2021
GASWORKS ARTS PARK
SEASON GUIDE
WELCOME
TAMARA JUNGWIRTH DIRECTOR & CEO
MARISA CESARIO PROGRAMMING CO-ORDINATOR
Gasworks Arts Park is an engine room for creativity with theatres, galleries, studios and workshop rooms, together in one precinct. The projects we produce encompass more art forms than anywhere else in Melbourne, including circus, sculpture, comedy, markets, photography, creative classes, music, painting and ceramics.
2020 has given many of us time to reflect and redefine what we see as essential. While our venue went into hibernation and we waited with bated breath for an announcement to tell us otherwise, “does art really matter?” is a question that crossed my mind more than once. The answer remained the same. Yes, art matters. It’s what we turn to for comfort, escape, meaning, enjoyment – whether we are locked down or not.
Regularly through the year we invite applications to participate in residencies or co-commissioning programs to develop new work which will find a life and an audience here at Gasworks Arts Park. The physical place that we inhabit, in renovated factory buildings, in a green park, inside high brick walls, is a special place that we continually strive to improve for our visitors. Recent examples we are ready to share include our new theatre seating, refreshed theatre and cafe terraces, and our beautiful new main entrance gate. In 2021, the green outdoor space at Gasworks will be activated by art with more variety than ever before. In response to the Covid pandemic, we are offering ample space for our visitors to participate in and appreciate art outdoors. There is no doubt these projects will leave a lasting legacy and inspiration for future events.
Gasworks Arts Park is a vibrant arts space producing Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Outdoor Events for all ages. The precinct is home to four hectares of parkland, two theatres, three gallery spaces and a café, as well as function and workshop spaces. Gasworks Arts Park is just three kilometres from the CBD, situated near the beach in Albert Park, Melbourne, on the site of the former South Melbourne Gas Plant. We respectfully acknowledge the Yalukit Willam Clan of the Boon Wurrung as the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Gasworks Arts Park is located. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past, present and future.
Many program highlights we had hoped to bring you in 2020 have been reconfirmed for 2021. After an especially tough year for independent artists, they are as excited as I am to bring work to life on our stages for you to engage with. We’ve also been working behind the scenes to bring new projects to fruition, including: Circus Under The Stars – a summer spectacular in our park, and Gone Girls – an ode to Women in Power set to destroy everything you thought you knew about two leading ladies of #Auspol. Gasworks has missed you. Artists are ready to once again bring us experiences that enliven us and feed our souls. I can’t wait to reconnect you to the magic of live performance, and to each other.
I invite and encourage you to enjoy many of our new events in 2021, whether it is an outdoor performance, a public tour, an outdoor photographic exhibition, or a new gourmet food tasting market. Image credit Benjamin Storch Front Cover: Lisa Stewart
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AT A GLANCE
AT A GLANCE
2021 EVENTS JANUARY Circus Under The Stars - pg. 6 Kids Summer Holiday Program - pg. 25 Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39 Exhibition: Ru Ying Cai & Clara Chan Exhibition: Mark Ewenson FEBRUARY Queer Playwriting Award Showcase (Initial Readings) - pg. 17 Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39 Exhibition: Amanda Wallace Exhibition: Chinese New Year Exhibition: Chris Hutchinson MARCH The Best, The Fairest, The First - pg. 9 Tastings at Gasworks - pg. 26 Rise Again - pg. 30 Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39 Exhibition: Alexandra Hiller Exhibition: Susan Bowron APRIL Kids Autumn Holiday Program - pg. 25 Midsumma Festival - pg. 16 Queer Playwriting Award Showcase (Midsumma Finals) - pg. 17 Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39 Exhibition: Meg Kolac MAY Gasworks Circus Showdown - pg. 18 After Oscar - pg. 22 Cataclysm - pg. 22 Bay Windows Outdoor Photography Exhibition - pg. 34 Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39 Exhibition: Benjamin Storch
2021 EVENTS JULY Love Song Dedications (Without Richard Mercer) - pg. 11 Gone Girls - pg. 12 Shame On You, Betty Bucknell - pg. 23 Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39 Exhibition: Karen Hopkins & Deborah Punton AUGUST Newk - pg. 13 Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39 Exhibition: Lisa McNeice SEPTEMBER COVID The Musical - pg. 23 Bach by Candlelight - pg. 13 Railed - pg. 15 Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39 Exhibition: Kitty Calvert OCTOBER Fringe Festival - pg. 20 Kids Spring Holiday Program - pg. 25 Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39 Exhibition: Craft Contemporary Festival Exhibition: Victorian Seniors Festival NOVEMBER Paint Out - pg. 33 The Chimerical - pg. 31 Watch The Grass Grow - pg. 31 Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39 DECEMBER Exhibition: Christmas Crackers Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39
JUNE Rebel - pg. 10 Kids Winter Holiday Program - pg. 25 The Chimerical Kids Workshops - pg. 31 Gasworks Farmers’ Market - pg. .39 Exhibition: Housingfirst Annual Group Showcase
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CIRCUS UNDER THE STARS
CIRCUS UNDER THE STARS
CIRCUS UNDER THE STARS RED CANVAS PRODUCTIONS Circus Under The Stars is a spectacular circus cabaret show for the whole family featuring some of Australia’s finest, award winning circus performers. Be amazed at the feats of strength shown by the aerialists on the cloudswing, trapeze and straps, be wowed by the dexterity of the foot juggling queen and be blown away by the balancing maestro on the most impossible of objects.
Awe-inspiring aerialists, astonishing acrobats and sassy singers.
Allow yourself to be charmed by the sublime vocals and strong wit of M.C, Aurora Kurth and soar to dazzling heights with all the artists, in a socially distanced COVID-Safe Open-air theatre. A full hour of circus entertainment for the young and young at heart, with the majestic night sky as the backdrop.
“A slick performance by an esteemed bunch of artists.” - Rip It Up
15 - 16 JANUARY GASWORKS PARK This project is supported by the Gasworks Foundation Patrons Fund & the generous donations of our supporters.
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Image provided by Red Canvas Productions
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PERFECTLY PITCHED “BETWEEN HUMOUR AND PATHOS. ”
THE AGE
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MOVING PARTS
Image by Elizabeth Walley
OVING PAR
MIDSUMMA
Behind every Australian sportswoman, there’s an unsung heroine who blazed the trail...
MOVING PARTS
Moving Parts is Gasworks Arts Park’s season of professional theatre, circus and music performances, handpicked from the best of new Australian and Victorian works. Bring your partner, friends and family for fresh, vibrant and moving live performance.
Image by David Horne
“It is safe to say that when people linger in the theatre foyer, keenly discussing a show with friends, performers and strangers, the production has been a success.” Beachside Stories Melbourne Writers’ Theatre Theatre People, June 2019
THE BEST, THE FAIREST, THE FIRST MELBOURNE WRITERS’ THEATRE Causing a fluttering of hearts with their risqué bathing costumes in 1912, winning the hearts of cricket fans across the nation in 1958, and getting to the heart of what it means to be an Australian Sportswoman in 2021 – Olympic hopes are high, but who’s doing the school drop-off today? – these sporting heroines and their heart-warming stories will delight.
3 - 6 MARCH GASWORKS THEATRE 9
Image by Nick Mckk
REBEL
MOVING PARTS
Image by Jodie Hutchinson
MOVING PARTS
HIGHWIRE ENTERTAINMENT A live circus rock tribute to the original rebel, David Bowie. Stage dive into the mosh pit for a night of live music, glittering glam rock, phenomenal acrobatics, breathtaking aerials and spectacular heart-stopping sideshow. Combining music, circus and comedy, bringing to life an incredible body of work that spanned over 50 years, with an aesthetic that inspired generations.
TEN TONNE SPARROW A bonkers comedy lecture about love songs
“A pervasive feeling of pure joy, and a Bowieesque celebration of the weird and glamorous” Collage Adelaide
“Tom Hogan and Bonnie Leigh-Dodds are side-splittingly funny in their hunt for the perfect love song”
Created and performed by Tom Hogan and Bonnie Leigh-Dodds Join Tom and Bonnie on the ultimate quest to find the perfect love song. Part comedy show and part performance, the critically acclaimed and utterly charming Love Song Dedications (without Richard Mercer) will take you on a joyous ride through contemporary politics, philosophy and wicked dance moves, one pop song at a time.
The Age
30 JUNE - 3 JULY GASWORKS THEATRE Company: Split Focus This project is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
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LOVE SONG DEDICATIONS (WITHOUT RICHARD MERCER)
15 - 17 JULY GASWORKS THEATRE
Company: Split Focus This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
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PATRICK LIVESEY Tearing through the halls of Parliament and the last decade of Australian politics, Gone Girls is a dragged-up, camped-up and very, very well-dressed-up ode to Women in Power, bipartisan wine nights and yes, that speech. At a time when politics couldn’t be more miserable, this is a drag fantasy of small moments with big impact and the absolute truth of what really goes on behind closed doors in a ladies bathroom… Destroying everything you thought you knew about these two leading ladies of #Auspol, Gone Girls is an hour of politics like you’ve never seen it before.
Image by Athatha
GONE GIRLS
MOVING PARTS
Image of John Newcombe with permission from the Newcombe family.
MOVING PARTS
TYPE FASTER PRODUCTIONS
Julia Gillard and Julie Bishop team up to take down the Patriarchy.
“This fun, funny sassy satire pushes the envelope and our perspective of the freedom of speech we have in Australia.” Global Media Post
NEWK
The John Newcombe Story “NEWK is a wonderful show full of memorabilia and belly laughs. You will remember things you didn’t even realize you knew as you travel down one of Australia’s iconistic paths.” What Did She Think.Com
It’s 2014. Australian tennis legend John Newcombe is turning 70 and the greats of tennis are arriving at his place for a barbie. Come join the party as we take a look back at the glory days of Australian tennis through the life of this sporting icon. Take a trip down memory lane with NEWK, our hero on the world sporting stage (don’t forget his commercials for Cinzano, Aeroguard and Life Be In It!) An absolute must-see for all tennis fans and lovers of Australian sporting history.
The Boys’ Club better be ready.
28 - 31 JULY & 6 - 7 AUGUST GASWORKS THEATRE 12
Starring Patrick Livesey and Annabelle Larcombe
Written & Directed by Kieran Carroll Performed by Damian Callinan
19 - 21 AUGUST GASWORKS THEATRE 13
Image by Cameron Jamieson
BACH BY CANDLELIGHT
MOVING PARTS
Image by Frank Packer
MOVING PARTS
HEAD FIRST ACROBATS
CHRIS HOWLETT Illuminated only by a circle of candles, Chris Howlett performs Bach’s most recognised cello suites in an intimate and evocative recital. Bach by Candlelight is a performance that verges on the sublime. The minimalism and simplicity of candlelight and flickering shadows enhances Howlett’s performance of arguably the most famous solo cello works ever written. Throughout the journey, Chris shares insight into the history of Bach, the suites and the challenges of performing them.
RAILED
Chris Howlett Solo Cello
Sizzling and sweaty circus.
Welcome to RAILED, a western themed circus spectacular, combining the trademark physical talents, finely chiselled bodies and hilarious comic timing of the Head First Acrobats. Prepare yourself for when bare chested circus meets bare knuckle bar fights. A racy, heart stopping display of the finest acrobatics by the most ridiculous story tellers in the circus.
“dangerously exposed but [met] every challenge thrillingly…” The Age
“The circus skills have a high wow factor… Physical prowess is accompanied by lashings of eye candy, inventive erotic clowning and rambunctious hijinks…”
Leave your expectations at home, come to the wrong side of the tracks, and let the boys of Head First steal your hearts. YeeHaw!
Cameron Woodhead, The Age
2 - 3 SEPTEMBER GASWORKS THEATRE 14
30 SEPTEMBER - 2 OCTOBER GASWORKS THEATRE 15
MIDSUMMA
IDSUMM
MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL
Beaming with pride, Gasworks Arts Park returns as an official southside hub for Midsumma Festival 2021. Whilst Midsumma has been pushed back to adapt and cater to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, this “lateSumma” festival promises to deliver a banquet of back-to-back queer arts and cultural entertainment. Enjoy the last of the mild autumnal evenings in the park with friends, grab a drink, and feast on our delectable offering of theatre and arts experiences as diverse as their makers.
Image by Suzanne Balding New Wave by Margot Morales Tanjutco (QPAS 2020)
QUEER PLAYWRITING AWARD SHOWCASE GASWORKS ARTS PARK & MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL
The full Midsumma program at Gasworks will launch mid-April, PERFECTLY PITCHED “BETWEEN featuring the annual Queer Playwriting HUMOUR AND Showcase 2021. Award PATHOS. ” THE AGE Have an idea you want to bring to life? We’d love to hear it. Gasworks is accepting expressions of interest until 14 December, 2020.
Tuesday 2 February:
Coming Out by Lucy Holz Mummy’s Boy by Patrick Livesey At Home with Anne Zieté by Jennifer Piper That’s Racist by James Cunningham
Experience new work, engage with new playwriting talent and choose which queer lensed plays you would like to see developed further.
Wednesday 3 February:
Analog by Thalia Dudek Grief Lightning: A Satire in 78 Slides by Mary Angley Recollection by Georgia Ketels Every Lovely Terrible Thing by Adam Fawcett
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Join us for back-to-back nights of queerfocused theatre and help us decide on our Queer Playwriting Award Showcase Finalists for Midsumma Festival, 2021. Eight shortlisted applicants will debut a fresh fifteen minute excerpt of their play in the form of a staged play reading, with four finalists to be chosen to present their work at Midsumma Festival with the hope of being awarded best new queer focused play of 2021.
Image by Christian Sterk
2 & 3 FEBRUARY (INITIAL READINGS) 27 APRIL (OFFICIAL MIDSUMMA EVENT) GASWORKS THEATRE 17
GASWORKS CIRCUS SHOWDOWN
Company: Jake Silvestro, Image by Ian Sutherland
GASWORKS CIRCUS SHOWDOWN
GASWORKS CIRCUS SHOWDOWN GASWORKS ARTS PARK An unparalleled professional development opportunity for circus and physical theatre artists, Gasworks Circus Showdown returns in 2021 complete with acrobats, physical theatre performers, clowns and more. Performed in a showcase across two heats and a finale, daring artists will share an excerpt from their work in development to industry professionals and adoring audiences. Our 8 shortlisted acts from 2020 have been on standby, and we hope to see them all return in 2021 to take their works to new heights, with invaluable advice from our expert judging panel and our huge offering of unprecedented development awards. This year’s awards are made possible by the Robert Salzer Foundation and Creative Victoria, with a huge thanks to NICA, Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne Fringe, Showcase Victoria, Citizen Theatre, Jamie Bretman, Kate Fryer, Debra Batton, Underground Media, Aaron Walker Photography, Highwire Entertainment, Gravity Dolls and One Fell Swoop.
26 - 29 MAY GASWORKS THEATRE 18
Be sure to check out our shortlisted acts for the next Gasworks Circus Showdown: Winter Chapman – Sonder Vodka Aunt – Trademark Lucy Tan – SYNC Statera Circus – Insert Name Split Focus – Myopia Jake Silvestro – A Line Crossed Solid State Circus – Hair of the Wolff Variation Three – Bent You can watch a works-in-progress preview showing of six of these acts online via our website.
Company: Split Focus This program is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and the Robert Salzer Foundation. Company: Split Focus Image by Aaron Walker
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RINGE FES 20 20
Returning as the southside hub for Melbourne Fringe Festival, Gasworks Arts Park will again become a bustling, one-stop location for innovative and edgy theatre, circus, kids shows, comedy, visual art and more. This springtime festival showcases a program of open access works PERFECTLY PITCHED “BETWEEN thatHUMOUR supports ANDthe PATHOS. creative endeavours ” THE ofAGE new, emerging and professional artists.
PREMIERE AT GASWORKS
We welcome expressions of interest to participate until May, with the full Fringe at Gasworks program announced in August.
PREMIERE AT GASWORKS
Showcasing the artistic leaps and endeavours of playwrights and theatre makers, Premiere at Gasworks assists independent Melbourne based artists and creatives in staging their original productions for the first time. With the challenges that Covid-19 has thrown the performing arts industry, this year’s Premiere at Gasworks program is more important than ever in helping bring fresh stories and perspectives to the stage. Our 2021 program features a diverse offering of theatrical drama, sensorial circus and more. Casting Off - Thu 21 to Sat 23 October Image by Angel Leggas
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PREMIERE AT
FRINGE MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL
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SHAME ON YOU, BETTY BUCKNELL
Image provided by Music Theatre Melbourne
CATACLYSM
Image by Helen Rofe
AFTER OSCAR
Image by Aaron Walker
Image provided by Norbury Productions
PREMIERE AT GASWORKS
COVID:
THE MUSICAL
NORBURY PRODUCTIONS
SPLIT FOCUS
GAVIN ROACH IN ASSOCIATION WITH WIELDING THEATRE
MUSIC THEATRE MELBOURNE
In April 1895, playwright Oscar Wilde was found guilty of gross indecency and with his sentence came a worldwide scandal. But, what of his wife? What of his two children? Oscar’s trial left his family bankrupt, homeless and friendless. After Oscar tells the story of Mrs. Constance Holland, the wife of Oscar Wilde, who fled to the continent hoping to create a new life for herself and her children.
How can one person make a difference against the weight of the world?
Betty Bucknell was once the grand dame of Australian television but Betty has long since vanished from Australia’s screens, until now. With rumours of a comeback circulated in the press, the spotlight of attention is once again shone Betty’s way. And Betty is enjoying every minute of it.
MTM proudly premieres the winner of its 2020 Competition for the Best New Musical based on the Covid19 experience, Ruth (working title). Praised by Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz for its “especially high level of craft”, Isaac Shatford’s show brilliantly dramatizes a tragicomic family reunion unexpectedly prolonged by the pandemic.
After Oscar is a new play being presented as part of the Premiere at Gasworks season, written by Verity Norbury and produced by the team at Norbury Productions.
Cataclysm is a gritty and disarming circus work of dynamic aerials and contemporary dance. Featuring some of Australia’s up and coming circus talent, these acrobats pulsate on stage with electrifying skills including aerial straps, acrobatic tumbling, roue Cyr and fast-paced manipulation, all set to an eclectic soundtrack.
Shame on You, Betty Bucknell is an unashamedly Australian comedy that mines issues facing the entertainment industry with frank wit and dark humour.
This production was made possible by the generous support from the Hand 2 Hand Incentive.
4 - 8 MAY STUDIO THEATRE 22
12 - 15 MAY GASWORKS THEATRE
28 JULY - 7 AUGUST STUDIO THEATRE
15 - 19 SEPTEMBER GASWORKS THEATRE 23
KIDS HOLIDAY PROGRAM
IDS HOLID
MIDSUMMA KIDS HOLIDAY PROGRAM
GASWORKS ARTS PARK For fun and entertaining school holiday activities, there is no better place to be than at Gasworks Kids Holiday Program. The program offers a multitude of creative activities for children aged 4 to 14 including workshops, performances and classes, all hosted by energetic artists and performers who specialise in working with kids.
PERFECTLY PITCHED “BETWEEN HUMOUR AND PATHOS. ” THE AGE
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Our Kids Holiday Program runs every school holidays (Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring), so you can say goodbye to bored kids and hello to the best school holidays ever! To find out what’s on, visit our website for the current program.
JANUARY, APRIL, JULY AND OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 25 Jugg Life - coming in Spring 2021
TASTINGS
TASTINGS
Image provided by Lighthouse Events Group
PROGRAM OVERVIEW TASTINGS AT GASWORKS GASWORKS ARTS PARK Gasworks Arts Park invites you to attend the deliciously playful Tastings at Gasworks on Saturday 27th March 2021. Build your own food experience from a range of beverage masterclasses, cooking workshops, tasting sessions, an artisanal marketplace, food trucks and more. Tastings at Gasworks will host a range of diverse and independent alcohol operators. Serving up award winning gins, barrel aged beers, boutique wine, innovative cider recipes and more. Take your taste buds on a journey and pair the array of beverages with mouthwatering share plates, rustic dishes, and appetisers. Enhance your taste experience with some of these featured food and beverage sessions: • • • • •
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Gin Tasting Masterclass Sessions Palate & Play Cooking Workshop Taste & Pair Cooking Demonstration Wine & Cheese Tasting Session Cider & Cheese Tasting Session
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Farmhouse Ales & Sour Beers with Future Mountain Brewery Taste Chat Sessions include ‘Victorian Pyrenees Wine Region’, ‘Slow Cooked Meats and beer, and more.
Share the good vibes, flavours and culinary experiences with friends and family at this not to be missed tasting extravaganza!
TASTE CREATE TALK 27 MARCH GASWORKS PARK
GIN TASTING MASTERCLASS Award-winning and Melbourne made Here’s Looking At You Kid will host an exclusive masterclass and tasting session. This session will take participants on a journey through their unique gin and vodka range, taste, smell and learn about botanical ingredients, distilling methods and the flair and creativity that is Here’s Looking At You Kid gin. The session includes a small bottle of gin, tastings of their gin & vodka and a cocktail at their bar.
PALATE & PLAY COOKING WORKSHOP
engaged with flavours from Asian Inspirations and wellmatched wines from the experts at Wine Selectors. Includes two take home showbags by Wine Selectors & Asian Inspirations.
WINE & CHEESE TASTING SESSION If you have a passion for appetizing cheese, interesting wines, and winemakers, Wine Selectors will take your tastebuds on a journey to the many vineyards across Australia in this relaxed cheese and wine tasting session.
CIDER & CHEESE TASTING SESSION
cultures, barrel selection, fruit from the Yarra Valley and how they blend their farmhouse sour beers.
SPONSOR PROMOTION Asian Inspirations Australia has embraced Asian food like no other country on Earth. In a very short space of time, the flavours, ingredients, recipes and cultures of China, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia have flourished.
Asian Inspirations celebrates this growth and aims to be a hub for lovers of Asian food and culture by sharing recipes, knowledge, and experiences. Join us and discover the authentic with Asian Inspirations and take part in the cooking workshops and demonstrations presented by chef Lillie Giang at the Tastings at Gasworks event.
This playful, fun, and relaxed cooking workshop with Melbourne loved chef Lillie Giang will have you rolling fresh modern Asian inspired dishes and having them paired with flavoursome wines from the experts at Wine Selectors. At its conclusion pair your dishes with a variety of wines. Includes two take home showbags by Wine Selectors & Asian Inspirations.
This session is more than just mouth-watering cider and seasonal cheeses. Darraweit Valley Cider are becoming known for creating something different, focussing on flavour first, experimenting with real ingredients like hops, molasses, and coffee to create something truly unique. This is a taste sensation not to be missed.
Over 200,000 Australians trust Wine Selectors to uncover the most exciting wines from the most interesting wineries and winemakers.
TASTE & PAIR COOKING DEMONSTRATION
FARMHOUSE ALES & SOUR BEERS WITH FUTURE MOUNTAIN BREWERY
Wine Selectors members get so much enjoyment from the diversity of wines we offer which has driven our passion for over 45 years and means our exploration of the wonderful world of Australian wine never ends.
Shane and Ian (Owners & Brewers) from Future Mountain take you through the process of working with wild yeasts, mixed
Wine Selectors will be sharing that passion for wine, wine regions and wine makers at Tastings at Gasworks 2021.
Melbourne loved Lillie Giang, brings you a bright and colourful culinary performance, that will not only have your senses activated but your pallet
Wine Selectors
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Gasworks Arts Park runs a variety of developmental programs to assist artists in both visual and performing arts. We offer assistance with venue hire for new works, artist residencies, workshops, mentorships, commissions, and more.
ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
CITIZEN THEATRE Critically acclaimed independent theatre company, Citizen Theatre, are thrilled to be the company in residence at Gasworks for 2021. Since launching in 2013, Citizen Theatre have become known for creating original, entertaining and subversive work that challenges conventional genres and engages with content that speaks to pertinent social issues of our time. Throughout their residency, Citizen Theatre will create a brand new work inspired by a series of experiments undertaken during the COVID lockdown, premiering at Gasworks in 2022.
SMALL GEMS
Image by Vincent Van Berklel
RTIST DEV
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
Stock Image: Adobe
ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
STATERA
GASWORKS ARTS PARK
STATERA SESSIONS
Small Gems aims to identify, develop and support new performing arts work for small to medium sized venues in metropolitan Melbourne and beyond. Small Gems will commission independent works that are of professional quality, contemporary interest and in the genre of drama, dance, hybrid theatre, circus and ground based physical theatre, to help create new work, support artists with a track record of high quality production output, and contribute positively to the Australian theatre scene.
In partnership with Gasworks Arts Park, Statera Circus will facilitate and host Statera Sessions. These monthly live performance showings of works-in-progress will support indie artists and shape new work in a forum where your feedback is essential. Statera Circus is a collective of four acrobats with over 50 years of collective training and performing experience; Karina Schiller, Dylan Singh, Aleshanee Kelso and Tomas Correia, as well as their stage manager & go-to-helper Anette Lindroos. Statera is majority-female and includes cast members who identify as Indigenous and LGBTQI+. This circus troupe is hell-bent on bringing accessible art to all through their shows, workshops and feedback sessions.
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ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
DIRTY PENNIES THEATRE PROJECT COMMISSIONED WORKS In 2020, Gasworks Arts Park held an open call for artist applications to create a new outdoor site-specific performance piece to be held in our parklands. As a result, three ensembles have been selected to workshop and develop new productions, guided by professional mentors and with assistance from Gasworks Arts Park. We look forward to supporting these brand new works in 2021.
Rise Again is a roaming theatrical fantasia, set in a future where humans have fled to another planet and in their absence, nature has reclaimed the Earth. For the few people remaining, a mysterious new ritual has emerged from the ruins. Every eight years a storyteller is chosen, and it begins. Signals are sent into space, with the hope that one day the rest of humanity will hear them and return. But they might not be the ones who need rescuing after all… Weaving a tapestry of installation, song, original stories and poetry, Rise Again is a magical celebration of nature, growth and belonging through a female lens. Every eight years a Storyteller is chosen, and the ritual begins. Fables and songs for a new world.
CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT, PREMIERING IN MARCH GASWORKS ARTS PARK
WATCH THE GRASS THE CHIMERICAL GROW Stock Image: Adobe
RISE AGAIN
Image by Rebecca Hosking
Photo credit by: Sam Gummer Graphic design by: Danielle Goder
ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
WILDHONEY PERFORMING ARTS JOJO ZHOU & MIRANDA MIDDLETON A mythical beast roams on the frontiers of our dreams. She comes as a warning to humanity in times of turmoil and chaos and offers hope of miraculous transformation. This incarnation of the Chimaera is a monstrous hybrid imbued with the spirit of eagle, frenzy of shark, wings of bat, and the venom of snake. However her most unusual and deadly weapon, by far, is her ability to summon fire. Join WildHoney for an interactive performance pilgrimage riding high on community spirit. A Chimerical awaits… a flame in the dark, a beacon of hope.
“Before I started coming to the garden, I didn’t know a soul…” Watch the Grass Grow is a new piece of verbatim theatre, born out of the diverse stories, characters, and cultures found within a Melbourne community garden. Performed in an immersive and site-specific way, it invites the audience to share in the gardeners’ rituals, such as harvesting basil for the pestomaking contest in the summer, and planting seeds in the spring. Watch the Grass Grow is about the importance of community, and the ramifications for the individual when that community is split apart.
Join us for mask-making classes during the summer kids holiday program.
IN DEVELOPMENT 2021 GASWORKS ARTS PARK
IN DEVELOPMENT 2021 GASWORKS ARTS PARK
Supported by the Gasworks Foundation Patrons Fund.
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SMARTIFY
PAINT OUT
Image by Angela Williams
SMARTIFY
Explore our visual arts offerings from the safety and comfort of your home with our new partnership with the Smartify App. Launched in 2020 as the first Australian cultural venue to partner with Smartify, Gasworks Arts Park joins a network of cultural centres from around the world such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Louvre in Paris, in bringing a huge catalogue of artworks to app users to view virtually. Discover the stories behind each artwork from our galleries and parkland, or join a virtual tour and learn key information uniquely tailored to our exhibitions. Dare to be curious and visit us online or download the Smartify App for your phone via the Apple or Google Play Stores using the QR code below.
PAINT OUT GASWORKS ARTS PARK Paint Out returns to Gasworks Arts Park, encouraging professional and amateur artists, arty people and nature lovers to join us in our parkland for En Plein Air activity. En Plein Air is a French expression that means ‘in the open air’ and is most often used to reference the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Paint, draw or sketch anywhere over our four hectares of beautiful parklands at Gasworks. Choose a site in the park that inspires you and create an artwork of what you see and feel. At the end of each Paint Out session the completed artworks will be hung in the Foyer Gallery, with all artworks in the exhibition eligible to win one of four $1,000 prizes in amateur and professional categories.
NOVEMBER GASWORKS PARK 32by Daryl Groves Image
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VISUAL ARTS GASWORKS ARTS PARK 2020 was a very challenging year for us all. It made everyone look deep into hearts and minds to explore inner worlds, and highlighted the yearning for connection through creativity.
BAY WINDOWS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
The Visual Arts plays a key role in sharing collective narratives and to show us the power of the human spirit. In 2021 we are delighted to present exhibitions and activities that bring us together in safe spaces, and nature herself, to celebrate art and life.
Image by Mitul Gajera
GASWORKS ARTS PARK Gasworks Arts Park is opening new windows to our vibrant city from behind the photographer’s lens in our premiere outdoor photographic exhibition, Bay Windows. 90 images featuring the buildings, beaches and bustle of the City of Port Phillip will showcase the natural and built environment of our sensational surroundings.
provided by the Gasworks Foundation Patrons Fund and the Victoria International Container Terminal. This collection of curated images will be exhibited across the enormous inner wall of Gasworks Arts Park, on the corner of Pickles and Graham Street during May and June.
Perspectives of our city will be shared through the images of both professional and amateur photographers in an Open Category and Youth Category, with all photographers eligible to win one of three x $2,000 prizes generously
MAY & JUNE GASWORKS PARK
FREE ENTRY TO ALL EXHIBITIONS IN BOTH OF OUR GALLERIES DAILY BETWEEN 9:30AM - 4PM Supported by the Gasworks Foundation Patrons Fund and the Victorian International Container Terminal.
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Zenith & Nadir - Georgie Seccull
VISUAL ARTS
MIDSUMMA BAY WINDOWS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
VISUAL ARTS
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AT A GLANCE
AT A GLANCE
GASWORKS ARTS TOURS GASWORKS ARTS PARK Go behind the scenes and meet our talented artists and craftspeople that make Gasworks Arts Park the premier arts precinct in the City of Port Phillip. Take a tour of our heritage multi-arts venue and park, guided by Visual Arts Manager Tracey McIrvine. Set in beautiful surrounds and buildings that were once the industrial gasworks site for the former South Melbourne gas plant, the site tells a fascinating story of how a busy arts precinct was developed from the remains of a once hissing, smoking (and even explosive!) factory site. Tours include visits to our resident artists’ studio spaces, current visual arts exhibitions and public art works in the park. Tours can be tailored to the special interests and requirements of your group.
WHEN: WEDNESDAY’S AND THURSDAY’S AT 10.30AM AND 2PM – BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL WHERE: GASWORKS ARTS PARK TICKETS: FULL $25, CONC $15 TOUR SIZE: 6 TO 20 PEOPLE CONTACT: Tracey McIrvine Visual Arts Manager t: (03) 8606 4200 e: visarts@gasworks.org.au 36
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37 Historical Archive Image of Gasworks Theatre, formerly South Melbourne Gasworks.
Stock Image: Adobe
Stock Image: Adobe
Image provided by Robbie Harmsworth
IN THE PARK
Image by David Horne
IN THE PARK
PRISCILLA JONES CAFÉ
COMMUNITY CLASSES
RESIDENT ARTISTS
GASWORKS FARMERS’ MARKET
Priscilla Jones café at Gasworks offers a fabulous breakfast and lunch every day, with the very best coffee from Allpress Roastery, and also a range of homemade cakes and baked goods available daily.
Improve your skills or learn something new in our variety of community classes and workshops.
Residing within the walls of Gasworks Arts Park are the Ceramics, Visual Arts and Sculpture Studios where 16 resident artists contribute to a thriving artistic community.
Spend Saturday mornings on the grass soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and sampling the very best of local Victorian produce, direct from farmers and speciality makers.
Gasworks resident artists play an important role in our connected arts hub; working together to provide publicly accessible tours, studio openings, activities, and workshops.
Deep coloured, ripe and delicious fruit and vegetables, aromatic hand-made cakes and jams, freshly laid free range eggs and just cut flowers are only a few of the sumptuous goods you’ll find at our monthly Gasworks Farmers’ Market, held on the third Saturday of each month.
The courtyard and open green space is the perfect place to bring your favourite people and four legged friends for a little down time. Enjoy a glass of wine on a warm day, before or after a matinee show. For your special event, the venue is transformed by the evening light into a charming space to celebrate with family & friends.
Classes cover disciplines including: life drawing, painting, travel sketching, clay sculpting, candle making, yoga and music. Most classes run on a term basis in a friendly environment with knowledgeable and passionate teachers. If you’re looking to socialise with like-minded people or want to share an experience with your friends, these classes are for you. Come away with inspiration, new friends, new skills and maybe a new creation.
The studios are open to the public on the 3rd Saturday of every month for the Gasworks Farmers’ Market. Please contact the Visual Arts Manager by emailing visarts@gasworks.org.au to book a tour for your school or activity group.
Gasworks Farmers’ Market is accredited by the Victorian Farmers’ Market Association and is proudly plastic-bag free.
3RD SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
Jan 16 Apr 17 Jul 17 Oct 16
OPENING HOURS: 7AM-4PM DAILY
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DAYS AND TIMES VARY | CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
OPEN EVERY FARMERS MARKET
Feb 20 May 15 Aug 21 Nov 20
Mar 20 Jun 19 Sep 18 Dec 18
8AM - 1PM GASWORKS ARTS PARK 39
SUPPORT & THANK YOU
SUPPORT GASWORKS Despite the challenges of 2020, community support for Gasworks continues to thrive. We are grateful to each one of our corporate partners, patrons, members, and volunteers who support Gasworks to showcase artists and create a thriving centre for the community.
THE GASWORKS FOUNDATION PATRONS FUND Each year, donors to the Foundation make a tangible difference to the life of Gasworks Arts Park by supporting artists to create, develop and stage new work both inside the theatres and galleries and outside in the park, thereby celebrating the true nature of an arts park. As testament to the breadth
of the Foundation’s support of Gasworks’ programs and projects, there have been many highlights in 2020; a wonderfully inspiring decorative gate, designed and built by Gasworks’ resident artist Ben Storch which now adorns the Graham St entrance to Gasworks Arts Park; travel assistance for Brisbane based Casus Circus to successfully headline Midsumma at Gasworks in January; the artistic development of RISE AGAIN, a site specific outdoor performance to be staged in March 2021; prize money for Paint Out; the commencement of the first of three short term artist residencies; and the purchase of new café umbrellas for the courtyard, in time for summer. Equally, with the Foundation’s support, 2021 will present
exciting outdoor opportunities for the arts community including Circus Under the Stars, an exciting, outdoor, family friendly, COVID safe extravaganza to be staged in the open air. In our first ever social media fundraising campaign, Gasworks’ social media community also donated towards the staging of Circus Under the Stars. After the success of such a program in 2018, the Foundation is once again supporting a kid’s holiday outreach program for children who otherwise would not be able to attend to Gasworks’ school holiday program. To learn more about the Foundation please visit https://gasworks.org.au/ support-us/gasworksfoundation-patrons-fund
PRESENTING PARTNERS
PRESENTING PARTNERS REBEL
THE BEST, THE FAIREST, THE FIRST
LOVE SONG DEDICATIONS (WITHOUT RICHARD MERCER)
CIRCUS UNDER THE STARS
QUEER PLAYWRITING AWARD SHOWCASE
TASTINGS AT GASWORKS
GASWORKS CIRCUS SHOWDOWN
THANK YOU
CASTING OFF
BAY WINDOWS OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPY
Thank you to our donors who support Gasworks Arts Park. In 2020, Gasworks’ programs and projects received support from the Gasworks Foundation Patrons Fund, Web Prophets, the Palais Theatre Community Fund, and the City of Port Phillip’s Toyota Equipment Fund and Arts & Soul grant programs.
JUGG LIFE
We are grateful for the ongoing support of Cayzer Real Estate. Gasworks Arts Inc. is funded by the City of Port Phillip
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Our 2021 program is presented in partnership with the City of Port Phillip. The Gasworks Foundation Patrons Fund supports the artists delivering Gasworks’ programs and projects.
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VENUE HIRE & PRIVATE FUNCTIONS
INFORMATION
INFORMATION ACCESSIBILITY
Image by David Horne
The Gasworks Theatre utilises Assistive Listening Systems. You can collect a Hearing Loop or Earpiece from our Box Office as appropriate. Service dogs are welcome at Gasworks. All Gasworks venues are wheelchair accessible and we offer a second ticket at no cost to people who possess a Companion Card. To book a wheelchair seat or with Companion Card please call the Box Office on (03) 8606 4299.
BOOKING IS EASY
Online – www.gasworks.org.au Phone – (03) 8606 4299 In Person – 9.30 - 5pm Monday to Friday at Reception and 45 minutes prior to performances at the Box Office.
VENUE HIRE & PRIVATE FUNCTIONS Boasting two theatres, two workshop rooms, three gallery spaces, and a foyer bar, our heritage industrial buildings provide a creative canvas for artists and event organisers. Gasworks offers event management services by our team of experienced professionals together with on-site catering, staging and audio suppliers who can create and deliver the perfect event. Our spaces can be used for performances, rehearsals, auditions, functions and meetings. With a variety of options and spaces, Gasworks is able host everything from birthdays, bridal parties, baby showers, arts exhibitions, and so much more! For venue hire information, visit our website.
GETTING HERE
Gasworks Arts Park Cnr Graham & Pickles Streets Albert Park VIC 3206 Tram Route 1, Stop 31. Plenty of free parking on Graham, Pickles, Richardson and Foote Streets, as well as bike racks and carshare spaces.
WE LOVE OUR LOCALS
Live in the City of Port Phillip? Love Theatre? You’re invited to attend the Opening Night of any Gasworks Produced show for $30. Tickets can be booked online, over the phone, or in person. Proof of residence must be shown to collect tickets.
TICKET PRICES
Please see our website for ticket prices.
STUDENT GROUPS FOR VENUE HIRE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Discounts available for student groups to selected Moving Parts shows. Contact us on 8606 4200 to book. For the latest updates on our COVID-Safe operations, please visit www.gasworks.org.au/visit-us/covid-19-information.
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GASWORKS.ORG.AU