Off The Leash - December 2020/January 2021

JANUARY

Winner, 2019 & 2020 NT Media Awards, Best Magazine or Lift Out

A SILVER LEGACY Artback NT celebrates 25 years of Territory art in 2021

CHRISTMAS AT THE TOP Festive fun for the whole family

A YEAR ON DEC Darwin Entertainment Centre champions local talent

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

MUSIC

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PERFORMING ARTS

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VISUAL ARTS

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BOOKS & FILM

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FOOD & DRINK

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COMMUNITY

DECEMBER

21 20

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14 JANUARY – 21 MARCH 2021

FLIX WET

Closed as Day Christm until an Sun 17 J

IN

THE

ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS

ART I HOMEWARES I BUSHFOODS | TEXTILES I CAFE I FASHION I BOOKS LYONS COTTAGE, 74 THE ESPLANADE | WEEKDAYS: 9AM-4PM | SAT: 9AM-2PM ABORIGINALBUSHTRADERS.COM | (08) 8931 6650

Joy

ing Screen in w r at Da ent m in Enterta e Centr

SUNDAY MOVIES IN THE AIRCON

Presented by the Darwin Film Society and Darwin Entertainment Centre

P A U L H E R O N 0421 060 838

Experienced & Trusted Property Advice

Tickets & info: yourcentre.com.au

SELLING

TUE 26 JAN HIDDEN VALLEY TO NOONAMAH TAVERN GATES OPEN 7AM | FLAG OFF 9.30AM ENTRY $10 PER UTE REGISTER ONLINE AT VARIETY.ORG.AU/NT

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PURCHASING

LEASING

IMPORTANT MESSAGE Events listed in this edition of Off The Leash are subject to change.

The situation around COVID-19 is evolving and information provided within this publication is correct – to the best of our knowledge – at time of print.

INSIDE

OFFTHELEASH.NET.AU E: editor@offtheleash.net.au T: 08 8941 7413 offtheleashmag

@OTLmag

#OTLmag

GPO BOX 2325, Darwin NT 0801

We recommend you refer to individual event websites and social media accounts for the most up-to-date information.

ell, folks, you’ve made it to December.

You are holding in your hot little hands the last edition in what has been a very interesting year. But I’ll talk to that a little bit later.

F R OM T H E

Gracing the cover of this bumper December and January edition is an incredible snap of the 2017 Malandarri Festival in Borroloola by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis Bayliss. This image of kids letting their hair down and busting a move under the night sky in bright threads is such a vibe, perfect for this edition.

next day at midday – our print day. Wanting to help as much as we could, our music Gig Guide quickly became the Takeaway Food Guide. We didn’t print in May or June but did what we could during those months to support local artists and businesses online.

AROUND TOWn | 5 Performing ARTS | 7 Youth | 10 BOOKS & FILM | 16 Visual Arts | 18 Food & Drink | 20 Music | 21 calendaR | PULL-OUT

r o t i d E

Our cover, and this month’s main feature, kicks off silver anniversary celebrations for Artback NT. Over the past 25 years, the dynamic arts organisation has helped Northern Territory artists reach an audience of over 2.76 million all around the world. Follow their trip down memory lane in 2021 as they dive into the archive, and get sense of the incredible range of artists they’ve supported over the years.

Of course, being this time of year, there’s a bunch of wonderful things to do, see, eat and celebrate, and I encourage you to get out there and soak it all up. As you peruse the pages of this edition, perhaps take a moment or two to reflect on how fortunate we’ve been in the NT.

Our team was impacted, with the loss of the Editorial Assistant role back in March. Since then, OTL has consisted of myself and our wonderful Graphic Designer, Sarah, and we’ve engaged the support of former OTL legend, Anna Dowd, to get us through these tough times. Big thanks to both of these incredible ladies during this bizarre old time.

We made the call to return to print in July, which as a not-for-profit on a small amount of funding was a risk. But we did this because the creative folk of the Top End – who had lost gigs and work, with many not qualifying for financial support – needed us. How clear is it now how much we need them?

I sincerely wish to thank the arts folk for continuing to create, event organisers for providing experiences for the community, and our advertisers for coming back on deck, knowing full well all could be cancelled at any moment.

We at Off The Leash often share the stories of others, but I want to share a bit of our experience this year with you. We are very fortunate to receive some funding from Arts NT, but to put this in perspective, the support we receive covers almost two of the 10 editions we print each year, the rest underpinned by advertisement bookings.

DEADLY THREADS | 18

GET COOKIN' THIS CHRISTMAS | 20

It’s been a hard slog, I won’t lie, but I’m happy to say we’ll be back next year with a full team on deck. We end the year on a bit of a high, taking out Best Magazine or Lift Out at the NT Media Awards.

Talk about a whirlwind of emotion – what a ride you are, 2020.

DARWIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | 22

I think we all might be a bit sillier than usual this silly season, but boy, do we deserve it. We'll be back in print from March.

On behalf of our team and board, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy!

Being an event, arts and culture street press publication, our core function was thrown into disarray at the end of March. The day before we were due to send the April edition to print, the Prime Minister announced all pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars would close the

OTL is proudly supported by Tierney White Managing Editor and Development Manager

Anna Dowd Writer

Sarah Novinetz Graphic Designer

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.

Distributed to remote Indigenous communities with the assistance of

JANUARY

Winner, 2019 & 2020 NT Media Awards, Best Magazine or Lift Out

Season’s Greetings

A SILVER LEGACY Artback NT celebrates 25 years of Territory art in 2021

CHRISTMAS AT THE TOP Festive fun for the whole family

A YEAR ON DEC Darwin Entertainment Centre champions local talent

DECEMBER

21 20

Christmas Office Closure Mon 21 Dec – Fri 15 Jan

Christmas Office Closure FRI 18 Dec – Fri 15 Jan

Please note: web uploads will not be approved during this time

• • BOOKS & FILM

Although Although all care is taken to ensure information Off The Leash correct, it is subject to change.

We recommend checking offtheleash.net.au updates. all care is taken to ensureininformation in is Off The Leash is correct, it is subject to change.

We recommend checking for offtheleash.net.au for updates.

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VISUAL ARTS

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Best Magazine or Lift Out

PERFORMING ARTS

WINNER 2019 & 2020 NT MEDIA AWARDS

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Images: Cute festive decorations in OTL colours – suggest Music Red and Books & Film Green, plus black and white for text

FOOD & DRINK

Please note: web uploads will not be approved during this time.

MUSIC

Greetings

COMMUNITY

SEASONS

Yo u r free what ’s o n g u i d e TO TH E TO P E ND

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Cover proudly sponsored by Artback NT Malandarri Festival, Borroloola, 2017.

Photo: Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis Bayliss

December 2020 | January 2021

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FEATURE

A SILVER

LEGACY

The Northern Territory is a creative powerhouse of story, song, dance and visual art. For 25 years, Artback NT has been on a mission to nurture and share this richness, wherever it appears.

By Anna Dowd

Top: Sandtracks, 2012.

Photo: Mathew McHugh L-R: Yanyuwa Dancers, Malandarri Festival, 2018.

Photo: Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis Bayliss Darren Edwards and Catherine Young, Mokuy (Spirit), Gary Lang NT Dance Company, 2014.

Photo: Glenn Campbell Derek Anderson, Clinton Dodd and facilitator Liam Maza, Upcycling workshop in Borroloola.

Photo: Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis Bayliss

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'Still in my mind: Gurindji location, experience and visuality'.

Photo courtesy South Australian Museum

iving into the Artback NT archive is a chance to appreciate the incredible range of visual and performing artists the Territory has produced in the last quarter of a century, and the audiences they’ve been helped to connect with.

From festivals, plays and puppet shows in remote communities, to cross-cultural exchanges in Asia, Artback NT has helped Northern Territory artists reach a total audience of over 2.76 million locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Executive Officer Louise Partos’ first encounter with Artback NT was working at Ernabella Arts in the late 1990s, getting a first-hand glimpse into the ethos of hands-on, community-led development that has made these connections possible.

“I rang them and said, ‘I see you’ve got some touring visual arts exhibitions, can you bring them down to South Australia to our community?’. Then pretty quickly we had this show come to our remote community, interstate, with the EO at the time coming down herself, helping to sweep out the Arts Centre floor,” Partos says.

For Lieman, Artback NT's process is a reciprocal, two-way exchange between artists and communities, and the Indigenous Traditional Dance Program in Numbulwarr and Borroloola is one of many examples of the legacy of that.

“In the beginning, it was us saying, ‘here’s what we’ve got’, but then suddenly people start seeing every living part of the community as a potential, activated performance space.”

It’s this commitment to natural thinking that Chips Mackinolty, visual artist and former Chairperson, says is the secret to Artback NT's longevity, and it shows in their unique international collaborations.

“It’s why this extraordinary relationship between Bathurst and Melville Island and Taiwan was possible,” he says, of the Musician’s Cultural Exchange that has resulted in an ongoing Indigenous Artist in Residence Program.

“It’s just completely out-of-the-box stuff. In a sense, it shouldn’t be happening, but it is, and it’s really successful.”

Crossing boundaries and sharing work for Artback NT means the idea of what a venue can be is constantly being reimagined, with a total of 465 venue sites utilised across the Territory to date.

Celebrating their success and silver anniversary, Artback NT has partnered with Library & Archives NT throughout 2021 to share images and stories from their archives.

Working as a performer, puppeteer, workshop facilitator and board member with Artback NT over two decades, Tania Lieman says anything from a front yard to a basketball court can be a place of performance.

“The Territory is a part of the cultural heart and narrative of this country,” Partos reminds us.

“Going from a fully formed theatre in town to somewhere that’s just the dirt and a big open area, there’s no shade, no cover, but you run a 500 metre lead to get power to it. Suddenly it all becomes possible.”

“And you can’t understand Australian art and culture without the Northern Territory’s visual and performing artists being part of that story.”

INFO

artbacknt.com.au

AROUND TOWN

Lighting up the Bay What better time to light up the Cullen Bay Christmas tree than at the big reveal of the revitalisation project? So sparkly!

Christmas at the Top WHEN SUN 13 DEC | 9AM-1PM AT DARWIN SHOWGROUNDS INFO facebook.com/christmas

forkidsdarwin

Christmas at the Waterfront WHEN TUE 1 DEC | 7.30PM AT CULLEN BAY MARINA Christmas at Palmerston For the first time, City of Palmerston is celebrating with an exciting three-week program of events to bring on that Christmas cheer.

Enjoy the lighting of the tree, the Christmas themed light show along Frances Drive, Santa’s Express Train in Goyder Square and the bright and sparkly Christmas Wonderland.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Time to whip out the tinsel, flick on your twinkly lights and make the most of precious time with family and friends. If you’re like Team OTL and love to celebrate the silly season, we’ve got some hot tips to get you in a jolly mood faster than you can say, “Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ is the ultimate Christmas banger!”

CHRISTMAS CAROLS Carols by Candlelight Darwin Darwin’s Amphitheatre will glow with candlelight as it fills with the festive sounds of your favourite Christmas songs. Pack a rug, round up the troops and enjoy a night of music and fireworks under the stars.

Candles are available in exchange for a donation, with all proceeds going to Foodbank. Bring a rug or chair and celebrate Christmas in true Darwin style.

WHEN SAT 12 DEC | 5.30-9PM AT LEANYER RECREATION PARK

INFO facebook.com/ international quarantine to make it in time, and the wonderful vollies from the Berry Springs Fire Service are giving him a lift. Ho, ho, how exciting!

WHEN SUN 13 DEC | 8AM-12PM AT BERRY SPRINGS

RECREATION RESERVE

WHEN FRI 4 DEC – THU 24 DEC AT PALMERSTON INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

hotmail.com

Berry Springs Market Christmas Fair Round up the crew and make tracks to Berry Springs Recreation Reserve for a full morning of Christmas cheer. There are plenty of stalls to peruse, as well as food, coffee, raffles and door prizes. Santa himself has cleared

Christmas for Kids Sunday the 13th is a busy one for Santa. He’s making the rounds, but he’s used to it. Head along to Foskey Pavilion at Darwin Showgrounds for a fun day of free activities, including arts and crafts, balloon sculpture, jumping castles and face painting.

COST FREE | $10 STALLHOLDERS INFO berryspringsmarkets@

WHEN SUN 6 DEC | GATES 4.30PM

carols-at-leanyer-

CAROLS 6.30PM

waterpark

AT

GEORGE BROWN BOTANIC

GARDENS AMPHITHEATRE

COST GOLD COIN DONATION

The whole family’s invited to discover a Christmas Wonderland amongst the lush green Parklands of Darwin Waterfront, as the magic of Christmas comes to life every night until the end of the year.

Santa’s also popping by to say hello throughout the month. Gee, that guy is busy.

Carols by Candlelight Katherine K-Town residents and friends can enjoy family activities, stalls, photos with Santa, and a performance to remember from local bands, school choirs, dance groups and more, at this special festive celebration.

WHEN SAT 12 DEC | 5-8.30PM AT KATHERINE SHOW

Community Carols Get into the Christmas spirit with a night of carols and a special nativity play. The little ones can decorate their own special Christmas decoration at the craft activity station and hang it on the Community Christmas Tree! BBQ food and drinks for sale.

WHEN SAT 12 DEC | 5-9PM AT DARWIN BAPTIST CHURCH INFO dbc.org.au

GROUNDS

INFO katherine.nt.gov.au WHEN DAILY UNTIL 31 DEC, 7-10PM AT DARWIN WATERFRONT INFO waterfront.nt.gov.au

Christmas Carols in the Waterpark Round up the family and head to Leanyer Recreation Park for free family fun and a community BBQ.

ALL EVENTS FREE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

School Holiday Fun SCHOOL’S OUT FOR another year, so it’s time to have some fun with the fam!

We hear there’s the chance to score some prizes, with exciting daily giveaways…

For three whole weeks, you’re invited to catch waves in the Wave Lagoon, have a crack at beach volleyball and kick back and relax at the Tropical Summer Beach Club.

After a pretty challenging year, you all deserve to let your hair down.

Get out there, soak up the Wet season and enjoy!

Make a day of it and tuck into a delicious feed from one of the local eateries for lunch or tea.

MON 4 – FRI 22 JAN

AT

DARWIN WATERFRONT

INFO

waterfront.nt.gov.au

WHEN WEEKDAYS

From the

Fringes WHEN

SAT 6 & SUN 7 FEB, 2021

AT

BROWN’S MART THEATRE

COST FREE INFO

darwinfringe.org.au

SAVE THE DATE! Darwin Fringe Festival is bouncing back in 2021 to present business and artistic development workshops for Territory creatives early February.

These workshops are aimed at keeping creatives connected and up skilled, with the view to grow your own practice.

With workshops covering topics from finance to difficult discussions,

the program has been put together to reflect the needs of Top End practitioners, and open to artists from all genres and backgrounds.

Travel support is available and the workshops are suitable for those aged 18 plus.

But hurry along and get those expressions of interest in – spots are limited!

5

LISTINGS

Ute Beaut!

This year is no exception, with the return of the Aussie Day Ute Run for its 20th year to raise much-needed funds for Variety NT, a charity that exists to support kids and families who are facing challenges through sickness, disadvantage or living with special needs.

Too Much Stuff Recycling Flea Market Reduce, reuse, repurpose, restyle and recycle at this sustainable market. It’s free to have a stall, and no entry fee means it’s free to browse. Learn to make beeswax wraps, jewellery and weave baskets, or bring a clean empty jar for fresh local honey.

NT Arts Access Awards In celebration of International Day of People with Disability, you're invited to the Carnival of Fun for the special presentation of the 2020 NT Arts Access Awards. With entertainment, games, food and drinks, it's set to be a fun day for the whole family.

WHEN THU 3 DEC, 11AM-2PM AT NETBALL NT, MARRARA INFO darwincommunityarts.org.au Steamed Bao Buns Bao, or baozi, is a popular Chinese breakfast or main meal.

There are many different types of baozi, but steamed fluffy bao with juicy filling is definitely a crowd pleaser. This hands-on lesson takes you through traditional cooking techniques and concludes with you enjoying your fresh bao buns with some Chinese tea!

WHEN SAT 5 DEC | 1-3.30PM AT DARWIN LANGUAGES

CENTRE COST $50 INFO adultshortcourses.com

Throwing on the Wheel Join local ceramicist Cecily Willis for this intensive throwing course and learn the fundamentals of working with clay on the wheel, along with basic glazing techniques.

Create a number of masterpieces in this two-and-a-half day course, which are fired in the Tactile Arts kilns. Suitable for beginner and intermediate levels, but not suitable under 16 years.

WHEN SAT 5, 12 & 19 DEC

6

10AM-3PM AT TACTILE ARTS STUDIOS COST $295 | $270 MEMB INFO tactilearts.org.au

FOR THE LAST TWO decades, ute enthusiasts have decked out their rides with green and gold, red, blue and white, Aussie, Aboriginal and boxing kangaroo flags, and progressed through the streets of Darwin. Why, you ask? Well, friends, all in the name of charity.

WHEN SUN 6 DEC | 9AM-12PM AT ALAWA HALL COST FREE INFO facebook.com/

toomuchstuffdarwin

Shumai Dumplings and Wonton Soup Cantonese shumai (or siumaai) is a steamed pork and mushroom dumpling, one of the most popular dim sums in Cantonese cuisine. Wontons are one of the most ubiquitous foods in Hong Kong, synonymous with the city’s fantastic cuisine. Learn how to make both, right here in the NT – no trip overseas required!

WHEN THU 10 DEC | 5.30-8PM AT DARWIN LANGUAGES

CENTRE COST $50 INFO adultshortcourses.com

Tension Release Exercises Tension and Trauma release exercises are a simple set of exercises that release muscle tension and relax the mind. The body’s innate movements of shaking and stretching help to regulate the nervous system to create more calmness, focus and joy.

WHEN EVERY MON | 7PM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY

MEETING ROOM

COST $12 INFO nebula.net.au

Free Lunchtime Meditation Class Live Stream Escape the stress and busyness of life to discover the peace of meditation for yourself, with these free 30-minute online meditation sessions.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 11.30-11AM AT ONLINE COST FREE INFO meditateindarwin.org

DARWIN WATERFRONT waterfront.nt.gov.au

Waterfront Beach Club Kick back on a sun lounge with a chilled bev and house beats, and bask in the tropical atmosphere whilst indulging in some of Darwin’s tastiest food and drink offerings from Waterfront eateries.

WHEN DAILY UNTIL THU 31 DEC

SUN-THU, 10AM-8PM FRI & SAT, 10AM-9PM COST FREE

LET’S DANCE It's the end of the year... What better time to let your hair down and bust a move?

The parade is revved up to entertain as it meanders its way through the northern suburbs, past Palmerston, and on to the Noonamah Tavern for an awesome after party, and everybody’s invited. Beaut!

Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run WHEN TUE 26 JAN | 7AM GATES,

9.30AM FLAG OFF

AT

HIDDEN VALLEY TO

NOONAMAH TAVERN

COST $10 PER UTE INFO variety.org.au/nt

Argentine Tango Practica WHEN TUE 1, 8 & 15 DEC | 7-9PM AT STUDIO 13, COCONUT

GROVE COST $10, CASH ONLY INFO facebook.com/nthntango

Salsa Classes WHEN TUE 1, 8 & 15 DEC

6.30-8.30PM AT DANCE WORLD STUDIO, WOOLNER COST $20 INFO salsitadarwin.com.au

Movement Medicine WHEN EVERY SUN (EXC. 27 DEC,

3, 10 & 17 JAN) | 10-11.30AM NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE COST $15 CASH INFO movement.magic@ yahoo.com

AT

Aqua Fitness in the Wave Lagoon It’s the coolest way to burn calories.

Take a splash each Sunday morning with an aqua fitness class in the Wave Lagoon at the Darwin Waterfront. A dedicated instructor guides you through a body conditioning, pool-based aerobic program.

WHEN EVERY SUN | 8.30-9.15AM COST $12 | $8 U15

PALMERSTON LIBRARY palmerston.nt.gov.au/library

Gadgets and Games Club Learning plus games equals fun!

If your child is aged 5-12 years and enjoys hands-on, problem based learning activities, this is for them.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 3.30-4.30PM COST FREE

NORTHERN TERRITORY WRITERS’ CENTRE Storytime Sing, dance, listen to stories and engage with puppets at these fun and interactive sessions. Suitable for children aged 1-5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WHEN EVERY TUE & THU 10-10.45AM COST FREE Get Job Ready Come along to these free sessions, where you can use the library’s laptops to create or update your resume, search and apply for jobs.

WHEN EVERY WED | 2-4PM COST FREE

8941 2651 ntwriters.com.au executive@ntwriters.com.au Workshops | Monthly Events | Opportunities

PERFORMING ARTS

A Year

NT Dance Company, In Motion. Photo: Helen Orr

ON DEC There’s no denying it – 2020 has thrown us all one heck of a curve ball. The performing arts industry has been impacted significantly by the pandemic, with the sudden cancellation of events hurting performers, production workers and front of house staff across the board. But this particular story is a happy story.

Darwin Entertainment Centre was shaping up to deliver its best year on record, a wonderful mix of local, interstate and international acts set to entertain across a diverse range of genres. But between March and June, 48 contracted events were cancelled with little warning.

With an unwavering sense of community at its very core, the DEC team chipped away to progress behind-the-scenes strategic work.

DEC Acting General Manager Coryn Huddy says this move meant they could bounce back when restrictions were lifted, with a focus on local.

“The one silver lining to come out of the pandemic is that local performances have taken centre stage,” he says.

“With the touring market effectively non-existent, space and time opened up for us to work directly with local artists in a far greater capacity. It has been so invigorating and exciting for our team to pursue this opportunity.”

In Motion was specifically developed in response to the pandemic, showcasing the work of, and providing an income for, local creatives spanning a wide range of talents.

In fact, all revenue generated from ticket sales went directly into the pockets the performers – crucial

income, with many not fitting the mould for income support due to the ad-hoc nature of show biz.

The new ESCALATE musical workshop development initiative saw three artists receive invaluable mentoring from Toni Childs and Kuya James. Since reopening, DEC has been able to deliver 75 performances, 60 of which were created by locals, for locals – from the beating drums of Chung Wah Society to the sprightly dance of SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre to the storytelling, music and laughter of Constantina Bush.

And if that wasn’t enough, the committed DEC team also undertook a brand review, keen to implement an identity inline with their philosophy.

“Our identity and narrative has been changing as our business has progressed. As we assessed our position in the market and what is important to the community, it became very obvious to us that we are far more than just a hall for hire,” Huddy says.

Will Crawford, In Motion. Photo: Helen Orr

immerse Two-Day Botanical Workshop with Anastasia Maximova. Photo: Emily Silburn

Jahquavis, ESCALATE. Photo: Helen Orr

Amy Hetherington, Don’t Feed The Ducks.

Photo: Jiwa IGusti

“We curate, create and connect, providing voice to meaningful things and do this through shared experiences. Our new brand reflects our position moving forward.”

So, what does the next 12 months look like at DEC? “When I look into the crystal ball for 2021 and Darwin Entertainment Centre, I’m not 100 percent sure what I see – if anyone does, please call me!” he says.

Sarah & Kyle, In Motion. Photo: Helen Orr

“What I do know is that we are 100% committed to working for you, the community, our stakeholders and performers, to ensure arts and entertainment continues to contribute to the ongoing vitality of this wonderful place we call home.”

INFO

yourcentre.com.au

Polly Johnstone STRONG Exhibition. Photo: Felicity Elliott SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre, In Motion.

Photo: Helen Orr

Chung Wah Society, In Motion. Photo: Helen Orr

Darwin Symphony Orchestra, In Motion. Photo: Helen Orr

7

THE BRIGHT SIDE

of

THE TRACKS

LOCAL FAVOURITE TRACKS Dance has done well to roll with the punches in 2020. With all of the risk assessments worked through at length in strategic planning sessions past, a global pandemic was understandably overlooked.

group, The Grey Panthers continued their weekly classes through Zoom sessions, resulting in a weekly GP TV segment. These online sessions have acted as a springboard for exciting projects for the group moving forward.

Tracks Dance Company Director Adelaide Wood says, although they didn’t get to deliver a regular program, they’ve still adhered to the company’s vision.

The free 10-week Choreographic Program included artists beyond dancers, with participants coming from backgrounds in theatre, architecture and comedy, with an age range from 19-60 years. If this is something you could see yourself doing, applications for next year’s program are now open.

“Our year has been shaped by our COVID resolve to fulfil the contracts of independent artists, regardless of the performance outcome. Keeping artists employed this year has been important to us,” she says.

“Subsequently, we threw energy into developing new work, which Darwin audiences will see in 2021.”

Tracks rolled out a considerable amount of work in 2020, but didn’t rush into an online format, with one exception. Noted as a vulnerable

Bollywood Awakening.

Photo: Tim Newth

With the closing of borders came the opportunity to fix their focus on what was right in front of them, and as a result, they’ve developed and worked to a motto that has stuck with them throughout the year – the new global is local. Wood says this way of working suits the dance company to a tee.

“Like many, we adapted programs to

PIVOT(ALL). Photo: Duane Preston

be COVID-safe. The hero of this was Homebodies, where alumni of the Choreographic Program responded to provocations and made a dancein-a-day in their home environment, which we filmed,” she says.

And although their Participation Programs took a hit due to their large-scale nature, they’ve made a comeback – with a vengeance, it would seem – with the Dead Singers Dance Society booking out in days.

When they weren’t busy delivering programs, Wood says Tracks’ energy was directed towards 2021 and beyond, with a focus on raising important funds.

Youth Choreographic Residency.

Madeleine Brown, Sophia Hodges & J.J Banderjas. Photo: Duane Preston

“Donations given to the New Work 2021 Fundraising Campaign go directly into paying the wages to … all the people it takes to make an incredible show. Together, we can breathe life back into the Darwin performing arts scene.”

INFO tracksdance.com.au

Grey Panthers COVID Class. Kelly Beneforti & David McMicken. Photo: Duane Preston

#getinvolved this wet season

participate Feb Feb Apr

Dead Singers Dance Society (Series 1) Grey Panther weekly classes start Dead Singers Dance Society (Series 2)

develop Dec - Jan Jan - Mar Mar Apr

Apply: Choreographic Program Space Time Studio Residency Choreographic Program starts Audition: Tracks festival show

www.tracksdance.com.au 8

Homebodies, Bryn Wackett

What's your

BROWN’S MART

STORY?

BROWN’S MART THEATRE is gearing up to turn the big 5-0 in 2022, so they’re spending the next year compiling your fond memories to roll out a nine-month celebration when they reach their milestone year.

Executive Director Sean Pardy – who loves a good party – says some interesting stories are coming out of the woodwork.

Photo: Tony Rive

“There’s a couple of romantic meetings, with couples that met at Brown’s Mart which is pretty cool, and some interstate actors who cut their teeth on the stage back in the day. Kate Champion’s a famous Australian dancer, who was the Artistic Director of Force Majeure, now becoming theatre director, and she remembers getting on the Brown’s Mart stage,” he says.

Twelfth Night

Darwin Theatre Company has joined forces with Tainted Theatre Company to present Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, Twelfth Night, at Brown’s Mart Theatre.

Shipwrecked identical twins, Viola and Sebastian, each believe the other to be dead. Disguised as Cesario (a man) Viola works for Orsino. Orsino, whom Viola’s fallen for, sends her to woo Olivia, but Olivia falls in love with Cesario.

Sounds complicated, right?

Meanwhile, Sir Toby’s incessant partying leads to trouble, resulting in a plot against the puritanical Malvolia. When Sebastian arrives

COMICS'

CORNER SHOWCASING TOP END COMICS AND LOCAL STAND-UP PERFORMERS

on the island, mayhem ensues, with mistaken identities, misplaced love and practical jokes gone awry.

Written in the early 1600s, Shakespeare penned the play to mark the close of the Christmas season, a fitting production for this time of year. Director Tony Rive says the production should be a mood lifter.

“We chose Twelfth Night because people need a laugh at the moment – it’s really simple, really fun, and just a good laugh. I’m also a huge Shakespeare fanatic, so it’s nice to be able to direct after performing Shakespeare for the last 20 or so years,” he says.

than life and we own that, and it’s something Shakespeare does really well – big feelings, big emotions, but without getting too heavy. Of course, there’s an element of that, but Shakespeare’s really good at looking at the duality of people.

“The characters are pretending to be something they’re not, and that’s slowly stripped away. It’s reminding you to be true to yourself – as long as you’re not a bastard.”

WHEN WED 2 – SAT 12 DEC (EXC.

SUN 6 - TUE 8) | 7PM

AT BROWN’S MART THEATRE COST $30 | $25 CONC, GROUPS 8+ INFO brownsmart.com.au

“I’m yet to get a mystery though. There’s talk of the Brown’s Mart ghost – there was a student film made about it about 10 years ago, but I haven’t seen the ghost yet.

I’ve worked at several theatres where there are known to be ghosts, but I’m not the ghost-seeing type, it seems.”

Ghost or no ghost, when the time comes to celebrate, 50 years of stories will be rolled out through the Brown’s Mart precinct over nine months, and Pardy says there are no limits.

“These stories could come in multiple forms. For us, it’s almost like we’re an ideas or story agent. We’ll probably collate these ideas and partner with local artists, like Yo [Bell] from SPUN or Huni [Bolliger] to work with on an animation, we might team up with a great singer-songwriter, like David Garnham, Tracey Bunn or David Spry, to write a song about these stories.

“Ultimately, some of these stories might become a play – you never know what we might unearth – a fantastic story of reaching dizzy heights from adversity, a scandalous love triangle.

“What is cool, though, is that we have still Ken Conway on our board. He’s literally a legend and was Executive Director for 30 odd years from 1972. I mean, imagine the things he’d seen in the ‘80s and ‘90s!”

Have you got a special Brown’s Mart memory? Extra points for ghosts.

Whatever your tale, the Brown’s Mart team is keen to hear them.

“It’s light, it’s fun, and incredibly animated. The characters are larger

facebook.com/ darwintheatrecompany

INFO brownsmart.com.au | facebook.com/brownsmarttheatre

2020 HAS BEEN a wild ride, but it’s sure seen an explosion of heart-warming comedy in the Top End. Will Crawford writes about the year that was.

Hanuman’s to put together the innovative online dinner and laugh live shows, which were both hilarious and delicious – not necessarily in that order.

Brent Watkinson send crowds into delirium with some of the most hilarious Tasmanian dating stories this hack as ever heard.

goals with Be a Yes Person, in which comedians and non-comedians took a step outside their comfort zone.

In March, pre-Rona, Raw Comedy winner and poet-turned-comedian Kelly Gulliver impressed with her hilarious takedown of the Coconut Grove Yoga set; Nathan “Glitter Bit” Powell delivered one of the funniest glitter-based routines seen this decade; and Raw Comedy saw the unearthing of comedy diamond in the rough, sassy, sharp-tongued musician, Teghan Hughes.

By July, Darwin Fringe was back, and seven stellar comedians performed at Dom’s Bar in sell-out Raw, Ready and Unsteady (pictured). Headlining comic Micah Kickett sang, rapped and joked his way into people’s hearts, as people lined the aisles crying tears of joy as if at a church wedding. Another firecracker worthy of note is the delightful, but unpredictable, Danica Jenner.

2020 also saw the arrival of the Deadly Darwin Black Spot Indigenous storytelling night, and the Deadly Darwin Ebony and Ivory shows. Paul Seden, James Parfitt, Max Browne and Richie Harrison all delighted crowds in their sold-out shows.

2020 has also seen the birth of some great comedy nights. Mel Little created the fantastic Schnitz ‘n’ Giggles showcase in Palmerston, Humpty Doo and Parap; Leah Potter started the Comedy Den, a naughty late night comedy show at Smoke and Oak; Lucky Bat Laughs started on the last Wednesday of the month; and Dolly’s first Saturday of the month shows are all delivering huge laughs.

But post-Raw, comedians were locked up for months. Like a beacon rising through June, Shalom Kaa teamed with Darwin Live and

Darwin Entertainment Centre (DEC) gave performers from a range of art forms the opportunity to showcase their skills in In Motion, which saw

The cheeky and lovable Amy Hetherington delivered the laughs in Don’t Feed the Ducks, which featured in the Darwin Festival before selling out at DEC’s Playhouse – the first solo Playhouse performance from a local comedian.

Hetherington continued to kick

If 2020 could deliver all of this, we are in for a treat next year.

9

Youth

Pro files

LISTINGS

YOUTH

WANTED Skate Night Facilitators LAUNCH Darwin is looking for enthusiastic young people to help present and support their Jingili Skate Nights program in 2021. The role suits those who like working with the community and maintaining safe, responsible and positive behaviour. Skate experience is a bonus!

Rachel De Kock 17-YEAR-OLD Alice Springs student Rachel De Kock took out the title at this year’s Young Territory Author Awards for her story Spring and His Flower. We asked the talented young writer to answer a few questions.

Congrats on your win. Tell us about Spring and His Flower!

The story is about a young Flower and the four seasons personified as people. Flower and Spring share a deep connection, but their life together is cut short when Spring has to leave. Flower interacts with the other seasons and begins to understand different emotions and grows wiser in the ways of life. As character is built and relationships are made, Flower must withstand the different conditions she is exposed to by each season, both physically and emotionally, to be able to see Spring again.

What was the inspiration behind it?

It came from a pensive moment I had as I sat listening to the wind and noticed it has many different voices – gentle in spring, sluggish in summer, howling in autumn and in winter, there’s a lull. And that made me think, if the wind had different voices, then what about the seasons? What would they sound like? Who would they be?

How did you feel when you found out you’d won?

I honestly thought the judges misread and that it was a mistake.

I felt that at any moment the presenters would apologise and say that someone else actually won. I was stunned and it took me a few seconds to get up from my seat. I can only say the wonderful surprise took my breath away!

Is writing something you want to pursue?

Yes, I most certainly want to become a writer and get my books published. When I come up with a new story and new characters, I begin to feel like I know the people I’m writing about. They are all a part of me and I feel that they must have their story told.

Who is your favourite author and why?

One of my favourites is Neil Gaiman. The first book of his that I read was Coraline and I finished it in two days. The way he relates to his characters is inspiring and his writing style is so poetic. He embeds messages conveying deeper meanings in his stories and that is an aspect I really love!

WHEN APPLICATIONS CLOSE SWEATMASS: A Christmas Skate It’s that time of year again… It’s hot and sticky, and going for a roll becomes a bit less appealing as we stow away in the aircon ‘til dusk.

But you’re invited to celebrate in true Territory fashion at the annual Sweatmass event. Bring your wheels along for a night on wheels and celebrate the Wet with one last roll for 2020.

WHEN WED 16 DEC | 6-8PM AT THE SHAK YOUTH CENTRE COST FREE INFO launchdarwin.com.au

HAPPY

Megan Rollings

10

Tell us about the Youth Advisory Committee?

I can express my opinion about decisions that are being made, especially those that affect youth in general. Far too often, decisions are made for us, but we deserve to be involved in the decision-making

FRI 8 JAN

INFO launchdarwin.com.au Geek Squad If you’re aged 13-19 and have a love for all things geeky, from anime to gaming and everything in-between, then why not join Geek Squad?

Spend an hour with likeminded peeps and make new friends.

WHEN EVERY THU | 3.30-4.30PM AT CITY OF PALMERSTON LIBRARY

COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

INFO darwin.nt.gov.au

Snap

DARWIN’S YOUNG PEOPLE are a passionate bunch, with lots to say and heaps of wonderful ideas.

City of Darwin’s Youth Advisory Committee (aka YAC) is a group of peeps aged 15-25 that provides feedback and tips on a range of topics to Council. 16-year-old Megan Rollings is one of them, and is the brains behind the new Darwin Youth Forum, a monthly catch-up to chat through issues and events. We caught up with her for a chat.

process. Through YAC, I can express my opinion knowing that people are listening.

We have our own opinions, we have our own ideas, and most important of all we have a voice.

What made you want to join YAC? I joined YAC following an NT UN youth conference. Some of the other participants and I discussed there was a lack of events where young people could engage in interesting discussions, learn new things and gain new perspectives.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I’d like to work in the field of foreign relations – I love the intricacies of diplomatic engagements. You have to force yourself to understand a different perspective, and in doing so, you expand your own perspective on the world. You have to respect and acknowledge different backgrounds, cultures and opinions in order to move forward, ensuring the best outcomes for everyone.

As a result, we’ve been able to start the Darwin Youth Forum. This is a place where young people can come to have complex and exciting conversations with like-minded people, which helps them develop and express their own unique opinions.

Why should young people to be included in big decisions?

Darwin has one of the youngest populations in Australia – youth represents over a quarter of the NT’s population! Such a large population is obviously affected by decisions made by our leaders. I often wonder why young people are rarely consulted about decisions that significantly impact our lives.

Get that Job. Photo: Kevin Huang

TAG #launchdarwin for a chance to see your pics here

Green team building.

Halloween Skate Night. Photo: Jiwa I Gusti

What’s a perfect weekend look like for you in D-Town?

I like to take a break on weekends.

I love to spend it with friends and family, going out for coffee or for a walk. But a must for me is the markets – it doesn’t matter which one!

Geektacular. Photo: Helen Orr

Darwin Youth Forum WHEN WED 2 DEC & WED 6 JAN 6-7PM

AT CASUARINA LIBRARY INFO darwinyouthforum@ gmail.com

YAC Quiz4Dili. Photo: Kevin Huang

Sounds@Mindil. Photo: Nabila Majid

Fri

9

Thu

22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin

Sat

5 School Holiday Fun 6 Storytime 10 Geek Squad 22 Thursday Live at Dom’s

7

20 New Year’s Day Brunch

NEW YEAR’S DAY

Calendar

1 HAPPY

New Year

Wed

22 Darryl Barba 22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin 22 Friday Knock Offs at Dom’s

6 5 School Holiday Fun 6 Get Job Ready

Having a good time?

TAG #otlmag in your snaps for a chance to appear in the March editon!

2

10

Sat

22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin

Sun

6 Aqua Fitness

3 Sun

23 First Sunday Blues

6 Aqua Fitness

See Music 23

20

21

Mon

JAN See Around Town 6

11

5 School Holiday Fun 6 Tension Release Exercises

4

Mon

5 School Holiday Fun 6 Tension Release Exercises

Tue

See Visual Arts 19

12

5 School Holiday Fun 6 Free Lunchtime Meditation Class 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime 23 Jam Nights

5

Tue

5 School Holiday Fun

Fri

6 Free Lunchtime Meditation Class 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime 23 Jam Nights

8

10 Skate Night Facilitators (applications close)

Wed

5 School Holiday Fun 22 Darryl Barba 22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin 22 Friday Knock Offs at Dom’s

13

5 School Holiday Fun 6 Get Job Ready

See Around Town 5

See Youth 10

Thu

5 School Holiday Fun 6 Storytime 10 Geek Squad 16 High Ground 22 Thursday Live at Dom’s

14

11

Thu

18 Fri

Thu

19 50:50 – A DVA Member Show (last chance) 22 Darryl Barba 22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin 22 Friday Knock Offs at Dom’s

24 5 Christmas at Palmerston (last chance) 6 Storytime 10 Geek Squad 22 Thursday Live at Dom’s

See Music 23

See Visual Arts 18

CHRISTMAS DAY

25 Fri

MERRY

Christmas

Wed

20 Premium Christmas Lunch

30

6 Get Job Ready

19 Sat

18 45th Katherine Art Prize (last chance)

Thu

6 Throwing on the Wheel 22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin

BOXING DAY

31

5 Christmas at the Waterfront (last chance) 6 Waterfront Beach Club (last chance) 20 New Year’s Eve 5-Course Penfolds Wine Dinner 22 NYE at Darwin Waterfront 22 NYE Party – Life in the Tropics 22 Thursday Live at Dom’s

20 Sun

6 Aqua Fitness

Sat

6 Movement Medicine

26

22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin

NEW YEAR’S EVE

See Around Town 6

27

Sun

6 Aqua Fitness 23 Last Sunday Jam

21

Mon

6 Tension Release Exercises

OTL Christmas Cracker #3 Which side of a turkey has the most feathers?

22

Tue

Mon

6 Free Lunchtime Meditation Class 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime 23 Jam Nights

28

6 Tension Release Exercises

offtheleash.net.au

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

Given the website is currently managed by one staff member (who needs a holiday!) uploads will not be approved during this time.

OTL Christmas Office Closure: Fri 18 Dec – Fri 15 Jan

Answer: The outside.

17

Tue

6 Get Job Ready

Wed

6 Storytime 10 Geek Squad 19 Open House Project (last chance) 21 Settle Down Sessions: Kuya James presents “Namamasko Po” 22 Thursday Live at Dom’s

23

29 23 Jam Nights

6 Free Lunchtime Meditation Class 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime

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.

8

Wed

6 Get Job Ready 9 Twelfth Night

Tue

6 Free Lunchtime Meditation Class 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime 6 Salsa Classes 6 Argentine Tango Practica 20 Christmas Baking 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Jam Nights

See Visual Arts 19

3 Thu

Sat

6 NT Arts Access Awards 6 Storytime 9 Twelfth Night 10 Geek Squad 22 Thursday Live at Dom’s

12

19 Danny Murphy, Max Bowden & Cecily Willis (last chance) 5 Carols by Candlelight Katherine 5 Christmas Carols in the Waterpark 5 Community Carols 6 Throwing on the Wheel 9 Twelfth Night 19 Old School Art Exhibition

4 Fri

5 Christmas at Palmerston (starts) 9 Twelfth Night 19 Open House Project (opening) 19 50:50 – A DVA Member Show (opening) 22 Darryl Barba 22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin 22 Friday Knock Offs at Dom’s

See Performing Arts 9

20

Sun

See Around Town 5

20

DEC

13

5 Berry Springs Market Christmas Fair

5 Christmas for Kids 6 Aqua Fitness 6 Movement Medicine 19 Old School Art Exhibition

Sat

6

Sun

5 Carols by Candlelight Darwin

5

9 Twelfth Night

6 Too Much Stuff Recycling Flea Market 6 Aqua Fitness 6 Movement Medicine 19 Old School Art Exhibition 22 A Meter Apart: Undén – Borderlines 23 First Sunday Blues

Wed

6 Get Job Ready 9 Twelfth Night 20 Christmas Baking

Tue

6 Free Lunchtime Meditation Class 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime 6 Salsa Classes 6 Argentine Tango Practica 20 Creative Christmas Leftovers 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Jam Nights

15

9

6 Steamed Bao Buns 6 Throwing on the Wheel 19 Old School Art Exhibition 22 DSO: Family Proms 22 DSO: Where I Roam 22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin

Mon

See Visual Arts 19

14

OTL Christmas Cracker #2 Why can’t a bike stand up by itself?

Answer: It’s two-tyred.

Tue

Answer: It’s Christmas, Eve.

Fri

2

Calendar

1 Mon

5 Lighting up the Bay 6 Free Lunchtime Meditation Class 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime 6 Salsa Classes 6 Argentine Tango Practica 20 Christmas Finger Food 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Jam Nights

7 OTL Christmas Cracker #1 What did Adam say the day before Christmas?

11 9 Twelfth Night 22 Darryl Barba 22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin 22 Friday Knock Offs at Dom’s

See Around Town 5

10

Thu

Wed

6 Shumai Dumplings and Wonton Soup 6 Storytime 9 Twelfth Night 10 Geek Squad 22 Thursday Live at Dom’s

16

6 Get Job Ready 10 SWEATMASS: A Christmas Skate 20 Christmas Cooking Made Easy

15 Fri

22 Friday Knock Offs at Dom’s

Thu

5 School Holiday Fun 22 Darryl Barba 22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin

21 Wed

5 School Holiday Fun 6 Storytime 10 Geek Squad 22 Thursday Live at Dom’s

27 6 Get Job Ready

See Music 22

22 Fri

5 School Holiday Fun

Thu

22 Darryl Barba 22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin 22 Friday Knock Offs at Dom’s

28

6 Storytime 10 Geek Squad 22 Thursday Live at Dom’s

16 Sat

Fri

22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin

See Around Town 5

29

22 Darryl Barba 22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin 22 Friday Knock Offs at Dom’s

17 23

30

Sun

16 Misbehaviour

6 Aqua Fitness 16 Lucky Grandma

Sat

22 Live Music at Hotel Darwin

Sat

Sun

See Books & Film 16

24

16 The Furnace

Sun

6 Aqua Fitness 6 Movement Medicine 16 Brazen Hussies

31

16 Lucky Grandma

6 Aqua Fitness 6 Movement Medicine 16 Misbehaviour 23 Last Sunday Jam

18

Mon

5 School Holiday Fun 6 Tension Release Exercises

See Books & Film 16

See Books & Film 16

19

Tue

Mon

5 School Holiday Fun 6 Free Lunchtime Meditation Class 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime 23 Jam Nights

25

6 Tension Release Exercises

20

Wed

Tue

5 School Holiday Fun 6 Get Job Ready

See Food & Drink 7

26

6 Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run 23 Jam Nights

OTL Christmas Office Closure: Fri 18 Dec – Fri 15 Jan

Given the website is currently managed by one staff member (who needs a holiday!) uploads will not be approved during this time.

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.

An interactive event for the whole famil sure to s ar intri ue in classical music!

All tickets $15

SAT 5 DEC, 10.30AM DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

More info tic ets ‰

dso.org.au/buy-tickets/

YOU'LL YOU'LL NEVER NEVER KNOW KNOW WHAT WHAT YOU YOU MISSED...

MISSED... ENROL ENROL NOW! NOW!

WWW.ADULTSHORTCOURSES.COM

Arts

Cooking

Pottery

Baking

Watercolour

Pastries

Drawing Painting Photography Mosaics Guitar

Sewing

Computer

Spanish

Sewing Essentials

Adobe Photoshop

Massage

Italian

Garment Making

Adobe InDesign

Meditation

Language French Greek

Chinese

German

Hand Sewing

Adobe Lightroom

Thai

Mandarin

Patchwork Quilting

Computer Basics

Cake Decorating

Japanese

Pasta

Korean

Excel

Health

SpiritualDevelopment Yoga

Indonesian

www.adultshortcourses.com Facebook: Darwin Adult Short Courses

Phone: 0452 135 400 1 Nemarluk drive, Ludmilla, NT 0820

15

&

NT

Red

Carpet

PREMIERE

High Ground Set against the stunning landscapes of 1930s Arnhem Land, High Ground chronicles young Aboriginal man Gutjuk, who in a bid to save the last of his family, teams up with ex-soldier Travis to track down Baywara – the most dangerous warrior in the Territory, also his uncle.

In very exciting news, Darwin Film Society has teamed up with Darwin Entertainment Centre to present the Red Carpet NT Premiere on Jan 14.

More information, including special guests, will be announced soon.

WHEN THU 14 JAN

Flix AT COST INFO

IN THE

DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE $16 | $12 CONC | $10 MEMB | $35 FAM flixinthewet.com | yourcentre.com.au

Lucky Grandma A chain-smoking, newly widowed 80-year-old grandma is eager to live life as an independent woman.

When a local fortune teller predicts a most auspicious day in her future, Grandma decides to head to the casino. A lucky day on the tables lands her in the middle of a Chinatown gang war.

Misbehaviour In 1970, the Miss World competition took place in London, hosted by US comedy legend, Bob Hope. Miss World was the most-watched TV show on the planet with over 100 million viewers. The newly formed Women’s Liberation Movement achieved overnight fame by invading the stage and disrupting the live broadcast of the competition.

The Furnace 1897 Western Australia. To escape a harsh existence and return home, a young Afghan cameleer partners with a mysterious bushman on the run with two 400oz Crown-marked gold bars. Together, the unlikely pair must outwit a zealous police sergeant and his troopers in a race to reach a secret furnace.

WHEN SUN 17 JAN, 5PM

WHEN SUN 17 JAN, NT PREMIERE

3PM | SUN 31 JAN, 5PM

WHEN SUN 24 JAN, 5PM

16

Wet

SUN 31 JAN, 3PM

SUN 21 FEB, 5PM

NT RED CARPET PREMIERE

SUN 28 FEB, 5PM

Our friends at Deckchair Cinema have packed away the deckchairs, strung up the lights and battened down the hatches in preparation for their closure over the Wet season. But if you can’t live without that incredible Darwin Film Society programming, we have great news for you…

Flix in the Wet returns in January to showcase cinematic gems on the big screen, this time, moving to new digs at Darwin Entertainment Centre (DEC). We can’t wait to spend some rainy Sundays at the DEC-chair Cinema!

Brazen Hussies A powerful documentary that interweaves freshly uncovered archival footage, personal photographs and lively personal accounts from activists during the Women’s Liberation Movement (1965 -1975).

A daring and diverse group of women joined forces to defy the status quo during one of the greatest social movements of the 20th Century.

WHEN SUN 24 JAN, 3PM | SUN 7 FEB, 5PM

NT WRITERS' PRESENTS

Lovin'

LO C A

L

TerritorY READS Under the Tree

If you’re wondering what to get the book lovers in your life this Christmas, why not give them the gift of original NT works? Our friends at NT Writers’ Centre have put together some hot titles from 2020 to make your Chrissy shopping easy. Aren't they a lovely bunch!

Return to Dust

An Alice Girl

Catch Me If I Fall

When Amber returns to her home in the Australian desert, her hope is to move on from her grief, to start again. Return to Dust is a tale of bereavement, of recovering lost things and finding our place.

Tanya Heaslip’s extraordinary story of growing up in the late 1960s and early 1970s on a vast and isolated outback cattle property, just north of Alice Springs.

Ashleigh and Aiden are 13-year-old twins that made a pact to always look out for each other. Aiden is more dedicated to the task than Ashleigh, but when it comes to matters of life and death, they both exhibit a fierce protectiveness that will change the course of their lives.

Author: Dani Powell

Author: Tanya Heaslip

Author: Barry Jonsberg

Where I

ROAM

Dance and orchestra combine to define place in a compellin new performance $20-$60

Bigismob Jigiwan Dog

The Saltie Mumma

Brother Moon

Rediscover this much-loved book featuring the cheeky antics of dogs in a remote outback community, and experience Kriol, a lively language from the north of Australia.

Way up north in the Northern Territory, scary creatures swim in the rivers and the sea. Big enough, fierce enough to even eat me! Saltie Mumma is lurking, watchful, hungry and cranky – but why is she so busy and what is she protecting?

Beneath the dark sky of the Northern Territory, Hippy-Boy is captivated when Great-Grandpa Liman tells him the mysterious story of his brother and how it guides his connection to Country.

Author: Johanna Bell Illustrator: Dion Beasley

Author: Sandra Kendell

INFO bookshopdarwin.com.au | redkangaroobooks.com | ntwriters.com.au

Author: Maree McCarthy Yoelu Illustrator: Samantha Fry

SAT 5 DEC, 7.30PM DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

More info tickets:

dso.org.au/buy-tickets

17

VISUAL ARTS INFO

houseofdarwin.com instagram.com/houseofdarwin

Art U&T

ABO

Art & About with House of Darwin’s Shauny Edwards

DEADLY THREADS HOUSE OF DARWIN has taken the Top End by storm, their bright tees and funky prints featuring traditional Aboriginal language popping up all over the place.

But purchasing these goods go further than putting en vogue threads on your back and prints on your wall – or more recently, Budgy Smugglers, well, you know where – with all profits reinvested into social programs in remote Indigenous communities.

Larrakia man, former AFL footballer and AIME Mentor – but current all ‘round good bloke – Shauny Edwards is behind the social enterprise, and says it’s his love for his home that inspired the project.

“I was born and raised in Darwin, spending most of my childhood in Mandorah with my grandparents.

Mum lived in Gunbalanya, so I

guess you could say I bounced back and forth between the three,” he says.

“After living in Melbourne and Sydney for a few years playing AFL, I moved to Los Angeles – I had a few things I wanted to do post-footy and I’m not really sure why but living in LA was one of them [laughs].

I started making Territory-inspired garments when I was homesick. I’d make these croc-themed shirts and rugs, and give them as gifts.

“When I moved back to Australia, Darwin in particular, I got a fellowship from my old school.

They gave me a small proportion of money, so I got thinking about how I could make it into something bigger. And that’s where House of Darwin was born.”

When trying to come up with a name, Edwards consulted his

at-the-time LA housey, famous designer of Ksubi, Dan Single.

“It’s pretty funny actually. I was kind of just driving around telling him about my vision and was like, ‘I’ve met all these people from around the world but I don’t know how to bring them back to my community?’ and he was like, ‘well, you house them!’, so that’s how it started.”

Despite only launching in June, profits generated through sales from the Arnhem Land range recently saw Edwards embark on a month-long trip to the region to facilitate AFL workshops with his mate Tylah Saunders.

“We raised about 20 grand and took brand-new sporting equipment out to the homelands across East Arnhem Land. It was just, from my childhood, seeing how far you can be from an opportunity – it was

a way for me to pass on my skills from AFL footy and trying to lift the professionalism in these remote communities,” he says.

“Off the back of the Alice Springs range, we’ll donate some money back to a women’s centre in Mutitjulu. That’s sort of the model we’re going down.”

The nostalgic, chilled-out vibes of House of Darwin’s designs are the work of AIME Resident Artist, LUNA TUNES. “Liam has become a great mate of mine. It’s like a modern-day love story – we met on Instagram [laughs]. He was doing a design for a friend and I reached out to him to draw a crocodile, and he did it free of charge because it was going to a community spirit event. Now we’ve got this beautiful partnership – I provide him with some sort of

poetic text about a region and he spits back an illustration. He nails it!”

When asked where his sense of community spirit comes from, Edwards doesn’t hesitate in his response.

“My grandparents, Jackie and Stem.

My granddad broke his neck in a rugby game, and I think his strong spirit, despite the circumstances he was dealt as a 30-year-old father of three, really influenced me. My grandmother’s still by his side to this day. I can definitely attribute my sense of community spirit to them!”

Perhaps this year, when considering what to get your loved ones for Christmas, a gift with a side of community spirit should be top of your list.

GYRACC

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

45th Katherine Prize The longest running art prize in the NT returns for its 45th year. Made possible by the continuing generosity of Jeanette and Brian Lambert, Katherine Town Council and presented by GYRACC, the Katherine Prize features the works of artists from across the Territory.

This year’s winner is Katie Bradley who took out the overall prize for her piece 'Out of Darkness – Bush Cockroach'.

18

UNTIL SAT 19 DEC

Judges Sharon Hillen and Chips Mackinolty with Katie Bradley's winning entry 'Out of Darkness – Bush Cockroach'

UNTITLED GALLERY+STUDIO

CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY

Unit 3/1 Clocktower Caryota Crt, Coconut Grove darwincommunityarts.org

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

WED-FRI 11AM-4PM | SAT 10AM–2PM | CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Wayne Eager, 'West MacDonnell Ranges' (detail), 1994, oil on ply, 30x214cm

Bitumen & DirT Wayne Eager: 30 Years in the Territory

This is a survey exhibition of paintings and prints by prominent Alice Springs-based landscape artist Wayne Eager. Featuring 78 works from public and private collections around Australia, including 13 from Charles Darwin University Art Collection, the exhibition charts Eager’s career since he first arrived in the Northern Territory in 1990.

UNTIL SAT 20 FEB, 2021

DARWIN VISUAL ARTS

Ground Floor, Harbour View Plaza, 8 McMinn St, Darwin | 8981 9351 | dvaa.net.au TUE - FRI 12PM-5PM | SAT 10AM-3PM

50:50

A DVA Member Show Annie Moors, 'Untitled', 2020, Screenprint on paper, A3

Open House

Project Open House Project is an open studio and exhibition event showcasing works produced throughout 2020 by a collective of 18 artists from the Free Space Studio. The exhibition features photography and screen-printed works by the artists, who this year, participated in a number of unique skills development workshops.

Merchandise and disability awareness story cards are also for sale on the night. You can also enjoy a live performance by the Kapok Collective!

WHEN FRI 4 – THU 17 DEC | OPENING FRI 4 DEC, 5-7PM

DVA are rounding out the Darwin Visual Arts Artistic Program for 2020 with one final member exhibition, 50:50. Why 50:50? Well, for every artwork sold during the show, 50 per cent will be donated to DVA’s Creative Partnerships Australia Plus1 fundraising campaign, which in turn will double with the Plus1 matched funding.

All donations received from artwork sales contribute to maintaining your local artist-run initiative, creating a Contemporary Art Prize, facilitating new artist projects and more.

WHEN FRI 4 – FRI 18 DEC

OPENING FRI 4 DEC, 6-8PM

Member's exhibition POLITIKANT from June-July. Photo: RachelRachel Photography

GALLERY 5

PAUL JOHNSTONE GALLERY

10AM-6PM OR BY APPOINTMENT 0431 609 241

WED–FRI 10AM-5PM | TUE & SAT 10AM–2PM

24 Garden Hill Crescent, The Gardens

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

Ivor Cole, 'Objet D'art', Oil on canvas, 50x50cm

Danny Murphy, Max Bowden & Cecily Willis Max Bowden, 'Golden Sand', 2020, Oil on canvas, 30.5x41cm.

TO CELEBRATE THE end of 2020, Paul Johnstone Gallery showcases the works of three extraordinary artists in one exhibition, Danny Murphy, Max Bowden and Cecily Willis. Together, these artists exemplify the extraordinary creative talent that resides within the Northern Territory.

OLD SCHOOL ART EXHIBITION

Following 2019’s outrageously successful The Infamous Five exhibition comes Old School – a new and exciting show by artists Ivor Cole, Bill Davies, Colin Holt and Kris Larson.

Cecily and Danny are both exceptional ceramicists, whose works have been shown and collected across Australia, while admired artist Max Bowden presents an intimate selection of oil paintings, executed in and around Darwin.

Why Old School? Because combined, these artists have over 240 years on planet Earth, and over 140 years of exhibiting their work.

WHEN SAT 5 & SUN 6, SAT 12 & SUN 13 DEC

Cecily Wiilis, 'Body Paint' (set seven), 2020, Mid fire stoneware with low fire dry glaze.

Danny Murphy, 'Leaves', 2020, Earthenware sagga fired with terra sigillata

UNTIL SAT 12 DEC

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FOOD

&

DRINK AT DARWIN LANGUAGES CENTRE INFO adultshortcourses.com

Get Cookin' this Christmas Christmas Finger Food At the end of this cooking workshop, you’ll be able to impress your guests with sticky chicken wings, rice paper rolls, smoked salmon and mango blinis. So fancy!

magine this. The Christmas tree is twinkling, Mariah Carey blasts through your speakers, the table is set complete with Christmas crackers, the champagne’s on ice and your guests are due to arrive any minute. But what to feed them? That’s the last time you put your hand up to host. Or is it?

Take the guesswork out of Christmas cooking and learn the basics with Darwin Adult Short Courses. ‘Tis the season to impress your guests!

Christmas Baking Head along for two nights of sweet and savoury baking, and whip up baked festive goodies such as fresh salmon pastry plait, sweet and savoury filo pastry ideas, decorated light fruit cake, panettone and mince pies.

Creative Christmas Leftovers Ever find your fridge packed with leftover food from Christmas lunch, but get a bit sick of tucking into the same feast for days on end? Spruce up your leftovers and turn your ham, turkey, vegetables, Christmas pudding and custard into reinvigorated dishes.

Christmas Cooking Made Easy Chef Jenny invites you to this special cooking class where she shows you culinary tricks of the trade to make your life easy this Christmas. Got some ideas or need help with a specific dish? Send them through when booking and so Chef can make note.

WHEN TUE 15 DEC | 6.30-9PM COST $50

WHEN WED 16 DEC | 6.30-9PM COST $50

WHEN TUE 8 & WED 9 DEC WHEN TUE 1 DEC | 6.30-9PM COST $50

6.30-9PM

COST

$90

Festive

Imagine settling in for a delicious feast and a few cheeky tipples, without having to lift a finger.

Imagine no longer, friends, because Hilton Darwin’s PepperBerry Restaurant team is keen to do the hard work so you don’t have to, with a range of exciting dining experiences this silly season.

Sound good? Oh, it is.

AT PEPPERBERRY RESTAURANT INFO darwintickets.com.au facebook.com/ pepperberryrestaurant

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Feasting New Year’s Eve 5-Course Penfolds Wine Dinner Bring in the New Year in style and elegance, and treat yourself with five delicious courses paired with premium Penfold wines.

Premium Christmas Lunch Skip hosting and sweating in a hot Wet season kitchen this Christmas, and kick back and enjoy, celebrate and indulge, leaving the hard work to someone else.

Spend the day tucking into a premium buffet whilst sipping on a fine selection of beverages. This premium Christmas experience, especially created for adults, includes a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a three-hour beverage

package and a festive hot and cold buffet that’ll leave you stuffed like a Christmas turkey.

Tuck into fig and blue cheese salad with candied walnuts, chilled king prawns with Marie Rose sauce and fresh lemon, and peach and white rum glazed baked ham. Merry Christmas, indeed.

WHEN FRI 25 DEC | 12-3PM COST $219

Enjoy a glass of chilled Tumbarumba Chardonnay with bocconcini, pear and rocket caprese with prosciutto and pine nut crumb, finished with a balsamic glaze. Indulge in slow-cooked lamb leg with fennel relish, pickled onion and broccolini topped with a quince jus, enjoyed with a heady glass of St Henri Shiraz.

New Year’s Day Brunch Toast the New Year with a special buffet brunch. This delicious feast includes three hours of free-flowing sparkling – because let’s face it, 2021 is reason enough to celebrate…

Treat yourself with grilled halloumi, sundried tomato and spinach salad, and hot breakfast fare including bacon, grilled tomato, house made beans, mushrooms and sausages.

Round out your experience with sweet treats such as fresh fruit, yoghurt panna cotta with berry and rhubarb compote, and French toast with strawberry cheesecake topping.

Your New Year can only be happy with a spread like this!

If your New Year’s resolution is to enjoy quality food and have a good time, head along – it’s not every year you get to knock one of these over on day one.

WHEN THU 31 DEC | 7-10PM COST $159

WHEN FRI 1 JAN | 12-3PM COST $79

MUSIC Settle Down Sessions: Kuya James presents “Namamasko Po” WHEN AT COST INFO

THU 17 DEC | 7.30-9.30PM DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE $35 yourcentre.com.au | facebook.com/kuyajamesmusic

Namamasko Po uya James launched his debut album ISA at the incredible Pinoy Street Party during Darwin Festival, featuring some of the brightest young stars from the local Filipino community.

that no one can go home this year.

Christmas in the Philippines is huge, it actually starts in September. It’s so big, that when you walk the streets of Manila, there are lights and decorations everywhere.

It’s full on.

This month, he’s back with the Settle Down Sessions, Christmas party edition – and he’s bringing his friends Emcille, PHL the Beat, Point of Presence and more, with him. We caught up with him for a yarn.

I thought it would be a nice thing to do for the Filipino community, to put on a Christmas concert and showcase local Filipino talent.

We spoke to DEC about the Settle Down Sessions, so throwing a Christmas party made sense. It’s all about celebrating community and storytelling, and Filipinos can share with everyone what Christmas is for them. I think it’ll be a real feel good event because of that.

What made you want to throw a Christmas party?

Well, it’s not really on brand for me – I call Christmas ‘Exmas’ [laughs].

In saying that, what I realised is

Your dad, or Tatay, is your poster boy. Tell us about that…

Basically I thought to myself, “what would be a cool poster?”. I wanted it to be Christmassy, but I didn’t want to be on it myself. I thought that my Dad looked a bit like an old, wise, Asian, Miyagi-looking Santa…

on?” [laughs]. He sort of trusts me but he knows I tease him a bit. He can be a serious man but he’s got a great sense of humour, a bit tongue in cheek. He’s also a preacher so a lot of people were asking if it was a Christian event, so it’s been a bit funny explaining that one.

Brad Firebrace, who runs Barunga, found this Bah Humbug hat in the [Skinnyfish] office, so we put it on Dad and turned it around so you couldn’t see the writing and took a photo. Then Caiti [Baker] designed the poster.

Pinoy Street Party was a hoot and a half, and this performance looks to feature much of the talent from the night – is this all-in community collab something we can expect to see more of?

Yeah I think so. I definitely think, since Pinoy Street Party, community members are starting to feel seen, like the word’s gotten around. PHL the Beat’s been booked for a few

I think he loves it? I sent him a photo of it on the screen at DEC, and he just said, “What is going

gigs since then. It’s kind of like saying, “hey Darwin, do you know this is in your town?”

I think of how the parents of those young kids – who have come from nothing – will feel to see their child on stage, under lights at The Playhouse. I think of my own father’s journey and what he might feel when he sees me perform, how different my experience has been than his. My community deserves a place in the Darwin arts scene and the people of Darwin deserve to experience it.

MUSIC NT PRESENTS

Photo: William C Thomson

Sally Balfour INFO facebook.com/sallyjbalfour | musicnt.com.au

IT’S UNIVERSALLY ACKNOWLEDGED that flexibility and adaptability are necessary traits to survive, and thrive, in the music industry. With a children’s album telling the tale of a travelling crocodile and a single speaking of the harsh reality of life as a firefighter’s wife in the works, it’s safe to say Tennant Creek-based singer-songwriter Sally Balfour has both in spades.

MusicNT sat down with Balfour to find out more about these two very different projects.

You’re known for your beautiful folk/roots sounds – tell us how

your foray into the world of children’s music came about!

As a parent, I was struggling to find kids’ music that I liked, so I decided to create my own. My first idea was a book and CD, but as I was writing grant applications it really solidified into an album.

As a desert kid, I have a real thing about water – an irrational fear that was rationalised during my time living in Darwin. There is always talk of culling crocodiles, which is where the idea of Clara stemmed from.

Other crocodiles are threatening her, so she ups and moves to where there are no crocodiles, with a journey down the Stuart Highway.

Lots of NT artists feature on Clara the Crocodile, how did you choose who to collaborate with?

I began by mapping out the different locations Clara would travel through, worked out the local animals, and then the local musicians I wanted to work with.

That’s how the songs were formed.

Are there any other NT artists you’re keen to work with in the future?

That’s a big question, there’s a lot.

Dave Garnham is definitely one of them. Caiti Baker is amazing, she would be someone for sure, as she was on my list for Clara. Ben Evolent as well... I could go on!

But I soon realised it would be bigger than Ben-Hur, recording with local artists right down the highway, so I chose to work with Alice Springs artists as that’s where I recorded – at Red House Recording Studio with Darcy Davis. Fortunately, everyone I approached was keen to be involved.

You were recently announced as a recipient of the MusicNT/ Spotify NT Create & Release Grant.

Congratulations! What are your plans?

I’m going to release a single I’m recording at home with the help of Bill Chambers. When I sat down to write the song as part of the I Heart Songwriting Club, it’s not one

I thought I would write.

My husband is a firefighter and was sent to NSW to help with the fires at the beginning of the year. It really hit me when he left – the realisation of what they go through, what he actually does. That’s where the song stemmed from. I’m also going to work with Michael Hamilton from Darwin to film a clip for the single, which is exciting.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received you’d like to share?

As a performer, if you make a mistake on stage, do it proudly and no one will know. It’s only you that critiques yourself so hard.

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DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

By Tamara Howie

DSO PRESENTS

WHERE I ROAM

GIG

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

Photo: Tim Nicol Photography

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

/offtheleashmag

IN A PRE-PANDEMIC world, the Darwin Symphony Orchestra and NT Dance Company hatched a plan to work together. And although we’re in a time where physical roaming has some restrictions, through music and dance, you can be transported to a new world.

Where I Roam features dancers and musicians on stage together, taking audiences on a moving journey featuring Richter’s version of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Respighi’s Pines of Rome.

For Larrakia man and choreographer Gary Lang, the show is the culmination of a year’s work during challenging times.

“I was meant to be in England for four weeks, but came back 10 days later and everything was closed for

a period of time. I was aching to get back into the studio and create work,” he said.

The first two pieces are personal to Lang, who is revered for bringing emotive work to the stage. “[They’re] about myself healing and letting go, and finding who I am again and releasing some of the darkness within,” he said.

“With the dancers I have, we all become reflections of each other.

I can say ‘this is how I’m feeling, now find that within yourself but this is the movement’. They bring qualities of their experiences but still maintain the choreography.”

It’s been several years since the DSO and NT Dance Company collaborated in this way, but DSO’s Artistic Director and Chief Conduc-

@OTLmag

tor Jonathan Tooby recently worked with Lang on Milky Way with West Australian Ballet. He says Where I Roam will be a “truly spectacular event.”

Settle Down Sessions: Kuya James presents “Namamasko Po” WHEN THU 17 DEC | 7.30-9.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

“Bringing music and dance together is always exciting, and to work with the wonderful Gary Lang is really a treat,” he says.

“Gary brings such a beautiful perspective to his choreography with thoroughly engaging, emotional and moving results. It’s going to be a very special encounter.”

WHEN SAT 5 DEC | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST $20- $60 | $130 FAM INFO yourcentre.com.au dso.org.au

COST $35 INFO yourcentre.com.au

NYE Party - Life in the Tropics Don your brightest, breezy tropical attire, and party into 2021 with John Rood and the Nood Dudes performing live ‘til late. With free entry, hot food and relaxed vibes by the sea, this chilled party is the perfect, easy and uncomplicated alternative to the bustle of town or staying at home. Kick back and ease your way into the New Year. Ahh! WHEN THU 31 DEC | 7PM-2AM AT DINAH BEACH YACHT CLUB COST FREE INFO facebook.com/dbcya

Photo: Tim Nicol Photography

DSO: Family Proms WHEN SAT 5 DEC | 10.30-11.30AM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT

DARWIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S Family Proms music program offers the perfect introduction to classical music for young and old alike. December’s performance showcases the unique sounds of each individual instrument and shares the power of the music that’s created when they’re combined.

We had a chat with DSO Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Jonathan Tooby about the magic of orchestral music.

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Family Proms

What’s the best thing about classical music for kids?

Classical music has the power to transport children into a variety of worlds. The orchestra has such a rich palette of sounds that, combined with a child’s imagination, can take them to some magical places.

Will any particular instruments surprise new listeners?

I think for most people new to the sound of a symphony orchestra of 70 players, it is the sound of the whole orchestra that overwhelms them. Of course, there are some ex-

#OTLmag

CENTRE

WHEN SAT 5 DEC | 10.30-11.30AM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRE COST $15 | FREE BABES IN ARMS INFO yourcentre.com.au

dso.org.au

COST $15 | FREE BABES IN ARMS INFO yourcentre.com.au

dso.org.au

DSO: Where I Roam WHEN SAT 5 DEC | 7.30-8.50PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

traordinary individual instrumental textures, but it is the whole sound that is truly unique and amazing.

What are your hot tips for the best classical music pieces for young ones?

There are some obvious choices, like Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev or Carnival of the Animals by Saint Saens, which have very beautiful text and really enhances the experience for children. There is also so much terrific film music, too, the list is truly endless. Peer Gynt by Grieg is also a favourite!

A Meter Apart : Undén – Borderlines Swedish sound artist and musician Mats Undén explores how live piano improvisations, influenced by blues and avant-garde jazz, interact with analogue synthesiser patterns, feedback and noise.

WHEN SUN 6 DEC | 3.30-5.30PM AT NCCA, PARAP COST $15 INFO facebook.com/ameterapart

COST $20-$60 | $130 FAM INFO yourcentre.com.au dso.org.au

New Year’s Eve at the Waterfront WHEN THU 31 DEC AT DARWIN WATERFRONT COST FREE INFO waterfront.nt.gov.au Darryl Barba Enjoy the acoustic sounds of local muso Darryl Barba on Friday nights and Sundays, as he plays some favourites of classic rock, country and blues, as well as some new original tunes.

WHEN EVERY FRI | 6-9PM AT THE FORESHORE RESTAURANT & CAFÉ

Live Music at Hotel Darwin Catch live music from Glen Forner every Friday night and Matt Hellak every Saturday night in Hotel Darwin’s Beer Garden.

WHEN EVERY FRI, 6-9PM

EVERY SAT, 6-10PM

AT HOTEL DARWIN COST FREE

DOM’S BAR & LOUNGE Aralia Shops, Nightcliff facebook.com/domsbardarwin

Thursday Live @ Dom’s See what all the Thursday buzz is all about in Nightcliff and come kick it with Dom. Enjoy live local music acts or catch a story or two with one of Dom’s famous cocktails in hand.

Cheers.

WHEN EVERY THU | 6PM COST FREE – SOME EVENTS

TICKETED

Friday Knock Offs @ Dom’s Kick back with a cocktail and beats from a live DJ, and bring in your weekend in Nightcliff.

By Zoya Godoroja-Prieckaerts

DOWN

The Track

HAPPENINGS IN THE RED CENTRE

You can even try the 2020 Mango Cup award-winning cocktail, the Territori-tini.

WHEN EVERY FRI | 4PM COST FREE

JAM NIGHTS AND OPEN MIC

Each year, Elbow Workshop releases a new summer collection inspired by the special, often complex, place of Mparntwe/Alice Springs. This year, there’s heart and critical awareness all wrapped up in a few elegant and playful pieces.

Your Warm Cookies Are Back Earlier…

Elbow Workshop is made up of two halves – shoe-maker and leather-worker, James B Young, and independent designer, Elliat Rich.

Together, they create a space and product range to reflects their experience of being in Central Australia and living on Arrernte Country.

The combination is stellar and goes way back. Their history includes huge installations at the National Gallery of Victoria, collaborations with local First Nations artists, wild projects involving virtual reality and stone masonry – the impressive list goes on.

Enjoy a couple of cold drinks and embrace the atmosphere of local live music at the Pint Club.

WHEN SUN 6 DEC & SUN 3 JAN 2-5PM

AT PINT CLUB, MARRARA COST GOLD COIN DONATION INFO facebook.com/firstsun

For usable, long-lasting products that are a joy to use, the duo’s 2020 collection is where it’s at. Ever used camel soap? It’s silky smooth with a wholesome smell of cedar, produced old school from camel tallow and the highest quality ingredients, all handmade in their studio.

It’s been four years since launching their annual tea towel and this year’s edition is visual-communication genius. They’re looking at the Mereenie Aquifer – the main water supply for the region. Through signs and symbols reflective of bathtubs, troopies, time and more, they are trying to paint a picture of what is going on with our water.

dayblues

“To understand its preciousness, that it’s irreplaceable”, explains Rich.

Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals WHEN TUE 1, 8 & 15 DEC | 7-9PM AT 2 ABALA RD, MARRARA COST $20 ANNUAL INFO darwincitybrassband.org.au

Jam Nights Head down to the open mic night every Tuesday and jump on stage or sit back and enjoy the music.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 9PM AT NIRVANA COST FREE INFO nirvanadarwin.com.au

“Through policy and use, we need to be thinking long-term, using it responsibly and respectfully.”

She adds that the local town basin needs even more urgent attention, explaining that the source we use daily requires the Todd River – normally dry 95% of the year – to flow full for six months straight to see it replenished.

Last Sunday Jam Head along the Dinah Beach Yacht Club on the last Sunday of the month for live music by the sea.

WHEN SUN 27 DEC & SUN 31 JAN 3-6PM

AT DINAH BEACH YACHT CLUB COST FREE INFO facebook.com/dbcya

Although a humble dishcloth, this beautifully designed tea towel shows us that these, and all water sources around the Territory, must be protected at all costs.

let the fun begin 4th-22nd January 2020

FREE three week school holiday program Catch waves in our Wave Lagoon, jump into some Beach Volleyball or relax at the Tropical Summer Beach Club

As with all their products, the tea towel is high quality and thoughtfully made for the user. The two-colour print on organic cotton includes an explanation so you can understand each curious symbol and share these insights with others.

“We’re trying to inspire conversations that add to the really good work and thinking that’s been done around water use.”

If you want beauty, small-batch, local and inspiring, Elbow Workshop is the place to find it.

INFO elbowworkshop.com.au

Plus, dine with the family on around the world cuisine across our restaurants, cafes and bars. visit waterfront.nt.gov.au for more details on our full school holiday program and daily giveaways!

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Thank you Darwin!

In a year where connection to community has been more important than ever, since our reopening in July, 17,000 of you came to help us celebrate our local arts community as we presented 60 new works for locals, by locals.

In 2021, we will continue to connect, curate and create, giving voice to meaningful things and entertaining you!

We’ve got exciting things in store, so keep an eye out for our new releases!

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