Neighbourhood Media Marrickville Magazine | July 2023

PICK ME UP I’M FREE ISSUE #5

LOUISA LAWSON & THE OLD STONE COTTAGE OUR EXCLUSIVE CHAT WITH THE PM

ARTS + MUSIC EVENTS GUIDE + HEAPS MORE

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HISTORY

Louisa Lawson, Australian Poet, Writer, Publisher, And Ex-Marrickville Resident

WE are thrilled to be back in Marrickville for this issue of Neighbourhood Media, and it might just be our biggest issue yet!

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HUMANS OF 2204

One Year On: Our Exclusive Chat With The Pm

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FEATURE

Humpback Whales Return To Our Coastlines

COMMUNITY

Ruby Raisin: Talking Slow And Ethical Fashion

We caught up with Prime Minister and Marrickville local Anthony Albanese to learn how his life has changed as PM and what he has planned for the future. We also check in with some local Inner West businesses – including Chrissy Flanagan’s newest venture: Chaotic Social. You can also check out our Gigs and Arts guides for the best in local live entertainment, events and venues.

A special thanks to the fantastic and generous Marrickville and Inner West locals who took the time to help contribute to this issue. We hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for having us, Marrickville! We can’t wait to be back!

The Neighbourhood Media Team

PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media

DESIGNER - Robert Everett

CONTRIBUTORS - Isabella Edwards, Jamie Apps, Tahney May, Adeline Teoh, Alec Smart, Rob Everett

COVER IMAGE ARTIST: Jo Skipworth

ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081

Catching Up With Chrissy, The Chaotic Socialite

COMMUNITY ARTS

Flight Paths Theatres’ Teenage DickChampioning The Neuro-Diverse

ARTS

Seymour Centre Presents: Turn Of The Screw- Bringing A 100 Year Old Horror Classic To The Stage

MUSIC

Gig Guide - The Best Live Music Coming Up In Marrickville + Surrounds

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DRINK

Fancy A Cuppa? Check Out Our Tea + Food Pairing Guide

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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By Adeline Teoh

BActivist, publisher, poet and inventor – the remarkable Louisa Lawson was once known as the ‘mother of suffrage’ in NSW, helping Australian women to obtain the vote in 1902, and is most famous for being the inspiration for her son Henry Lawson’s titular character in The Drover’s Wife. But her story is far more interesting than fiction.

BORN on a cattle station near Mudgee in 1848, Louisa was the second eldest of 12 children. A bright and academically dedicated girl, Louisa was denied the chance to become a teacher in her teens and instead made to look after her younger siblings. She married Norwegian sailor Niels Hertzberg Larsen (later Anglicised as Peter Lawson) to escape a small country life, only to find herself trapped by motherhood and her husband’s gold fever, which prompted them to move several times in search of better prospects.

Tired of this itinerant existence, she struck a deal with Peter: they would separate and she would take the children to live in Sydney. It was a decision that would change the course of her life. While Peter sent money for the upkeep of the children from his various jobs, Louisa ran a boarding house and began saving money for important projects of her own, namely the purchase of a printing press and the publication of a women’s paper called The Dawn, launched in 1888.

Louisa used The Dawn to present what would now be considered feminist concepts, including equal rights in marriage, divorce and child-rearing, as well as suffrage –women’s right to vote – among fashion and household tips, short stories and poems.

Having grown up in poverty, Louisa also lent strong support to the socialist cause and was a staunch unionist. (Though she did have a run-in with the NSW Typographical Association for using non-union typesetters; as she had

a staff of all women. During this time women were not allowed to join the union.) Unlike many suffragists at the time, who were wives of prominent men, Lawson was a working woman’s voice in the suffrage movement, which achieved its goal when the Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902 granted most Australian men and women the right to vote and to stand in federal elections.

Not just an activist, publisher and poet, Louisa was also an inventor. Earlier in her marriage, she and Peter had converted their homestead at what is now known as Eurunderee into a general store and Peter was appointed as the postmaster there – though with a goldrush on his doorstep it was no surprise that she did a great deal of the work. Her work as a postmistress prompted her to develop a better way to fasten mailbags and she went on to invent and patent a new type of buckle. Unfortunately the design was pirated by a man and the subsequent court case to defend her invention wore her out mentally and financially.

Louisa spent her latter years in Marrickville in a cottage known as the Old Stone House, formerly located near Tempe Station. In the mid-20th century this area was turned into an industrial estate and the property no longer exists. Instead, Inner West Council now commemorates Louisa at 6-10 Roach Street, Marrickville, also known as Louisa Lawson Reserve, where you’ll find a mural celebrating this extraordinary woman.

“Louisa used The Dawn to present what would now be considered feminist concepts, including equal rights in marriage, divorce and child-rearing, as well as suffrage – women’s right to vote – among fashion and household tips, short stories and poems”

COVER FEATURE

By Jamie Apps

SA little over a year ago Australia elected Inner West local Anthony Albanese as our country’s 31st Prime Minister. In that time a lot has changed politically and economically, so it certainly hasn’t been easy for the man we affectionately call ‘Albo’. Despite these challenges, Albanese remains a humble man who epitomises the rags-to-riches story.

SPEAKING to Neighbourhood Media Prime Minister

Albanese reflected on how becoming Prime Minister has impacted his day-to-day life as Anthony Albanese the Marrickville local. We also spoke about his past year in Australia’s top job and, the biggest challenges he and Australia have to conquer.

How has becoming Prime Minister changed Anthony Albanese?

Raised by a single mother, who received a disability pension while living in public housing, Anthony’s childhood was far from luxurious. This upbringing played a major part in moulding him into the man he is today as a Prime Minister doing his best to look out for those of us doing it tough, in ever increasingly difficult times.

Given his background, Albanese emphasised that “being Prime Minister is such an honour”. An honour that he “will never take for granted.”

When asked how life has changed since election night 2022 Albanese said, “Some normal day-to-day things are a bit more difficult now that I am Prime Minister.

“It’s hard to pop into the local shops or go for a drink at the Henson… I still need to get used to the fact that people call me ‘Prime Minister’ when I go for a walk with Toto… But I still do my best to do the sort of activities that help me feel grounded and keep things real. And my son Nathan is pretty good at keeping me down to earth.”

REFLECTING ON THE FIRST YEAR AS PM

“Last year, Australia voted for change. On election night, I promised to lead a government worthy of the people of Australia. A government as courageous and hardworking and caring as the Australian people are themselves. My team and I have worked every day since to keep that promise,” said Prime Minister Albanese. “We’ve set about delivering on the commitments we took to the election, including cheaper medicines and cheaper child care, which I know will make a big difference to inner west families.”

While plans are currently underway to deliver on these promises the PM understands that year one is only just the beginning.

“In our first year, we’ve set a strong foundation for a better future, and we’re focused on the work ahead –and on building to last.”

BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING AUSTRALIA

Looking around at the economic environment he is faced with Albanese understands just how difficult the past 12-18 months have been for everybody.

As a government, Albanese told Neighbourhood Media, “Our biggest challenge has been dealing with the immediate issues we inherited, the biggest being global inflation… So we’ve been focused on cleaning up that mess while working hard to take pressure off families.”

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

As we closed out our interview we discussed the Prime Minister’s vision for the future of the country. A vision that had to quickly circle back to the issue of inflation, which has been impacting everybody. As such Albanese explained that inflation was a key factor in forming the core of his government’s 2023 budget as we look ahead.

“I know a lot of people in Grayndler, and around the country, are feeling under pressure from rising costs. That’s why my Government is focused on taking pressure off people, while making sure that we don’t put more pressure on inflation.

“The centrepiece of our recent Budget was our biggest ever investment in bulk-billing, tripling the bulk billing incentive, which would help 11 million Australians, and many from the Grayndler community, to see a GP for free.

“We’ve implemented our cheaper medicines policy – which we expanded in our recent budget - and cheaper child care kicks in on July 1. And we’re increasing Jobseeker and Rent Assistance, and expanding the Single Parent Payment to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“We’ve passed our Energy Price Relief Plan and soon eligible households and small businesses will start seeing rebates on their energy bills.”

To execute on this vision Prime Minister Albanese understands that he will need to work with his State & Local

“Given his background, Albanese emphasised that “being Prime Minister is such an honour”. An honour that he “will never take for granted!”

counterparts.

“I want to provide Australians with stability in an uncertain time. But I also know we must build for the future,” said Albanese. “I’ve said before the election that Australians had ‘conflict fatigue’. What they want is a government that gets on with the job. That’s what I am committed to: being a responsible, mature government that gets things done.”

At the State level, a lot has changed since the Federal election in 2022 with NSW switching from a Liberal to a Labor-led government. So, we asked Prime Minister Albanese how he feels about the prospect of working with New South Wales’ new Premier, Chris Minns.

“Chris Minns will be an outstanding Premier of New South Wales. We’ve had great discussions so far and I look forward to a productive relationship. But I want to be clear: I work constructively with Premiers from both sides of the political spectrum. I look for solutions rather than divisions.

Finally, as a resident of Marrickville changes to the Local government, particularly the proposed deamalgamation of the Inner West Council, could have a bearing on Albanese’s life both politically & personally.

“I will always work with my local government –whichever form it ends up taking – to provide essential services to the people of Grayndler and the Inner West. I value the work that they do, and Darcy Byrne has been a great Mayor.”

FEATURE

By Alec Smart

BETWEEN early May until late August, whales journey northwards through the Tasman Sea to the Coral Sea, and out into the South Pacific Ocean, many of them in close proximity to the shore.

From mid-August until late November the cetaceans return; the early southbound travellers on route to the Southern Ocean bypass the late northbound, often socialising as they cross paths.

Humpbacks, which feature distinctive fluted chins and long fins with up to 11 bumps known as ‘tubercles’, are, along with southern right whales, the most common of the migratory cetaceans in our waters. Around 30,000 (of the approximately 80,000 humpbacks worldwide) travel up and down the east coast of Australia every year.

Humpbacks and grey whales travel the longest distances of all whales – some swim a 10,000km round trip during their migratory cycle! Males often leap completely out of the water - known as ‘breaching’ - during demonstrations of strength generally intended to impress females.

However, only a few species of dolphins migrate, often travelling in pods among the whales, and they trek significantly shorter distances, preferring instead to follow the seasonal movements of their favourite fish prey.

BAY-BREAKERS

Whales frequently pause to rest or socialise in bays and sheltered coves during their migration.

Bondi, for example, receives occasional visitors. On 6 June 2023, a small pod of around six whales were filmed frolicking in the bay. On 31 May 2022, curiosity got the better of two young humpback whales that swam in to closely inspect a group of three ocean swimmers returning to Bondi Beach. The incident was filmed by a drone and made national news.

Whale Watching boat cruises around Sydney: captaincook.com.au/sydney-harbour-cruises/explore/whale-watching oceanextreme.com.au

On 9 July 2013, surfer Bishan Rajapakse was knocked unconscious when a 15-metre humpback flicked him off his board with a swish of its tail, just 70 metres offshore. Fellow surfers transported the concussed rider in to the beach, who later joked, “maybe it was giving me a high five!”

Typically among the last southbound stragglers coming close to shore in October-November are the new-born calves on their first long-distance journey south, accompanied by their mothers. They usually swim closer to the shoreline to avoid hungry predators, especially orca, which roam in packs seeking vulnerable young whales on which to feed.

CETACEAN FACTS

The word ‘cetacean’ is derived from the Ancient Greek ‘ketus’, meaning ‘monster-sized fish’, although they are not fish but warm-blooded mammals that give birth to live young, breathing air through a nostril ‘blowhole’, not filtered through gills.

There are 86 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises worldwide - are all marine-dwelling carnivores with diets that range from miniscule plankton to fish to other whales.

45 species of cetacean are found in Australian waters, including 10 large whales, 20 smaller whales, 14 dolphins and a single breed of porpoise. Some of them are seasonal, others resident all year round.

Cetaceans can be divided into two categories of feeders: Baleen, which have thin, frayed-end strainers for teeth through which they filter small marine creatures like plankton and fish.

Toothed, which generally prey on fish and squid, although some, like orca (aka “killer whales”, which are actually large dolphins and not whales, despite their name), also hunt seals or other cetaceans.

BThe annual whale migration season is in full flight, as an estimated 40,000 cetaceans make their way up the east coast to warmer waters for feeding and breeding.

WHERE TO WATCH WHALES?

There are several high vantage points along the Sydney coastline from which to view whales, including: Ben Buckler Point, north of Bondi Beach; Burrows Park, Clovelly; and The Gap at South Head.

Further south, Magic Point, Malabar, and Solander Point at Kurnell are popular whale-watching spots.

On the Northern Beaches the new Burragula and Yiningma lookouts on North Head offer spectacular sea views, or Long Reef Headland and Barrenjoey Lighthouse.

Baleen whales sighted off the coast of Sydney include: Bryde’s, fin, humpback, minke (Antarctic and its dwarf subspecies), right (both southern and pygmy) and sei whales. Blue whales too, albeit once in a blue moon.

Toothed whales witnessed offshore include: southern bottlenose, pilot (long and short-finned), melon-headed, sperm (including pygmy and dwarf sub-species), and several ‘beaked’ species (Andrew’s, Arnoux’s, Blainville’s, Cuvier’s, ginkgo-toothed, Gray’s, Shepherd’s and straptoothed).

Several species of dolphins inhabit the coastal waters around Sydney, including bottlenose, common, dusky, hump-backed, Indo-Pacific, pantropical, Risso’s, roughtoothed, spinner (which perform spectacular, corkscrew-like acrobatic flips), striped, and the orcas (including false killer whales and pygmies). Some dolphins swim into bays to feed or even surf the waves breaking close to shore!

If you want to be amongst the action, Captain Cook Cruises are running Whale Watching tours right through to the 5th of November. You can get out early on a 10:00am

“Humpbacks and grey whales travel the longest distances of all whales – some swim a 10,000km round trip during their migratory cycle!”

cruise, or mid afternoon at 1:15pm. The best part, you’re guaranteed to see a whale or you cruise again for free. Book in advance, cruises fill up quickly - you can check availability online - www.captaincook.com.au/exploresydney-sightseeing/whale-watching-sydney

MORNING AND AFTERNOON DEPARTURES

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COMMUNITY

WHOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE RUBY RAISIN?

“Ruby Raisin is a slow fashion brand where everything is handmade ethically and locally as one-of-a-kinds and short, limited edition runs. I make everything in my Dulwich Hill studio or with professional makers in Marrickville, who are also sole traders and small businesses.”

“The style is relaxed but polished with an emphasis on great fits and comfort, so whether you’re having a day at home, with kids, at work or out having fun, it’s easy to throw on a Ruby Raisin piece and feel great.”

Where do you draw your inspiration from when coming up with your designs?

“The designs usually derive from something I want to wear myself…and what I observe in my friendships, customers, and culture generally. Sometimes a movie or a woman I admire will inspire me, even if it’s just a feeling or small detail.”

“The forms are simple and more traditional in the sense that I want unfussy shapes that let the fun prints or colours shine. Some of my dresses are a take on vintage ideas like a classic ‘fit n flare’ style but less cinched with more modern construction and detailing, so they never feel like a fancy dress/reproduction but something new and more practical for daily life.”

“One of my best sellers is a jumpsuit because so many are such a bad fit! Sometimes, things are born from a design challenge I set for myself. My customers love my jumpsuits, and I haven’t stopped making them since.”

Who are your designs for?

“I’m designing for a woman for everyday life. I want my

If you’re an Inner West local with a love for ethical, colourful fashion, you can’t go past Ruby Raisin. We were lucky enough to catch up with the creative and driven mind behind the brand, Mia Penn.

things enjoyed, never just saved for special occasions. The aim is to make a woman feel good about herself, so she can get on with her day, feeling comfortable and confident.”

“I love it when women tell me they chose my garments for a job interview or a special presentation, and the highest praise is the personal notes I’ve received after someone has worn something to a funeral - that they felt safe and comforted by their outfit that day - sounds sombre - but I mostly want people to live life and have fun in my pieces! But in those challenging moments, what’s better than dressing for yourself and feeling good in yourself?”

Your website states that you use vintage and new fabrics to make your designs. Where do you source your fabrics from? Is this to be more sustainable?

All the prints are vintage fabric, so they can be pretty, elegant, bright, graphic, and everything in between. I also use new fabrics - all-natural fibres for the block-coloured pieces, which range from soft to bold to classic tones.

My love of vintage fabric started as a child, influenced by my mum, who’s always been a collector and my dad, who’s always been a creative. I enjoy the creative challenge of using what’s around me first; finding a small piece of something special is more difficult and exciting than buying new off the roll. But of course, environmentally, that means respecting existing resources and giving them a new life. For example, I repurpose a lot of old bedding, some still in the original packets! They are of amazing quality, and the colours and patterns always evoke so much nostalgia. So, I guess it’s a blend of aesthetics and ethos.

How did you get into designing? And what made you make the leap into starting your own clothing business?

I realised that I’ve always been a maker in some way; I was always really into art and craft growing up. But I didn’t study fashion or design; I’m self-taught, and my business grew organically. I started selling out of interest from friends and for an income while my kids were little. Firstly, with kids wear, then women’s and men’s, a label called “the Raisin did it”. Then I consolidated to womenswear only and became “Ruby Raisin”. My mum taught me to sew, and I worked in retail and for a couple of small designers ages ago and kept developing my skill set and relationships to expand local production.

What is it like being a local business in Marrickville? Do you feel supported by the community?

I feel very supported by the community; I’m very grateful that my business survived and even thrived during covid when so many didn’t. People love to know they are supporting small businesses, and I always remind them that buying from me has a trickle-on effect to everyone else in my supply chain and working relationships, the majority of which are in Marrickville. Everything from cutting, sewing, and ironing to designing or printing a postcard happens in the inner west.

Those jobs, skills, incomes, and relationships get nurtured and sustained right here. I am surrounded by an incredible network of fellow makers with whom we share the highs and lows together - beautiful family and friends who pitch in to support me in any and every way and a really committed customer base who have been wearing my work for years and years.

AHave you always thought that farming was a regional activity? Think again! Field + Fin are challenging the status quo with their inner-city aquaponics farm set to open later this year. . The distance from farm to table is about to get a whole lot shorter!

“AQUAPONICS?” We hear you say – aquaponics is a farming strategy whereby nutrient water from fish waste is pumped through – in Field + Fin’s case – vertical gardens, where plants are able to extract their required nutrients. This leaves behind freshly filtered water that is delivered back to the water critters in a fantastically sustainable farming ecosystem. Any excess waste still floating around in the water is bottled and sold as a natural fertiliser that you can use on your plants at home!

What’s more, Field + Fin uses 95% less water than traditional farming methods. Their online store is set to open within the month - there you will be able to purchase fresh, delicious produce such as relishes, smoked barramundi and freshly grown mushrooms.

to learn more about their sustainability practices and check out their online store, launching soon!

Campfire – is their onsite kitchen cooking fresh, seasonal produce grown on the farm. Inspired by bush foraging and campfire cooking. They also run “Adventures by Campfire” – arranging international and domestic trips to learn about different ways of growing and preparing food in traditionally sustainable ways. Campfire is also the perfect spot to catch some live music and mingle with the Marrickville community! Additionally, a percentage of all profits from Field + Fin and Campfire goes to supporting their marine sanctuary in Papua New Guinea.

The Ruby Raisin studio boutique is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 438 New Canterbury Rd Dulwich Hill. By appointment outside those times. The website is always open! rubyraisin.com.au

Ruby Raisin @ruby_raisin_

Keen to know more? Head over to fieldandfin.com.au

COMMUNITY

By Isabella Edwards

WWE CAUGHT up with the former Sausage Queen turned Chaotic Socialite to learn all about her newest venue, Chaotic Social – the Inner West’s newest hot spot for those looking to try something different. Over Sydney’s bar and nightclub scene? Chaotic Social could be just what you’re after.

An orange deluge of colourful crafts, unique experiences and collaboration, Chaotic Social is hard to define.

“The best description someone’s used with me was, it’s after-school care for adults, which I love. I’ve been describing it as ‘human connection through wholesome mayhem.’”

“I’m kind of taking a risk where the actual product is craft classes, and the real benefit of what I’m offering is human connection.”

With classes and workshops ranging from cheeky polymer earring making to chaotic improv to “rowdy” sausage making – Chaotic Social really does have something for everyone – although it tends to lean more adult in nature, some workshops will be teen friendly.

Accessibility seems to be one of the driving forces behind Chaotic Social’s founding.

“It’s very neurodivergent inclusive - me having autism and ADHD myself. I also have a wheelchair ramp. So, I’m specifically trying to anticipate what can be done to make everybody feel comfortable, so long as they are comfortable in a bright orange room.”

Bright and extraordinary, much like its owner, we were able to chat with Chrissy the day before Chaotic Social’s

official opening.

“I am absolutely packing it. Which is funny because I’ve been in business having venues and things for seven years now, but this is, I guess, the first thing I’ve done entirely by myself, so it feels a little extra scary,” said Chrissy of her first solo venture.

“It’s exciting knowing that you don’t need to compromise your ideas and negotiate with anyone on them. Of course, my previous businesses have been with my ex-partner, so obviously, that colours things, and we were largely very aligned on ideas. Still, it is like no one’s more aligned than you violently agreeing with yourself.

“But because of that, I’ve really turned to social media as a sounding board, and the idea for the whole thing came sort of through conversations with other people”.

“With the exception of a couple of working bees, I’ve had where strangers from the internet have turned up to paint my place orange - which is amazing support - all the actual work has been me”.

Chrissy, who was incredibly open about the closure of her last venue, The Sausage Factory – has been sharing her experience with her ever-growing TikTok and Instagram audiences to the delight of her followers.

“My DMs are full of people begging me to franchise it. Seriously though, people are saying; Why am I in Queensland? I hate Queensland. And this is the only thing that would make me move to Sydney. I’m in Canada, but I’m going to come. Like, I’m going to book a holiday, and I’m going to come to this.”

Chrissy Flanagan talks about her brand-new solo venture, Chaotic Social.

The heart of Chaotic Social is profoundly moving –recognising the desire and navigating the challenge of developing adult friendships.

“I think Sydney really does have a reputation that is very well deserved for being a really cold place socially,” said Chrissy.

“I have this theory that there are four main ways that you make friends: high school, university, work, and when you have kids - their friend’s parents. So, if you don’t do some of those in Sydney, and certainly if you don’t do any of those, it’s so hard to catch up.”

“I didn’t grow up in Sydney, I didn’t go to university in Sydney, so I kind of missed out on that. I made a lot of friends previously when I worked in politics and government, but now I work by myself, and I don’t have children; I’m not going to have children. So, I was like, okay, well, that leaves me with the people I’ve met until now, I guess.”

“I’ve been dating over the last couple of months, and I

swear that there are people who are dating purely for just like social friend contact”.

“People are always talking about how hard it is to make adult friends or that they want to make adult friends, but I’m hoping that people will actually be brave enough to show up and go, yes, this is something I want.”

Since its opening, Chaotic Social has been a resounding success. Luckily enough for us, Chaotic Social’s calendar is packed with exciting and eccentric workshops designed to teach new skills as well as to encourage everyone to mingle and connect. See you there!

To book a space in an upcoming class or to find out more, visit: chaoticsocial.com

And keep up-to-date with Chrissy Flanagan, follow @chaoticsocialite on TikTok and Instagram

Live Show with Claire Tonti

SUNDAY 30 JULY 2023

3PM – 6PM

THE GREAT CLUB, 160-164 LIVINGSTONE ROAD, MARRICKVILLE

tickets.themusicandboozeco.com.au

The event will be opened by Matrescence activist and author Amy Taylor-Kabbaz and will feature Claire performing her album, followed by a duet with contemporary dancer, COPE advocate and author Ariane Beeston. The afternoon will finish with a panel and Q&A centred about motherhood, mental health and Matrescence.

ARTS

By Tahney Fosdike

Tooth and Sinew and Seymour Centre present The Turn Of The Screw, a 2023 Seymour Season Production.

OONE of author Henry James’ most famous works, The Turn of the Screw follows a governess convinced ghosts are trying to possess the two orphaned children she cares for in a remote English estate. The 1898 gothic novella that delves into the human psyche has been praised for its suspenseful and haunting atmosphere.

Over a hundred years since its publication, The Turn of the Screw has embedded itself in the zeitgeist through stage adaptations across plays, operas, and ballet, as well as popularised through literature, film, and television.

Most recently, the ghost story captured the attention of writer and director Richard Hilliar, who promises, “simultaneously a faithful adaptation and modern reinterpretation.” We spoke with him about drawing Sydney audiences into the psychological thriller.

Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw has an enduring appeal. Tell us about your earliest encounter with the text.

I was going through a phase of reading all of the classic horror stories, such as Frankenstein and Dracula, when it popped up on my radar when I was about 16. Something about the panic and paranoia throughout the story spoke to me. I would return to it every few years, and something new would always present itself upon rereading.

Why did you choose to bring this supernatural tale to the stage?

My wife (Nicole Wineberg, Tooth and Sinew Co-artistic Director) and I love gothic horror stories and were keen to stage one. Our recent output has focused on an extreme style of comedy, and we wanted to explore another genre that is just as popular and entertaining but in a different way. The Turn of the Screw has huge potential as a live drama. With my affection for the story, it seemed a clear choice for an adaptation.

How have you approached the challenges and advantages of the horror genre?

I always prefer theatre that impacts you viscerally rather than simply cerebrally, and this is much easier to achieve in a horror story. It’s a “theatre of the guts” that we should embrace further.

Though a popular cinematic genre, theatre productions focused on inspiring horror and dread are surprisingly rare. The most compelling horror, in my opinion, is the fear of the unknown and what you can’t see. This can present some difficulties on stage as opposed to film, where viewers’ gaze is controlled by framing and editing. However, this challenge can and should be used to inspire creativity and, in many cases, restraint.

You say that horror is as engaging as comedy, and your production will have audiences questioning their senses and checking every shadow. Tell us about the experience you hope to create.

The original novella is celebrated for its ambiguity and mystery – this is something our production embraces. We hope audiences feel the story’s claustrophobic paranoia and creeping dread while also being compelled to unravel the mystery of what is happening in this shadowy manor. It will be a different experience to other Sydney theatre from recent years.

We’re not interested in slasher movie-style shocks, but some themes will be confronting, so those under 16 aren’t encouraged to attend.

So far, what has been a highlight in the development of this ghost story?

Working with the cast. It’s not an easy script, and we’re lucky to have a talented and hard-working ensemble who have been utterly fearless in their explorations in the rehearsal room. I’m constantly surprised every time we meet and so excited by their ease of access to some of the darkest elements of the human emotional experience. They have risen to the challenge in the most exciting way possible.

Images To Photographer Christopher Starnawski

ARTS

By Tahney Fosdike

Marrickville’s Flight Path Theatre has partnered with the Melbourne-based Divergent Theatre Collective for the Sydney premiere of Mike Lew’s acclaimed play, Teenage Dick.

SSINCE its establishment in July 2019, Flight Path Theatre has been dedicated to providing a platform for independent productions in the Inner West. While the theatre typically hosts productions with little creative involvement, this inaugural co-production marks a departure from their norm while still highlighting their commitment to fostering inclusivity and diverse storytelling.

A contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s Richard III, Teenage Dick delves into topics like perception, disability, and the treacherous path to power. Flight Path and Divergent Theatre Collective’s co-production sets itself apart with a diversity-identifying team, including four creative artists with disabilities.

The collaboration is helmed by Kate Bookallil and Siobhan Lawless, co-directors of Flight Path Theatre and Marrickville locals, and Roman Berry of Divergent Theatre Collective. We spoke with Kate about the innovative and boundary-pushing production.

What motivated you to put on the co-production? Did you miss the creative input of theatre-making?

Siobhan and I have been thinking about producing an in-house production since we took over Flight Path Theatre in July 2019. We had a fundraiser staged reading of a brilliant play we planned on giving a full season, and we just got too busy running the space. When Dan Graham pitched Teenage Dick to us last year, we were really excited by the play itself. At that stage, it had a producer attached, and we had scheduled Teenage Dick in our season. When the producer fell off the project, we knew we wanted to be involved. Creatively, we are fulfilled by our drama student productions through our education arm, Inner West Drama, but being able to co-produce our first in-

house play feels very timely. What influenced your decision to collaborate with Roman Berry, especially given his location in Melbourne?

While we were sure about scheduling Teenage Dick at Flight Path Theatre, we were both very busy. Siobhan and I were both cast in plays over the last few months and knew we would not be able to put in the necessary production hours involved. So when Dan said he had worked with a fabulous producer last year, we were keen to catch up with Roman. As soon as we met Roman over zoom, we knew that we wanted to work with him. His energy was positive and creative and totally can-do. The fact that Roman lives in Melbourne has not been an obstacle, and he has made a big effort to be in Sydney as often as possible.

Are there any themes or messages in Teenage Dick that inspired you to bring this play to your community?

Teenage Dick immediately jumped out to us during the pitch sessions last year because we had not encountered a play that highlighted in the cast description that actors with a disability must be cast. The story is based on Richard the Third and is set in an American high school. There are all the regular themes you may expect in a high school play, with a brilliant spotlight on being a teen with a disability. Richard has hemiplegia, and Buck is in a wheelchair. One of the exciting aspects of the play is that at no stage do we excuse any of Richard’s behaviour because he has a disability, and the playwright, Mike Lew, does not shy away from ensuring Richard is a full-rounded character with many of the flaws from Shakespeare’s text. So, to answer your question more directly, we are thrilled to present a play that brings disability front and centre.

How does this production align with DTC and your shared values around disability advocacy and representation of diverse experiences?

Flight Path Theatre is relatively young, but our philosophy is clear. We are a space for everyone. We have spent the last four years making our venue as physically and philosophically accessible as possible. We are still learning and open to improvements, as there are many things we do not know. We do know

“Teenage Dick immediately jumped out to us during the pitch sessions last year because we had not encountered a play that highlighted in the cast description that actors with a disability must be cast.”

that our community is diverse and creative and we want to be as inclusive as we can. We are very proud to co-produce a play that celebrates individuality and difference. Dean Nash, playing Richard, is also our sound designer and Holly-Jane Cohle, playing Buck is our production designer, so we are beyond thrilled to be showcasing their multiple talents.

Teenage Dick runs from July 19 – August 5 at Flight Path Theatre, Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville. Tickets and more information on the performances can be found at: flightpaththeatre.org/whats-on/teenage-dick

Production Team: Director - Dan Graham

Assistant Director & Stage Manager - Pearl Junor

Assistant Stage Manager - Keira Fairley

Production Designer - Holly-Jane Cohle

Sound Designer - Dean Nash

Intimacy Director - Shondelle Pratt

Movement/ Choreographer - Roman Berry

Accent/ Vocal Coach – Robert Lewis

Co-Producers:

Flight Path Theatre - Kate Bookallil & Siobhan Lawless

Divergent Theatre Collective - Roman Berry (Production Manager)

ARTS

FFROM the installation of a brand-new, world class sound system to it’s first ever standing general admission shows, 2023 has been a year of firsts for City Recital Hall. Kicking off the year with the launch of newly curated seasonal programming, the venue has seen artists from a wide range of genres, eras and locations perform it’s stage. The gospel stylings of Emma Donovan & Paul Grabowsky kicked off Season 01 | 23 while the larger than life energy of seminal electroclash artist Peaches and fast rising Multihyphenate Nakhane celebrated the togetherness and joy of Sydney WorldPride. Ableton co-founder and electronic pioneer Monolake cut the ribbon on the Hall’s brand new d&b audiotechnik Soundscape system, one of the first spatial audio sound systems in a venue in Australia. For 02 | 23, the venue removed it’s seats and hosted French disco pioneer Cerrone’s first every Australian tour while the following night Los Angeles hip-hop pioneers The Pharcyde brought the house down with a live show that had the whole auditorium bouncing.

Season 03 | 23 promises to connect the venue’s past and future in the present, bringing together artists from around the globe and across time to Sydney’s most pristine live music space. The piano, violin and trumpet are centre stage in the venue’s relaunched signature classical program featuring international artists Jack Liebeck, Katya Apekisheva, Paavali Jumppanen, Jeroen Berwaerts and Konstantin Shamray; world leading instrumentalists each in their own right, while boundary-pushing electronic pioneers Autechre challenge the concept of live performance with a show that can only be described as fully immersive sensory depravation. Grammy-nominated duo The Milk Carton Kids bring their delicious harmonies and intricate musicianship to the pristine acoustic space while local artist Gordi will take to the stage in August to showcase her unique combination of lush electronics and moody acoustic songwriting; the

perfect backing to her instantly recognisable voice. In demand songwriter and producer Oneohtrix Point Never, fresh off the back of work with The Weeknd, FKA Twigs, Charli XCX and Soccer Mommy, presents a brand new solo live show which repurposes seminal tracks from his catalog in sonic discourse with newer releases. He is accompanied by live visuals performed by long-time collaborator Nate Boyce who developed a new real-time animation system that updates the graphical themes dating back to their earliest collaborations from over a decade ago.

Ed Kuepper’s genre-defining alt rock celebrates it’s history with the Australian musical icon’s first full band show of solo material in over a dozen years. Featuring Ed’s legendary sparring partner Mark Dawson on drums, Sunnyboys bassist Peter Oxley plus celebrated pianist Alister Spence and brass maestro Eamon Dilworth, The Exploding Universe will tackle the best of Kuepper’s recent vinyl reissues Electrical Storm and the classic Honey Steel’s Gold this September. American singer-songwriter Son Little, continually revolutionises the modern understanding and expectations of the R&B genre. Delivering an unadulterated transmission of Black American music, he brings slick melodies, stomping gospel organs, brash psych-rock arpeggios and timeless emotional depth to Sydney to close the season out in late September.

03 | 23 is music you know and music you don’t. Challenging yet familiar, it simply Sounds Better. Visit cityrecitalhall.com for tickets and more info. Visit cityrecitalhall.com for tickets and more info.

2023 continues to shine a light on the Sydney performing arts space.

Blanc De Blanc Encore

The Grand Electric Theatre - 199 Cleveland St, Surry Hills

Now till July 30th | Tickets from $90.23, group bookings available.

BELIEVE the hype, the five-star champagne cabaret – BLANC DE BLANC – is back with a brand-new show for its highly anticipated Encore! It’s time to re-immerse yourself in the glitzy, glamorous & extravagant world of vintage French flair, risqué humour, spectacular aerials, sparkling comedy, and big dance numbers.

Off The Record by Chris Aronsten

New Theatre - 542 King Street, Newtown

July 11th - August 5th

SHORTLISTED for the 2021 Silver Gull Play Award, this tension-filled play explores themes of corruption and accountability, set against the backdrop of a tabloidstyle current affair television program. Head to the New Theatre to see the world premiere of this exciting piece.

Opera Australia presents Mad Scenes with Jessica

Pratt

Sydney Opera House

August 3rd | Tickets from $69 + BF.

Find out why Jessica Pratt is one of the world’s best bel canto interpreters in this one-night-only showcase of ‘mad scenes’. Experience euphoric highs and spiralling descents with opera’s most dramatic moments.

Sydney Theatre Company: On the Beach

Roslyn Packer Theatre - Walsh Bay

July 18th - August 12th

FROM acclaimed director, Kip Williams, comes STC’s newest production. Based on Neville Shute’s novel On the Beach takes place in a post-nuclear war Australia, where a group of friends are called to investigate a strange distress call from the Pacific Ocean.

The weather may be cooling down but the Marrickville + Inner Sydney arts scene is only heating up! Check out our list of a few of the best live experiences and entertainment coming up this season.

City Recital Hall presents The Milk Carton Kids

2 Angel Place, Sydney

Saturday July 8th | Tickets from $69 + BF.

EVERY week Enmore Theatre is putting together a fantastic line-up of Australian and international talent to tickle your comedy tastebuds! Each week a new group of comedians will take to the stage to deliver some top tier comedy, running every tuesday until August 15th. To see each week’s performers, head to Enmore Theatre’s website.

Seymour Centre presents Romeo and Juliet

Cnr City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale

August 5th, 12th, 18th | Tickets from $30 + BF.

A new production of Romeo and Juliet by Sport for Jove. A generational vision of Verona, told through the eyes of a 90-year-old Benvolio, this Romeo and Juliet is a completely original, inspiring and deeply moving take on this much-loved play.

Sydney Dance Company: INDance

Neilson Studio - Wharf 4 / 5 Walsh Bay

August 17th - 26th | Tickets $49 | From 6:30pm

DON’T miss two incredible weekends of dance. Carefully curated, this program allows performers from the independent dance sector to present their work at Sydney Dance Company.

LIVE MUSIC

Have you been missing the live music scene? Needing a live entertainment fix? Well, rest assured we’ve got you covered. Check out what’s coming up in Marrickville and (slightly) beyond.

The Smashed Avocados, Tundra & Hunting Thompson

Thursday July 20th | Tickets $10 | Doors open 7pm

The Gasoline Pony, 115 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville

IT’S student night at The Gasoline Pony! For only $10, you’ll see 3 phenomenal bands, plus happy hour is running all night long!

Berias Masseque & Friends

Saturday July 29th | Tickets $27 | Doors open 6pm

Butcher’s Brew Bar, 499 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill

BERIAS MASSEQUE was born in Xai Xai, Mozambique. He is far from the grass hut & gravel roads he calls home, but one listen to this singer/ songwriter’s uplifting music will open your eyes to the cultural mosaic still contained within him.

Jack Liebeck & Katya Apekisheva

Thursday August 10th | Tickets $79 | Doors open 7pm

City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Place, Sydney

JACK LIEBECK’S natural grace and virtuosity on violin, pairs with pianist Katya Apekisheva’s immaculate sensitivity as these two long-time collaborators perform a stunning program of Schubert, Brahms and Kreisler.

Those Pretty Wrongs

Sunday August 6th | Tickets $50 | Doors open 6pm

The Great Club, 160-164 Livingstone Rd, Marrickville

TOGETHER, Jody Stephens and Luther Russell are Those Pretty Wrongs, who combine the lyrical and soulful harmony and jangle of both Big Star and classic 90s altcountry with the sort of folky, summery feeling that will warm anyone.

Claire Tonti - Debut album launch ‘Matrescence’

Sunday July 30th | Tickets $45 | Doors open 3-6pm

The Great Club, 160-164 Livingstone Rd, Marrickville

AWARD winning podcaster and songwriter Claire Tonti is bringing her heartfelt debut album ‘Matrescence’ to the Great Club, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Ezekiel Fenn! The event will be opened by Matrescence activist and author Amy Taylor-Kabbaz and will feature Claire performing her album, followed by a duet with contemporary dancer, COPE advocate and author Ariane Beeston. The afternoon will finish with a panel and Q&A centred about motherhood, mental health and Matrescence.

Soul Station

Wednesday Aug 9th | Tickets $22 | Doors open 7pm

Butcher’s Brew Bar, 499 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill

STRAP yourselves in for a night of GROOVE & bluesinfluenced soul-jazz in the tradition of giants such as Kenny Burrell, George Benson, Wes Montgomery, Jimmy Smith & Joey DeFrancesco.

Swing masters Dan Barnett & Andrew Dickeson have a musical connection going back decades. Add the incredible Clayton Doley on organ & the immense talent of Yannick Koffi on guitar - & it’s a recipe for a sensational night out!

Katie Noonan

Fri August 18th | Tickets Seated $49 Standing $44 | Doors open 6pm

The Great Club, 160-164 Livingstone Rd, Marrickville

In this intimate performance, Katie will be previewing new material that will make up the forthcoming album ‘Being not Doing’ as well as some of her most loved songs. Katie is performing with her trio that features Steele Chabau (bass) and Dexter Hurren (drums).

Craig Calhoun & The Brothers of Oz #FunkSighting

Wednesday Aug 25th | Tickets $27 | Doors open 5pm

Butcher’s Brew Bar, 499 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill

Award winning Composer, Producer, MultiInstrumentalist, Music Technologist Craig Calhoun brings his Funky Bass to Butchers Brew Bar for a Funktastic night, not to be missed, The FUNK will be felt!

FOOD

AN ENGLISH BREAKFAST: a versatile black tea designed for breakfast food, from egg dishes to yoghurt on muesli, or pancakes with syrup and berries. Works with many cakes, too.

MALT TEASERS: malty Assam or dianhong (Yunnan) black teas are robust enough to match stronger savoury food such as soups and stews, meats and pastries. Also a nice complement to desserts that contain chocolate, where the malty flavour is enhanced.

BIG IN JAPAN: sencha green tea’s flavour profile ranges from grassy to marine. Excellent with Japanese food such as sushi and savoury rice dishes, but also matches with tomato, basil and bocconcini and mildly sweetened desserts like mochi, carrot cake or cheesecake.

FLORAL FAVOURITE: the fragrant flavour of jasmine, where the base tea is usually white or green, can enhance more subtle foods, from avocado on toast to brioche or custard tarts.

IYou’ve heard of pairing cheese with wine, but what about tea? The versatile beverage –consumed hot, cold, or even effervescent – can be paired with a surprising breadth of cuisines along the meal spectrum from snacks and appetisers right through to mains and desserts.

IT WAS the work of innovative chef Heston Blumenthal and the way he arrived at weird pairings that first prompted Matthew Tran, co-founder of Tea Angle with wife Dawn Liang, to look into tea pairing. “He used a chromatograph that broke down what all the molecules are of each food, and so where they have matching molecules you find it’s complementary.”

Having grown up in a Cantonese household, Tran was no stranger to drinking tea with a meal. So, it’s no surprise the brand supplies to Jinja, a Cantonese restaurant in Macquarie Park, where the most popular orders are jasmine (“a classic”) and Serenity aged white tea. But it was a chance meeting with Rhys Little from Simon Johnson Quality Foods that brought the idea of pairing with cheese to life. The aim, says Tran, is to make each ingredient “taste more like itself … whether it enhances the flavour of the cheese or the tea or the other thing that you’re pairing”.

The foundation of pairing is to complement, to contrast or to create a third new flavour. If you have specialty products, however, it can be difficult to know where to start. Tran says it’s a matter of coming up with a theory and then experimenting. “You might find that didn’t really

LOCAL LEGENDS: Tea Angle’s Serenity 2017 is a luscious aged white tea with herbal and floral notes, which matches the creamy softness of Vannella’s burrata.

Visit Tea Angle ( teaangle.com) at 88 Addison Road, Marrickville, and Vannella Cheese (vannellacheese.com.au) 27/37 Cadogan St, Marrickville.

work but from that experience, you benchmark it and it leads you to think about something else. Well, what if we try the opposite? Surprising results happen. By the second or third time, you usually get something better.”

His go-to teas are Chinese blacks and raw pu’ers (a fermented tea), “which are easy to pair with food, especially rich food”. These both have a long history in different regional cuisines within China, so it’s a good launching point. Tea Angle’s recent collaboration with Little saw five teas from China’s Yunnan province pair with cheeses as far flung as England, Scotland, France, Italy and Spain.

But even without connoisseur-level experience, don’t be shy about bringing it back to basics before trying spin-offs. A traditional tea pairing, like English breakfast tea with scones, jam and cream, works because the brisk simplicity of the tea cuts through the doughiness of the scone, sweetness of the jam and the thick texture of the cream. If you add a berry flavour to your black tea to heighten a berry jam, then that element enhances taste complexity. Or why not sip Earl Grey instead, where the citrus note might harmonise with the cream?

“The aim is to make each ingredient “taste more like itself.”

What sustainable business is located at 438 New Canterbury Rd Dulwich Hill?

Five Star champagne cabaret located at 199 Cleveland St, Surry Hills _______ De Blanc.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese can be seen in Marrickville walking his dog ____.

Louisa Lawson bought a printing press and started her own publication for women called ‘The _____”.

Green Tea that pairs beautifully with sushi, cheesecake and mochi.

Claire Tonti is debuting her new album ___________ at The Great Club.

Word derived from the Ancient Greek ‘ketus’, meaning ‘monstersized fish’?

The sustainable aquatic farming method used by Fish and Fin.

Chrissy Flanagan’s exciting new business Chaotic Social is painted an energetic ________ (colour).

Kate ______ is performing with her trio at The Great Club.

Gothic Horror story performed at the Seymour Centre is called The Turn of the ______.

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WORDSEARCH

On the Rd to Marrickville

Be yourself at International Grammar School

Secular, co-educational, early learning to Year 12.

Unique Language Programs

Central location near Sydney CBD

Out of hours care

Exciting music and STEAM opportunities

MAKING A GRAMMAR EDUCATION POSSIBLE

Scholarships and fee-assisted places available

Is your boy an independent, creative thinker? Then Grammar may be the ideal school for him. There is no waiting list and entry is based on merit alone. If families are worried about the fees, please note that Grammar offers a very extensive fee-assistance programme to help boys attend our School.

For more information about our Open Days and Scholarship Information Night, please visit www.sydgram.nsw.edu.au, or contact Tara Rennie at admissions@sydgram.nsw.edu.au.

Scan to enrol today

Find out more at

Kangaroo Valley rural campus igssyd.nsw.edu.au

Contact us 9219 6700 admissions@igssyd.nsw.edu.au

CARERS

ORDINARY

Have you ever had a cup of tea with a foster carer? What does it even mean to provide foster care? Did you know that in Australia there are over *45, 000 kids in out-of-home care.

Fostering does not have to be full-time. Emergency Carers look after children and young people removed from unsafed situations for short period while a foster carer is being arranged. Being taken from home and family in these circumstances is traumatic for children and they are often distressed, frightened, and confused when they come to emergency foster care. Emergency Foster Carers usually need to be available to take a child at any time though you can let us know when there are times you are not going to be available.

At Key Assets Australia, we provide our foster carers with ongoing training, 24/7 support, a dedicated social worker, and an allowance. We hold regular events and connect foster carers with each other for extra support. Are you thinking of becoming a foster carer?

Anyone can apply to become a foster carer. We celebrate diversity and welcome enquiries from people who are single or in a relationship, homeowners or renting. Your culture, religion or sexual orientation doesn’t affect your eligibility for foster care. We believe the diversity of our carers is vital when finding the best possible family for a foster child.

If you feel you have the love, space, and energy to provide a safe and happy home, then we would love to talk to you about the options of emergency care, respite care, short-term, or long-term care. Scan me!

Get in touch with one of our friendly team members today on 1800 932 273 or visit canifoster.com.au

FOSTER

are

PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS in your local community and we urgently need more of them.