CHAMELEON STORY Aria Competition

■ Stewart Reeve titled his current show Chameleon - the perfect name for a one man show in which he plays many artists.

Varying performers with their own unique sounds such as Tina Turner, Tones and I, Macy Gray to name just a few.

Whilst showcasing his amazing vocal ability to mimic voices whether in song or speech, Reeve is funny, energetic, one of a kind.

He includes the audience in his storytelling. He generously shares his life story. Chameleon is an hour of entertainment I would highly recommend.

Reeve enters the stage with energy, he wants to be there despite this being the end of his current tour. There is still a freshness, a laugh or smile at his own expense as though he is telling a story for the first time, or seeing an awkward photograph of himself that he has not seen in years.

He performs in the moment, acknowledging the audience's reactions, allowing us to be invested in his life’s journey.

I was captivated throughout, and could have enjoyed a further hour of this creative man’s story, songs, stage presence.

With no props, a simple stage, some background images Chameleon is all Reeve.

Most of the songs and artists are easily recognizable, a good technique to ensure the audience is familiar with the artists and therefore Reeve’s mimicking skills.

Reeve explains throughout the show how he got to where he has with a very personal story, yet he also speaks of the technical aspects of ‘doing voices’, asking the audience to try it themselves.

A lesson on the vocal chords is something I have never seen in any show before, and was fascinating and fun.

Reeve is talented, entertaining, energetic, generous, charismatic and smart as is this show. I am looking forward for the opportunity to see his next one.

Chameleon was presented at Gasworks Arts Park.

- Review by Elizabeth Semmel

Freedom is Beautiful

■ Visual artist Angus McDonald’s remarkable debut documentary, Freedom is Beautiful, tells the story of Kurdish refugees Mostafa “Moz” Azimitabar and Farhad Bandesh.

Despite their acceptance as refugees with a genuine fear of prosecution if returned to their home country, Moz and Farhad spent eight years in detention on Manus Island and hotel detention in Australia.

Visually impressive, one of the most arresting elements in the film comes at its beginning.

A montage of successive Australian politicians on both sides, instituting Australia’s ruthless offshore processing policies, demonised those fleeing war zones arriving in Australia by boat.

These policies argue that refugees arriving by boat are not eligible for permanent visas, putting Australia in contravention of the Refugee Convention, a law Australia has signed.

The film points out that thousands of refugees like Moz and Farhad languish on bridging visas, a limbo land denying them any government support, or an opportunity to study, a shameful denial of human dignity.

Phone-captured footage showing the horror and impact of detention centres is starkly juxtaposed with images of Moz and Farhad’s lives post-detention and the deep friendships made with supporters.

In Australia, Moz and Farhad are productive members of society, creating art and music. Moz Azimitabar’s talent shines through his self-portrait, shortlisted for the 2022 Archibald Prize.

Farhad Bandesh creates wine under the label Bandesh Wine and Spirits, a Kurdish tradition.

The film focuses attention on the loss and the damage done in the wake of Australia’s authoritarian policies.

It highlights the power of kindness, support and love in overcoming obstacles.

Ultimately, this film is a triumph of the human spirit and the power of art and music to overcome trauma.

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

Theatre of the Damned

■ Theatre of the Damned presents Willy Russell's musical Blood Brothers from August 18 - 26 at Belmont High School Performing Arts Centre, Geelong.

Champagne and supper after opening night. Book tickets through www.trybooking.com/ CFSQB

Enquiries: 0425 786 843.

- Cheryl Threadgold

The Fence

■ Darebin Arts Speakeasy presents The Fence by Fleur Murphy from August 9 - 20 at the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre.

Directed by Alice Darling, The Fence asks what you do when unable to look away.

The Fence is a solo work about privacy, bravery, and testimony.

Performance Details: August 9 - 20 WedSat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm

Venue: Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre

Running time: 60 minutes approx., no interval

Tickets: $38 full, $30 conc., $33 Darebin residents, $20 Preview (Aug. 9), $10 Blak Tix

Show warnings: this production contains references to and descriptions of domestic violence.

Post-show talk: Sunday, August 13 t, 5pm

Auslan Interpreted performance: Thursday, August 17 at 7.30pm

For wheelchair and accessible bookings, contact ticketing@darebin.vic.gov.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ There’s a buzz around town in music circles as the finalists for the 17th Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Aria Competition have been announced

This year marks the 17th official Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Aria Competition, and according to founder, the RMP’s Artistic Director, Andrew Wailes, it is still Australia’s only serious singing competition designed to promote the art of oratorio singing.

He is proud of the fact that previous winners of the competition now rank amongst the nation’s most successful concert artists, with many having gone on to spectacular international careers.

Chosen from auditions by Wailes as RMP Artistic Director, RMP Principal Accompanist Stefan Cassomenos and distinguished Australian mezzo-soprano Sally-Anne Russell, the seven finalists are mezzo-sopranos Talia Garett-Benson, 25, from Brisbane; Hannah Kostros, 29, from Melbourne; and Ukrainian -born Alla Yarosh , 22, from Queensland.

They are joined by tenors Tom Buckmaster, 26, from Perth,;Jack Jordan, 24, from Melbourne; and Benjamin Glover, 29, also from Melbourne.

Soprano Chloe Lankshear , 29 from Sydney, completes the list of finalists, with Melbourne baritone Alex Owens, 24, as the Reserve Finalist.

The finalists will battle it out in song for the prizes on Saturday (August 12) at Melbourne Recital Centre from 5pm.

Also on the program to delight the audience is a rare performance of Handel’s spectacular choral cantata Dixit Dominus which will be performed by the acclaimed RMP Choir and Orchestra, as well as outstanding singers Mia Robinson, Astrid Girdis, Michael Burden, Timothy Reynolds, Nicholas Dinopoulos, with Stefan Cassomenos on harpsichord and Andrew Bainbridge on chamber organ, all conducted by Andrew Wailes. Bookings: www.rmp.org.au or phone the MRC Box Office on 9699 3333

- Julie Houghton

Auditions

■ Essendon Community Theatre: The Odd Couple (Female Version)(by Neil Simon) August 15, 17 from 7-9.30pm; August 20 from 10am-2pm at the Bradshaw Community Theatre, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. Director:Angelo Snell. Audition bookings: www.essendontheatrecommpany.com.au

■ Wyndham Theatre Company: A Christmas Carol (by Charles Dickens) August 25 from 2.00pm; August 28 from 7.00pm at WTC’s Crossroads Theatre, Cnr Duncan’s Rd and Synott St., Werribee. Director: Alaine Beek. Audition bookings and enquiries: 0439 690 091 or email hello@essencetheatre. productions

- Cheryl Threadgold