasure. The reforms which were passed by the State Government in July, give businesses two votes instead of one in the City of Sydney elections. Many have predicted this change could impact Ms Moore’s twelve year majority rule as mayor. Business owners that were interviewed at the Town Hall booths almost unanimously said that the Liberal candidate, Christine Forster, would secure their vote.
initially disliked the laws, she had come around to them. Councillor Clover Moore told City Hub that she expected the business vote to be one of the biggest issues in the race for Mayor, claiming that many residents will feel that their vote has been “halved” and will be voting on that issue in particular. Ms Moore also looks set to benefit from preferences from both the Labor candidate for Mayor, Linda Scott, and the Greens. “It is over to the people now, they have to decide. But I have fought hard for them over the last twelve years,” Ms Moore said. Angela Vithoulkas from the
Business vote will be an important issue for the City of Sydney. Photo: Lucas Baird
“I’ll be voting for Christine [Forster] because Clover [Moore] has ruined this city,” said one business owner. “The bike tracks go nowhere, the cyclists don’t use them and they are ruining businesses in Alexandria because people can no longer park outside them.” “The business vote is the only reason I’m here. I’ll be voting Liberal,” said another. However, Ms Moore did appear to have the support of most of the residents that City Hub talked to at the booths. One declared that she was in “awe” of what Ms Moore had done in her time as Mayor, praising in particular the installation of bike lanes across the City. Many residents also criticised the business vote reforms. “It’s disgraceful,” said one voter. However, some residents saw it as less of an issue. One resident said that while she 8
city hub 8 SEPTEMBER 2016
Sydney Matters party is another candidate attempting to become Lord Mayor. Ms Vithoulkas said that she was “quietly optimistic” of her chances to become Mayor and that her team had been working hard on pre-polling. Ms Vithoulkas also recruited former Liberal councillor Edward Mandla to Sydney Matters in July and is hoping to pull some votes from the Liberal party. “There are many disillusioned liberal voters who will be happy at having another place to go,” she told City Hub. But, Ms Forster said otherwise. “Not at all, why would it? He [Mr Mandla] was a very unsuccessful Liberal candidate for Mayor the last time.” Pre-polling for the City of Sydney will be open until the election day, Saturday September 10.
BY LUCAS BAIRD A former Leichhardt councillor has condemned the State Government’s “reckless and demeaning” approach to the community in the wake of the resignation of the Inner West Council’s General Manager. On Thursday September 1, the Interim General Manager for the Council, Vanessa Chan, became the third General Manager to resign from the Inner West Council in four months. Ms Chan’s resignation follows that of her deputies, Peter Head and Brian Barret, who left the council shortly after the amalgamation of the former Marrickville, Leichhardt and Ashfield councils. She cited “personal reasons” as responsible for her decision. One-time Leichhardt councillor, John Stamolis, said this was evidence that the amalgamation process was flawed. “[Ms Chan’s resignation] is a symptom of the government’s process, which was a very callous approach [to council mergers]. This rushed process by the Baird government has impacted everybody,” Mr Stamolis told City Hub. “This has been a reckless and demeaning approach for the community.” “We have a high level of instability in the executive level [..] you simply don’t lose three GMs without a problem.” “[The amalgamation] was done in the worst possible way.” The former mayor of Ashfield, Lucille McKenna, agreed with Mr Stamolis and said that Ms Chan’s resignation was “collateral damage” of the government’s “enormous” expectations on the new council to merge the areas. As Mayor, Ms McKenna had worked with Ms Chan when she was the general manager
New Inner West Council under mounting pressure. Image: Wendy Bacon
of Ashfield Council and said that Ms Chan wouldn’t have resigned unless necessary. “I don’t think she would have left without the situation becoming intolerable,” she said. Mr Stamolis also warned the government from appointing someone outside the Inner West area to replace Ms Chan, claiming that they run the risk of disengaging the community further. Inner West Council Administrator, Richard Pearson, has said that a new general manager
will be appointed within the week, but did not indicate if they would come from inside the council area. “My aim is to ensure a quick, efficient and seamless transition to a new Interim General Manager in order that the momentum we are building in establishing our new Council can be harnessed,” Mr Pearson said. Mr Pearson also thanked Ms Chan for her work with the council and wished her the best in future endeavours.
Former High Court Judge calls plebiscite on marriage equality unconstitutional By Jordan Fermanis Speaking at an Amnesty International event at the Waverley Library on Tuesday 6 September, Former Justice High Court Judge Michael Kirby addressed a number of issues relating to human rights. In 2013, Mr Kirby was appointed by the United Nations to lead an inquiry into human rights abuses in North Korea which reported back the following year. The event was hosted by Randwick Amnesty International which was set up three years ago.The event was part of the ‘Living Library’ segment which the organisation was running for a fifth time. As an openly gay man, Mr Kirby has been outspoken on his belief that a plebiscite on marriage equality is not within Parliament’s legal powers. In his speech, Mr Kirby addressed human rights issues Australia faced including: Indigenous Australians, Asian immigrants to Australia, gender equality and refugees and asylum seekers. Mr Kirby left LGBTQIA to last where he declared this was the minority to which he belonged. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is committed to a plebiscite on marriage equality which looks likely to be held early next year
if passed by parliament. The cost of a plebiscite is reported as up to $160 million, however some figures climb up to $500 million. Money aside, Mr Kirby said that a human rights issue should not be put to a public vote. “When you belong to a minority you can feel the sting of it,” Mr Kirby said. Mr Kirby called the plebiscite an “irrational policy”, citing the two Michael Kirby addresses a crowd at Waverley Library. other plebiscites in Image Jordan Fermanis Australia’s history, the first during WWI which asked whether country,” Mr Kirby said. soldiers could be conscripted against their Mr Kirby said that in his view the plebiscite will, the second changing the national anthem was an “extra penalty step” which was to Advance Australia Fair from God Save the unnecessary for the LGBTQIA community to Queen in 1977. be submitted to. “The human rights and dignity of fellow Whilst Mr Kirby acknowledged that, “this citizens should not be submitted to this is not one of the biggest problems in our process.” country or the world,” he said that he hopes “Our Parliament cannot make a law for the plebiscite won’t happen and that it will be a sacramental marriage, this is a secular defeated in the Senate.
FEATURE
505 - an artistic home on the fringe
September is bulging with rare and exhilarating creativity as the Sydney Fringe Festival launches into its seventh year. The generously packed program covers every genre: family entertainment, comedy, dance, theatre, outdoor performance, visual art, music and so much more. CEO and Festival Director Kerri Glasscock also runs the Old 505 Theatre, a venue at the centre of Sydney’s independent arts scene not only during the festival but year round, as Kerri notes, “If you have something to say, we will find you a home to say it in.” Eliza Sanders. Photo: Chris Peken
Young Pretender
Damian Wright Trio
Magic prodigies Lucas Itrawan and Ash Hodgkinson are two 15-year-old friends whose careers began when they were 11-years-old busking in Pitt St Mall. They had teamed up after meeting several times in a magic shop in the city. Calling themselves Cardistr y they went to the Melbourne Magic Festival, and, long stor y short, ended up with respected Sydney magician Adam Mada as their mentor and producer. Their Sydney Fringe show, Cardistr y Cubed, will include some impressive card shuffling and classic magic tricks which have been given their own personal twist. They recently introduced “speed cubing” (solving a Rubik’s Cube puzzle ver y rapidly), into their act and, for the Sydney Fringe, will be attempting the world speed cubing record… using magic (when asked if that was actually allowed, they were awkwardly silent). Interspersed throughout the routine will be some comedy. As for whether this will be a longterm career, Ash said: “I guess we just want to get as far as we can and see where it goes from there.” On the subject of making tricks look good on stage, Lucas quipped: “We’ve got a couple of tricks up our sleeve.” Sep 24–25, 2pm. $20. The Old 505 Theatre , 5 Eliza St, Newtown.
Other acts OF note:
PEDAL // CASTLES
Eliza Sanders of House of Sand will be performing two solo dance shows which also include acapella cabaret singing and “absurdist theatre ramblings” (her words). Pedal premiered at the beginning of 2015. It was a work that had come together sporadically in bits and pieces and Sanders never felt that it was quite finished. She created Castles as a kind of sequel or continuation of the stor y, although she emphasises that each work can be seen and enjoyed independently of the other. She will however be performing both on the last night of her stint. Sanders’ shows are abstract and surrealist, but she believes there is an implicit message. She prefers it that way because she wants audience members to have their own, unique experience. And, as she explains, they do: “I’m really interested in talking to people after the show, and they’ll say ‘that was such an absolutely incredible exploration of feminist issues’… or someone said it was about being exiled…”
so bubbly and enthusiastic and supportive and helpful, and it’s just such a nurturing environment.” She is in fact at Sydney Fringe by virtue of an award from Wellington Fringe. Pedal: Sep 20, 22 + 24. 7pm (6pm Sat). $18-$25. Castles: Sep 21, 23 +24. 7pm. $18-$25. The Old 505 Theatre , 5 Eliza St, Newtown. Tickets & info for all shows: www. old505theatre .com or www.sydneyfringe .com (Special prices available for double bill.)
CARDISTRY CUBED
Young Pretender
By Rita Bratovich Glasscock has been at the helm of Sydney Fringe for three years. In that time she has transformed it from a vague, free-for-all period of random acts to a structured, curated, clearly defined entity. “Because there’s a unified voice now of what the Fringe stands for, yes, it’s now growing and it’s gaining momentum,” Glasscock explained. Prior to (and concurrent with) her role at Sydney Fringe however, as the CEO and co-founder of music space, Venue 505, and performance space, The Old 505 Theatre, Glasscock supports the city’s independent creative scenes year-round. Both venues provide employment opportunities for almost 2000 artists a year, are 100 percent artist run and receive no government funding. In the spirit of the Fringe, they will each be revving up their programs throughout September. Festivals such as the Sydney Fringe provide one of few opportunities for new and emerging artists to gain access to resources and performance space. In comparison to other cities around the world, Sydney is prohibitively expensive when it comes to staging art and cultural events. Add to that the thorny hedge of bureaucracy and regulations that the NSW government has cultivated, and it leaves only the bold, brave and sponsored few that can provide alternatives to main stage, high profile art, music and theatre productions. The Old 505 Theatre in Newtown is the reincarnation of the performance space originally created by Glasscock and Cameron Undy. While the location has changed a number of times, the mission has remained firm – to provide a place where independent artist can showcase their work. The range of acts that will appear here as part of Sydney Fringe is testimony to its pledge of open access to all. Items from the “Kids” program share the calendar with some ver y edgy, 15+ material. The City Hub investigates the 505’s standout Sydney Fringe programs…
The 15+ rating given to the shows is due to “nudity, adult themes and coarse language”. However Sanders personally doesn’t have an issue with young people being in the audience. Asked about the significance of fringe festivals for artists such as herself, she replies: “They have been absolutely incredible for me in enabling me to put my work out there and see how people respond to it.” She added: “There’s a certain type of people who work at fringe festivals who are always
Honourable mention: Young Pretender The Australian premiere of Young Pretender stands out amongst the New Theatre’s camp and challenging Sydney Fringe program. Directed by Inner West local Mark Nagle, English writer E V Crowe’s spin on the rebellious and charismatic Bonnie Prince Charlie who just one year after capturing the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland was fleeing for his life. A flawed and fanatical idealist is brought to life vividly in this unflinching look at the nature of rebellion. Sep 13–17. New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown. $20-$25. Tickets & info: www.newtheatre.org.au
THE OFFENSIVE NIPPLE SHOW
Jess Holly Bates and Sarah Tuck are sometimes naked and sometimes clothed, in ever y sense. Crudely funny, brashly political, startlingly incisive. This one tests all the barriers. Sep 8–10, 9.30pm. $20. The Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza St, Newtown.
VENUE 505 SPECIAL MENTION:THE DAMIAN WRIGHT TRIO
Whoever is on stage at Venue 505 is likely to be amongst the best in their field. Damian Wright is in the top echelon of Australian flamenco guitarist and he is playing with premium musicians Steve Hunter (jazz bass) and James Hauptman (percussion) for one show only. Sep 17, 8:30pm. Venue 505, 280 Cleveland Street, Surr y Hills . $20-$25. Tickets & info: www.venue505.com city hub 8 SEPTEMBER 2016
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MUSIC
35 ACTS ON MULTIPLE STAGES FEATURING THE BEST OF JEWISH PERFORMERS AND COMPOSERS
MUSIC • DANCE • FOOD
SUNDAY 18 SEPT 2016
FESTIVAL JEWISH MUSIC BEYOND BELIEF
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Adam Katz • Alexis Fishman (NY) - “Boychiks of Broadway” • Azadoota • Before the King • Bernie Hayes • Brazilbeats Confetti • Dahlia Dior • Dave Faulkner • David Scheel • Deborah Conway & Willy Zygier (VIC) Dov Farkas • Gary Holzman • Glenn Cardier and the Sideshow • Haze Trio • Husky Gawenda Joanna Weinberg - “Pandora’s Bag” • Jones of ARK (WA) • Josh Oshlack • Junkyard Beats • Klezmer Divas Leonie Cohen Trio • Mahalia Barnes • Martha Marlow • Masha’s Legacy • Miriam Lieberman Trio Monsieur Camembert • Music for Refugees • Oscar Gross • Rick Melick & The Self Made Men • Sam Joole Band Shimon Farkas • Simon Shaw (Israel) • Songs from Atomic - The Musical • SqueezeBox Boogaloo Steve Kilbey • Steve Mazabow • Sydney Jewish Choral Society • The Bashevis Singers (VIC) • The BeatLab The Human Sound Project • The Mark Ginsburg Band • The Tree of Life • Tina Harrod • Virna Sanzone • Yaron Hallis
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city hub 8 SEPTEMBER 2016
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Bruce Glen’s Magical Soirées
The Magical Soirée, held each Friday at approximately 7:33pm at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia, is an evening of charm, mystery and stylish entertainment. Within the sandstone walls of this historic building, Bruce Glen – the Gentleman Magician – enthrals an intimate audience with magic and storytelling. Eloquent, impeccably dressed and affable, Glen is beguiling as he recounts historic tales of ghosts, magicians and con artists, interspersing
How do you measure a man? Is it by his bench press? How much sex he has? The way he walks or talks? Is a man any less of a man if he is gay? Critically acclaimed writer Gavin Roach (and star of this one man show) delves into these questions to expose the complexities that attach to being a gay man in this millennial age. The Measure of a Man takes a different look at the male sexual experience, focusing on one man’s sexual anxieties, embarrassments, and shame. Roach draws on his own life and experience. As he explains, the show is “raw and honest” and does not “pull any punches” in an effort to bring to the stage those stories that are otherwise not touched upon by LGBTI theatre.
the anecdotes with some classic legerdemain. While he doesn’t saw anyone in half (apparently he only knows how to do the first part of that trick), he does manage to elicit gasps from the audience with some stunning illusions involving string, cards, handkerchiefs, cup and ball, and mind reading. Champagne and delicious canapés – including shot-sized cups of gazpacho soup – are served on arrival. Seats for each performance are limited to seventy and are arranged in one corner of a very large room, imitating the setting of a private chamber performance. With a strict dress code and the rich, 1930’s decor, patrons will be immersed in an elegant, nostalgic evening of surprise, humour and lingering bewilderment. (RB) Every Friday, approx. 7:33pm.The Royal Automobile Club of Australia, 89 Macquarie Street, Sydney. $75 (inc champagne & canapes).Tickets & info: www. gentlemanmagician.com.au or 1300 033 599
The Measure of a Man promises to be a well-balanced blend of comedy and drama. Roach describes the show as “jovial and humorous” before the “themes turn deeper and darker [and] punch to the gut” as the show explores the “male experience with body and sex”. After debuting earlier in the year in Melbourne to high acclaim, The Measure of a Man comes to Sydney as part of this year’s Sydney Fringe Festival. If you are looking for a show that will enchant, enlighten and exhilarate, this is for you. (RP) Sep 13–18, varied performance times. New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown. $17.50-$20.50. Tickets & info: www.newtheatre.org.au or (02) 9519 3403
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Peter Helliar – One Hot Mess As one of Australia’s most beloved comedians, Peter Helliar has been a mainstay on television, radio and in film. Now one of the full time cohosts of Network Ten’s The Project, it’s a better time than ever to catch one of Helliar’s upcoming One Hot Mess shows as part of Just For Laughs. Whether you find him more hot than mess – or more mess than hot as Helliar joking says his wife would say – this tour is shaping to be one of the largest he has done in recent years. “I’ve always identified myself as a stand-up comedian first and foremost,” said Helliar.“It’s the most honest test for a comedian to do stand up... It feels very freeing in that regard...The intention is to make people laugh and provide some escapism for an hour.” Alongside his solo shows, Helliar will also be featuring in
the Just For Laughs All-Star Gala alongside Julian Clary, Margaret Cho, Jim Norton, Beardyman and Charlie Pickering. “Any kind of big [comedy] festival... is kind of like our Olympic period where everyone’s been working up towards their shows. It’s our league season,” Helliar emphasized. But of the bad press and heckling that has seemingly followed the Olympic athletes this year? “I won’t pull a Ryan Lochte... at the Opera House, [audiences are] pretty cool,” said Helliar.“I think we’ll be safe with heckling, but if anyone wants to have a crack, feel free!” (ES) Sep 8 (7pm) + Sep 10 (9.15pm).The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House. $43. Tickets & info: www. justforlaughssydney.com/ portfolio/peter-helliar/
Johanna Allen sings The Songs That Got Away You may not have heard of Harold Arlen, but you’ve undoubtedly been touched by his music. While Arlen himself remained an enigma, performers Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and Judy Garland all became famous singing his songs. ‘Stormy Weather’,‘The Man That Got Away’,‘Blues in the Night’,‘Get Happy’,‘One for My Baby’,‘Paper Moon’ and ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’… the list goes on. In her one-woman show, acclaimed Australian singer and actress Johanna Allen brings to life the music and muses of Harold Arlen.Allen takes her audience back to the Cotton Club of 1930’s Manhattan, where Arlen and many of his leading ladies (including Ethel Waters, Lena Horne, Peggy Lee and Judy Garland) appeared in special performances against a backdrop of segregated America and patriarchal Hollywood. A versatile performer, Joanna has worked across New York, the UK and Australia in musical theatre, theatre, opera, film and concert. She won over Australian audiences for her roles in the smash hit musicals Wicked and The Sound of Music. In this intimate show, she invites audiences to explore the survival stories of Arlen’s muses and the volatile uncertainty of success. With only a limited five show run, this is not to
Arts Editors: Jamie Apps - Alannah Maher For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney
be missed for lovers of musical theatre and old Hollywood. (AM) Sep 8–11, evenings and matinees. Glen Street Theatre, Cnr Glen Street and Blackbutts Road, Belrose. $47-$64 ($16 student rush).Tickets & info: www.glenstreet.com.au or (02) 9975 1455
Contributors: Carmen Cita, Craig Coventry, Greg Webster, Alicia Sim, Peter Urquhart, James Harkness, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Athina Mallis, Leigh Livingstone, Joseph Rana, Shon Ho, Jacqui Rothwell, Emily Shen, Andrew Hodgson, Irina Dunn, Caitlin Burns, Zeiya Speede, Rita Bratovich, Chantal Walsh, Raffaele Piccolo, Barbara Karpinski, Taylah Felice, Georgia Fullerton.
city hub 8 SEPTEMBER 2016
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The Ensemble’s decision to stage the 1960’s smash hit Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon will definitely pay off, with an almost certain guarantee of full houses during its Sydney season. With a small cast of just five, the play focuses on the relationship of Corie and her lawyer husband Paul Bratter, a newly married young couple who have just moved into a tiny Manhattan apartment on the top floor of a brownstone without a lift. Tensions arise as a result of the uncomfortable apartment, including a small bedroom with space only for a single bed and a hole in the skylight through which the snow is falling. Ethel, Corie’s intrusive mother, along with the couple’s intrusive neighbour Victor Velasco, contribute to the strain on the newlyweds. Corie suggests a dinner for the foursome at Victor’s favourite Albanian restaurant and the tension – and opportunities for laughs – is ramped right up after quantities of alcohol are consumed by all. Neil Simon’s script sparkles with wit and even wisdom. Mia Lethbridge gives us a delightful Corie who loves to let her hair down. Jake Speer’s up-
Mia Lethbridge, Jake Speer and Georgie Parker. Photo: Clare Hawley
Review: Barefoot in the Park
tight performance wins our sympathy, while Georgie Parker as Mrs Banks and Daniel Mitchell as Victor fuel much of the humour of the show. And Jamie Oxenbould wrings comedy out of his short appearances as the telephone repair man who has just negotiated some six flights of stairs. Mark Kilmurry directs with a light touch, bringing out the strengths of his talented cast. This production rivals the film which starred Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. Don’t miss it! (ID) Until October 8, evenings and matinees. Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougal Street, Kirribilli. $32-$69.Tickets & info: www.ensemble.com.au
Keep Calling
Stacey’s father has just died and she’s hiding out in his apartment. Grief can make a person do strange things – but she’s missed his funeral and the wake as well. Her estranged elder brother Sam arrives to talk sense and restore some sort of reality, but it is not without a struggle. It’s been a long 15 years since they’ve really been together and there are childhood memories to share – and vainly try to hide – but slowly the truth seeps out. Incest might not be the most pleasant of issues to confront in the theatre, but Chelsea Ingram (Stacey) and Luke Edward Smith (Sam) tackle it in this two-hander, billed as one of the best offerings at this years Sydney Fringe Festival. It is a return home for the New-York-based Australians who are both graduates of the Lee Strasberg Institute of method acting. Written by Ingram and directed by Herman Pretorius, Keep Calling traverses some dark and
could do in terms of incorporating a sense of smell, there were all these aspects to a song about coffee that you could bring into the one routine and that sort of sparked an idea, there’s more than one song about coffee, maybe there’s a whole show in this?” Catherine received “Highly Commended” at the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2016 and “Top Pick” at the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2015, she said of the accolades: “It was really overwhelming and terrifying at first, you’re inviting people along to review your shows. It’s your heart and soul and a huge amount of work that you’re asking them to analyse and pull apart.Words can’t even describe how exciting it is to receive positive feedback, to have people relate to the story that you’re telling.” (GF) Sep 13–17, 7pm. Seymour Centre, Cnr City Road and Cleveland Street, Chippendale. $28-$35.Tickets & info: www.lovelossandlattes.com or www.seymourcentre.com
Silks, aerial hoop, pole and acrobatic dance will illustrate one woman’s exciting ode to coffee. Catherine Wait brings Love, Loss and Lattes to the Sydney Fringe. Catherine, who has a background in gymnastics and pole dancing, said:“It’s a solo one woman circus and physical theatre show. It’s basically just me telling a story on stage for an hour about my love for coffee and how it accompanies me every day.” Universally relatable themes like breakups, loneliness and dreams will be explored through conceptual vignettes.The show was originally inspired by a Peggy Lee song. “I did an aerial hoop number to ‘Black Coffee’, which is a beautiful song and absolutely heartbreaking,” Catherine said.“During the production I spoke to a friend about what you
Katy Steele: Widely known for her exploits over the past eight years as the lead singer for Perth band Little Birdy, Steele is now ready to spread her solo wings with new album Human set for release in October. Join her tonight as she celebrates the release of the first single ‘Where’s The Laughter’. Thu, Sep 8, Plan B From The Jam: From The Jam have gained a reputation for the kind of incendiary ‘live’ performances that sealed the reputation all those years ago. Audiences can expect to hear classic The Jam hits such as ‘Down In The Tube Station At Midnight’, ‘Going Underground’, ‘Town Called Malice’ and ‘The Modern World’ as well as some live favourites and songs from Bruce Foxton’s solo career. Fri, Sep 9, The Metro Vince Jones and The Astral Orchestra: Australia’s foremost jazz vocalist, Vince Jones, leads a celebration of one of rock music’s greatest performers in Van Morrison Masterpieces. Joined by The Astral Orchestra and guest vocalist Justine Clarke, Jones brings to life two of Morrison’s most legendary albums. Sat, Sep 10, City Recital Hall 12
L-Fresh The Lion: After smashing shows as the main support on the recent Urthboy ‘Second Heartbeat Tour’, L-FRESH and team are prepared to pounce, launching his new album, Become, and bringing the hype. Sat, Sep 10, Newtown Social Club Seraphim Trio: One of Australia’s finest chamber music ensembles will be performing Seraphim Plays Schubert at the Independent Theatre over the weekend. 2016 is the year of the Trio’s immersion in the work of the great wanderer, Franz Schubert, and they will be performing the composer’s masterworks for piano trio at concerts throughout Australia. Sun, Sep 11, The Independent Theatre Buoy: Sydney based artist BUOY (Charmian Kingston) has spent the last year steadily building her reputation as one of Australia’s most innovative and interesting electronic acts. Originally trained as a jazz pianist, BUOY’s live show is a unique take on live electronic music with pianos, vocals, synths and percussion building upon one another to create a stunning wall of sound. Wed, Sep 14, Newtown Social Club
city hub 8 SEPTEMBER 2016
Liz Stringer
By Jamie Apps Building a loyal following for any musician is incredibly difficult, and often times requires an artist to constantly take themselves away from friends and family. For Liz Stringer this process involved a longstanding dedication and commitment to regional touring, which is now paying dividends with bigger shows both domestically and internationally. With the release of her new album All The Bridges, Stringer is determined to reward those that have stood by her over the years, especially following the crowdfunding campaign that made the album possible, by returning to some of the places where she initially made a name for herself. “It’s really nice to be able to go back and reconnect with those audiences, hopefully with a few more people each time,” remarked Stringer.
Photo:Tajette O’Halloran
Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE By Jamie Apps
disturbing places, where anger feeds confusion, longing gives way to addiction and the despair of not being able to give up. Ingram takes the show back to New York later in the year for a season with the Primitive Grace theatre company. (GW) Sep 13–17,Tues–Sat 9:30pm. PACT Emerging Artist Hub, 107 Railway Parade, Erskineville. $12-$15. Tickets & info: www.sydneyfringe.com or http://tinyurl.com/zel22wq
For the new record she chose to head over to Seattle to work with acclaimed producer Adam Selzer. Having never worked with Selzer before, let alone having never met him, Stringer explained how she was “super nervous” before heading over but “in hindsight it was such a great process”.
The Pretty Littles – Soft Rock For The Anxious
Maryen Cairns – Femina Australis
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The Pretty Littles’ newest release has somewhat of a mixed and confusing title, this record is far from ‘soft rock’ but it certainly captures a sense of ‘anxiety’. Chock-a-block with trashing guitar riffs and driving drum breakdowns across a mixture of love songs and cultural observations/opinions, this record displays the band’s growing maturity as musicians. As the record progresses it can unfortunately become rather receptive and stale with its lo-fi grungy garage style. However just as it runs the risk of closing out with a whimper rather than a bang, ‘Helluva Tuesdi’ hits as a saving grace. (JA)
Despite the nerves of working with not only a producer she had never met before but also a band, the record was surprisingly recorded in a shorter time than originally booked. “It was full on. We had ten days booked in but finished it in eight, so it didn’t feel rushed at all even with the eight or nine hour days in the studio,” Stringer reflected. Since recording the album almost exactly a year ago Stringer has been on the road extensively performing solo shows, where she admits to playing “two or three” of the new tracks prior to the albums release. However now she is feeling “really energised creatively” as she heads into the tour with the full band lineup, which allows for “lots more vocals, harmonies and a more full sounding performance”. Sep 16 (doors 6pm, show 9pm). Django Bar, Cnr 103 Railway Pde & 19 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville. $22.90. Tickets & info: www. camelotlounge.com/django-bar
There needs to be more of this. Maryen Cairns’ extremely short EP can be listened to in under 15 minutes. She leaves the listener with a craving to hear more of her micro stories. Femina Australis is composed of four short stories in song about quirky women (and some men) who have had sad times fall upon them. They focus on the struggle of the individual in different worlds. They are feminist but they are not angry, they are sad in tone and hopeful. They are filled with those who have kept their strength, their hope and their faith in people despite the surrounding circumstances. Uplifting and soothing, folksy and lyrical, the mini compilation of short stories are pleasant to listen to and interesting to think about when they are finished. (SP)
THE NAKED CITY
DOES SYDNEY NEED A SLEEPBUS?
With Coffin Ed, Miss Death and Jay Katz In April of 2000 Clover Moore wrote to the then premier Bob Carr expressing “concern at Government inaction in the face of a growing crisis in the inner city – the crisis of homelessness.” She specifically drew attention to the “crisis situation arising in Tom Uren Square” in Wolloomooloo, where up to 40 people sleep rough every night. Flash forward 16 years and seemingly nothing has changed. That’s not entirely true. Whilst the numbers sleeping rough are still the same, the Square itself has degenerated into a bleak, graffiti daubed wasteland, as unwelcoming to the community as the Molotov cocktails that were hurled into the area a few months ago. With the City Of Sydney Council elections this Saturday you have to ask, will anybody from any of the political parties contesting the election, finally bring about a solution to the problem? On the surface there certainly appears to be both a willingness and urgency on the part of a number of parties to finally bring about a quantum change when it comes to addressing this problem. Whilst all are committed to the long term rehousing of homeless people in affordable accommodation, Lord Mayoral candidate Christine Forster and the Greens Lindsay Johnston are both open to the idea of immediate temporary solutions in getting
rough sleepers off the concrete and into a safe and warm environment. Whether this is a vacant Council building or a series of dongas as the Greens have suggested, it needs to be done immediately. Councillor Edward Mandla from the Sydney Matters team has stated: “The City of Sydney administration has failed the community over the past 12 years by putting pet projects above the needs of its homeless. As a result the problem has worsened with the number of people sleeping rough at night increasing by a third in the past year to a record high of 486.”
Labor’s Linda Scott has promised setting a target to increase the City’s homeless hostel places capacity, opening public toilets 24 hours a day, building public showers on designated City properties and reviewing planning policy as part of a broader City strategy to work with community and notfor-profit organisations, such as Orange Sky. The Naked City met Liberal Councillor Christine Forster in Tom Uren Place last week, an area she was only too familiar with, having participated in the Council’s night time count of rough sleepers. In the broad
daylight Councillor Forster expressed her dismay at the way in which an area once designated as a community hub had become a sadly neglected precinct and a dormitory for the homeless. She also agreed with our observation that the hundreds of thousands spent on the cosmetic makeover of nearby Walla Mulla Park was hardly justified. Regardless of the result of this coming Saturday’s Council elections, the homelessness issue in Sydney needs to be addressed with a level of consensus and immediate action that has been missing for decades. It’s ironical that the homeless are now provided with numerous food vans, mobile washing machines and hot showers, plus a number of other health and welfare services, but denied the most basic of requirements in safe and warm shelter when it could be so easily provided, albeit on a temporary basis – especially during winter. Melbourne will soon see the city’s first ‘sleep bus’, a largely crowd funded project, that will provide up to 22 sleep pods and personal lockers, eight pet kennels and two toilets on a specially fitted bus. Sydney could well look at a similar project. The private sector has led the way in innovative services like the mobile washers and showers provided by organisations such as Orange Sky and One Voice – the City Of Sydney Council and the State Government need to quickly follow suit.
Art From the Heart of The Cross This exhibition of artworks on show at the Kings Cross Neighbourhood Centre showcases the artistic talents and hidden depths of a marginalised community. All of the diverse artists included in Art From the Heart are clients of the Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC). The exhibition was developed in 2011 to help build a sense of social inclusion. The featured artworks are the fruits of the art therapy program, which is part of Uniting MSIC’s individually tailored support program which offers a compassionate, evidence-based response to drug use by minimising associated harm. Art From the Heart features 60 artworks, mostly acrylic paintings on canvas, with some drawings and poems. This year’s theme ‘I Am...’ invited participants to explore their multi-faceted identities.
One of the clients exhibiting work described the mental health benefits painting has had for him. “Art has always played a part in my life…I disappear in the moment, it’s very therapeutic, it’s like meditating,” he said. “This exhibition reminds people in the local community that clients who visit the injecting centre are people first and foremost, all with different skills, talents and a story to tell. There’s so much more to our clients than the small amount of time they spend at Uniting MSIC,” said Dr Marianne Jauncey, the Medical Director of Uniting MSIC. (AM) Until Sep 18, 9am-5pm weekdays. Kings Cross Neighbourhood Centre, 50-52 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. Free. Info about Uniting MSIC: www.sydneymsic.com
Sydney Antiques & Art Fair Learn something new about something old – the annual Sydney Antiques & Art Fair is on in September at Randwick Racecourse. Presented by the Australian Antiques and Art Dealers Association (AAADA) this
exhibition welcomes all members of the general public to browse or buy. “I would say there is something for everybody,” said Dawn Davis, President of the AAADA.“We have a great selection of
dealers, right from the sort of high end French furniture right down to vintage clothing… there’s jewellery and art and even book dealers.” The AAADA fairs in Sydney and Melbourne are the only ones that are endorsed and vetted to international guidelines.The association itself has very strict, ethical guidelines for its members, including full descriptions and clear price display of items.With over 40 members exhibiting at this year’s show, it promises to be an emporium of intriguing delights. “I never cease to be amazed at what people come up with… the world is full of unfound treasures,” exclaimed Davis.The very nature of these items – being relics of the past and in many cases domestic objects – inspires awe and bewilderment from the
casual observer. Davis believes it’s incumbent upon dealers to demystify their trade: “For a lot of people it’s a learning exercise…part of what we do is educate the public.” To that end, the fair will also feature a series of lectures on a number of relevant topics. Though fashion and design have gone through stages of modernism and minimalism, Davis believes there will always be a place for antiques: “We’re in a very disposable sort of world now…you look back to the past for some form of security.” (RB) Sep 8–11, 10am–6pm (5pm on Sun). The Kensington Room, Royal Randwick, Alison Rd, Randwick. Tickets & info: www.aaada.org.au
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Girl Asleep
This is destined to sit with Strictly Ballroom and Muriel’s Wedding as an archetypal Aussie classic. Adapted to screen from the play written by Matthew Whittet (who also plays Conrad in the film), Girl Asleep is a quirky, comical, absurd, heartwarming cake-walk through the delicateness and danger of turning 15. Greta Driscoll is on the threshold of middleteen-hood. She is in a new suburb, at a new
school and is dealing with new sensations and experiences. Her new best friend, Elliott, is an outcast, and she has somehow managed to curdle her relationship with the créme del la créme triplets who are the “it” girls at school. Her well-meaning mother throws a 15th birthday party for Greta and invites everyone in her class. The party proves overwhelming for Greta and she retreats to her room and, via an ambiguous electrical shock, is thrown into a deep sleep and surreal journey of discovery through her own psyche. Garish 1970’s setting, Bollywood inspired dances, an ultimately charming plot – go and see it if you want to be in on the memes that it will undoubtedly generate. (RB) WWW
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Captain Fantastic This emotionally challenging family dramedy
which deals with death, grief and alternative lifestyles gives cinema a profound voice which is usually overlooked. After living a self-sufficient and isolated life in the wilderness for a decade, Ben (Viggo Mortensen) and his six children reconnect with the modern world to attend the funeral of their loving wife and mother. Ben faces fierce scrutiny from relations who question the validity of his children’s unorthodox upbringing and their unpreparedness for the real world, which ultimately has he and his children reassess their nonconformist ideologies. This sweet and well intentioned film is emotionally
Break into the house of a blind Gulf War veteran, take the rumoured $300,000 cash stored somewhere in the house, and get out. This was meant to be an easy, final job for the trio of petty criminals, Rocky, Alex and Money. Yet, as one could expect with a horror thriller movie, nothing could ever be so simple. Unfortunately, other than a few moments of suspense, and the sudden appearance of a big dog, and a blind man, Don’t Breathe does not live up to its description as a horror film. Nonetheless the film keeps the audience entertained with its multitude of twists; every time you think that our petty criminals might escape and live, or be caught and die, the unexpected happens. Don’t Breathe is best for those looking for a
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draining at times, interspersed with humour which originates from the children’s eccentric behaviour and their social awkwardness. The effects of isolated lifestyles are explored and audiences will ponder whether a father whose ‘distorted life choices’ that don’t conform to the standards should have him labelled as a misfit or more importantly as a concerned parent misunderstood by conventional society. (MMo)
061ICT1203
Animal welfare has, in recent years, shifted from a fringe issue to nationwide debate. Partly responsible for that shift is 2014 documentary
The Animal Condition from director Michael Dahlstrom, which is scheduled for nationwide cinema release this September. Four friends embark on a mission to uncover the truth on animal welfare issues like chicken farming, sow stalls and live cattle exports. The film features interviews from industry heavyweights, government ministers, and animal activists who all come at the issue from a different angle but aren’t able to offer any real solutions to the problems faced. While at times hard to swallow, the footage is essential viewing for any Australian who thinks the food supply chain begins in the meat aisle at the grocery store. (CB) WWW
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