Off The Leash - April 2019

NT YOUTH WEEK

LORD OF THE FLIES

THE SUPPER CLUB

Living in Colour

Savagery and civilisation

Beats at the Bat

APRIL

20 19

MUSIC

•

PERFORMING ARTS

•

VISUAL ARTS

•

BOOKS & FILM

•

FOOD & DRINK

•

COMMUNITY

Yo u r fre e what ’s o n g u i d e TO TH E TO P E N D

1

Two Uniquely Territorian Celebrations

Opening Celebration Friday 26 April - 6.30pm, Darwin Waterfront A special Larrakia Welcome, featuring guest choreographer Gary Lang and dancers from the NT Dance Company.

Arafura Nation Showcase, featuring music and dance from Darwin's extraordinary cultural groups.

Performance by award winning hip hop artist Baker Boy. Closing Celebration Saturday 4 May - 6.30pm, Darwin Waterfront A farewell party to remember. Paying tribute to the Games, the friendships made and our connection to 'Mother Arafura'.

Performances by Shellie Morris, Leah Flanagan, Stevie Jean and Skinnyfish Sound System.

Free Events

arafuragames.com.au

Reinvigorating the

MECA Collection 28 March – 20 July | CDU ART GALLERY A heritage collection of Yolngu bark paintings, sculptural objects, hollow logs, and weavings, collected at Milingimbi in the 1970s.

Building Orange 12 Charles Darwin University Casuarina Campus  /cduartgallery

2

10am - 4pm | Wed to Fri 10am - 2pm | Sat artgallery@cdu.edu.au www.cdu.edu.au/artgallery

Tom Djäwa, Men, turtles and spear, c. 1970s, natural pigments on bark, 98 x 51 cm courtesy Milingimbi Art and Culture, image Fiona Morrison

INSIDE

OFFTHELEASH.NET.AU E: editor@offtheleash.net.au T: 08 8941 7413 /OTL.magazine

f you’ve ever wondered what the future of the Territory looks like - rest assured we’re in good hands. NT Youth Week is a time to celebrate the incredible young people who are shaping the future, and a great chance for them to blow off some steam. Dive into a movie or hit the skate park to be part of the action – see page 4.

April is the month where we’re praying for dragonflies and celebrating the return of some of Darwin’s most iconic attractions.

@OTLmag

F R OM T H E

Ed

The Mindil Beach Sunset Market is rolling out more than 200 stalls (including some newbies!) and prepping for a spectacular opening night – see page 6 for all the details.

I’m thrilled The Deckchair Cinema is taking advantage of our not-so-Wet Season and dusting off the chairs a week earlier than normal. You can lend a hand at the Deckie working bee or highlight the flicks you’re keen to see on the diverse program – see page 19 for our top picks.

It is no secret comedy is going from strength to strength in the Top End. Local comedy-queen Amy Hetherington has pulled together a new monthly event all for a good cause.

Punters are asked to donate canned food for Foodbank NT to see local funny folk. Did you catch RAW Comedy

ti or

#OTLmag

GPO BOX 2325, Darwin NT 0801

last month? Read Will Crawford’s interview with winner Arun Alexander on page 9.

If you’re like me and love looking up at the stars, but can only photograph a blurry mess, then get on board the Astro photography workshops – see page 15. If you’d rather get lost in a world closer to home, head to Bryan Bulley’s exhibition, Sirens and Shipwrecks. Flick to page 15 to read more about his artistic practice.

Lucky Bat has been a delicious hot spot in Nightcliff for the last couple of years. Now you’ll be able to catch some tunes while you chow down on dinner on a Friday night and Sunday evening. Head to page 22 to read more about the Bat’s new weekly events – The Supper Club and Bat Sessions.

If you’re into original live music you’ve no doubt been through the roller door at Happy Yess since it re-opened. We had a chat with the new co-ordinator, Teghan Hughes, about what’s on the cards for the year ahead.

Youth | 4 AROUND TOWn | 6 Performing ARTS | 9 FOOD & DRINK | 10 Visual Arts | 15 BOOKS & FILM | 19 Music | 21 calendaR | PULL-OUT

Variety of Chefs | 10

Astro Photography | 15

I’m usually the face behind the words here at Off The Leash, but I’m manning the fort for a couple of editions until our new editor starts.

Cheers!

Baker Boy | 21 OTL is proudly supported by Tamara Howie Acting Editor/ Journalist

Contributors Kylie Stevenson Anna Dowd

Sarah Novinetz Graphic Designer

Distributed to remote Indigenous communities with the assistance of

#o tlmag

@divingtonsteele

use the HAshtag above to see your pics in the magazine

@darwinning

@caitibakermusic @tropical_stump

@mag_nt

Cover proudly sponsored by City of Darwin’s Launch program in celebration of NT Youth Week 2019.

@skinnyfish_music @tasteofthetopend

@angeodonnell

Polly Roberts, ‘The Cockatoo Man’, 2018, acrylic on paper clay, 24 x 19 x 7cm

@aboriginal_bush_traders

@carlarussoartist Although all care taken to ensure information in Offin The is correct, it is subject to change.

We recommend checking offtheleash.net.au for updates.

Although alliscare is taken to ensure information OffLeash The Leash is correct, it is subject to change.

We recommend checking offtheleash.net.au for updates.

April 2019

3

by Tamara Howie

FEATURE

NT YOUTH PLASH INTO THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS and ring in NT Youth Week with a unique cinema experience at Launch Darwin’s inaugural Dive In Movie.

Producer Jack Buckley says it’s the perfect way to kick off the school holidays with short films from local filmmakers and a feature film under the stars.

“It’s a great way to unwind after a busy first term for all the students around Darwin,” he says.

DIVE-IN MOVIE

“It’ll just be a lovely, relaxing evening.”

Shorts by local young filmmakers will screen before the feature including You Do You and Paws for Naught.

Buckley says he approached some young filmmakers, including Thomas Midena, Nat Kelly and Lexi Gregory, to share their flicks, as it was the perfect occasion to showcase their talents.

“The short films were produced written and directed by local young people and we really want to promote their hard work in the community,” he says.

“The films are also relevant to the demographic at the event.

“You Do You follows a high school aged girl and the typical adversity that a young woman might experience at school and in life, and it plays serious themes in a humorous manner.”

So what’s the feature film following the shorts? That’s up to the public to decide.

Voting is open through Launch Darwin’s social media and will close on Friday April 5.

While Dive in Movie is a first for Darwin, Buckley says the poolside cinema idea was a tried-and-tested format in other cities and he is amazed it hasn’t been done for NT Youth Week before.

“The Launch team and I were toiling with various ideas that were a bit innovative and something that Darwin hadn’t seen before,” he said.

“We’ve seen this event done in other cities around Australia and we thought why aren't we doing this in Darwin? It makes perfect sense.”

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 12 APR | 6PM NIGHTCLIFF POOL FREE launchdarwin.com.au

COUCH SURFING WED 17 APR | 10AM-2PM CIVIC PARK, DARWIN FREE anglicare-nt.org.au

WHILE MANY OF US ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE A SAFE BED TO SLEEP IN EACH NIGHT, THAT’S NOT THE CASE FOR THOUSANDS OF TERRITORIANS AGED 12-24.

The annual Youth Week couch surfing event, organised by Anglicare NT, is more than just a chance to race couches at Civic Park. It plays an important role in highlighting the realities for the young people who find themselves sleeping rough or without stable accommodation.

Anglicare NT asked one of their clients to share their personal experience of youth homelessness

4

with us to help us see the bigger picture.

Tell us a bit about your life and your experience of homelessness.

I have been homeless off and on since the age of 14. I have lived around most of Australia with my mother. We moved around a lot so it was difficult starting a new school every month or two.

Eventually we settled in Cairns for two years. This is where I finished school with my brother.

After I graduated my mother left to be with her boyfriend as they have a kid together. As I had finished

school I came back to the Territory to seek a home for me and my younger brother.

What do you wish more people knew about homelessness?

I wish people knew that not just poor people or indigenous people can suffer from homelessness.

What have been the challenges you’ve faced and how have you overcome them?

A challenge I faced was living in so many different places, this instability made it difficult to be settled. It has been a lot more settled since I gained employment.

What do you think about the annual couch surfing event?

I think it’s grand. I hope enough young people attend to raise awareness for homeless young people.

How has Anglicare helped you?

Anglicare helped me and my younger brother get accommodation. We are now living in their transitional accommodation units, with the goal of eventually moving into our own accommodation.

What do you hope for in the future?

I hope for peace, stability and a good career that will assist my family.

The Facts • The NT has 12 times the average national rate of homelessness • 27,683 young Australians aged 12-24 years are homeless • 3,546 of these young people are in the NT • 49% of homeless people in the NT are under 25 years of age • Most homeless people in the NT are Indigenous • The Territory has only 1% of the youth population of Australia but represents 13% of the nation’s homeless youth population

* Source: Anglicare NT, 2019

WHEN AT COST INFO

NT Youth Week’s 2019 Ambassador This year’s theme is ‘Living In Colour’ - what does that mean to you?

It can be interpreted as living a vibrant, inspired and happy life in the NT, and that encompasses diversity and acceptance and celebrating all that comes with that.

ROCHELLE CADBRY HAS SEEN WHAT THE WORLD has to offer but the pull of Darwin was too strong to resist.

After living interstate and overseas for the last four years, Cadbry, 23, has brought her dance practice and passion back to the town she loves the most.

We had a chat with Cadbry about being this year’s Ambassador and what Youth Week means to her.

But I look at it in a different way and think about it as living in colour in our reality and putting the digital world away for a bit. We can get very tangled up in our devices so for me living in colour is about living in the physical realm.

What role does Youth Week have in the community?

It gives young people the opportunity to express their ideas and views, and it’s a chance to recog-

nise and celebrate the positive contributions that young people make in the NT. You’ve been away from Darwin for a while, what drew you back and inspired you to be a Youth Week Ambassador?

Living overseas was an incredible experience but I wanted to give back to the community that’s given me so much and made me realise my potential.

When I saw the call out for an ambassador I thought it would be a great opportunity to help other young people realise they have potential, too.

How has the Darwin community helped you pursue your passions?

STREET

FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS PROFESSIONAL SKATEBOARDER Renton Millar has been visiting the Top End to see the local skate community flourish.

HEAT

Millar will be back in Darwin for the annual Street Heat competition to see what tricks Darwin skaters have up their sleeves this year.

“I came up for the opening of the Jingili Skate Park and saw a lot of kids pick up boards for the first time,” he says.

“Each time I come back they just get better and better.

“I’m 43 and I come along and can do a few things, and at first they thought it’s cool that this old dude could skate. Now, four years later, these kids are teaching me stuff and the tricks they’re doing are rad.”

What I love about Darwin is that everyone is willing to give it a crack.

The most influential factor was that my teachers never put a ceiling on me, which had a huge impact on me and helped me in my journey.

What’s your hot tip for Youth Week?

I’m really looking forward to the YMCA pool party out at Palmy I’ve heard rave reviews about it.

And the dance show I’m involved in, Brave, will be great, too.

Palmy Pool Party WHEN AT

COST INFO

FRI 12 APR | 5-9PM PALMERSTON SWIMMING & FITNESS CENTRE FREE palmerston.nt.gov.au

Brave WHEN MON 29 APR – WED 1 MAY,

10.30AM | TUES 30 APR, 7PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $25 | $15 CHILD 3-15 INFO slideyouthdance.com.au

LISTINGS

WEEK

CELEBRATING YOUNG TERRITORIANS APRIL 8-18

Project Cosplay: Foam Armour Participants will learn how to work with foam to create foam armour for costuming in this two part workshop for ages 13+.

WHEN AT

COST INFO

TUE 16 - WED 17 APR | 1-5PM CASUARINA LIBRARY MEETING ROOM FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL launchdarwin.com.au

Game of Cooks Cooking competition for young Palmerston residents with special guest chefs.

WHEN TUE 9 APR | 3.30-6PM AT PALMERSTON RECREATION CENTRE COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO nt.cancer.org.au

Free Outdoor Film – Storm Boy WHEN THU 11 APR | 6PM AT LINDSAY STREET COMPLEX, KATHERINE COST FREE INFO anglicare-nt.org.au

#LAUNCHMEDIA KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE TALENTED LAUNCH MEDIA TEAM who will be on the ground at NT Youth Week events.

gallery

day with friends.

“It’s a celebration of skate culture and hanging out with your mates,” he says.

Follow the action on social media with the hash tags #ntyw19 #livingincolourNT #youngdarwin #vibrantdarwin #launchdarwin and #youthNT

And if you see someone with a camera - jump in the shot! Here are some pics the team snapped at NT Youth Week events last year.

“It’s also a fun spectator event and good to get outside and enjoy the Dry season.”

The competition is open to entrants of all types - quads, BMX, scooters, and skateboards.

There will also be a pre-heat skate jam at Leanyer Skate Park the night before the big competition.

Pre-Heat WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 12 APR | 5-7PM LEANYER SKATE PARK FREE launchdarwin.com.au

Street Heat While the Street Heat competition is a good chance to win some bragging rights and prizes, Millar says it’s more about having a good

WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 13 APR | 3-7PM JINGILI SKATE PARK FREE launchdarwin.com.au

5

AROUND TOWN

Free

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN WHILE THERE’S PLENTY ON FOR THE BIG KIDS during the holidays with NT Youth Week, what’s going to keep the little ones entertained?

Basket weaving, movies and outdoor adventures - there’s plenty on! Here’s a wrap up of some of the free holiday fun happening around Darwin and Palmerston.

Fun in the Parks Fun in the Parks activities include water play, art and craft, a slide, ball games, large gym shapes, and face painting.

WHEN MON 15 APR | 10AM-12.30PM AT CASUARINA POOL INFO darwin.nt.gov.au

City of Darwin libraries have a range of activities, including basket weaving and movies across their four libraries - Darwin City, Nightcliff, Karama and Casuarina.

Check out the libraries website for details on which activities are happening at which library.

There is also festive fun for Easter and a workshop for budding little creatives.

CITY OF DARWIN LIBRARIES

PALMERSTON LIBRARY

darwin.nt.gov.au/libraries

palmerston.nt.gov.au/library

Basket weaving

Easter craft activities

WHEN MON 15 APR-THU 18 APR

| 10-11.30AM AT CITY OF DARWIN LIBRARIES

WHEN TUE 16 APR | 2-3PM

Clay and messy play Don’t forget a change of clothes.

All ages movies

WHEN WED 17 APR | 10AM-12.30PM AT WATER GARDENS, JINGILI INFO darwin.nt.gov.au

WHEN MON 15 APR-THU 18 APR

| 2PM AT CITY OF DARWIN LIBRARIES

Illustrational Workshop with Craig Smith WHEN WED 17 APR | 2-3PM COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Easter scavenger hunt Easter Saturday Celebrations Visit Mr & Mrs Easter Bunny in their majestic bunny burrow. There will be jumping castles, waterslides, an inflatable obstacle course, Kids DJ and plenty more

Tech Zone

WHEN THU 18 APR | 2-3PM

WHEN MON 15 APR-THU 18 APR

| 3PM AT CITY OF DARWIN LIBRARIES

Mindil Markets

APRIL USUALLY MEANS TWO THINGS - THE DRY IS ON ITS WAY, and the Top End’s markets begin to bloom.

promote local artists, producers, musicians, performers and manufacturers and return the markets to its roots.”

The famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets returns with a special opening night celebration featuring new food and craft stalls and entertainment.

Market-goers can enjoy some new flavours on the main drag, including new Filipino and Korean food stalls.

Stall co-ordinator Jack Buckley says there are new additions to more than 200 existing food and craft stalls with some delicious new grub to dig into, and plenty of local souvenirs.

“We’re trying to really focus on and encourage arts and craft products that are locally handmade or domestically created,” he says.

WHEN SAT 20 APR AT DARWIN WATERFRONT INFO waterfront.nt.gov.au

“We’re trying to increase and

To kick the markets off in style, the opening night celebrations will feature local favourites David Garnham and the Reasons to Live and the sky will light up at 8.30pm.

“We’ve got the fireworks display and all the other attractions that make the markets so iconic,” Buckley says.

WHEN

AT COST INFO

EVERY THU & SUN | 4-9PM OPENING NIGHT THU 25 APR MINDIL BEACH FREE mindil.com.au

Grey Panthers THERE’S NO STOPPING AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST-RUNNING SENIORS DANCE GROUP. Tracks Dance’s Grey Panthers is not only expanding its reach, but is investing back into the next generation of dancers.

Tracks Dance artistic co-director David McMicken says they are changing the intake process due to the popularity of the dance group for over 60s.

With more and more seniors keen to get involved, there will now be special intakes three times a year.

“Last year we got so many new people coming in each week we decided it would be easier to get all the newcomers to start together at the same time,” McMicken says.

6

“It means they can all get intro-

duced to each other and pick up on the choreography together.”

The popularity has also seen a satellite group start in Batchelor.

“A lot of people are coming from Adelaide River and Noonamah,” McMicken says.

“They’re excited because it’s not only a place to get your fitness hit for the week, it’s also great for socialisation and they feel like they’ve created their own culture and community.”

Each week the group collects small change to raise cash for their youth development fund.

This year the group has raised enough cash to offer three $800 bursaries for young dancers to head down to the Australian Youth

Dance Festival in Victoria in July.

“The Australian Youth Dance Festival is a great way for young NT dancers to benchmark themselves,” McMicken says.

“They go down and they realise how good they are, and the rest of Australia loves the energy our young people bring.”

If you’re interested in joining the weekly dance group head on down to the intake in April - but get in touch with Tracks first to register your interest.

Grey Panthers Intake WHEN FRI 26 APR | 9AM AT TRACKS DANCE STUDIO,

HARBOUR VIEW PLAZA, DARWIN COST $5 INFO tracksdance.com.au

| 8941 1410

Amina McConvell, 'Flux'

Darwin

Plastic Makers Space THE GLOBAL TIDE IS SHIFTING AGAINST SINGLE-USE PLASTICS, but what can be done with all the products that are still being discarded?

STREET ART PROJECT

The Darwin Plastic Makers Space (DPMS) is a creative place where people can take part in the recycling process and learn about reducing and recycling plastic waste in quirky ways.

Melodie Murphy, from the DPMS, says there will be workshops and projects for participants to rethink how plastics can be used, with new equipment on its way to help repurpose and remold plastic waste.

KEEN TO SEE YOUR ART GO BIG? YOU'RE IN LUCK. Street art and public art are a new focus for Darwin council - with a push to empower emerging practitioners in a new initiative.

“I think it will empower some of these artists to upscale their work - we’ll be giving them the skills and the tools to be able to get something from paper to a large scale.”

Street artist David Collins says the new council project will upskill six artists to create work at six sites across the city.

City of Darwin arts and cultural development co-coordinator Katy Moir says artists can attend two workshops to kick off the program, which will be a way for them to throw their hat in the ring to be one of the six artists selected.

“This project is mainly about capacity building - there’s even an emerging producer involved,” he says.

“The program will run for a few months, so there’s time and a lot of opportunity for one-on-one skills building with emerging artists.

“The workshops will be an intro about how you get involved in public art projects,” she says.

“The workshop will also act as the

expression of interest process because we know there’s a lot of talented and interesting artists out there that don’t feel super comfortable engaging with these programs by filling out an A4 piece of paper.”

Recreation services officer Claire Dandie says there are three different programs, each with a huge range of classes and workshops to get involved with. “‘Get Moving’ is our group of physical activities,” she says.

“We’ve got things like boot camp, squash and disability dance and drama.

WHETHER THE WEATHER AGREES OR NOT - THE DRY SEASON IS ON ITS WAY - which means it’s time to come out from hibernation and get out and about.

“We’ve also got our ‘Be Informed’ program, which are our workshop events. In the past we’ve had our cooking and gardening programs,

“You can make pretty much anything out of plastic - we can make molds for anything.”

The space’s first project will use the lids from the bottles collected as part of the Container Deposit Scheme to pave an outdoor area.

“The Container Deposit Scheme gets about 20 million bottles a year - and if we’re collecting and reusing the lids, at about 5 grams a lid - that’s a lot of plastic recycled just in the lids.”

Murphy encouraged any artists currently working with plastic to get involved.

INFO facebook.com/darwin. plastic.makers.space

Moir says artists of all mediums should get involved.

“We’re looking for anyone who’s got an interest and wants to develop their skills,” she says.

“You might be a sculpture artist but you want to engage more with the process of becoming a part of the public art sphere.”

INFO

darwin.nt.gov.au

INFO

darwin.nt.gov.au

Arts e

Notic Board

HEALTHY DARWIN The City of Darwin’s Healthy Darwin program is back for 2019, with a huge range of activities to help locals and newcomers lead a healthier lifestyle.

“The idea is it’s a community space and hub for innovation and re-creation around waste plastic,” she says.

“People can come in and explore what they can do with plastic waste and take the idea home and copy it.

and workshops about bike skills and clean living in the tropics.

“And finally we’ve got ‘Stay Connected’ which focuses on the community events we support.”

Dandie says the program has been running on and off since 2011, with well-documented benefits to the community.

“There’s the physical health benefits, social interaction, mental and emotional wellbeing and it’s good to just find out what’s going on in Darwin,” she says.

“It’s a great program for people who are new to Darwin. We’ve got such a transient population so it’s a great way to connect with the community.”

NT Creative Industries Strategy Have your say in the development of the NT Creative Industries Strategy. Discussions, interviews and research will take place over the coming months to build a picture of the creative industries - what is its current impact and what is its potential?

INFO creativeindustries@ chambernt.com.au

SPARK Submissions are open for proposals from independent and emerging curators to develop an exhibition to tour throughout the Northern Territory in 2020.

WHEN SUBMISSIONS CLOSE

MON 15 APR INFO artbacknt.com.au

CITYLIFE platform Artists are invited to create visual responses to the theme of 'Art and Adaptation' to be selected for the next series to illuminate Darwin’s light boxes.

WHEN SUBMISSIONS CLOSE

WED 24 APR INFO darwin.nt.gov.au

BASSINTHEGRASS Territorians with a musical flair are encouraged to apply for a spot at this year’s People’s Choice BASSINTHEGRASS music festival.

WHEN

INFO

APPLICATIONS CLOSE THU 18 APR | 5PM bassinthegrass.com.au

7

LISTINGS

Darwin City Boutique Markets The Darwin City Boutique Markets are back with family fun, live entertainment and kids activities. Wind down the week with dinner from one of the many market stalls and local retailers or do some last minute shopping so you can relax over the weekend.

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 5 APR | 4PM SMITH STREET MALL, DARWIN FREE facebook.com/darwincityboutiquemarkets

PALMERSTON LIBRARY palmerston.nt.gov.au/library Lego Club Hone your building skills with fortnightly activities and challenges.

Create your own masterpiece and display it in the library. Suitable for ages five to 12 years.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 3.30-4.30PM

Treasure Talks Learn more about the Indigenous languages that appear in the Northern Territory Library collection, including range of rare and valuable documents and publications.

Darwin Free Uni Panel Discussion Join a panel discussion on the benefits of community gardens, soil manipulation, gardening in small spaces and identifying and accessing native plants in local areas.

WHEN WED 3 APR, 5.30PM |

TUE 16 APR, 10.30AM AT NORTHERN TERRITORY LIBRARY COST FREE INFO ntl.nt.gov.au

WHEN MON 15 APR | 6-7.30PM AT DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS,

COCONUT GROVE

Territory Tribute A program of events commemorating our wartime past, including the WWII attacks on Darwin and the Top End. Check out the Veteran’s art exhibition, International Military Writers’ Festival and Overture to Peace Concert - all leading up to the 2019 Anzac Day Dawn Service and Parade.

Latin Night Salsa, bachata, tango, merengue, zouk, rueda de casino, timba, son – your choice at this monthly Latin dance session. All welcome.

WHEN UNTIL THUR 25 APR INFO territorytribute.com.au

Spiders This touring exhibition from the Australian Museum and Questacon has fascinating exhibits and interactive displays, with live spiders and nearly 200 specimens that will inspire curiosity about the natural world and give a sense of wonder about these amazing animals.

WHEN AT COST INFO

UNTIL SUN 28 APR MAGNT FREE magnt.net.au

Aqua Fitness This pool-based aerobic program is suitable for all fitness levels, including beginners.

WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY SUN | 8.30AM DARWIN WATERFRONT $12 | $8 CHILD waterfront.nt.gov.au

DARWIN FREE UNI facebook.com/DarwinFree University/ Setting Up a Backyard Compost or Worm Farm Don’t throw it. Grow it. Join a workshop to get some tips, tricks and how-to’s for sustainable gardening in Darwin.

8

WHEN MON 1 APR | 5.30-7PM AT LAKESIDE DRIVE COMMUNITY

GARDEN, ALAWA

LET’S DANCE

WHEN AT COST INFO

WED 24 APR | 7.30PM SANDBAR, SKYCITY DARWIN FREE salsitadarwin.com.au

Milonga Join the Northern Tango community for a night of social Argentine Tango dancing.

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 26 APR | 8-11PM COCONUT GROVE HALL $5 facebook.com/nthntango

Bachata Class Suitable for intermediate level dancers, this melting, sweet dance will inspire the Latin vibes in you.

WHEN AT

COST INFO

EVERY MON | 8.30PM 13/1 CARYOTA COURT, COCONUT GROVE $18 salsitadarwin.com.au

The Jungle Body Konga KONGA is an easy-to-follow, high intensity fusion of dance, boxing, and cardio set to the hottest beats.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 6PM AT ANYTIME FITNESS,

STUART PARK COST $10 | MEMB FREE INFO facebook.com/TheJungle BodyWithHayley

Salsa Classes These fun classes will help you feel confident on the dance floor.

WHEN EVERY TUE | BEGINNERS

6.30PM | IMPROVERS 7.30PM

| INTERMEDIATE 8.30PM AT DANCE WORLD STUDIO, WOOLNER COST $18 INFO salsitadarwin.com.au

No Lights No Lycra A weekly dance jam in the dark – no teacher, no steps to learn, no alcohol, no talking – no worries! Just dancing and great tunes. Perfect for all ages, shapes and sizes. No need to book, just turn up when you’re in the mood for a boogie.

WHEN AT

COST INFO

EVERY WED | 6-7PM HAPPY YESS THEATRE, BROWN’S MART $7 nolightsnolycra.com

Argentine Tango Tango is a fun, social activity that can be danced by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability.

It’s an improvised dance, and one that will exercise your mind as well as your body.

WHEN

AT COST INFO

EVERY THU | BEGINNERS 7PM | FOCUS 8PM COCONUT GROVE HALL $12 | facebook.com/nthntango

Grey Panthers A unique seniors dance group of Territory women and men over the age of 60.

WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY FRI | 9.30-11AM TRACKS DANCE STUDIO $5 tracksdance.com.au

Pilates for Dancers These advanced pilates classes will help dancers develop core strength and flexibility, increase co-ordination and improve alignment. Suitable for dancers aged 16 and above.

WHEN EVERY SAT | 11AM-12PM AT STUDIO 13, COCONUT GROVE COST $25 | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Viv Fantin INFO 0478 579 784

Ballet for Adults Adult ballet classes are for everyone, whether you have experience or not. Classes range from beginners to advanced, so there’s something to suit all levels.

WHEN BEGINNERS EVERY SAT

1-2PM | INTERMEDIATE

EVERY THU 6.30-8PM |

ADVANCED EVERY TUE 6.30-8PM AT STUDIO 13, COCONUT GROVE COST $25 | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO 0439 896 700

Movement Medicine – Conscious Dance This guided free-form dance class explores using movement as medicine.

WHEN EVERY SUN | 10-11.30AM AT NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE COST $15 | $10 CONC INFO 0431 929 145

Argentine Tango Practica Join fellow tango dancers to practise, refine technique, build musical skill, inspire each other, talk tango and spend another night of the week enjoying tango.

WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY SUN | 4.30-6.30PM STUDIO 13, COCONUT GROVE $5 facebook.com/nthntango

Storytime Say goodbye to quiet libraries! 1-5 year olds and their caregivers will love singing, dancing, listening to stories and engaging with puppets in these fun, interactive sessions.

WHEN EVERY TUE & THU | 10-10.45AM COST FREE

Nursery Time You’re never too young to enjoy reading. Treat your baby to songs, puppets, nursery rhymes and movement to enhance their early literacy development. Suitable for 0-1 year olds.

WHEN EVERY WED | 10-10.45AM COST FREE

Gadgets & Games Club For kids five to 12 years who like hands-on, problem based learning activities. Gadgets and Games is based around STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning activities and the equation that learning plus games equals fun.

WHEN EVERY WED | 3.30-4.30PM

Code Club Coding is an awesome skill to help kids live in the digital age.

Part of a nationwide network of volunteer-led creative coding clubs for kids aged nine to 12 years.

WHEN EVERY SAT | 10AM–1PM COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

PERFORMING ARTS LISTINGS

Amy Hethrington

CANNED COMEDY Lord of the Flies SAVAGERY AND CIVILISATION ARE AT ODDS in a dark and classic tale that kicks off Corrugated Iron’s 2019 Performance Program.

it’s gory and gruesome and there are really disgusting elements and the young people I work with love dealing with those issues.

During a time of civil war, a plane carrying a group of students is shot down over the Pacific.

“The themes around savagery versus civilisation, and breaking through barriers and adolescents trying to be independent - they’re still very relatable.”

In the iconic tale, Lord of the Flies, the pilot of the plane is killed but many of the young people survive and find themselves deserted on an uninhabited island.

Alone, without adult supervision, dark impulses take over and the rules of civilisation collapse.

Director Kate Kelly says despite the William Golding novel being written in the 1950s, the story still resonates with young people today.

“First and foremost it is about young people and it’s a challenging and confronting text about young people and that’s really rare,” she says.

“It’s not a magical fairytale -

The original text has been adapted to a modern context for the Corrugated Iron performance.

“We’ve changed it to be more Australian and contemporary to make it more relatable to today’s audience,” Kelly says.

“The biggest difference nowadays is if kids were stranded on an island they’d have their phones, so I’ve had to insert a line about how their phones weren’t working.”

WHEN

AT COST INFO

FRI 5 APR - FRI 12 APR, 7PM | WED 10 APR, 10AM BROWN’S MART THEATRE $25 | $18 CONC corrugatediron.org.au

A new movement to harness the power of local comedy for charity is making its way to the Top End. Canned Comedy, where attendees donate canned food instead of a cash entry fee, has arrived in Darwin.

The second Thursday of every month will see a rotating line-up of local comedians take to the stage all in the name of charity.

Local comedy-queen Amy Hetherington will produce the Top End events, after being inspired by Perth comic Sean Conway.

“Sean started it about six months ago in Perth and when I went down for Perth Fringe and saw it, I thought it would work really well up here,” she says.

All the canned goods will be donated to Foodbank NT to distribute to local services and those in need.

Hetherington says so far the community support for the monthly charity event has been overwhelming - so register your spots fast!

“At the moment there’s a bit of a ground swell of momentum about

looking after people in need,” Hetherington says.

“It’s taken away some of that fear about trying to make a difference.

“You can feel really overwhelmed and insignificant about all the problems in the world, but the simple thing is people need food, and this is something simple that everyone can do.”

The new event also fills up yet another Thursday evening with comedy - joining First Thursday Comedy at Happy Yess and LOL Thursdays at The Beachfront Hotel.

“We’re getting more and more comedians, especially after RAW Comedy, but we’ve only got a couple of places you can perform so it becomes competitive to get that stage time,” Hetherington says.

“There’s enough comedians now to service three monthly events and it entrenches the idea that Thursdays are a funny day to enjoy a laugh.”

WHEN THU 11 APR | 7-9PM AT THE DECK BAR COST CANNED FOOD INFO facebook.com/Amy HetheringtonComedy/

First Thursday Comedy WHEN THU 4 APR | 7.30-9.30PM AT HAPPY YESS AT BROWN’S MART COST $10 INFO facebook.com/topend comedy

LOL Thursdays Laugh out loud with local comedians.

WHEN THU 18 APR | 8.30-10PM AT THE BEACHFRONT HOTEL COST FREE INFO facebook.com/topend comedy

Wild Words A spoken word event for everyone.

Bring your poems, flash fiction, memoir pieces, travel writing, lyrics, jokes or passages from longer works.

WHEN SUN 28 APR | 3–5PM AT RAILWAY CLUB COST KIDS, READERS, NTWC MEMB

FREE | NON READERS $5 INFO facebook.com/wild words2018/

DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE yourcentre.com.au

COMICS'

Junk Arun Alexander

CORNER SHOWCASING TOP END COMICS AND LOCAL STAND-UP PERFORMERS

LAST MONTH A SWAG OF COMEDIANS TOOK TO THE STAGE to compete in RAW comedy, but it was a newcomer to the scene who took out the NT title and is now headed to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for a shot at the national crown.

Arun Alexander’s routine about his race and childhood was a hit with the judges and crowd, in just his second performance ever.

What was your inspiration for your recent routine?

Growing up with my parents and brother honestly felt like a sitcom with the amount of unintentional comedy both my parents and others in my life had given me. I wanted

to share my perspective on the strangeness of my childhood and all its humorous moments with a crowd.

I chose the theme of racial profiling for my Darwin final, because I became subjected to it as I grew older and my appearance changed.

I just wanted to share what that has done for me from a comedic point of view.

Most importantly I want to show the crowd that I’m not on a high horse and have the ability to be self-critical about my appearance and my identity without having my ego at stake - I control the narrative not the other way around.

What did your parents say when they heard your routine?

I tested some material with my mum first off and out of context most of the jokes fell flat. However, when they were told on the big stage she found them to be comedy gold. Now she laughs, even if I forget the punch line, but I’ve stopped worrying, because I know at the end of the day she’s laughing at me and not with me.

What advice would you give to others wondering if they should try stand-up comedy?

I’m no Ricky Gervais or Russel Peters just yet, so it’s best I don’t go around giving advice to others wanting to do the same thing before I even do my third show.

Will Crawford is an up-andcrawling comic. He moonlights as a land rights lawyer and policy activist.

However, if you are thinking of entering RAW or any event where you get to do something you love, then do it. It’s always tends to be low-risk high-reward. Even if you mess up, it’s not like the community is going to ostracise you or anything. So just do what makes you happy. That’s what I did, and I guess it paid off.

Pop culture guilty pleasure: Every time I feel isolated and depressed I watch Shrek Forever After on repeat until I feel better… no but really, I like watching Skippy the Bush Kangaroo just to enjoy the fact that that kangaroo was the only good actor in that whole show and he couldn’t even talk.

See listings for upcoming comedy gigs around Darwin.

The highly-acclaimed Flying Fruit Fly Circus will perform their latest smash-hit show set amongst a 1940s rural junkyard, turning trash into magical landscapes.

WHEN FRI 19 APR | 10.30AM & 5.30PM COST $45 | MEMB $40 | CONC $40

| CHILD $25 | FAMILY $120

Brave SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre immerses youth audiences in the lives of relatable, honest and fragile characters, revealing the cruelty of teenage bullying and cyberbullying and its lifelong impacts.

WHEN MON 29 APR – WED 1 MAY,

10.30AM | TUES 30 APR, 7PM COST $25 | CHILD 3-15 $15

9

&

DRINK LISTINGS

FOOD

WHEN SAT 13 APR | 6.30PM AT DARWIN CASINO BEACHSIDE PAVILION COST $200 | $1950 TABLE OF 10 INFO variety.org.au

Mark Olive

Variety of Chefs MORE AND MORE HOME-COOKS AND FINE-DINING RESTAURANTS are learning the delicious value of incorporating native Australian ingredients in their dishes.

Chef Mark Olive, aka The Black Olive, a Bundjalung man from the Northern Rivers in New South Wales, has known this for years.

Olive has promoted and worked with Indigenous ingredients throughout his 30-year career, and the host of NITV’s On Country Cooking, and SBS’s The Chef’s Line says the move towards native ingredients is working its way out of a ‘trend’ and into a staple.

“Over the years it used to be a

novelty, but I think in the last five years it’s really starting to take off,” he says.

in mind if you can find indigenous growers, the money goes back into their communities,” he says.

Afternoon Tea at Burnett House What better way to spend a Sunday arvo than with a cuppa tea and some homemade scones?

“I’ve been working with these ingredients for so long and it’s good that people are taking up the reigns and investing in it.

Olive will be returning to Darwin to cook at the charity event Variety of Chefs, where he will prepare his main meal signature dish to food-lovers.

WHEN SUN 21 APR | 2-5PM AT BURNETT HOUSE, LARRAKEYAH COST FREE INFO nationaltrust.org.au

“It’s an important move as well, it’s going to create an industry for Australia and its fruits and herbs.”

For home-cooks wanting to spice up their meals with more local ingredients, Olive says it’s important to read the labels and source ethically.

“You’ve got your big farms out there, but it’s really important to keep

At the event Olive will be joined by other acclaimed chefs, including Rachael Ciesiolka, Athol Wark, Meann Duco, Miann Santos and local favourite David Taylor.

Fundraising International Food Fair This is a biannual event, showcasing traditional homemade foods from many different cultures including Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Chinese, and Thai Fusion.

Each chef will prepare a meal and commentate the process in front of guests before they can tuck in and taste the dish.

WHEN SUN 7 APR | 4-8PM AT INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST

TEMPLE, LEANYER COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ NTBuddhistTemple

GULP NT PRESENTS

COOK CONNECTING PEOPLE, PLANTS AND PLACE

Darwin community cook, Karunika Premaratne creates fantastic curries with all the care, attention and wisdom that has been passed on for many generations within her family, and certainly as is customary throughout her home country.

She migrated to Australia from Sri Lanka in 2009 and is delighted to share her knowledge with others.

Her heritage defines all women as doctors. Traditional medicinal foods are at least 5000 years old, and cooking for the family entails taking into account their ages and health needs.

10

There are roughly 2000 plants used for food and medicine in Sri Lanka and in the past there were about 2000 varieties of rice alone. Rice and

other plants can still be nourished by an ancient complex irrigation system consisting of reservoirs fed by rain.

Premaratne feels at home in tropical Darwin and embraces the tropical lifestyle with its unique blend of cultures and cuisines.

She advocates eating locally-grown produce.

It was exciting for her to find familiar fruits and vegetables like cassava, jack fruit, bananas, okra, coconut, fresh chilli and, of course, spices like turmeric, ginger, coriander and fennel here in Darwin.

Her advice is not to overuse spices in terms of quantities in a dish.

She has offered cooking classes and even had a stall of traditional Sri Lankan food lovingly prepared

If you know a community cook in Darwin who would like to share their recipe, GULP NT can organise a gathering with their small team. $100 plus ingredients can be offered to the participating cook

Karunika Premaratne

Her interests also extend to Indigenous bush foods and she enriches her knowledge through field trips with local people.

It was a pleasure to watch Premaratne prepare two varieties of papaya curry. Preparation, she said, is like meditation as you use patience and love! The meal served with rice was fragrant and delicious and shared with GULP members in the edible garden of Premaratne’s home.

Papayas are so easy to grow in the Top End region if you have a little room in the garden (Male and female plants needed or bisexual plants) or they are widely available at local markets all year round.

for hosting and sharing. Get in touch today and share your stories and food love.

Sri Lankan Papaya Curry

by Karunika Premaratne 1kg half ripe papaya 1 onion 1-2 green chillies 3 sprigs curry leaves photos: Emma Lupin

Community

by Judy Monkhouse at 3am to ensure freshness at the Rapid Creek markets.

1 pandan leaf 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds 1 tsp tumeric powder1/2 tsp chilli powder or paprika 2 tsp Sri Lankan curry powder (coriander 100g, cumin 50g, fennel 25g) 3 cloves garlic 2 tbsp ground mustard seeds 1 tsp ground black pepper Pinch roasted curry powder garnish (optional) 1 and 1/2 cups thick coconut milk (can adjust) Salt

INFO gulpnt.com | gulpcommunity@gmail. Water 1 and 1/2 cups com

Method Peel papaya and cut into chunks.

Slice onion, chop chillies. Add all ingredients except coconut milk into a pan.

Mix together and cook for 8-10 minutes until papaya becomes soft. Add coconut milk. Mix gently while cooking for another 5-8 minutes.

Add salt and serve with rice.

NORTHERN TERRITORY WRITERS’ CENTRE

ICONIC NT LOCATIONS TRANSFORMED INTO SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR MOVIE THEATRES SHOWCASING THE VERY BEST IN LOCAL SHORT FILMS AND ANCESTRAL STORIES ALICE SPRINGS | 30 MARCH TENNANT CREEK | 6 APRIL DALY WATERS | 13 APRIL DARWIN | 11 MAY NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK | 18 MAY Image from Lil Bois

EDITH FALLS | 25 MAY KAKADU NATIONAL PARK | 1 JUNE

8941 2651 ntwriters.com.au executive@ntwriters.com.au

NHULUNBUY | 1 JUNE nttravellingfilmfestival.com/tickets

Workshops | Monthly Events | Opportunities

Darwin Chorale Presents

Faure Requiem

2019 NORTHERN TERRITORY

LITERARY AWARDS 9

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS For more info & to apply visit ntl.nt.gov.au Winners receive cash prizes and an annual membership to NT Writers Centre.

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

SUNDAY 14 APRIL 2019

YOUTH • FLASH FICTION • THEATRE SHORT STORY • POETRY • ESSAY CREATIVE NON-FICTION

4.00PM

Principal Event Partner

TICKETS AT WWW.YOURCENTRE.COM.AU OR DEC BOX OFFICE (08) 8980 3333

APPLY NOW

KIDS’ CLASSICS

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Submissions open for proposals from independent and emerging curators to develop an exhibition for tour in 2020

There’s mischief and magic afoot in the forest.

$10,000 curatorial fee

Join Darwin Symphony Orchestra Ensemble in an adventure through the magical music of Mendelssohn, and meet Shakespeare’s frivolous fairies!

Includes free face painting for kids!

SAT 6 APRIL, 9:30am & 11:00am CDU Theatre, Orange 3, Casuarina Campus

SUN 7 APRIL, 11am Batchelor Outdoor Education Centre, Batchelor | Free event!

$10,000 for research and development Applications close 5pm, Monday 15 April, 2019 For more information and application forms, visit: artbacknt.com.au

Kids $5 | Adults $10 | Families $25 | Babes in arms free

dso.org.au/buy-tickets | 8980 3333

11

17 Wed

Mon

5 Project Cosplay: Foam Armour 4 Couch Surfing 6 Basket Weaving 6 All Ages movies 6 Tech zone 6 Clay and messy play 6 Illustration workshop with Craig Smith 8 No Lights No Lycra 8 Nursery Time 8 Gadgets & Games Club 18 Life Drawing

Easter Monday

22 8 Bachata Class 19 If Beale Street Could Talk

See Visual Arts 18

See Books & Film 19

Tue

19 Book Week Q&A

23 18 Acrylic painting; Texture and Effect

Sat

8 The Jungle Body Konga 8 Salsa Classes 8 Ballet for Adults 8 Lego Club 8 Storytime 19 Book Week 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Jam Night

27

18 Daluk Weaving Workshop 8 Pilates for Dancers 8 Ballet for Adults 8 Code Club 16 Artmart 2019 (last chance) 17 Childhood memories of Kurutultu opens (last chance) 23 Magic Lives Here 23 James Damien

18 Thu

4 Youth Week Ends 6 School Holiday Activities 7 BASSINTHEGRASS applications close 8 Argentine Tango 8 Ballet for Adults 8 Storytime 9 LOL Thursdays

18 Acrylic painting 101

Sun

20 Monty Python’s The Life of Brian - 40th Anniversary

See Around Town Visual Arts 186

28

8 Aqua Fitness 8 Movement Medicine – Conscious Dance 8 Argentine Tango Practica 9 Wild Words 18 Life Drawing 19 Three Summers 22 Bat Sessions 23 Afro Moses

Good Friday

19 Fri

Wed

6 Grey Panthers 9 Junk 22 The Supper Club 23 Glen Forner 23 The Roy Boys

24

7 CITYLIFE platform submissions close 8 Latin night 8 No Lights No Lycra 8 Nursery Time 8 Gadgets & Games Club 18 Life Drawing 23 Overture to Peace

See Around Town 8

8 Spiders (last chance)

See Visual Arts 16

25

Thu

20

Sat

6 Easter Saturday Celebrations 8 Pilates for Dancers 8 Ballet for Adults 8 Code Club 16 Smoking Pipes – A history in collecting opens 23 James Damien

See Around Town 6

Easter Sunday

21

Sun

10 Afternoon Tea at Burnett House

Fri

8 Aqua Fitness 8 Movement Medicine – Conscious Dance 8 Argentine Tango Practica 18 Life Drawing 22 Bat Sessions 23 Gin and Jazz

26

21 Arafura Games (Opening Celebration)

Tue

6 Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Mon

6 Grey Panthers – intake 8 Milonga 19 Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse 22 The Supper Club 23 Glen Forner 23 The Roy Boys

30

8 The Jungle Body Konga 8 Salsa Classes 8 Ballet for Adults 8 Lego Club 8 Storytime 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Jam Night

8 Territory Tribute ends 8 Argentine Tango 8 Ballet for Adults 8 Storytime 17 Gwalwa Gorowora – Wetlands (last chance) 18 Acrylic painting 101

29

5 Brave 8 Bachata Class 20 NT Literary Awards (entries close)

See Food & Drink 10

See Music 21

Baker Boy

AROUND TOWn Books & fILM Performing Arts YOUTH Visual Arts Food & Drink Music FESTIVALS

offtheleash.net.au

Although all care is taken to ensure information in Off The Leash is correct, it is subject to change. Not all events can be listed on this calendar, so we recommend checking offtheleash.net.au for updates.

Mon

Tue

8 The Jungle Body Konga 8 Salsa Classes 8 Ballet for Adults 8 Lego Club 8 Storytime 18 Acrylic painting; Texture and Effect 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Jam Night

Tue

Fri

5 Palmy Pool Party 5 Pre-Heat Skate 6 Grey Panthers 9 Lord of the Flies 15 Artmart 2019 (opening) 17 Print: A Photographic Exhibition (opening) 19 Book Week 22 The Supper Club 23 Russell Morris 23 Glen Forner 23 The Roy Boys 23 Alternative Night

12

5 Game of Cooks 8 The Jungle Body Konga 8 Salsa Classes 8 Ballet for Adults 8 Lego Club 8 Storytime 18 Acrylic painting; Texture and Effect 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Jam Night

9

2

Calendar

1 Mon

8 Setting Up a Backyard Compost or Worm Farm 8 Bachata Class 20 Hollywood Classic - Psycho

8 Thu

4 NT Youth Week Begins 8 Bachata Class

11 5 Storm Boy 8 Argentine Tango 8 Ballet for Adults 8 Storytime 9 Lord of the Flies 9 Canned Comedy 18 Acrylic painting 101

3 Wed

8 Treasure Talks 8 No Lights No Lycra 8 Nursery Time 8 Gadgets & Games Club 18 Life Drawing 20 French Movie Night

See Youth 4

4 Dive In Movie

4 Thu

8 Argentine Tango 8 Ballet for Adults 8 Storytime 9 First Thursday Comedy 15 Astro Photography 18 Acrylic painting 101

5 Fri

Sun

6 Grey Panthers 8 Darwin City Boutique Markets 9 Lord of the Flies 15 Astro Photography 15 Bryan Bulley (opening) 17 Gwalwa Gorowora – Wetlands (opening) 17 The Mary Kunyi Legacy (opening) 20 International Military Writers’ Festival 22 The Supper Club 23 Glen Forner 23 Fat Pigeon, We Burn Bridges

20

19

Sat

14

8 Aqua Fitness 8 Movement Medicine – Conscious Dance 8 Argentine Tango Practica 18 Life Drawing 22 Fauré Requiem

22 Bat Sessions

APR

13

5 Street Heat 8 Code Club 8 Pilates for Dancers 8 Ballet for Adults 10 Variety of Chefs 15 Astro Photography 16 Yidaki (opens) 17 We Are Always Making Something From What We Have (opening) 19 NT Travelling Film Festival 22 Stephen Cummings 23 Panic Bruss 23 James Damien

See Visual Arts 17

See Visual Arts 15

17 Childhood memories of Kurutultu (opens)

See Music 22

6

Sat

8 Pilates for Dancers 8 Ballet for Adults 8 Code Club 9 Lord of the Flies 17 Bluer by degrees (last chance) 19 NT Travelling Film Festival 19 Deckchair Working Bee 20 International Military Writers’ Festival 21 DSO Kids’ Classic 23 James Damien 23 R.E.S.I.S.T

Mon

See Performing Arts 9

15

6 Basket Weaving 6 All Ages movies 6 Tech zone 6 Fun in the Parks 7 SPARK - Submissions close 8 Darwin Free Uni Panel Discussion 8 Bachata Class 19 Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse 20 Hollywood Classic - Bullitt

7

Sun

Wed

8 Aqua Fitness 8 Argentine Tango Practica 10 Fundraising International Food Fair 18 Life Drawing 18 Silver Spinner Ring in a Day 18 Warm Glass 19 Deckchair Working Bee 20 International Military Writers’ Festival 21 DSO Kids’ Classic 22 Bat Sessions 23 First Sunday Blues

10

9 Lord of the Flies

Tue

8 No Lights No Lycra 8 Nursery Time 8 Gadgets & Games Club 18 Life Drawing 19 Deckchair Reopens – If Beale Street Could Talk

16

5 Project Cosplay: Foam Armour 6 School Holiday Activities 6 Easter craft activities 8 The Jungle Body Konga 8 Salsa Classes 8 Lego Club 8 Storytime 8 Treasure Talks 18 Acrylic painting; Texture and Effect 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Jam Night

Upcoming Events Free Weekly Yoga Asana Class Every Saturday from April to October 8am | Free A dedicated and qualified yoga instructor will guide you through a gentle 1 hour session of yoga asana, breath work and meditation suited to all levels of yoga experience including beginners.

Patrons will need to provide their own yoga mat for the class.

Easter Celebrations Saturday 20 April 9am to 1pm | Free Join the Easter celebrations on Saturday 20 April from 9am to 1pm with free family fun including a photo with the Easter Bunny, face glitter artists, garden games, arts and crafts, kids DJ, obstacle course, waterslides, jumping castles and more.

Thailand Grand Festival Saturday 27 April 4pm to 10pm The Darwin Waterfront will transform into a bursting cultural experience in honour of one of Thailand’s largest celebrations – the Songkran Festival.

The event will showcase the sensational Thai culture, entertainment and Bangkok street food. waterfront.nt.gov.au 14

VISUAL ARTS photos: Graham Cowan, Fog Dam, NT

ASTRO PHOTOGRAPHY Art U&T

ABO

with photographer

Graham Cowan

EVER STARED UP AT THE STARS IN WONDER AT THE VASTNESS OF THE UNIVERSE? Then lifted your camera to capture the moment only to find a blur of lights or just the darkness of the night sky in your shot?

This is where photographer Graham Cowan comes into the picture.

Cowan will run a series of astro photography workshops in Darwin and Katherine in April and early May, where he will share tricks and tips to capturing the Milky Way through a camera lens.

Off The Leash caught up with Cowan to pick his brain before the workshops.

Who are these classes for?

Anyone who enjoys photography - from mums and dads, to people who go out camping and want something else to do other than fishing or drinking.

With so much information on the Internet, what are the advantages of going to a hands-on workshop like this?

Everything is on YouTube, but quite often when people first start out they have no idea what search terms to use in relation to something as simple as shutter speed or aperture or how that works in capturing and exposing your photos properly.

So what are your top tips for beginners?

It’s all about learning and reading your camera. Photography is generally about your aperture and your depth of field - what’s going to

be in focus and how that works in your camera.

Where are the best spots to shoot the night sky?

Edith Falls is great and I like Fogg Dam - it’s nice and close to Darwin and there’s zero light pollution. Also the termite mounds at Litchfield can make a nice shot as well.

What is so appealing about night photography?

I can go out and no two nights are the same.

At Litchfield there was a huge fire coming through, I was worried my friends and I were going to get caught out, but the fire in the photo with the termite mounds made for a really nice photo.

Fall in Love with Astro Photography Darwin WHEN THU 4 & FRI 5 APR

THU 2 & FRI 3 MAY 7.30-10.30PM AT FOGG DAM CONSERVATION RESERVE COST $150 INFO darwinphotographyschool. com.au

Katherine WHEN SAT 13 APR | 7.30-10.30PM NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK COST $150 INFO darwinphotographyschool. com.au

AT

Sirens & Shipwrecks IF EVOLUTION HAD TAKEN A DIFFERENT TURN the world might look a little bit like one of Bryan Bulley’s paintings.

The urban and scenic landscapes hide lots of little stories – little red riding hood exploring the forest, rabbit people up to sordid behaviour, or a building full of faces staring quizzically back at you.

The works in his latest exhibition, Sirens & Shipwrecks, vary from landscapes to portraits of the characters and birds within his parallel universe, which he sees as a simple deviation of evolution.

above: Bryan Bulley, 'The Crimson Dove', 2018, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 51cm above: Bryan Bulley, 'The Lute Player', 2018, acrylic on canvas 50.5 x 61cm

“The whole Darwinian thing was just a fluke - the dinosaurs and apes turning into Neanderthals it was just the way it worked out,” he explains.

“With my birds I see them as a different branch of evolution - the birds I paint could have existed if something had happened slightly differently.

“We’ve got these weird sort of Sliding Doors moments - millions of them.”

But Bulley says the animalistic traits given to the beings in his paintings aren’t too far from our own reality.

“It doesn’t take a lot for us to become animals," he says.

"If you’re driving along and someone pulls in front of you, this little devil or wolf person comes out.

“We’re tame but we’re not that tame.”

Despite the mythological and evolutionary themes within his work, when asked to describe his ideas Bulley jokes that he’s out of sync with the current artistic world because he’s just trying to paint something beautiful.

“I’m just trying to paint beauty, really,” he says.

“I’m looking at the aesthetics – there’s no bottom line or agenda to it.”

“I know with art these days you need a whole thesis behind what you’re doing, but for me I just like pictorially how they work.”

Bulley says with an over saturation of visual imagery in today’s society, it is his job as a painter to keep a viewer discovering something new in a single painting.

“I like to engage someone if they’re walking past a painting 30 times a day,” he says.

“It’s not like a book you have to actively read, or music you have to put on or any other medium – it’s just there.

“You walk past it and you think 'oh I never noticed that blue before'.

You’ll look at it 10 times a day and you might see something different every time.

“That’s why people still buy paintings.”

WHEN

AT COST INFO

FRI 5 APR - SAT 4 MAY | OPENING FRI 5 APR, 5.30PM PAUL JOHNSTONE GALLERY FREE pauljohnstonegallery.com.au

15

MAGNT

NCCA

MON–SUN 10AM-5PM

WED-FRI 10AM-4PM, SAT 9AM-2PM, OR BY APPOINTMENT

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 19 Conacher Street, The Gardens | 8999 8264 | magnt.net.au

Northern Centre for Contemporary Art Vimy Lane, Parap | 8981 5368 | 0402 379 630 | nccart.com.au

YIDAKI This immersive exhibition tells the story of the origins of yidaki (didjeridu) and illustrates the importance of the instrument in Aboriginal life and culture.

Yolngu Elder Djalu Gurruwiwi invites visitors on an experiential journey that includes exploring a stringybark forest, voyaging with the West Wind and becoming immersed in the mesmerising power of yidaki.

WHEN SAT 13 APR - SUN 07 JUL Marcus Paterson, 'Makassan Man', acrylic on paper; image courtesy of the artist

ArtMArt 2019

ArtMart 2019 is a pop-up group show celebrating Top End art and artists that will take place at the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art (NCCA) in April 2019. ArtMart provides opportunities for artists to exhibit at NCCA outside of the constraints of our regular programming and has an emphasis on supporting and encouraging emerging artists. It is a great opportunity for both the artist to reach a broad audience and patrons to acquire affordable art.

Djalu Gurruwiwi, Yolgnu Elder and Yidaki Master, 2016; courtesy of the Museum of South Australia

WHEN SAT 13 - SAT 27 APR | OPENING FRI 12 APRIL, 6PM Joseph Turner, 'Moon taken with the Great Melbourne Telescope', 1875; Courtesy Museums Victoria.

Yilyarra (pipe), c 1930s, wood, metal, paperbark, string; gift of S.C. Port, 1980; MAGNT Collection; image courtesy MAGNT, Merinda Campbell

SMOKING PIPES – A HISTORY IN COLLECTING

BETWEEN THE MOON AND THE STARS

The stories of how museums collect objects can be just as interesting as the objects themselves. From the highlands of Papua New Guinea to the early missionary days on Groote Eylandt, fascinating tales can be drawn from the histories of collecting through the diverse range of pipes over the past 50 years.

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) enters a galactic realm with the Between the Moon and the Stars exhibition.

This intriguing showcase explores how the Moon and its phases continue to impact on animal and human life.

WHEN SAT 20 APR - SUN 13 OCT

WHEN UNTIL SUN 29 MAR ‘20

ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS

Lyons Cottage, 74 The Esplanade, Darwin | 8942 4023 | aboriginalbushtraders.com MON-FRI 9AM-4PM, SAT-SUN 9AM-3PM

CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY Building Orange 12, CDU Casuarina Campus | 8946 6621 | cdu.edu.au/artgallery WED–FRI 10AM-4PM | SAT 10AM-2PM

Binyinyuwuy, 'Morning Star', c. 1970s natural pigments on bark, 137 x 71cm

Reinvigorating the MECA Collection Drawing from a heritage collection of significant Yolngu bark paintings, sculptural objects, hollow logs, and weavings, this exhibition brings together a stunning selection of 64 works from the Milingimbi Education and Cultural Association (MECA) Collection, created in Arnhem Land in the mid-1970s.

16

WHEN UNTIL SAT 20 JUL

Doreen Driffin with her bush bead necklaces; image courtesy of the Tjanpi Desert Weavers.

Bush Bling

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jewellers from remote islands to major cities are united under one roof in a celebration of craftsmanship, skill and diversity, featuring glittering gems and exquisite workmanship.

WHEN UNTIL FRI 3 MAY

OUTSTATION

UNTITLED GALLERY & STUDIO

TUE & SAT 10AM-2PM | WED–FRI 10AM-5PM

WED- FRI | 11AM-4PM | SAT | 10AM-3PM

2/3 Parap Place, Darwin | 8981 4822 | outstation.com.au

Unit 3, The Clocktower Complex, Coconut Grove | facebook.com/darwincommarts

Gwalwa Gorowora - Wetlands

Eunice Napanangka Jack, 'Kuruyultu', 2018, acrylic on linen, 84 x 121cm

Larrakia Elder, musician, activist, community arts worker and celebrated visual artist June Mills will showcase Gwalwa Gorowora wetland landscapes on textiles.

This exhibition is the coming together of a new self-directed project and June’s first solo exhibition. June’s hand-painted textiles capture the serenity and natural beauty of the Larrakia wetlands and the preciousness of water as a life-giving resource.

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF KURUYULTU – EUNICE NAPANANGKA JACK SOLO EXHIBITION

The oeuvre of Eunice Napanangka Jack spans MORE THAN three decades, circling around the great narrative of her birth at Kuruyultu – near the small community of Tjukurrla in Western Australia – the events leading up to it, and her early childhood memories of leaving the nomadic life on the Western Australian and Northern Territory border behind and moving to Haasts Bluff.

WHEN SAT 6 – SAT 27 APR

WHEN FRI 5 – THU 25 APR

OPENING FRI 5 APR, 6PM

June Mills, 'Gwalwa Gorowora (Wetlands)', 2019, fabric ink on cotton pillowslip

GYRACC

Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre Stuart Highway, Katherine East | 8972 3751 | gyracc.org.au | TUE–FRI 10AM-5PM | SAT 10AM–3PM

THE PROJECT SPACE

1/3 Vickers St, Parap | 8941 3935 | salonartprojects.com.au TUE–FRI 10AM-5PM | SAT 10AM-2PM

THE MARY KUNYI LEGACY For the first time ever, this exhibition brings major works by Mary Kunyi together from collections across the country to highlight the significance of her contribution to Indigenous art history as well as the now iconic artistic style of the Daly River region.

WHEN FRI 5 APR - SAT 13 JUL |

OPENING FRI 5 JUL, 6PM

Mary Kunyi, 'Wurr (Grass)', 2001; courtesy of the Estate of Mary Kunyi and Merrepen Arts Sally M Mulda, 'Policeman taking grog, Abbott’s Camp, anywhere… everywhere', 2018 acrylic paint on linen, 2018, 90 x 177 cm

WE ARE ALWAYS MAKING SOMETHING FROM WHAT WE HAVE Alice Springs based art centres Yarrenyty Arltere and Tangentyere Artists collaborate in this new exhibition. Childhood memories of making and playing with bush toys inform a new series of whimsical soft sculptures from Yarrenyty Arltere. Tangentgere painters Grace Robinya and Sally Mulda are joined by emerging artists reflecting on stories of family and country. Works on paper and canvas explore contemporary issues affecting people living in town camps today.

WHEN SAT 13 APR – SAT 11 MAY | OPENING SAT 13 APR, 10AM

Bluer by degrees DARWIN ARTIST WINSOME JOBLING HAS CREATED A SERIES of tiny encapsulated landscapes in her latest body of work, Bluer by degrees. The three-dimensional dioramas are imagined scenes of a predicted future for our Top End environment.

Winsome Jobling, 'Whitened', 2019, re-modelled plastic plants, wire, plaster and paint, 9 x 6cm

WHEN UNTIL SAT 6 APR

TACTILE ARTS

19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay, Darwin | 89816616 | tactilearts.org.au TUE- SUN 10AM-4PM

PRINT: A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBTION Award-winning photographs from members of the Northern Territory’s Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), from landscape to portraiture and everything in between. Join the artists at the opening to hear more about their exquisite works.

WHEN FRI 12 APR – SUN 5 MAY

OPENING FRI 12 APR, 5PM COST FREE

Tania Malkin, ‘Ribbon Dancer’

17

WORK SHOPS

THE

MARY KUNYI LEGACY

Life Drawing WHEN EVERY WED 6-9PM | EVERY

SUN 9AM-12PM AT RADIO GNOME RECORD,

AIR RAID ARCADE COST $25 | $80 FOUR SESSIONS

$120 EIGHT SESSION INFO facebook.com/ radiognomerecords

Acrylic painting; Texture and Effect WHEN TUE 2 APR - TUE 23 APR | 6-9PM AT RADIO GNOME RECORD,

AIR RAID ARCADE COST $200 INFO facebook.com/ radiognomerecords

Acrylic painting 101 WHEN THU 4 APR - THU 25 APR | 6-9PM AT RADIO GNOME RECORD,

AIR RAID ARCADE COST $200 INFO facebook.com/ radiognomerecords

5 APRIL – 13 JULY Bringing work together from across Australia for the first time, this exhibition presents new research and insight into the artist’s work and her lasting influence.

Developed in partnership with Merrepen Arts and the family of Mary Kunyi.

Curated by Dr Cathy Laudenbach

Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre Stuart Highway, Katherine East NT 0850 P 08 8972 3751 E shop@gyracc.org.au W www.gyracc.org.au

Opening hours: 10am – 5pm Tue to Fri 10am – 3pm Sat Closed: Sun, Mon & PH

Mary Kunyi, Manganime, 1999 (courtesy of the Estate of Mary Kunyi)

Watercolour painting WHEN THU 2 - THU 23 MAY | 6-9PM AT RADIO GNOME RECORD,

AIR RAID ARCADE COST $200 INFO facebook.com/ radiognomerecords

Silver Spinner Ring in a Day

Make your own handcrafted silver spinner ring with Debra Senjuschenko. Learn the basics of jewellery making through techniques of measuring, texturing, sawing and finishing.

WHEN AT COST INFO

1 5 M A R C H - 3 M AY

SUN 7 APR | 10AM-4PM TACTILE ARTS $180 | $165 MEMB tactilearts.org.au

Warm Glass

Introduction to the basics including techniques of glass cutting, and how to use tools and basic machines.

WHEN AT COST INFO

SUN 7 APR | 9AM- 1PM TACTILE ARTS $130 | $120 MEMB tactilearts.org.au

Daluk Weaving Workshop

Join women from Wugularr and other local communities who have spent the week on a weaving camp.

WHEN AT COST INFO

18

SAT 27 APR | 10AM-3PM GYRACC $50 gyracc.org.au

Lyons Cottage 74 The Esplanade, Darwin Weekdays: 9am - 4pm sATURDAY: 9am - 2pm Aboriginal Bush Traders aboriginal_bush_traders T: (08) 8931 6650 E: info@aboriginalbushtraders.com www.aboriginalbushtraders.com

&

BOOK WEEK

Can You Ever Forgive Me?

CHASING YOUR DREAM DOESN’T ALWAYS GO TO PLAN, but sometimes it will set you on a different course.

Book Week

Deckchair Reopens

AT COST INFO

DECKCHAIR CINEMA $16 | $12 CONC | $10 MEMB | $8 CHILD | $35 FAM deckchaircinema.com

IT’S BACK! THE DECKCHAIR CINEMA HAS DUSTED off the chairs and worded-up the possums to prepare for an influx of movie lovers.

The season kicks off a week earlier than usual with If Beale Street Could Talk, the highly-acclaimed follow-up film from Barry Jenkins, after the success of Moonlight in 2016.

Deckie general manager James Parker says a particularly dry Wet season means they can sneak opening night in a week earlier than usual.

“We’re taking a bit of a risk (with the weather), but hopefully it goes well.”

“The film in the US fell over at the 11th hour, so I’d gone from having my dream come true, back to reality - it was a bit of a crash landing back to Earth,” he says.

While back in the classroom Davis connected with other teachers and started to write the black comedy

“There’s a bit of me in almost all the characters and the things that I observed at school,” he says.

The film explores the pitfalls of being an artist and teacher, and the struggles of keeping high-school kids engaged and off their phones.

“We have a social media addiction - kids and adults. Kids have short attention spans and technology makes it even shorter," he says.

“They’re visual learners and we haven’t adapted as teachers - a lot of classrooms are prehistoric these days compared to the ways kids want to learn.”

Despite Davis admitting the film was written “by a teacher, for teachers”, he says it hits a chord with a diverse audience.

“There are a lot of themes that people identify with,” he says.

“Everyone, at some stage, has had a dream they have to give up on, or come to a cross roads with, but there’s a lot of laughs in there, too.”

Davis will be in Darwin for a Q&A at the screening on April 18.

WHEN FRI 12, THU 18 & TUE 23 APR 7.30PM AT DECKCHAIR CINEMA COST $16 | $12 CONC | $10 MEMB

$8 CHILD | $15 FAMILY INFO deckchaircinema.com

Parker says there are a lot of great films for the first program, but he’s eagerly awaiting Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse.

“It got the Oscar for best animated film - it’s just a groundbreaking new visual style,” he says.

“They rewrote the book on animation when making the this film.”

For die-hard Deckchair lovers who want to give back, there’s also a working bee to spruce up the venue before it opens.

Opening Night

“When it’s not raining people don’t understand why we’re closed,” he says.

Writer and director Heath Davis wrote the film Book Week - a tale of an arrogant English teacher trying to write a novel - after returning to teach in Australia from a stint trying to make a movie in America, which didn't go to plan.

using inspiration from real life.

WHEN

WED 10 APR | 7.30PM

Working Bee WHEN

SAT 6 APR, 3-5PM SUN 7 APR, 8-10AM

If Beale Street Could Talk If Beale Street Could Talk follows the story of Tish, a newly-engaged Harlem woman who races against the clock to prove her lover’s innocence while carrying their first-born child to term.

WHEN

Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse Brooklyn teen Miles Morales is introduced to the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the mask.

WHEN MON 15 & FRI 26 APR 7.30PM

Three Summers At a summer music festival, the feisty lead singer of an Irish folk band meets a folk-music-hating theremin player and sparks fly. All ticket sales from this film support the Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival.

WHEN SUN 28 APR | 7.30PM AT DECKCHAIR CINEMA COST $16 | $12 CONC INFO deckchaircinema.com.au

WED 10 & MON 22 APR 7.30PM | SAT 13 APR, 9.30PM

NT Travelling Film Festival CREATING A CINEMA IN REMOTE areas is no easy feat - but doing so gives those living out bush an experience that city-dwellers often take for granted.

The NT Travelling Film Festival kicks off this month with a curated selection of local short films screened in Tennant Creek and Daly Waters, before heading around the Territory until June.

photo: Duane Preston

The brains behind the travelling cinema, Britt Guy, says the inaugural festival last year left her with some unexpected surprises.

“I didn’t anticipate how much having an actual cinema-sized screen would change people’s experience,” she says.

“It was loved by communities - that beautiful thing of being able to

relax into two hours of story telling, which we take for granted in a big city.

“Within a community context people watch films through phones and computers and in a lot of places there are some small scale projectors set up, but having a whole cinematic experience of going to the movies and having your stories reflected back to you is an amazing experience for a person - particularly when there’s not a lot of it.

"It was such an indulgence and a great community night out to sit under the stars and take in the films.”

The NT Shorts Program features films created in the Territory over the last 12 months, and will be screened across the NT inlcuding

Darwin, Kakadu and Nhulunbuy.

“We try to get a diverse mix of film genres, locations and also films that capture the essence of the NT at that time, and particular ideas or concerns that are being explored within communities,” Guy says.

Tennant Creek will screen a short program to make way for the filmmakers in the community to share their work.

Tennant Creek WHEN SAT 6 APR | 7-10.30PM AT BARKLY ARTS BACKYARD COST $12

Daly Waters WHEN SAT 13 APR | 8.30-10.30PM AT DALY WATERS PUB COST FREE INFO

nttravellingfilmfestival.com

19

LISTINGS

NT

Literary Awards Mhairi Duncan

GET THOSE FINGERS TAPPING entries for the NT Literary Awards are open until the end of April.

The annual competition is a great excuse to knuckle down and get words on paper.

Last year’s Short Story winner Mhairi Duncan spoke with Off The Leash about the benefits of a call to action, and her writing process.

How did the NT Literary Awards motivate you?

A writer friend of mine told me about the awards and I saw the deadline and said to myself ‘you’ve got to sit down and polish this up’.

I didn’t enter thinking I’d win, it

OFF THE SHELF REVIEWS FOR READERS

Welcome to my column where each month I’ll take a book from the shelf to share.

With the push to re-establish an NT literary journal of ‘our own’ gaining momentum right now, I thought I would turn my attention to journals. Rather neglected in literary review, journals offer regular curated encounters with diverse contemporary writing and are often the springboard for many great writers.

20

One journal that I’ve found particularly impressive of late is The Lifted Brow. Since its first issue in 2007,

was more a good deadline that forced me to sit down and enjoy my writing.

What’s your writing routine or process?

I brainstorm and have bullet points for a structure and I just do a lot of free writing without any judgment - I just make sure I sit down for a particular length of time and write, write, write. It’s usually first thing in the morning or last thing at night, that’s when my mind is the most active or clearest.

It’s after that when it becomes quite tricky, when you’ve got to really become quite focused with your editing.

The Lifted Brow has exploded onto the literary scene as an enabler and disrupter. A vibrant, edgy journal that champions new and diverse voices, the Brow is a breath of fresh air in the notoriously stuffy literary establishment.

The recent ‘Blak Brow’ edition is revealing of the journal’s generative approach. ‘Blak Brow’ is a collection of essay, art, poetry and story by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. More than a thematic or token issue, the production of ‘Blak Brow’ handed over editorial control to an all-Aboriginal ‘Blak Women’s Brow Collective’. It is this distinctly anti-individualist approach that gives the issue its collective strength.

Dedicated to all the Grandmothers, Mothers, Aunties, Sistas, and Sistergirls, Cuzzies and Tiddas gone before and those to come, the ‘Blak Brow’ is powerful reading. While predominantly focused on writers based in Narrm/Kulin nations, there is much of relevance for NT readers particularly around themes of sovereignty, incarceration and injustice. Content ranges from Lidia Thorpe’s maiden speech, new and old poetry, exhibition catalogues, to a conversation in verse between Ellen Van Neervan and her Mum, Maria Van Neervan-Currie (both

How do you edit?

I have to read things out loud to myself, so I squirrel myself away and I go through paragraphs to make sure it flows for me lyrically out loud.

Why is it so important to sound good out loud for you?

I had two lecturers at university in Scotland, Alan Spence and Wayne Price, and they were very much about how your writing sounds.

When you’re a Scottish writer I think you’re very in tune with how your dialect sounds.

French Movie Night page, in a way. That’s something I had drilled in to me at uni.

When you’re not writing you’re a schoolteacher - is the NT Literary Awards something you’d encourage young people to enter?

There are some cracking young writers in Darwin - it’s a really good opportunity for them.

I’ll definitely be reaching out to students and teachers and reminding them it’s open and they should throw their hat in the ring.

So it doesn’t have to be grammatically right, it’s got to sing off the

WHEN ENTRIES CLOSE MON 29 APR INFO ntl.nt.gov.au

guests of last year’s NT Writers Festival).

Flynn on returning to Darwin, and ‘Sovereign Debt’ by Latoya Rule: a devastating account of receiving an invoice from the State to pay for the death of her brother in custody.

The highlight for me is ‘Binak’: an anonymous piece from Ngaga-dji, a project of the Koorie Youth Council which voices the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under youth justice supervision. This incredibly moving story reasserts the wisdom, power and strength of young people while revealing how our systems continue to misunderstand, dismiss and diminish these voices: ‘When DHSS came I didn’t really understand their words... they wanted to tell my story for me, decide for me, know what was best for me. That’s easier than listening isn’t it? They said I’d be better off away from family. They got it backwards, family was the only thing holding me together.’

Other standouts are ‘Long bum’: a poignant reflection by Eugenia

Kate Rendell works as a project co-ordinator in the arts. She is also a freelance writer and researcher. First and foremost though, she is a reader.

It feels somewhat reductive to draw out these highlights in isolation though, given the collective power of this edition – the strength, resolve and dynamism of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is most potent in reading the whole.

Closer to home Flycatcher Mag out of CDU is always an excellent and eclectic read, and I am eagerly waiting to get my hands on a copy of the Queer Territory zine launched recently by local writer, artist and producer CJ Bell.

Happy reading, there’s a lot already out there!

Enjoy the film, Jalouse, along with French cheese and wine at this monthly Alliance Française de Darwin event.

WHEN AT COST INFO

WED 3 APR | 6.30PM MAGNT $20 | $14 MEMB/CONC afdarwin.org

International Military Writers' Festival Writers, historians and researchers come together for three days of author talks, panel discussions and literary sessions.

WHEN FRI 5- SUN 7 APR |

VARIOUS TIMES AT DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ESPLANADE COST $15-$45 PER SESSION | CONC

$12- $40 INFO territorytribute.com.au

BCC CINEMAS CASUARINA Hollywood Classic - Psycho

WHEN

COST INFO

MON 1 APR 10.30AM & 6.30PM $8 | $7 MEMB eventcinema.com.au

Hollywood Classic - Bullitt WHEN

COST INFO

MON 15 APR 9.30AM & 6.30PM $8 | $7 MEMB eventcinema.com.au

Monty Python’s The Life of Brian 40th Anniversary WHEN

COST INFO

THU 18 APR 10.30AM & 6.30PM $20 | $18 MEMB eventcinema.com.au

MUSIC

Arafura Games Opening & Closing Celebrations

BAKER

Music fans are in for a treat when the Arafura Games returns with a huge line-up of entertainment for the opening and closing celebrations.

To kick off the event, hip-hop powerhouse Baker Boy will be joined by local favourites Shellie Morris and Leah Flanagan for the opening on Friday April 26.

The closing ceremony will see Morris and Flanagan return to the stage, joined by Stevie Jean and Skinnyfish Sound System who are sure to get the crowds pumping on Saturday May 4.

The return of the Arafura Games after a hiatus means an injection of sport, arts and culture in Darwin. The Games themselves also have a long-lasting impact on the wider community.

Artistic director Ben Graetz says he still holds strong memories from his youth, and is excited to have the opportunity to help the next generation be inspired.

“The Arafura Games were such an incredible memory to me growing up and being a part of it,” he says.

“I know that’s the same with so many of my friends and family, and you can only create those feelings of togetherness and community through events like this.

“You can’t quantify that - that is something that is really immeasurable but long lasting.”

Opening celebration

Closing celebration

WHEN FRI 26 APR | 6.30PM AT DARWIN WATERFRONT COST FREE

WHEN SAT 4 MAY | 6.30PM AT DARWIN WATERFRONT COST FREE

INFO

arafuragames.nt.gov.au

BAKER BOY HAS GONE FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH and is looking forward to being back in the Top End for the Arafura Games Opening Celebration.

something I can have an impact on as Young Australian of the Year.

You’ve had a whirlwind year - tell us a bit about the moments you reflect on most?

It's been a crazy year - I did 75 plus live shows last year which has been epic. I look back on how my show has grown and how that’s reflected in all the awards I’ve won, it kinda feels surreal.

‘Cool As Hell’ has dropped with an epic video clip - why did you want to write a tune to get people dancing, and what was it like being able to include your family in the clip?

Haha, thank you! Dance is a big part of me. It’s in my blood, my culture and my family. Like 'Marryuna' (to dance with no shame) I just want people to vibe out on a good tune, break it down for a couple minutes and forget their worries.

Bit of a reminder to not take life so seriously and just have fun with it.

What are you hoping to achieve as the Young Australian of the Year?

My goal is all about education; I want to keep the topic of Indigenous Culture and Language alive.

I think it’s become a bit of tradition to have family in my video clips. In 'Marryuna' you saw my dad and uncle and in 'Cool As Hell' it's my dad and little bro.

My ultimate dream is to have Indigenous language and history taught in schools Australia wide - which is a big goal but hopefully

Family is huge aspect of Baker Boy and I think it is cool to be able to include family where I can. My little bro has lived on country his

BE TRANSPORTED TO THE FANTASY WORLD within Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the music of child prodigy Felix Mendelssohn with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra for it’s Kids' Classic production.

“Beauty can be recognised by all ages, and I think when we come to think of music, most of the population is very visual when they hear something, so if we can translate some of these esoteric sounds from violins and violas and cellos into something vivid, it makes it more accessible to understand.”

He had a yarn with Off The Leash about life, music and sport.

BOY

entire life and I really wanted to be able to give him the experience of seeing Sydney and Melbourne and getting to understand what happens in the life of Baker Boy. Safe to say he had the most amazing time! It was a funny moment because we all agreed to include my dad and brother last minute and it just happened, we were so happy.

You’re in Darwin for the Arafura Games - are you a big sports fan?

Will you be out seeing any of the competitions?

I love my sports, I grew up with sport. If I wasn’t doing Baker Boy I’d like to think that’s what I would be doing.

Hopefully between performing and catching up with family in Darwin I will be able to catch some of the competitions, I love getting involved as much as I can.

DSO PRESENTS

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Concertmaster Tara Murphy says despite the complex story line and musical composition, the show is prefect for the little ones, especially the toddlers and early primary school kids.

Patsy Coleman

“It’s really complicated to tell Shakespeare to children so there’s a lot of visualisation in this concert,” Murphy says.

There will be shadow puppets and a helping hand from the Milkwood Steiner School kids, who will perform movement pieces with the music to help tell the story.

“We want to create something that’s beautiful,” Murphy says.

The playful score is one of Mendelssohn’s most famous works, written while he was just 17 years old in the 1820s.

“Magic and mystery are really important for children and we’re harnessing those elements in Mendelssohn’s score because he was such a young person when he was writing it,” Murphy says.

“You can almost hear the fairy wings fluttering and their feet running through the forest.

“It’s the literal translation of the

story through music.”

Murphy says the Kids' Classics are always a hit, and the DSO players love the opportunity to introduce classical music to the next generation.

“For a lot of kids this is their first concert, so we want to create a fun and inviting experience - we don’t want kids to think classical music is for elite, when really it’s just music for everyone.”

WHEN SAT 6 APR | 9.30 & 11AM AT

COST

CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY THEATRE $10 | $5

WHEN SUN 7 APR | 11AM AT

COST

BATCHELOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE FREE

INFO

dso.org.au

21

DARWIN CHORALE PRESENTS

SUPPER CLUB

Fauré Requiem

The traditional Catholic mass is caressed in a way that the listener is soothed by what Fauré called the “very human feeling of faith in eternal rest”.

Co-owner Justin Schmidt says after spending time upgrading the infrastructure of the venue, it’s now time to test the acoustics.

This month The Bat is launching The Supper Club on Friday evenings full of chilled vibes and good tunes.

“The Supper Club is something I’ve been wanting to do for ages,” Schmidt says.

“We’re after a nightclub loungey feel - not banging beats but a club atmosphere that’s driven by conversation and an opportunity to mix and have good food and drinks.

“We’ll dim the lights, lower the

HAPPY YESS HAPPY YESS HAS A NEW FRESH FACE at the helm to bring the good vibes and music back in 2019.

Multi-talented Teghan Hughes has dominated radio waves on the mic and behind the scenes in Central Australia for a number of years, but has swapped the desert for the salt water with her dog Pepe, to inject some new energy into the iconic music venue.

Hughes sat down with Off The Leash to tell us more about her visions for Happy Yess.

22

You’ve accomplished a lot over the years in Central Australia as a sound engineer, radio host, music journalist and musician – what

shutters and it will be a lock-in feel.”

The music will be programmed by guest selectors each week, who will give an insight into their personal music collection.

“They’ll share interesting musical journeys that they want to present to people,” Schmidt says.

“Everyone’s got a love and a taste in music, we’re not after people’s mixing skills, we’re after their selection showing us a nuanced interpretation of what they like.”

The musical evenings are a new addition, with the already successful Bat Sessions kicking off last month on Sunday evenings.

“At the moment we’re doing Bat Sessions inside The Bat because

prompted a sea change?

I was getting a bit over the desert – it wasn’t like anything bad was happening, it just was really hot.

Too hot. So this job came up and I thought I’d go for it. I was craving lushness and the ocean back in my life.

What are your visions for Happy Yess in 2019?

I’ve heard a lot about how Happy Yess is a community and a family and there’s no pretentious energy, so I want to carry that on.

I want to get heaps of bands on every weekend and encourage young artists to get up and perform but to get good at the business side, too – their marketing, poster runs – all the things that need to happen if you’re an independent band.

it’s too hot outside, but eventually we’re going to build a stage out the back and we want people to actively go and see the music,” Schmidt says.

“People often very passively take in the music, but we don’t want it to be an accompaniment - we want it to be the main focus.”

Bat Sessions features a range of musicians, with regulars including David Garnham and Sam Carmody.

The Supper Club

Faste Fiv

THE WORDS 'LOFTY', 'SUBLIME' AND 'DEATH' DO NOT NORMALLY GO HAND IN HAND, but in Darwin Chorale’s forthcoming concert, Fauré Requiem, those themes are seamlessly bridged.

For composer Gabriel Fauré, death is likened to going to sleep, and his outlook is therefore introverted and lullaby-like.

THE LUCKY BAT IS SLOWLY TRANSFORMING from a trendy cafe to an evening saloon with live music and big plans on the horizon.

The

Chorale program manager Annette Gore says the show, under the direction of music director Digby Barrow, will be performed on Palm Sunday in the lead up to Easter.

“We always do an Easter concert of some description and we’ve gone back to Fauré because it suits the time of year,” she says.

“We’ll be singing two pieces - the Fauré Requiem, and one of Bach’s motets - Jesu, meine Freude.”

WHEN SUN 14 APR | 4PM AT CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL, DARWIN COST $30 | $10 CHILD 5-15 INFO darwinchorale.org.au

WHEN EVERY FRI | 9PM

Stephen CUMMINGS

RISING TO FAME AS FRONT MAN OF ‘70S LEGENDS THE SPORTS, Stephen Cummings has spent more than 40 years at the forefront of the Australian music scene. Cummings will head to Darwin to celebrate his new album Prisoner of Love for his A Life is a Life tour.

Cummings answered The Fast Five for us.

What’s the first album you ever bought?

As a chubby and baby-faced teenager, I went into town and got a copy of The Rolling Stones third British studio album and their fourth in the United States. I had heard it in a friend's big brother's room. We had to sneak into his room while he was at work and listened to his albums.

Bat Sessions If you could see any artist or band – living or dead – this weekend, who would it be?

The Loved Ones or Elvis Presley

WHEN EVERY SUN | 5PM

AT COST INFO

LUCKY BAT, NIGHTCLIFF FREE luckybat.space

Are we going to see regular music nights or some new programming?

We are putting on recurring nights like hip hop, DJ electronic chill nights, house parties and Tropidellica. And I’d love to be doing a lot more female showcases and really encourage female artists. It’ll be a super safe space, so if you’re nervous it’s okay because you’re going to be really encouraged by the community.

Favourite bands of all time?

The Beatles – I was weirdly obsessed with The Beatles as a kid.

I cried so much when George Harrison died, I was such a mess.

Plus Unwritten Law and Silverchair.

Favourite NT bands?

Kardajala Kirridarra, Yirrmal Marika, Black Rock Band, Caiti Baker, The Neo.

Local bands you’re looking forward to seeing more of?

Clockwork Riot and Fat Pigeon.

Get in touch with Hughes at happyyessdarwin@gmail.com or via Happy Yess on Facebook.

Teghan Hughes

Whose posters did you have stuck to the wall as a teenager?

I had The Beatles and The Kinks together with the early Band and Eric Burden up on my wall.

I used to buy all the magazines and music papers. I was obsessed with The Loved Ones and The Easy Beats too. Now I have a big poster of Cat Power that I found half falling off a wall.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

‘It makes No Difference’ by the Band and sung by Rick Danko, I think.

Finish this sentence. The thing people would be surprised to know about me…. is I have a largely unrecognised ability to create a good garden. My sense of stoicism has only increased due to events in the garden. A green thumb, I got one!

WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 13 APR | 7PM RAILWAY CLUB $30 | $20 CONC darwinrailwayclub.org

APRIL

GIG guide OTL's quick and essential guide to live music in the Top End. Rock on!

Russell Morris ARIA Award Winner and Hall of Fame inductee Russell Morris will bring the songs and stories of his Australiana trilogy to music lovers in Darwin.

Since mid-2016, Russell has been making headway in the United States, with his Sharkmouth album released and gaining traction at US blues and college radio.

Over the past five years, Morris has created and released three albums of blues and roots music that pertains to some of the iconic characters, events and moments in Australian history.

WHEN FRI 12 APR | 7.30PM AT DARWIN CASINO, BEACHSIDE PAVILLION COST $69.05 SEATED | $58.80 STANDING INFO skycitydarwin.com.au

Russell Morris

To find out more, head to offtheleash.net.au

/OTL.magazine

@OTLmag

#OTLmag

Alternative Night Alternative music night with bands including The World's Fear, Temperamental and Danger Den. WHEN AT COST

INFO

FRI 12 APR | 8PM BAR 3 $10 PRE SALE $15 AT THE DOOR facebook.com/theworldsfear

Stephen Cummings Fridays with Glen Forner Catch Glen at Hotel Darwin to round out your week.

WHEN FRI 5, 12, 19, 26 APR

AT COST INFO

| 6-9PM HOTEL DARWIN FREE thehoteldarwin.com.au

Saturdays with James Damien Take in this talented Territorian performer with your Saturday bevy.

WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 6 APR HOTEL DARWIN FREE thehoteldarwin.com.au

WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 13 APR | 7PM RAILWAY CLUB $30 | $20 CONC darwinrailwayclub.org

Fauré Requiem In the lead up to Easter, come and enjoy this stunning choral-orchestral piece performed expertly by Darwin Chorale.

WHEN AT

COST INFO

SUN 14 APR | 4-6 PM CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL, DARWIN $30 | CHILD 5-15 $10 darwinchorale.org.au

Wild Women of the North in Song WHEN TUE 16, 23 & 30 | 5.30PM

DSO Kids’ Classics – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

AT NT ARCHIVES COST FREE | BOOKINGS

WHEN SAT 6 APR | 9AM &10.30AM AT CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY COST $10 | KIDS $5

ESSENTIAL

INFO

facebook.com/

wildwomeninsong

WHEN SUN 7 APR | 11AM AT

COST INFO

BATCHELOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE FREE ntix.com.au

Gin and Jazz Join local musicians on the third Sunday of every month.

WHEN AT

COST

INFO

SUN 21 APR | 5 PM DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB, PARAP PRE-BOOK $11.50 | DOOR $15 stickytickets.com.au

Overture to Peace Acclaimed artists, musicians and Indigenous performers will converge on Darwin for the Overture to Peace concert event at twilight on Anzac Day Eve. WHEN AT COST

INFO

WED 24 APR | 5- 8PM TIO STADIUM, MARRARA FREE | $130 VIP ADULT | $125 VIP CONC dbcya.com.au

Afro Moses - Spirit of Africa Afro Moses, the genius of afrobeats/reggae dub, delivers infectious energy, connected musicianship and feel-good vibes.

WHEN AT

COST INFO

SUN 28 APR | 508PM DINAH BEACH CRUISING YACHT ASSOCIATION FREE dbcya.com.au

Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals New members and visitors are always welcome, with opportunities for access to instruments and tuition for beginners.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 7-9.30PM AT 2 ABALA ROAD, MARRARA INFO darwincitybrassband. org.au

Off The Leash had a chat with bass player and vocalist Michael South ahead of the gig.

IT’S BEEN A WILD RIDE FOR LOCAL METAL BAND FAT PIGEON. Since winning the Battle of the School Bands in 2017, the young Darwin outfit has played at

BASSINTHEGRASS, supported James Reyne and Killing Heidi at One Tropical Day, and are now about to hit the track to Alice Springs to perform at Blacken Festival in May.

WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY FRI | 9PM LUCKY BAT FREE luckybat.space

Bat Sessions WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY SUN | 5PM LUCKY BAT FREE luckybat.space

The Roy Boys The Roy Boys play acoustic covers featuring all your favourites, as well as a few originals thrown in for good measure.

WHEN EVERY FRI | 6-9PM AT THE BELL BAR &

BISTRO, BELLAMACK COST FREE INFO roymackonkeyofficial. com.au

HAPPY YESS 12 Smith Street, Darwin 0447 842 779 | happyyess.com We Burn Bridges + Guests A night of heavy music at Happy Yess.

WHEN FRI 5 APR | 8PM-1AM COST $15

R.E.S.I.S.T – DJ Night Darwin’s biggest ongoing dance party with Darwin’s best DJs.

Panic Bruss Panic Bruss are bringing their original, excessive 80s sound with brand new line up with Kolors kicking the night off indie, pop, jazz and funk fusion style.

WHEN SAT 13 APR | 9PM-1AM COST $10

Magic Lives Here Featuring Jaiv on piano and backing tracks and Szilvi on voice and flute, this debut duo will take you on an aural and visual journey.

WHEN SAT 27 APR | 9PM- 1AM COST $10

JAM NIGHTS AND OPEN MIC

WHEN SUN 7 APR | 2-7PM AT PINT CLUB, MARRARA COST GOLD COIN DONATION INFO facebook.com/first sundayblues

Jam Night at Nirvana Jump on stage or sit back and enjoy the music.

WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY TUE | 9PM-LATE NIRVANA RESTAURANT FREE nirvanadarwin.com.au

WHEN SAT 6 APR | 8PM- 1AM COST $10

Before they hit the road the boys will perform at Happy Yess for a night of heavy music with We Burn Bridges, Clockwork Riot and Assailant

FAT PIGEON

The Supper Club

make your own sound.

What are you guys working on these days?

We’ve been integrating gigging and writing new material - it can be hard because we’re all still at school so our time is limited.

Winning Battle of the School Bands seems to have opened a lot of doors - tell us about what it was like performing at BASS last year?

It was really great to have good gear and just be really loud and meet all the artists as well.

How did you score the gig at Blacken?

At the 2018 Battle of the School bands we spoke with the winning band Juice, who told us to contact (festival organiser) Pirate. He heard our material on Youtube and Triple J Unearthed and invited us down.

Did they give you any good tips?

The best pieces of advice were do what you want to do and be yourself. Don’t let other people tell you what to play or criticise you -

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

We’re just hoping to socialise, listen and get advice for other bands. It will also be good to get our name

out there a bit more - it’s about exposure and future opportunities.

What would you like more people to know about Fat Pigeon?

We all have a lot of different influences.

I’m not really a metal head and not all our songs are really the same we have sub genres mixed in. We’ve got some heavier songs and then some more skate punk ones - it’s a good variety.

We Burn Bridges, Fat Pigeon, Clockwork Riot and Assailant WHEN FRI 5 APR | 8PM AT HAPPY YESS COST $15 INFO facebook.com/FatPigeon

Band

23

24