Off The Leash - April 2023

It’s been one whole year since Off The Leash expanded to be Territory-wide, breaking beyond the Top End to include the arts, culture and events of the Red Centre. It’s been a hoot. And if this edition is anything to go by, we’re in for a fun-filled 2023.

A visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is an absolute must, as Australia's most esteemed portrait prize celebrates a century of art.

FROM THE Editor

A selection of works have made tracks around the country for Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize, and this month, it’s Darwin’s turn to host some welcome tenants. A packed public program runs alongside the exhibition, which is as diverse as the artworks represented in Archie 100. Read the main feature for the juicy deets.

April is a busy one, and the Red Centre is beating with beautiful experiences. Parrtjima returns to illuminate Arrernte Country over 10 magical nights, this year with a very special installation inspired by the Statement from the Heart. Embrace Wide Open Space with wide-open arms, as the beloved camping festival in the desert returns for three days of music, art, community and culture. (For Top Enders, it’s the perfect excuse for a

road trip – I’m hitting the road, so you might catch me along the track!)

Signs of the Dry are starting to sprout, with two favourites making a very welcome return. Deckchair Cinema flings open the gates this month, offering a fab year of flicks on the big screen, and in more exciting Deckie news, a Darwin favourite returns to the menu to fill the bellies of film-lovers. Brown’s Mart puts local music under the spotlight in what has become a quintessential way to see out the working week, with the return of Live on Fridays. Territory tunes and chilled bevs? Yes, please.

There’s some incredible art to treat your peepers to, including the return of much-loved art fundraiser event Off Cuts, so check out Visual Arts to plan your art adventures. The Music section is also chockers with sweet sounds, plus there’s the chance for NT acts to have their tunes pressed to vinyl with the return of Air Raid Records’ On The Record Competition.

Rip out the centre calendar, stick it on the wall and start highlighting your plans for April. Oh, and have a Happy Easter!

OTL is proudly supported by

Off The Leash Inc. acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

If you've got an exciting event or experience anywhere in the NT next month, we can help you get the word out. From free promotion on our website to cost-effective rates in our print magazine, there's something to suit all budgets.

In 2022, OTL became a Territory-wide publication due to the generous support of Michael Sitzler, for all Territorians.

Cover proudly sponsored by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Kate

Beynon ‘Self-portrait with guardian spirits’ 2009 –10, synthetic polymer paint on linen, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Contemporary Collection Benefactors 2012 © Kate Beynon/Copyright Agency, 2023

Tierney Seccull Managing Editor & Development Manager

Kate Conway Editorial Assistant

Danny Crichton Graphic Designer

Betty Sweetlove & Sonia Morell Contributing writers

Archie 100

In 1921, thanks to a bequest left by journalist JF Archibald after his passing in 1919, Australia's most esteemed portrait prize was established in an effort to foster the craft of portraiture and support artists, whilst commemorating the memory of some great Australians. More than a century later, the Archibald Prize continues to capture, immortalise and delight.

By Tierney Seccull

This month, a selection of works take up residence on the walls of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) for Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize. This special touring exhibition, presented by the Art Gallery of NSW, offers a glimpse into the changing face of Australia through portraiture over the last hundred years.

In 2021, Archie 100 embarked on a national road trip around Australia, giving arts lovers a glimpse at some of the greatest portrait works Australia has produced. With the tour comes the opportunity to become reacquainted with – or meet for the first time – the characters immortalised within them.

MAGNT Director Adam Worrall says it’s exciting to see this selection of works come together.

“This is an amazing opportunity for us to bring pieces from the last 100 years of the Archibald Prize to Darwin. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience,” he says.

“The Prize is one of those things where, every year, people are waiting for those four words ‘and the winner is’. It really has the chance to transform an artist’s career, and even the sitter, as well. You might have a subject not necessarily in the public eye that gets elevated across the country, and everyone then knows who this person is because of the Archibald.”

The Archibald attracted over 6,000 works over the course of the century, which made the Archie 100 selection an arduous one. The non-acquisitive nature of the prize meant that the full collection wasn’t on hand to select from, with many pieces tucked away in private collections.

Art Gallery of NSW Curator Natalie Wilson and her team embarked on a worldwide treasure hunt, and after more than 30,000 emails, and years of hunting, they managed to track down 1,800 works. Condensing this into a touring exhibition of almost 100 pieces, to ensure adequate representation of artists and characters over the years, was quite the feat.

“From over 6,000 works – and it’s still hard to say definitively – but we know where around 1,800 works are. It’s from that group of works that I then whittled down to about 200, then whittled that down to about 150, and then finally made the selection of works for Archie 100. My goal was to have close to 10 works from every decade.”

Stopping off at just eight locations across the country, MAGNT was lucky enough to make the cut on the Archie 100 itinerary. Wilson says she’s excited to join forces with the NT.

“The Art Gallery of NSW has always wanted to collaborate with MAGNT, it just seemed like such a wonderful opportunity … The tour started in Geelong, which is Archibald’s birth place and a wonderful place for it to start, and has since gone to Queensland, South Australia, and back in New South Wales,” she says.

“It needed to go to the NT, and of course to Darwin, so it’s very exciting. MAGNT has undertaken all of these wonderful public programs ... For me, the most exciting thing has to be the fact that they’re really honing in on a work from their own collection.”

The artwork Wilson refers to is a portrait Geoff La Gerche painted of Granny Lum Loy. MAGNT Director Adam Worrall says it’s a beautiful local example of how the Archibald has immortalised one of our own.

“Geoff La Gerche came to Darwin for a residency in 1979. When I spoke to him, he said it was amazing that this elderly woman, who had lost her husband and survived Cyclone Tracy, was still working so hard to rebuild her life,” he says.

“The portrait is a remarkable work, and normally lives in the MAGNT collection, so it’s been on loan to the Art Gallery of NSW for the touring exhibition. And it’ll be amazing to bring her back, to show her in context with portraiture from the last 100 years.”

Archie 100 graces the gallery walls until late June, and the MAGNT team has gone all out to offer a jam-packed public program to run alongside the exhibition. There are guided tours, workshops, performances and special talks, including one from nine-time finalist Kate Beynon whose artwork graces this cover. There’s even a paint and sip party! The public program is as diverse as the artworks represented in Archie 100, with something for everyone.

This is an incredible opportunity to witness some of Australia’s most celebrated artists and treasured characters, and see how the Archibald Prize has transformed the face of our country over the last hundred years.

Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize

TOP John Brack, 'Barry Humphries in the character of Mrs Everage' 1969, Art Gallery of New South Wales, purchased with funds provided by the Contemporary Art Purchase Grant from the Visual Arts Board of the Australia Council, 1975 © Helen Brack

INSET: Geoff La Gerche, 'A true Territorian: Portrait of Grandma Lum Loy' (detail) 1979, MAGNT, gift of the artist, 1993 © Geoff La Gerche. Photo: MAGNT/Mark Sherwood

4

There’s so much Archie 100 goodness to sink your teeth into over the next couple of months, so check out the MAGNT website and pencil in your plans. Here are our hot picks for April!

INFO magnt.net.au/archie100

MAGNT Foundation Volunteer

Guided Tours

You’re in for a treat, as passionate, arts-loving volunteers take you on a Highlights Tour of Archie 100.

WHEN SAT 22 & 29 APR | 11AM

Talk: Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize

Archie 100 is a fascinating walk through a century of Australian life, art and culture. Join Art Gallery of NSW Curator of Australian Art, Natalie Wilson for a special talk, and learn about the famous faces and local heroes immortalised in the works.

WHEN SAT 15 APR | 11AM-12PM

Children’s Workshop: Paintbrush

Portrait Painting

Budding artists aged 6-10 are invited to transform old paintbrushes into works of art, using dry paint to transform them into portraits inspired by Archie 100.

WHEN SAT 22 APR | 10.30AM-1PM

Youth Workshop: Self-Portrait Collages

Young folks (11+) create self-portraits using pages from a repurposed encyclopaedia, acetate sheets, sharpies and paint pens.

WHEN SAT 22 APR | 1.30-4PM

Surfing for a Cause

Since 2012, teams of young people have gathered annually on sunny, April mornings and raced brightly decorated, second-hand couches through Civic Park in Darwin’s CBD. From the outside, it might seem like a bit of fun, but it’s all in support of a very important cause.

By Kate Conway

THE EVER-POPULAR Couch

Surfing race, which is presented by Anglicare NT in cahoots with City of Darwin, raises awareness for youth homelessness and celebrates the resilience of young people affected. Hellen Kenyi is a young person who previously experienced homelessness, and overcame obstacles with support from Anglicare NT’s programs.

“I am so thankful to Anglicare, before that I was homeless with my kids. We were sleeping in a car, and moving from my friend’s house to my mum’s house and back again. At my mum’s house, we were living on

the floor. It was hard,” she says.

“I was so excited when Anglicare finally helped me find a house – all I wished for was my own place with my children, and they made my wish come true.”

Hellen’s story highlights the realities for young people doing it rough in the Territory. Sadly, the NT has 12 times the national average rate of homelessness, and the equal highest rate of youth homelessness in Australia. Every night, there are over 3,000 young Territorians couch surfing with friends and family, or sleeping rough on the streets.

As well as the action-packed races, the event offers free entertainment and food, and information stalls from local organisations. This National Homelessness Matters Day, head down for a bit of fun, check out the racing action, and help raise awareness for this very worthy cause.

Couch Surfing WHEN WED 19 APR | 10.30-2.30PM AT CIVIC PARK COST FREE INFO anglicare-nt.org.au

Urban Jams

By Kate Conway

WRAP UP YOUTH Week celebrations with a bang at Urban Jams, City of Palmerston’s vibrant closing event. Part expo, part street culture extravaganza, young people aged 10-18 are invited to Palmerston Recreation Centre for over three hours of cultural activities, art, music and stacks of fun.

Niesha Korman is a Youth Volunteer with City of Palmerston, and says the event is about making local youngsters feel like they’re a welcome part of the community. She’s volunteered with Urban Jams

every year since the inaugural event four years ago, and seen it grow into the nucleus of connection and collaboration it is today.

“I’ve seen a huge wave of kids start to feel familiar with the people around them, the vendors and organisations that get involved, everyone starts to know who will be there. It’s like watching a network grow,” she says.

With an eclectic program spanning everything from skateboarding to puppet making, to eSports to a

video game development showcase, Urban Jams has something for everyone – with a healthy dose of friendly competition thrown in the mix!

“The kids really love competing in stuff, so the three-on-three basketball competition is a huge draw. It’s really cool watching how kids bring in other kids to muck around and have fun,” Korman says.

Alongside the entertainment and festivities, youth organisations and services hold stalls to help educate

and raise awareness around issues affecting young people, highlighting the supportive and inclusive ethos underpinning the event.

“It’s important for young people to know there’s a space for you with everyone else. And that’s what the event is all about, everyone coming together.”

Photo: Charlie Bliss

Eggcellent School Holiday Fun

LISTINGS

It’s Easter time and the school holidays are here, so what better time to get out and have some fun? With a bunch of activities on offer, including Easter events, craft workshops and pool parties, there’s something to keep kids of all ages happy.

Waterfront

Eggstravaganza

Join Easter Bunny and friends Fairy Jill, Tip Top Circus and Giggling Geckos for Easter fun at the Waterfront. There's sack races, bunny bowling, egg and spoon races, and of course, an Easter egg hunt to fill your morning with stacks of sweet fun.

WHEN SAT 8 APR | 8AM-1PM AT DARWIN WATERFRONT COST FREE INFO waterfront.nt.gov.au

Easter Family Fest

Celebrate a multicultural Easter with the Kalymnian Brotherhood Darwin. Enjoy family entertainment and browse tasty food and market stalls in air-conditioned comfort.

WHEN SAT 1 APR | 11AM-7.30PM AT BATTEN RD, MARRARA COST FREE INFO facebook.com/kalymnian brotherhooddarwin

Palmerston’s Egg-cellent Easter

The Easter Bunny is bouncing into Palmerston for an afternoon of fabulous activities for the whole family, including face painting, a petting zoo, disco, bucking bull and a tasty sausage sizzle. Get egg-cited!

WHEN THU 6 APR | 2.30-5PM AT GRAY COMMUNITY HALL COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

Funny Bunny Easter Crafts Hop along to Cas Square for Easter celebrations, face painting and craft.

WHEN SAT 8 – MON 10 APR | 11AM-1PM AT CASUARINA SQUARE COST FREE INFO casuarinasquare.com.au

Easter Herb Hunt

Make tracks to Allora Gardens

Nursery for an Easter hunt with a difference, and spend a fun-filled

morning searching for hidden potted herbs.

WHEN SUN 9 APR | 10-11AM AT ALLORA GARDENS NURSERY COST GOLD COIN DONATION INFO alloragardensnursery. com.au

Kids Easter Party Adventure down the rabbit hole and have a boogie at the Cas Club’s Alice in Wonderland kids party and disco. You’d be mad to miss it.

WHEN SUN 9 APR | 11AM-1PM AT CASUARINA ALL SPORTS CLUB COST FREE INFO casclub.com.au

From Jaws to Claws

Join MAGNT Curator Emeritus of Molluscs, Dr Richard Willan, for an exciting tour through the Natural History gallery to learn about the animals and mini-monsters that inhabit NT.

WHEN TUE 11 APR | 11AM-12PM AT MAGNT COST FREE INFO magnt.net.au

Katherine Youth Concert Bright young performers take to the stage to showcase their talents. Featuring local singers, bands, choirs and poets, it’s a beaut way to spend a balmy evening in K-Town.

WHEN WED 12 APR | 6-9PM AT KATHERINE TOWN SQUARE COST FREE INFO katherine.nt.gov.au

Youth Week Pool Party

Celebrate NT Youth Week with a splash! Fun includes a DJ skills workshop, inflatable obstacle course and waterslide, BBQ, games and more. Whoop!

WHEN FRI 14 APR | 3-6PM AT KATHERINE AQUATIC CENTRE COST FREE INFO katherine.nt.gov.au

KIDS SCHOOL

HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS tactilearts.org.au

Jewellery: Crystal Wire Wrapping

Create a crystal necklace and learn new wire techniques, and decorate an Easter gift box to house your treasured creation.

WHEN FRI 14 APR | 10AM-11.30AM COST $30

Botanical Art: Joyfulness

Discover the world of watercolour and native flowers.

WHEN SAT 15 APR | 10AM-12PM COST $40

Salsa Classes

Shake your groove thing at these practical and easy going classes, designed to help you feel confident on the dance floor.

WHEN TUE 4 & THU 6 APR | 7.30-9.30PM AT CWA STUDIO, WOOLNER COST $20 INFO salsitadarwin.com.au

Palmerston Youth Media Team

Spending your time scrolling social media? Join City of Palmerston's Youth Media Team! They're the voice of young people in Palmerston, a group of 14-25-year-olds that come together to share what is important to next-gen of community members.

WHEN THU 6 & 20 APR | 4.30-5.15PM AT PALMERSTON REC CENTRE COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

Youth Recycled Art Prize

Head along to the opening night of Alice Springs Town Council’s Youth Recycled Art Prize and check out the creativity of young people in the Red Centre.

WHEN THU 6 APR | 5-7PM AT ALICE PLAZA COST FREE INFO alicesprings.nt.gov.au

Easter Pommery High Tea

Argentine Tango

Put on your dancing shoes and experience the rhythm of Argentine Tango. These fun classes include social, physical and mental skills, all of which keep you young, or young at heart. Head along and give it a whirl!

WHEN SUN 16 APR | 6-9PM AT RAMADA SUITES ZEN QUARTER COST $5 INFO northerntango.com.au

Darwin Beach Choir

Learn 'Kiss From a Rose' by Seal in a fun and relaxed environment, with others that love to belt out a tune. Whether you have the voice of an angel or couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, it’s a judgement free zone.

WHEN FRI 21 APR | 5.30-6.30PM AT TRACY VILLAGE SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ darwinbeachchoir

ANZAC Day

Head along to a dawn service to pay your respects and remember all fallen Australians and New Zealanders. Lest we forget.

WHEN TUE 25 APR INFO anzacday.org.au

Glass Beadmaking

Learn a range of glass beadmaking techniques, including swirling designs, adding dots and decorating, and tips on how to set up your own lamp working studio in this creative five-hour class.

WHEN SUN 30 APR | 1-6PM AT TACTILE ARTS STUDIOS COST $250 | $225 MEMB INFO tactilearts.org.au

Indulge this Easter in a delicious high tea, and tuck in to a delicious selection of gourmet savouries, delectable sweets and, of course, hot cross buns. Wash your sweet treats down with tea, coffee or hot chocolate, and a sneaky bottle of Pommery Champagne. Hop to it!

WHEN SUN 9 APR | 1.30-3.30PM AT PEPPERBERRY RESTAURANT COST $169-$199 INFO darwintickets.com.au

Art Jam – Creative Meet Up

Bring along your crafty projects, get inspired and collaborate with other creatives at this weekly meet up for anyone aged 15 years and up.

WHEN EVERY MON (EXC. 10 APR) 5-7PM AT DURACK COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

Darwin Travel Festival

TIME FOR A holiday? Yes, ploise. Get planning and inspired at the Darwin Travel Festival! Featuring over 25 local, domestic and international travel operators, this exciting event for holidaymakers showcases products and specials for trip-seeking Territorians.

Whether you’re in the mood for a cruise, a sneaky beach escape, trekking mountains or keen to explore on your own, there’s something for everyone. With exclusive deals, door prizes, gift bags and more, it's one to lock in your diary.

WHEN SUN 2 APR | 10AM-3PM AT NOVOTEL DARWIN CBD

COST FREE INFO eventbrite.com

ARTS

Multicultural

By Sonia Morell

Comedy Gala

Movement Medicine

Get your body moving and experience the magnificence of presence every Sunday morning. New dancers always welcome, no experience necessary.

WHEN SUN 2, 23 & 30 APR | 10AM AT NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE COST $20 INFO facebook.com/ movementmedicinedarwin

Air in Alice

Feeling the heat in Alice Springs?

Air in Alice is a Menzies School of Health research project, and they're on the hunt for volunteer Citizen Climate Scientists to help source some sizzling stats.

WHEN UNTIL SUN 30 APR INFO menzies.edu.au

PALMERSTON LIBRARY palmerston.nt.gov.au/library

Storytime

WHEN EVERY TUE & THU (EXC. 25 APR) | 10-10.45AM COST FREE

Nurserytime

WHEN EVERY WED | 10-10.45AM COST FREE

Code Club

WHEN EVERY SAT | 10AM-1PM COST FREE

A showcase of critically acclaimed comedians, including Georgie Carroll, George Kapiniaris and Ting Lim, hits stages in Darwin and Alice Springs for the Multicultural Comedy Gala – a must-see for comedy lovers.

Alice Springs

WHEN THU 27 APR | 8PM AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE COST $59.90 | $54.90 CONC $49.90 GROUP 8+ INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

Darwin

WHEN SAT 29 APR | 8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $49 | $45 CONC INFO yourcentre.com.au

Enjoy a night of hilarity, as culturally diverse comedians explore both our differences and what brings us together, spinning their comedy from stories that frame their lives as people from different backgrounds in modern Australia.

British-born comedian Georgie Carroll, who has featured on shows like The Project, says the diversity and experience of the other comedians is why she’s thrilled to be part of the line-up.

“The Multicultural Comedy Gala is like the World Cup of comedy,” she says.

“The premise is that these people have left their homes to make Australia their home, and the funny they have found in it … We’ve got people who have been in refugee camps, people who’ve had to flee

through several countries to get here.”

As with any comedy show, Carroll says the primary aim is for the audience to enjoy themselves.

“I want them to laugh that hard, the day after, they’ve got jaw ache and rib ache. And I want to give them a proper workout. I want them to feel like they’ve been planking, I want them to laugh that hard.”

With a slate of high-profile comedians eager to get you giggling, the Multicultural Comedy Gala is set to be an unforgettable experience. It offers a deep dive into the extraordinary talents of a range of comedians, presented in a fun and entertaining night out. You’re in for a hoot.

LISTINGS

JUGGLING Act

Hot on the heels of a successful stint on the Aussie festival circuit – picking up five-star reviews and awards along the way, if you don’t mind – Territory funny lady Amy Hetherington is back on home turf, hitting the Top End stage with her hilarious new show, Juggle. Kate Conway caught up with her for a yarn.

Can you tell us about your new show, Juggle?

It’s about life with a toddler, and explores what your identity is after you’ve had a baby and what that means to be you. I lost a bit of my sexiness in becoming a new mum, which was my big challenge. So I went online and asked people for advice on Facebook, and then I took that advice. It’s a series of misadventures about trying to get my mojo back.

And how’s that going for you?

[Laughs] Well, there’s an hour of comedy so that gives you an insight into how successful it’s been. The mojo is there – it’s on the horizon. But that whole part of the show is that I just went on a bunch of adventures based on weird things on the internet, and all the things that went wrong. It’s a reflection on what it means to be a parent, how to survive with a toddler, and how to make cricket sexy.

So, Juggle’s about balancing parenthood and life – any pearls of wisdom to pass on to our readers?

The biggest advice that I’ve found most useful is to run your own race. Don’t compare yourself to other people, because that’s where dissatisfaction exists … As a parent, there’s a lot of social media accounts of perfect mums and inspirational stuff, but I reckon the less attention you pay to other people, and the more you just enjoy your own experience, the

more likely it is you’ll find your own identity and your groove.

Nice. And the show’s won a swag of awards already, congrats! What does it mean to be recognised with these accolades?

Competition in art is weird. Because art should be subjective, and loved by everybody for different things, but it’s validating when you’re based in Darwin and you’ve got nothing to really compare to on that national level.

I don’t gig with these full-time comedians as much, so to get recognised alongside them at a festival that they’re all at, while still being in Darwin, is very validating.

Any highlights from gallivanting around Australia?

In Newcastle, 25 midwives came to my show, so if anyone was having a baby in Newcastle I was very concerned for them! But they were just so chatty and it was so fun playing with them.

I did some shows in regional places, which I loved. I love cities, but I prefer doing comedy in places that don’t always get it because that’s what Darwin’s like. And the baby-friendly shows that I do, matinees where people can bring their babies and feel safe and supported to do that. Those shows are chaos and so fun. Also Alice Springs! That was fun too. I really liked Alice Springs.

What’s next on the cards?

I’m working on a big project for a big Dry season festival, and that’s all I am allowed to say. But it is very exciting and very Territory proud. What would you say to our readers to entice them to come along to your show?

It’s fun, and silly, without too much thinking. Even if you’re not a parent or female-identifying, I hope that there are jokes in there for you – I try to write jokes that translate to different people.

Come along if you just want to have a laugh, because that’s my goal and that’s what I’m supposed to do! Life is stressful, the gift that I can give people is an hour where they can just relax and enjoy somebody else being an idiot, not them.

Gala én Pointé Duprada Dance Company presents season opening performance, Gala én Pointé. It features a showcase of meticulously choreographed ballets, quintessential to the art of classical and modern pieces. Don't miss it!

WHEN SAT 1 APR | 6.30-8.10PM AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE COST $38 | $35 CONC | $28 STUD $18 CHILD INFO araluenartscentre. nt.gov.au

Gender Fender Bender Caberet This cabaret is here to challenge, educate and inspire humans about gender and it’s place in the arts. Featuring burlesque, cabaret, comedy, drag and more from award-winning interstate and local performers, get set for an informative and entertaining night out.

WHEN SAT 1 APR | 7-10PM AT BROWN’S MART COST $35-$55 INFO events.humanitix.com

All Fired Up

All Fired Up is a feel-good, mixtape musical, delivering the biggest hits of the 80s. Featuring a rocking live band, dust off the DeLorean and travel back in time for a nostalgia filled night out.

WHEN SAT 1 APR | 8-9.10PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $50 | $45 MEMB/CONC INFO yourcentre.com.au

Gender Diversity in the Arts: Forum and Performance Workshops

Join Sophie deLightful and a handpicked cast of gender diverse creatives for this unique event. Featuring a forum and ticketed workshops, the program offers the opportunity to discuss gender equality and diversity in the arts, learn new performance skills, and meet like-minded people.

WHEN SUN 2 APR | 10AM-5PM AT DURACK COMMUNITY ARTS COST FREE | $30 PER WORKSHOP INFO events.humanitix.com

Drop-in Improv Classes

Unlock your creativity and strengthen your spontaneity at these fun drop-in improv classes with On the Wing Productions. Classes are suitable for beginners and no experience is required. Simply bring along your willingness to give it a go and have fun!

WHEN MON 3 APR | 6.30-8PM AT TOTEM THEATRE COST $20 INFO onthewing.com.au

Celtic Illusion – The Magic Returns

Experience the spellbinding combination of Irish dancing and breathtaking magic. Backed by an iconic musical score, and featuring choreography delivered with Broadway flair, it’s a show like no other. Don’t miss it!

WHEN TUE 11 APR | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $84.90-$310 INFO yourcentre.com.au

Lucky Bat Laughs

Local comedians take to the stage delivering 10-15 minute sets in this curated showcase event. The perfect setting for comedy, Lucky Bat is a warm and intimate environment for comedians to showcase their creative talents.

WHEN THU 20 APR | 8.30PM

AT LUCKY BAT CAFÉ & PIZZERIA COST $10 INFO facebook.com/luckybatcafe

Wild Words

Join local wordsmiths at Darwin's monthly poetry/spoken word open mic. Held on the last Sunday of every month, jump on stage at the Bat and unleash the Wild Words within!

WHEN SUN 30 APR | 4.30-6.30PM

AT LUCKY BAT CAFÉ & PIZZERIA COST FREE INFO facebook.com.au/ wildwords2018

Steve-O - The Bucket List Tour

WHEN FRI 28 APR | 8PM

AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $39.90 INFO yourcentre.com.au

David Strassman

- The Chocolate Diet

Joined by lovable side-kicks Ted E. Bare and Chuck Wood, ventriloquist David Strassman is back with new show, The Chocolate Diet. Don’t miss one of Australia’s favourite international comedians, a true master of his art.

Early Morning Hot Air

Balloon Flights

Tipperary Station

Overnight Experience

Join Steve-O for a highly X-rated, multimedia comedy show of ill-advised, ridiculous stunts. Containing adult themes, coarse language and nudity, this performance is not for kids, or the faint of heart.

WHEN WED 12 APR | 7PM

AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST $77.90-$139.90 INFO yourcentre.com.au

Rhys! Rhys! Rhys! Get ready to giggle as Aussie comedian and host of Ru Paul's Drag Race Down Under, Rhys Nicholson, brings their award-winning show to the Top End for one hilarious night.

WHEN FRI 28 & SAT 29 APR | 7PM AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE COST $49-$79 INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

Watch the as the sunrise casts a golden glow over the MacDonnell Ranges and experience the breathtaking feeling of floating above the Central Australian desert on this awe-inspiring adventure.

After landing and packing up the balloon, enjoy light refreshments and sparkling wine in the middle of nowhere. Tickets also include return transfers, with pick-up approximately one hour before first light. It's time to go up, up and away!

WHEN DAILY | FIRST LIGHT

AT ALICE SPRINGS

COST $335, 30-MIN | $399, 60-MIN INFO outbackballooning.com.au

Immerse yourself in Territory

pastoral history and explore the grand, sprawling Tipperary Station with this memorable overnight experience presented by the welcoming team from Skippers at Dundee.

Tour the town centre and learn about the colourful, bygone days of yesteryear, and flick a line in the mighty, spring-fed Daly River. Dine under the stars and soak up the unique atmosphere of this quintessential Australian outback setting.

AT SKIPPERS AT DUNDEE COST $799-$990 INFO skippersatdundee.com

Heart with Listening

By Tierney Seccull

On Arrernte Country in the Red Centre, under the blanket of a billion stars, Parrtjima returns to illuminate the rugged natural landscape over 10 beautiful light-filled nights.

Created to celebrate the culture and connection of Arrernte people to Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Parrtjima has enticed thousands to the desert for a magical and immersive experience since its inception in 2016.

The theme for this year is Listening with Heart, inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart. Led by Maruku artist Rene Kulitja, the original work was created by a group of artists from Multijulu and portrays the Uluru-Ku Tjukurrpa (The Uluru Story of connection).

This year, Kulitja has joined forces with artists to bring the artwork to life in an immersive light installation. Hear the ancient songlines of the Aŋangu people of the Aŋangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY)

Lands as you navigate through the large-scale installation, and learn about the deep connection to land, water and sky country.

AGB Events First Nations Advisor and Parrtjima Curator Rhoda

FIRE, SMOKE & Festivities

By Kate Conway

Roberts AO says momentum is building for these special experiences.

“There has been a growing realisation across the nation that Australia has something incredibly unique – its First Peoples ... The installation will remind people of the eons of oral storytelling, and the story of Kuniya and Liru that shaped the landscape of Uluru through art.”

Parrtjima features a range of unique light installations, including the iconic Lighting of the MacDonnell Ranges, using modern-day technology to cast light over the 300-million-year-old natural canvas. A packed program unfolds over the 10-night festival, featuring interactive workshops, thought-provoking talks, cultural performances, music, film and more.

It’s an impacting experience to hear the stories of the world’s oldest living culture as you tread Country, made more poignant by art, colour, light, language and music.

Someone keen to check it all out for the first time is newly appointed CEO of Northern Territory Major Events Company, Suzana Bishop.

“This will be my first Parrtjima and I’m really excited. It’s been a privilege to get to know the event, which is truly unique thanks to its stunning location and varied program," she says.

"What makes it extra special is the input from the Parrtjima Festival Reference Group, which is made up of Arrernte Traditional Owners and Elders. Their input ensures the festival is truly authentic.”

For 10 luminous, starlit nights of culture, Country and connection, make tracks to Mparntwe, and be part of Parrtjima.

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light WHEN

THERE’S NO DISPUTING the Tiwi Islands and its people are renowned for two things – their love of footy and the vibrant art synonymous with the region. This month, you’re invited to delve a little deeper and experience more of the rich cultural history, as Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi communities join forces, with a helping hand from Artback NT, to present the inaugural Yirrawinari Festival.

The festival’s namesake, Yirrawinari, is one of the minor seasons within the Kumunupunari Dry season months of March to August, known as the season of fire and smoke.

The theme of the festival is ‘Learning for our Young Tiwi’ and highlights the exchange of knowledge it’s hoped the festival will bring about between community members, Traditional Owners, and welcome visitors to the lush, garden island. Stefan Carrillo is Artback NT’s Remote Events Manager, and says this transfer of knowledge is at the core of culture.

“There’s a focus on the passing on to young people the culture, their way of living, and singing and dancing. It’s a celebration that’s come at an important time because there’s been lots of sad events lately. This festival is really great because it’s celebrating life, and it gives another perspective,” he says.

The festival committee, made up of five Traditional Owners and community Elders, generously decided not to charge an entry fee for the festival. For them, it was more important that people come along for the immersive experience.

Across two days, the Pirlangimpi Club and oval grounds are transformed into a thriving hub of workshops, showcasing weaving, carving, painting and bush medicine, as well as musical performances from local musos The Munupi Band, and hip hop talents Current Vibe.

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to witness a traditional yoi – the energetic Tiwi celebratory song and dance – you’ll know how inherent dance is to Tiwi culture. Dancing is set to play a starring role in the festival with performances from Jilamara and Milikapiti dancers.

Senior Tiwi Elder, Carol Puruntatameri, says proceeds from the workshops are reinvested back into vital projects, to teach the children in Tiwi schools about Country and culture.

“We go to the school and talk to the kids about the smoking ceremony, telling them what it’s about and showing them. Some of the kids know it’s healing for our bodies, and to chase the spirit away.”

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend time over the May Day long weekend, this is a special opportunity to be immersed in the vibrant, joyful and artistic culture of the Tiwi Islands.

Yirrawinari Festival

WHEN

Artist’s impression of Parrtjima 2023

WIDE OPEN

Perspectives

By Betty Sweetlove

Central Australia’s eclectic and electrifying Wide Open Space festival returns for a 13th year this May Day weekend. Thinking of making the pilgrimage? Celebrate the creative and cultural delights of the Red Centre’s don’tmiss event of the year.

If you’re lucky enough to live in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), you’ve probably discussed a few very important questions by now. Have you got your ticket yet? What time are you heading out? Where are you camping? In case you haven’t heard, Wide Open Space (WOS) is just around the corner, and this extraordinary festival is the talk of the town.

Set on Eastern Arrernte Country, the three-day experience begins with a scenic drive towards the magnificent Inteyerrkwe, aka Ross River Resort. Packed with music, performances, food stalls and art installations, this stunning environment makes WOS completely unique amongst the Australian festival line-up.

Local artist Darcy Davis has played all but one WOS, and says it’s the magical moments that keep him coming back every year.

“There’s a special celebration of the town’s culture. The region has this quirkiness, this fun playfulness. There’s a political edge to it, there’s a vibrancy, and there’s connection to Aboriginal culture,” he says.

and international acts also trek to the desert, with Hermitude, JessB, Half Queen and Sub-Tribe joining the ranks.

It’s not just a festival for music fans. Last year’s activation of the gorge by Traditional Owners and the community choir is one of Davis’ favourite festival memories, and says it’s amazing to get out of town and set up camp at the foot of the ranges.

“It’s very nourishing on a lot of levels. It’s a wide open perception as well, you see things in a different light.”

Now an iconic staple of the Central Australian cultural calendar, the festival has its roots in desert doof culture, and is a real labour of

Wide Open Space Festival

love by local artists, vendors and volunteers.

Having performed many roles, from running a herb store to curating his own stage, Davis is keen to spend the weekend playing with his band, Purple Patch, and local artist Katanga Junior. He says it’s an unmissable meeting of art, music and desert lifestyle.

“It’s an authentic experience whilst having the time of your life, with respect for the land, with respect for the people.”

So get onto those hot tickets and start planning your pilgrimage to Arrernte Country. It’s time to enjoy some Wide Open Space.

Photos: Oliver Eclipse

VISUAL ARTS

Hold on to your

[cowboy]

hats, as a Top End favourite makes a very welcome return.

TWICE AS BIG AS TEXAS

By Tierney Seccull

Don Whyte Framing’s Off Cuts is back for its 10th anniversary (for the fourth or fifth time, details shmetails!) in an effort to raise some coin to tip back into the community.

The art exhibition fundraiser, which has become a true highlight on the annual Top End arts calendar, started when a small mix up at Don Whyte’s framing business left him with a surplus of canvas off cuts.

“We made a mistake, and so we made little canvasses up and gave them to local artists, and decided to sell them for charity,” Don says.

After taking a forced break for a few years due to pandemic reasons, this month’s fundraising exhibition is the first since 2019. The theme for 2023 is Twice as Big as Texas, and we asked Don what inspired it.

“Well, I was Googling the landmass of the Northern Territory and then I thought ‘I wonder how big Texas is?’. I found out that we were twice as big as Texas,” he says.

“We’ve got about 250,000 people in the Territory, but they’ve got something like 30 million. So we are twice as big as Texas with just a fraction of the population. Wild.”

Regardless of where theme inspo

ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS

Shop 4, 19 The Mall, Charles Darwin Centre | aboriginalbushtraders.com MON-FRI, 9AM-3PM

comes each year, Off Cuts is a guaranteed good time for artists, arts lovers and community-minded folk.

Using canvas off-cuts that would otherwise end up in the bin, it gives artists near and far the chance to submit an artwork responding to the theme. The artworks are then auctioned off at the opening night event in Don’s Coconut Grove shop, with all proceeds going to a good cause. This year, Don’s got some exciting plans for the dosh.

by

seasons: The Wet to The Dry AN EXHIBITION OF paintings and new fabrics from three senior Merrepen artists, Kieren Karritpul,

“We usually give to local organisations … but this year, we are going to sponsor some of the artist payments for NCCA. They’re doing an Indigenous superhero show in August, so we’re gonna contribute to the artist payments for those artists.”

Making it every bit the community-lovin’ event that it is, Off Cuts guests are encouraged to bring along a plate of food to share. There’s even a guest judge to announce the best share plate. Art,

food and fundraising? Is Don, is very good.

Off Cuts

WHEN SAT 15 APR, 6PM

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE THU

6 APR, 5PM | ARTWORK COLLECTED BY SAT 13 MAY, 2PM

AT DON WHYTE FRAMING, COCONUT GROVE COST FREE INFO donwhyteframing.com

COCONUT STUDIOS GALLERY

8/18 Caryota Court, Coconut Grove | facebook.com/coconutstudiosdarwin THU-SAT, 10AM-5PM | SUN, 10AM-3PM

THE GREAT SEA

Marita Sambono and Nola Jimarin.

Marita Sambono, 'Pig Nosed Turtle', acrylic on canvas

Gaye Coyne, 'Sea Landscape', 2022, acrylic & Indian ink on canvas, 40x40cm A solo exhibition by Gaye Coyne, charting her ongoing affinity with the sea and the natural world, and her process of incorporating close observation, emotional reaction and memory.

is never far away…

ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE

61 Larapinta Dr, Alice Springs | araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

DAILY 10AM-4PM | SUN, 10AM-2PM

4TH NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART TRIENNIAL CEREMONY

PAUL JOHNSTONE GALLERY

2/2 Harriet Place, Darwin | 8941 2220 | pauljohnstonegallery.com.au

WED–FRI 10AM-5PM | TUE & SAT 10AM–2PM

Sand and Stone

THE FOURTH NATIONAL Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony, is the National Gallery of Australia’s flagship exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. From the intimate and personal to the collective and collaborative, ceremonies manifest through visual art, film, music and dance. Featuring the work of 35 artists from across Australia, this exhibition reveals how ceremony is at the nexus of Country, of culture and of community.

until SUN 11 JUN

RAUSCHENBERG & JOHNS

SIGNIFICANT OTHERS

AT THE HEIGHT of the Abstract Expressionist movement, a new avant-garde emerged from a relationship between two young artists. Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns began a private creative dialogue that introduced everyday signs, objects, and media into their work, collapsing the distinction between art and life. This exhibition draws on the National Gallery of Australia’s collection of prints with works by both artists and holdings of some other key works.

BOTH DISTINGUISHED AND admired artists, Sarah Brown and Danny Murphy need little introduction. Sarah’s precise brush strokes translate the ephemeral tones and shapes of the Central Desert, while Danny’s high-fired ceramics, often echoing classical Greek design, are adorned with patterns that reflect the sandstone escarpment. Don’t miss this first collaborative exhibition.

until SAT 22 APR

Danny Murphy, 'Vase', (2022), earthenware saggar fired with terra sigillata

Sarah brown & danny murphy

Sarah Brown, 'Glen Helen', acrylic on linen, 122x102cm

Darrell Sibosado, Bard people, 'Ngarrgidj Morr (the proper path to follow)', 2022, commissioned for the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony

TACTILE ARTS

19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay | 8981 6616 | tactilearts.org.au

TUE-FRI, 10AM-4PM | SAT, 10AM-2PM

UNDERSTORY by Winsome Jobling

A THREE-MONTH RESIDENCY at Tactile Arts has evolved into an exhibition of large multi-panel prints, capturing the internal energy and rhythms of the Top End landscape. Winsome Jobling attempts to make visible how the natural world touches us through a multi-sensory space to enfold and enclose, to evoke intimacy and a sense of time, reminding us that the reciprocal relationships of all living and non-living things is an elaborate and all-encompassing mesh of networks.

when FRI 21 APR – SUN 21 MAY | OPENING FRI 21 APR, 5.30PM

ARTIST TALK SAT 22 APR, 11AM

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

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

UN-BORDERING WORLDS

NEW NARRATIVES FOR NORTHERN KOSOVO

WHAT ROLE CAN contemporary art play in a divided war-torn city? Does it have the power to change the status quo? Can a river be the stage on which to propose peaceful solutions?

These are the questions asked by NCCA Director Petrit Abazi, and artists Stanislava Pinchuk and Piers Greville, in their emblematic contributions to the European nomadic biennale of art, Manifesta 14 Prishtin, ‘It matters what worlds world worlds: how to tell stories otherwise’.

WHEN FRI 28 APR – SAT 3 JUN | OPENING THU 27 APR, 6PM

UNTITLED GALLERY AND STUDIO

Unit 3/1 Clocktower Caryota Crt, Coconut Grove

darwincommunityarts.org

WED-FRI, 11AM–4PM | SAT, 10AM-12PM

little SOMETHINGS

A COLLECTION OF works by artist Emma Churchman created in little moments, in snatches of time alongside her young daughters, inspired by a project that invites you to repeat a creative action for 100 days. These mixed media pieces are a visual celebration of Emma's return to a daily art practice.

when THU 6 – WED 26 APR | OPENING THU 6 APR, 6PM

Botanically Porcelain

PICTURE A PATH through a tropical field of organic forms, each similar, but on closer inspection, unique. Darwin-based ceramicist Dawn Beasley transforms the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art with her largest installation yet. This floor-based field of delicate botanic forms, each exquisite on their own, are collectively breathtaking. Botanically Porcelain speaks to simultaneous yet conflicting qualities of nature: fragile yet enduring.

until SAT 15 APR

Dawn Beasley, 'Botanically Porcelain' (detail), 2021, porcelain, slip & 18ct gold lustre

Stanislava Pinchuk, ‘Europe Without Monuments’, 2022 (detail).

Photo Marcello Maranzan

Winsome Jobling, 'Understory' (detail), 2023, handmade papers, drypoint & stitching, 80x57cm

Emma Churchman, 'little somethings', 2021, watercolour and stamp ink on paper, 14.8x21cm

CDU ART GALLERY

Orange 12, CDU Casuarina Campus | cdu.edu.au/gallery

WED-FRI, 10AM-4PM | SAT, 10AM-2PM

Mumkurla-nginyi-ma parrngalinyparla, from the darkness into the light: gurindji freedom banners

THE GURINDJI FREEDOM banners celebrate the 1966 Wave Hill Walk-off, when Vincent Lingiari AM led Gurindji, Mudbura, Bilnara, Ngarinman and Walpiri peoples on a strike from Wave Hill Station. This industrial dispute over appalling work and living conditions at Wave

Hill Station became a demand by the Gurindji for the return of their traditional lands. It eventuated in the first historic handback of lands to First Nations Australians, 1975 and the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act, 1976.

WHERE LAKES ONCE HAD WATER

"Where Lakes Once Had Water contemplates how the Earth is experienced and understood through different ontologies – ways of being, seeing, sensing, listening and thinking – that reverberate across art, Indigenous thought, science, ancient and modern cultures, the non-human and in between."

– Sonia Leber and David Chesworth

WHEN THU 20 APR – SAT 15 JUL

Gurindji community members, Joanna Barrkman and Chips Mackinolty, 'Walk-off banner; the Gurindji freedom banner series', 2000, applique and hand-painted textile, 163x316cm. Reproduced courtesy of Karungkarni Arts and Culture

Sonia Leber and David Chesworth, 'Where Lakes Once Had Water', video still, 2020, University of Wollongong Art Collection. CABAH Art Series Commission in association with Bundanon. Filmed on the lands and waters of the Mudburra, Marlinja, Jingili, Elliot, Jawoyn and Larrakia communities

Heck Yeah

Deckchair!

By Tierney Seccull

Catching a flick on the big screen at Deckchair Cinema is a rite of passage for many a Territorian, and an absolute must on the itineraries of welcome visitors.

After lying dormant over the Wet, with deckchairs stacked away and no luminescent screens to be seen, the seaside site is set to come alive as the beloved cinema launches its 2023 season this month. Yay, indeed!

Kicking things off for opening night is a flick that Deckchair General Manager James Parker says is perfect to get the year underway.

“We’ve got Ennio the Maestro, a film about film and cinema, that looks at one of the greatest film composers of all time, the legendary Ennio Morricone – with over 500 credits to his name, he redefined music in film,” he says.

“As we’re screening a film about music and film, it made sense to have live musicians performing as well, so it’ll be a great big celebration for our 2023 opening night.”

Write On

By Kate Conway

Deckchair Cinema Opening

Night - Ennio the Maestro

WHEN WED 19 APR | 7PM

AT DECKCHAIR CINEMA

COST $9-$39

INFO deckchaircinema.com

your Flick Fix

After a bumper Wet season program, with films screened at BCC in Casuarina for Flix in the Wet, Parker and his trusty team are eager to get back on home turf. And, in very welcome news, there’s another flavourful favourite making a return.

“For many years, Hanuman was down at the cinema catering, and

it was quite an iconic thing to have Hanuman down at Deckchair –they’re obviously a very high quality restaurant, very renowned. We’re very excited to have them back on Friday nights.”

The Deckie dishes up delicious local flavours alongside its exciting film program, reflected in the nightly catering options featuring Nepalese, Vietnamese, African, Sri Lankan, Indonesian, and more flavours on the menu.

The tuck shop is packed with snacks from local suppliers, the bar stocked with chilled local beers, making a night at the Deckchair more than just a night at the flicks. And if free and discounted flick tix are your jam, there’s no time like the present to capitalise on a full year of perks by becoming a member.

Launching into a new year at the Deckie brings with it a subtle hint that dry weather is on the horizon. And it also pretty well kicks off the social calendar. Parker says it’s a very exciting time in the Top End.

“We can’t wait – there’s nothing better than opening the cinema up again and seeing all of the happy faces enjoying the cinema!”

THEY SAY EVERYONE’S got a story to tell. Entries are now open for the Young Territory Author Awards (YTTA), the prestigious literary prize back for a 33rd year to uncover the next crop of talented Territory writers.

If you’re an aspiring wordsmith, NT resident and aged 18 years or under, why not put pen to paper and throw your hat – or should we say, manuscript – in the ring?

Last year, 11-year-old Freya Galati took out the Overall YTAA Award with her book June Girls. With her winnings, she went on to self-publish another of her titles. Penned when she was the ripe old age of eight, her book What Do Crocodiles Really Think? was also awarded winner of the Darwin Region back in 2019. Talk about impressive.

Over $1300 in prizes are up for grabs across a number of awards with categories divided into age groups, regions, schools and the coveted major prize, Young Territory Author of the Year. While that’s some pretty sweet dosh, it’s not all about the monetary gain. All entries are displayed at Casuarina Library alongside texts from previous years, a pretty special honour for any writer.

“If you enter a book in the Young Territory Author Awards, your name

ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE

$17 | $14 CONC/MEMB araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

To Leslie

goes into the library catalogue as an author and I think that’s pretty fun, even if you don’t win anything,” Freya says.

“It’s pretty awesome because it feels like I’m an actual author!”

In the lead up to the closing date, NT Writers' Centre is running a bunch of informative workshops, giving budding writers the chance to pick the brains of local authors for inspiration and advice, and to polish up their work. This year, authors Barry Jonsberg and Sandra Kendall are on board to share their knowledge and experience, which in itself is set to be an amazing experience.

For a little extra motivation, here’s some parting words of encouragement from Freya.

“Don’t doubt yourself, and write what’s in your heart.”

Young Territory Author Awards WHEN ENTRIES CLOSE SUN 27 AUG INFO darwin.nt.gov.au/ytaa

YTAA Writing Workshops

WHEN TUE 11 APR (SANDRA KENDELL) & THU 13 APR (BARRY JONSBERG) 2.30-4.30PM

AT CASUARINA LIBRARY COST FREE INFO darwin.nt.gov.au/ytaa

diagnosis that inspires him to move to the coast and cram some fun into his remaining days.

WHEN MON 17 APR | 7PM

Tactile Arts Fundraiser - Dirty Dancing

Tactile Arts is a not-for-profit organisation that has supported makers of contemporary art and craft in the Top End for a huge 50 years! Head along to this special fundraising evening and enjoy much-loved classic, Dirty Dancing. There's a cake stall and pop-up shop, so head along and help Tactile Arts continue to support the local creative community.

WHEN SUN 23 APR | 7PM, GATES

5.45PM

DECKCHAIR CINEMA

COST $9-$41 INFO deckchaircinema.com tactilearts.com.au

A West Texas single mother wins the lottery and drinks it away just as fast, leaving behind a world of heartbreak. With her charm running out and nowhere to go, she returns home to confront her past.

WHEN MON 3 APR | 7PM

Living

In war-torn London in 1953, a veteran civil servant receives a

Brian and Charles

Brian is a lonely inventor in rural Wales, who spends his days building quirky, unconventional contraptions that seldom work. After a particularly harsh winter, he goes into a deep depression, and does what any sane person would do. He builds a robot.

WHEN MON 24 APR | 7PM

nuggetT Golden

By Tierney Seccull

Language is an incredibly important element in keeping culture and connection strong. It is truly treasured, and requires preservation. There are more than 250 Indigenous languages in Australia, each unique and specific to place and the people within them.

George By

SAINT CECILIA, THE patron saint of musicians, composers, instrument makers and poets, is said to have lived in the second or third century, and died in 177 AD. Centuries later, in 1948, she was the inspiration for a composition by celebrated Australian-British composer George Frederick Loughlin.

Sadly, the work was hidden away in archives and never performed. Until now. This month, accomplished Darwin choir Vocalective presents the world premiere of the special work, Saint Cecilia’s Day.

Vocalective Music Director Michael Loughlin is George Frederick Loughlin’s son, and said he discovered the piece by chance when he was looking into his father’s academic history.

STUART JOEL NUGGETT (Stu) is a Jingili man from Kulumindini, aka Elliott – a small town on the Stuart Highway that is pretty well smack bang in the middle of Darwin and Alice Springs. He sings in both English and Jingulu, the language of the Jinigli people from the Elliott area, his family some of the last speakers of the language.

These days based in Alice Springs/ Mparntwe, Stu is hitting the road on a tour of the Territory to present The Jingili Song Project. With a series of gigs and workshops, from the Top End to the desert, Stu says being able to sing in his language is very special to him.

“Language is important to Aboriginal people because language is one of lifeblood that connects us to land, culture, Country,” he says.

“I never speak my language when I was younger. To say and sing my language when I’m older now is a blessing, and I love to teach younger ones ... It means a lot that my mother teaching me Jingili, and that opportunity while she's still with us.”

Joining Stu on the road, as band member and tour manager, is good mate David Garnham with his band The Reasons to Live. He says the project is all Stu’s vision.

“Stu’s been wanting to do this for a few years now … He’s got a very strong relationship with his mother Janet Sandy, who has always pushed him to use the Jingili language,” he says.

“The tour aspect of The Jingili Song Project is one thing, but really, the flagship event is having a three-day workshop series in Elliott working with local mob to write more songs in language. And we’re doing some workshops in schools around the NT as well.”

Stu says he’s keen to return to his home soil, and to take the show on the road.

“To perform in Kulumindini is so special, and to be speaking my language back to Country and see people’s faces so happy to hear that our language is not gone yet,” he says.

“And to tour the NT is the greatest feeling ever. As a musician to perform to different tribes, different nationalities, and catching up with friends and family on the road is a great life.”

Grab a ticket to see this wonderful storyteller, and embrace the opportunity to celebrate the Jingulu language in a town near you. We really owe it to artists like Stu, to throw our support behind them and help keep language alive.

The Jingili Song Project

WHEN SAT 1 APR | 8-10.30PM AT DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB COST $10-$25

WHEN THU 6 APR | 7-9PM AT GYRACC COST $10-$25

WHEN FRI 7 APR | 6-8.30PM AT TERRITORY MANOR, MATARANKA COST FREE

WHEN SAT 8 & SUN 9 APR 6-8PM AT HI-WAY INN, DALY WATERS COST FREE

WHEN FRI 14 APR | 8.30-11.30PM AT TENNANT CREEK MEMORIAL CLUB COST FREE

WHEN SAT 15 APR | 7.30-10.30PM AT EPILOUGE LOUNGE COST FREE

WHEN SUN 16 APR | 12-2PM AT OORAMINNA STATION HOMESTEAD COST FREE

INFO facebook.com/ stuartnuggettmusic

By Kate Conway

“Dad never talked about it during his lifetime, I just happened to be looking through the Durham University archives. I thought I could find his name there, because a Doctor of Music is not something that’s handed out to everybody, it’s quite a special degree,” he says.

“Beside his name was the name of this piece, Saint Cecilia’s Day, so I delved a little deeper and discovered it was written for his degree, and when he had finished it, disappeared into the university archives never to be seen again.”

Thanks to a helpful librarian at the university, the delicate 172-page handwritten manuscript was photographed, saved to a compact disc, and sent halfway across the world. It was then transcribed, using the

wonders of modern technology, in a reduced orchestration suitable for Vocalective’s 30-person choir.

Sticking to the theme of undiscovered music, rounding out the concert is a medley of choruses from George Frederick Handel. Best known for the joyful, rousing Hallelujah chorus in Messiah, the renowned composer has a whole host of oratorios (aka, works with a religious theme) in his repertoire.

“There’s not a Messiah chorus

in sight … We’re just letting our audience know about some of these other amazing pieces that Handel wrote that very rarely seem to get performed,” says Loughlin.

In a charming coincidence, both Loughlin and Handel have the same first and second names, George Frederick. But the similarities don’t end there, both renowned for vibrant, melodic and entertaining compositions.

Don’t miss this special performance

of an exciting and historic world premiere, featuring some of the most beautiful, powerful voices in the Territory.

Photo: Alison Welsh

Live & Lovely

By Tierney Seccull

There’s nothing quite like kicking back in an iconic, historic Darwin setting, a cold beer in hand as the sounds of local musicians fill your ears. Even better if it’s a Friday in the Dry. Well, dear readers, the time has come for a Dry season favourite to return… Brown’s Mart’s Live on Fridays is back!

See out the working week with work mates and chums in the Brown’s Mart Courtyard, as a different local solo or duo act takes to the stage each week for two glorious hours of tunes.

A rite of passage for locals, and a true delight for welcome visitors, it’s a laidback way to welcome the weekend. Brown’s Mart Theatre Artistic Associate Cj Fraser-Bell says it’s important to give local acts a platform.

“Brown’s Mart is the home of Territory performing arts, and that includes theatre, but that also very much includes music,” they say.

“We wanted to provide an opportunity to connect our audience with Northern Territory musicians, and to allow NT musicians to have a beautiful Friday afternoon

gig where they don’t have to play covers. They can chuck a few in if they want to, but it’s really about their artistry.”

The concept is a welcome one for local creatives, including singer-songwriter Crystal Robins who features on the line-up this month.

“There’s a lot of live music in live venues around Darwin, but there’s not as many that really focus on showcasing local new and original music, so it’s really good to have that opportunity,” she says.

“It’s a great venue, in the beautiful outdoor courtyard in the Dry season, and it’s usually a really nice audience, people that are open and receptive to hearing new music and hearing local artists.”

The community-minded event supports both established and

emerging artists, and gives musicians the opportunity to work with the Brown’s Mart technical crew.

“It’s always great to have the support of a tech crew, and not have to fix everything yourself. And also for some artists who maybe don’t have their own equipment, or don’t gig around the covers scene,” Robins says.

The Brown’s Mart bar is stocked with all of your faves like bubbly, beer and spirits, and also caters for non-drinkers or those on a booze break with alcohol-free beer and wine, and a bunch of softies.

If you’re looking for the perfect transition between work and weekend, this is it. Pull up a pew at Brown’s Mart and enjoy some live local ear candy.

Photo: Charlie Bliss Creative

Photo: Lisa McTiernan

The Owl and the Orchestra

By Kate Conway

Witladla tells the story of a little Muk Muk (owl) who’s lost his treasured necklace. Penned in 2017 by Larrakia Elder Aunty June Mills, she’s performed her beloved tale on various occasions over the years. This month, Aunty June’s teamed up with an ensemble from Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) to present the special story accompanied by an all-new, beautiful soundscape.

After being captivated by a performance of the play, DSO Education and Outreach Officer Tara Murphy was keen to collaborate with Aunty June. Two years later, the meeting happened in the most Territory of ways, following a chance encounter at a local produce market. Expanding on the music accompanying the story had been the kernel of an idea for Aunty June, and the project was born.

“It was always only performed with the guitar, if anything, and I was thinking ‘wouldn’t it be nice to tweak it here and there?’ for the entertainment value, to see how the music can come alive and make it more fun for the kids. Then this happened,” Mills says.

“I was gobsmacked! I’ve never heard of an orchestra contacting an Elder from Country, picking up a story and working with them. I’m so excited, I’m beside myself really.”

The ensemble is made up of string instruments, with the woody, melodic clarinet on hand to portray Witladla the Owl’s hoo-hoo sound.

Classical music has a long tradition of symphonic storytelling – think Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf –making it the perfect medium to add depth and atmosphere to the story.

“The wonderful thing about the instruments we play is they don’t have any text or lyrics associated with them … Our instruments are

On the record

really good at creating a mood, and also providing support for the voice,” Murphy says.

From the puppets handmade by Mills, painted with traditional ochre paint, to the language, story and songs, this special performance presents a unique opportunity to learn about Larrakia culture.

“The Larrakia language still exists and is still there for people to learn about if they want to. This could be a springboard or gentle introduction to Larrakia land, animals and language,” Mills says.

“When you come and hear about all the animals, you get their traditional names and you’re

learning Larrakia language. Even the places the little Muk Muk flies over reference areas that have Larrakia names.”

Harmoniously merging two ageless artforms, Witladla creatively weaves classical music with traditional Larrakia storytelling in a mesmerising, delight for young and old. Don’t miss it!

Witladla

WHEN SAT 22 APR | 9.30 & 11AM

AT CDU THEATRE, CASUARINA

COST $15 | $5 CHILD | $35 FAM INFO dso.org.au

GIG guide

CALLING ALL MUSIC makers! On The Record returns for a third year, an exciting competition created by Air Raid Records to give Territory music acts the chance to win their tunes pressed to vinyl.

Ryan Sage is the owner of Air Raid Records, and says he formed the competition in 2021 to help raise the profile of Territory music.

“I wanted to elevate the NT’s musical profile. I think it’s underrated – there’s so much untapped

talent in the NT,” he says.

On The Record isn’t a funded initiative, so Air Raid Records covers all costs with support from record-printing company, Zenith Records.

“Without Zenith’s sponsorship, we wouldn’t be able to run the competition. They pretty much halve the cost of the production – without them, there’s absolutely no way the comp would run,” Sage says.

On The Record has successfully run twice, with singer-songwriter RachelRachel taking out the inaugural comp and pop-punk outfit Danger Den taking out the comp last year. Jeremy Uyloan, frontman of Danger Den and judge for 2023, says having their tunes pressed on vinyl was not something the band ever expected to achieve.

“It was such a good opportunity for a young band like us to have our music pressed to vinyl, we’d never done that. It’s a great competition, especially in the Territory, there’s not often the opportunity to do something like this.”

The competition has made a great contribution to the local music scene, with almost 50 entries each year, a number Air Raid Records is keen to crack.

There are a few guidelines for entrants, who must be based in the NT, not signed to a label, and never have had their music pressed to vinyl. The winner receives 100 12inch personalised records – enough

By Tierney Seccull

for a full album of 10-12 tunes on both sides – in a colour and cover of their choice. To be in the running, simply email your best two original tracks to the Air Raid Records team.

Sage says winning the comp could have extra benefits down the track.

“What people may not realise is that the major cost in record production is getting the stamper, or the master, which is the imprint of the record on hard metal. Once the artist wins, and they’ve sold all their records, they can reissue or prepress their record really cheap, because Zenith already have their stamper on file.”

So throw your tunes in the ring for a chance to make some records.

TOP END

Zen Speakeasy Soiree

Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of the 1920's with Electro Swiggety. Performing an eclectic mix of genres from electro swing dance to hip hop, soul and rockabilly, don your finest flapper attire and step into the entertaining, raucous world of the Zen Speakeasy.

WHEN SAT 1 APR | 6.30-10PM AT ZEN ROOFTOP LOUNGE COST $55 INFO facebook.com/ zenrooftopdarwin

Head on down to this much-loved monthly arvo of music, and enjoy tunes from talented local musos, or sign up for a timeslot and share your own musical know-how!

WHEN ENTRIES CLOSE MON 1 MAY INFO facebook.com/ airraidrecords

WHEN SUN 2 APR | 3PM AT TRACY VILLAGE SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ firstsundayblues

OTL's quick and essential guide to live music in the NT.

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

Supplied by Artback NT. Photo: Renee Warland

Photo: Jesse Vicencio

Dancing Through the 70’s: Wicked Smile

always welcome at these friendly rehearsals and performances. The band rehearses on Tuesday nights, with a busy performance program throughout the year. Come along and join in the fun of one of Darwin’s iconic community organisations.

Casuarina Square turns 50, and you’re invited to the party with a live performance from Wicked Smile.

Dance the night away as Angie Sublime and Andrew 'Legs' Arthur play hits from the 70's to bring the Saturday night fever. Round up your mates and head along to wine, dine and dance!

WHEN FRI 7 APR | 6-9PM AT CASUARINA SQUARE COST FREE INFO casuarinasquare.com.au

Dancing Through the 00’s: Jordan Ravi

Join Sri Lankan Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist Jordan Ravi for an intimate performance, covering the hits of the naughties. Born and raised in Darwin, Jordan went on to wow audiences on the big stage of America's Got Talent. Not bad, eh? This is one gig you don't want to miss.

WHEN FRI 28 APR | 6-9PM AT CASUARINA SQUARE COST FREE INFO casuarinasquare.com.au

Your Voices Tune

WHEN FRI 28 APR | 7.30-9.30PM AT DARWIN MEMORIAL UNITING CHURCH COST $35 | $15 U18 INFO facebook.com/ vocalective.singers.7

Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals New members and visitors are

WHEN EVERY TUE | 7-9PM AT ABALA RD, MARRARA COST $20 ANNUAL MEMB INFO darwincitybrassband.org.au

Darwin City Brass Band Learner’s Classes

Ever wanted to learn how to play a brass instrument? Darwin City Brass Band offers a low-cost opportunity for aspiring and developing brass players of all ages, with friendly and fun tuition on Wednesdays during school terms.

WHEN EVERY WED | 4.30-7PM AT ABALA RD, MARRARA COST $20 ANNUAL MEMB INFO darwincitybrassband.org.au

Fridays @ Dom’s Celebrate Fri-yay with your mates, and bring in your weekend with bevs and beats from the house DJ.

WHEN EVERY FRI | FROM 4PM AT DOM’S BAR & LOUNGE COST FREE INFO domsdarwin.com.au

RED CENTRE

Jump Inn Jams

Jump along to the Jump Inn for a fun jam night sesh featuring various artists showcasing a range of genres.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 7PM AT JUMP INN CRAFT BEER BAR & RESTAURANT COST FREE INFO jumpinncraftbeerbar.com

TUE 4 APR | JORDAN VANDERSCHUIT

TUE 18 APR | GABBY DEVER

FEAT. GAV THE TINKER

TUE 25 APR | DEATH BY CARROT

Acoustic Friday

Kick off your weekend and soak up some live, soulful acoustic tunes from talented local musos.

WHEN EVERY FRI | 6.30-9.30PM AT JUMP INN CRAFT BEER BAR & RESTAURANT COST FREE INFO jumpinncraftbeerbar.com

FRI 21 APR | EDAN BAXTER

Wide Open Space Festival

WHEN FRI 28 APR – SUN 1 MAY AT ROSS RIVER RESORT, MPARNTWE/ALICE SPRINGS COST $260 | $20 U12 | $120 YOUTH (13-17) | $375 FAM DAY PASS INFO wideopenspace.net.au

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