Winner, 2019, 2020 & 2021 NT Media Awards, Best Magazine or Lift Out
GUMURR’MANYDJI MANAPANMIRR DJÄMA
NT WRITERS FESTIVAL
DJARMALAK FESTIVAL
ALPA celebrates 50 years
Balarr - catching the light
Sweet Sunday series in Beswick
JUNE
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PERFORMING ARTS
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VISUAL ARTS
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YOUR FREE WHAT’S ON GUIDE TO THE NT
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hings are certainly ramping up… For the first time since I can remember, we closed advert bookings early to keep a nice balance on our pages, and there’s no shortage of things to do and see in the Territory. There’s also no shortage of reasons to celebrate, with some serious milestones this month...
F R OM T H E
and culture rolling out over the next three months in Beswick community, and Malandarri Festival also returns to the remote community of Borroloola, with a full weekend of fun for the family. Our LGBTQI+ community is fiercely celebrated at Katherine Pride and Darwin Pride Festivals. Rubbish is given a second chance, repurposed and reimagined at Katherine Junk Festival, and down the track, the humble beanie takes centre stage at the Alice Springs Beanie Festival.
r o t i d E
In 1972, the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) was developed as a co-operative to manage seven community stores in Arnhem Land. To celebrate their 50th anniversary, ALPA presents an exciting photographic exhibition, unearthing a unique glimpse through never-before-seen images at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. These Yolŋu stories and images are very special – I encourage you to go and see it. Also celebrating a nifty 50 this year is our beloved Brown’s Mart Theatre. Did you know, back in the early 70s, a swag of “amateur theatre groups” stopped the entire precinct from being bulldozed? All these years later, I just couldn’t imagine Darwin without it. Celebrations kick off with the first SPUN storytelling event, which has been carefully handed over by Story Projects, now under the gentle care of Brown’s Mart. You know what else is fun? Going to a festival. And take your pick, folks, you’re in for a hoot. Djarmalak returns with three huge Sundays of music, art
It’s also the Top End’s turn to host the NT Writers Festival, as it returns to Larrakia Country with a beaut and bold program of events, carefully curated around this year’s theme, Balarr – catching the light. There’s also theatre, comedy, dance and music to boot. I’m isolating at home as I pen this letter, my turn for the second line to appear on a rapid test arriving a day before print. Shout out to our wonderful Editorial Assistant Kate for her support – and for bringing me coffee! I’ve got to say, proofing the magazine from a safe distance in the driveway was a strange experience... Huge thanks also to our talented interim designer Mike for his efforts in putting this beaut mag together. A reminder we’re on the hunt for a new designer to join the team, and applications close this month.
FEATURE | 4 Around Town | 5 Performing Arts | 8 Books & Film | 11 festivals | 17 Visual Arts | 20 Music | 24 calendaR | PULL-OUT
White Louvres, Green Thumbs | 5
URZILA CARLSON | 10
That’s it from me. Stay well, stay safe, and good luck splitting your time across all of the fun things this month.
MALANDARRI FESTIVAL | 17
Tierney Seccull Managing Editor and Development Manager
Kate Conway Editorial Assistant
Mike Frier Graphic Designer
OTL is proudly supported by
Zoya Godoroja-Prieckaerts & Hannah Muir Contributing writers 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.
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Cover proudly sponsored by The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Cover image: Yolŋu wäŋa roŋiyirra marrtji guyaŋura bunhaŋur (Returning home from hunting). People featured: Muwarra Ganambarr 1
June 2022
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FEATURE In 1972, the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) was developed as a co-operative to manage seven community stores in Arnhem Land. The largest independent Aboriginal corporation in the country has come a long way since then – from selling goods in hot tin sheds to full self-service, air-conditioned stores operating in 27 communities across Australia. To celebrate their 50th anniversary, ALPA presents an exciting photographic exhibition, unearthing a unique glimpse through never-before-seen images at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).
Buŋgulwun marrtji ŋamaŋamayunmirr (Preparing for ceremony). Dick Binyinyiwuy is a Djambarrpuyŋu man and senior clan leader who is about to lead this Buŋgul (ceremony). Milingimbi, c. late '60s - early '70s
ALPA team engaging in community consultations in Milingimbi
Gumurr’manydji Manapanmirr Djäma By Tierney Seccull
umurr’manydji Manapanmirr Djäma translates to ‘making successful business together’. It’s an ethos ALPA has championed over its five decades, built on “Yolŋu and Balanda working together”. Led by a Yolŋu Board of Directors, and with the support of the Executive Team, ALPA has a focus on training, developing skills, creating jobs, and developing sustainable businesses for Yolŋu. ALPA CEO Alistair King says they’re proud of this significant milestone. “ALPA is one of few Aboriginal organisations to have survived 50 years since the transition from the mission era through to today,” he says.
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“Since the beginning, ALPA focused on being financially independent and sustainable so that we could continue to build our services to support our communities, develop our commercial operations, and contribute to regional economic
development. Our all-Yolŋu Board of Directors pride ourselves on being independent, and key to this is our commitment to Indigenous training and employment.” This core mission is demonstrated in present day operations undertaken by ALPA, evolving over the decades to offer more than sustainable community stores and food security, branching out into areas including construction and furniture. ALPA’s Media & Communications Specialist Charmaine Ingram discovered some old shoeboxes full of old photographs during a major clean-up of the Darwin ALPA office and was coincidentally thinking of ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary. It wasn’t long before she realised the photos could be a celebratory point – not just for ALPA and their community members, but for the public, too. In staying true to ALPA’s core, it’s all been led by ALPA's Yolŋu Community Advisory Committees and members.
“The most important part … is that it’s been community led. We have travelled to Ramingining, Gapuwiyak, Galiwin’ku, Milingimbi and Minjilang to work with hundreds of Yolŋu community members and families, and to listen to and record the stories of the images chosen to exhibit,” she says.
worked tirelessly and dedicated their working lives to ALPA and our communities.”
incredible goodwill, creativity and determination,” says MAGNT Director Marcus Schutenko.
Made possible through the Australian Government’s RISE initiative, it was the dream of Charmaine and her team to have these precious images and stories exhibited at MAGNT.
“Remote curation via Zoom in a time of COVID – not easy! The strong Indigenous voices come through from the moment you enter the exhibition. It has been a real privilege and highly rewarding to work with Charmaine and the curatorial team on this exhibition.”
“We have listened to the people who are in the images, and listened to the families of those that are in the images that are no longer here with us. The stories you will read about and images you will see are a gift from our communities to the public to learn about the pride and culture of Yolŋu people, and to hopefully learn to listen, too.”
“I am so grateful that our Board of Directors supported this vision, and am equally thankful for MAGNT's Assistant Director Content and Innovation Louise Partos for undertaking this ambitious project, helping steer us toward what is a significant exhibition for the Yolŋu people and the wider public.”
ALPA Chairman Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra got behind the exhibition when the idea first sprouted.
Likewise, the gravity and importance of this unique and special exhibition isn’t lost on the MAGNT team.
“For us to showcase our journey of 50 years of operating – to recognise our forerunners, our founders – [the exhibition] is an opportunity to pay our respects to those that have
“MAGNT is very excited to be able to work in partnership with ALPA … to deliver our first remote Indigenous community curated exhibition. It has been a project full of humour,
Immerse yourself in this important slice of history and experience the images and the stories from the people and communities featured in the exhibition. The time has come to celebrate 50 years of ‘making successful business together’.
Gumurr’manydji Manapanmirr Djäma (Making successful business together) WHEN DAILY, 10am-4pm OPENS SUN 12 JUN at MAGNT INFO magnt.net.au | alpa.asn.au
AROUND TOWN Government House Open Days
White Louvres,
GREEN THUMBS IF YOU’RE A self-professed green thumb, or aspiring to be one, and love local history and architecture, an invitation to attend Government House is a welcome one. This month, Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O'Halloran AO, Administrator of the Northern Territory invites you to pop by for a visit. The gates and doors of Government House are propped open for two exciting Open Day events, which is something Her Honour confesses she looks forward to.
By Tierney Seccull
to open it up and allow people to experience it.” Peruse the garden and wander at your own pace past the many varieties of carefully tended-to plants and flowers. Drift leisurely within the confines of the white louvered walls dotted with tropical flower arrangements, learn some local history, and see the very rooms members of the Royal family have stayed in. There’s a range of stalls to peruse from local community groups, and you’re sure to learn a thing or two during your visit, the friendly and welcoming team on hand to answer your burning questions.
“I think it’s one of the real joys about this role, having people come to Government House. It’s something my husband Craig and I often talk about – it’s wonderful to see people choosing to come and experience Government “History buffs like to talk about House,” she says. Government House with our friendly staff, and some people spend quite “What we often find, at these types a bit of time talking to the gardeners of events that are not particular to about what’s in the vegetable a patronage of an organisation, or garden, or asking, ‘why isn’t my a specific group, is that Territorians croton doing what it should be come out that have never been to doing?’,” Her Honour laughs. Government House before. It’s lovely
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH rom humble beginnings, the Katherine Junk Festival has evolved into a celebration of arts, culture and music. Now in its 10th year, with multiple, hotly contested categories in the Junk Sculpture competition, plus 1700 visitors expected to attend, it’s a far cry from the single prize, 30 person affair it began as. Entries can be created using anything, from egg cartons to repurposed car parts or washing machines, and over the years, the festival has seen all sorts of weird and wonderful art projects come through the gates. According to Katherine Regional Arts’ Jacinta Mooney, it is the environmental impact that remains at the core of the festival. ‘The whole idea behind it is to think about how we waste and encourage people to reduce what they buy. We have a long way to go, but I do think that the Junk Festival has helped foster a greater awareness of our environment,” she says.
‘The threat to Katherine has become more apparent with very poor wet seasons and planting of cotton. We have been on water restrictions on numerous occasions over the last few years, and those things combined I think have influenced people to think, ‘yes maybe we are vulnerable’.” The festival proudly practices what they preach, adopting a zero waste policy with no single use plastics, and purchases carbon credits to offset festival emissions. All while having a good time doing it! This year, popular band Blekbala Mujik rocks the stage, and the charismatic character that is Constantina Bush is on the mic as compère for the festivities. As well as some local flavour, staying true to the festival's grass roots, community feel. “Corrugated Iron [Youth Arts] have been working with kids out at Binjari and Rockhole communities, outside of Katherine, and will perform circus skills wearing junk inspired outfits.”
WHEN FRI 24 JUN | 3-6PM SAT 25 JUN | 10AM-2PM AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE COST FREE INFO eventbrite.com.au govhouse.nt.gov.au facebook.com/ governmenthousedarwin
You might even reveal some lesser-known facts about the inner workings of Government House, like the chillies hanging in the cellar. “People love the cellar – it’s a hit! When you go down the stairs, there’s a little part where you can bump your head, so I get some chillies out of the garden and sew them all together and hang them up as a little warning.” There’s also a friendly skeleton lurking in the cellar, referred to fondly – for now – as Gus. “His name changes every year, this year it’s Gus. It’s had far more regal names in the past, but we thought Gus was a good name for 2022. Don’t ask me why, I think a child suggested that to me, so Gus it is!” For these little gems of inside intel and more, from the most famous house in the NT, head along and pay Her Honour a visit. She’s looking forward to seeing you!
By Kate Conway
If this were a wedding anniversary, the traditional gift for a 10-year milestone is tin – or a diamond if you’re modern (and fancy!). How fitting for a festival quite literally turning trash into treasure? Round up the crew and head along to this cherished event. Or better yet, get those creative juices flowing and enter a junk sculpture yourself. You never know, you just may create a diamond in the rough…
Katherine Junk Festival WHEN SAT 4 JUN | 5PM AT LINDSAY STREET COMPLEX, KATHERINE COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ katherineregionalarts
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LISTINGS
WHEN AT COST INFO
Penfolds Dinner Series Join Penfolds global ambassador, Jamie Sach, for an indulgent night of fine-dining and wine pairing. Feast on a five-course dinner expertly accompanied by Penfolds wine and take your taste buds on a journey across the opulent, Penfolds range. WHEN AT COST INFO
THU 2 JUN | 6-11PM IL PIATTO $290 mindilbeachcasinoresort. com.au
FRI 3 JUN | 5-9PM GOVERNMENT HOUSE FREE facebook.com/ governmenthousedarwin
WHEN WED 8 & 22 JUN | 6-8PM AT JINGILI WATER GARDENS SKATE PARK COST FREE INFO launchdarwin.com.au
Silver Jewellery Making with Marianne Eichenberg During this six-week workshop, students learn the basic techniques of silver jewellery making. Students can create simple pieces such as a ring, pendant, or other design of their own, using sterling silver. Suitable for beginners or students with prior knowledge. WHEN TUE 14 – TUE 19 JUN | 7PM AT TACTILE ARTS COST $450 | $410 MEMB INFO tactilearts.org.au
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Drag Trivia at Mayberry Join hosts Donnie Piccolo and Natalie Pellegrino, and their special guests for a fabulous night of drag
Music on the Lawn
trivia. Brush up on your general knowledge for your chance to win a Mayberry voucher. WHEN AT COST INFO
Entries Open for Royal Darwin Show Calling all Territory talent! It’s your time to shine and compete with the best of the Territory, entries are now open for the 71st Royal Darwin Show. There are thousands of competitions from horse riding to cooking, arts and crafts to plants, poultry, dogs, cats, beaut utes and much more. Entry forms are available online and at the Royal Agricultural Society office.
2022 NT CEO Sleepout Vinnies invites community leaders to move from the boardroom to cardboard and sleepout to raise awareness and funds to help those experiencing homelessness. Fannie Bay Gaol is the location for this year's sleep out, so join Vinnies NT for a night of concrete and cardboard for a cause! WHEN AT COST INFO
Too Much Stuff Recycling Upcycling Flea Market to sell or pick up second-hand clothes, plants, fishing and sporting gear, tools, kids toys and games, books, plants, household goods and more. Sellers, buyers, recyclers, upcyclers are all welcome. Do your bit to reduce adding waste to landfill and reduce, reuse, repurpose, restyle, recycle and repair.
EVERY THU | 7-9PM MAYBERRY FREE mayberrydarwin.com
WHEN FRI 17 JUN | ENTRIES CLOSE INFO darwinshow.com.au
Skate Nights Head to Jingili for free music and skating at the park. Step aside midweek, make some time for yourself and meet other skaters – newbies and spectators welcome! These fun skate nights, recommended for those aged 13 and over, include anything on wheels such as skateboarders, skaters, BMX bikes and scooters. Get rollin’.
Photo: George F Photography
JOIN HER HONOUR the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO, Administrator of the Northern Territory and her team to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. As the sun dips into the ocean, enjoy the sounds of the Australian Army Band, Band of the 1st Brigade while feasting upon tasty morsels washed down by chilled cocktails or bubbly. Lovely!
THU 23 JUN FANNIE BAY GAOL FREE ceosleepout.org.au
Darwin Frocktails If you love to sew, wear what you’ve made and head down to the Ski Club for some cocktails or mocktails, and admire the creativity of other Territorians. Whether you are creating your first simple skirt or a ballgown, join other sewing enthusiasts for a chance to show off your style. There are prizes for the best outfits including newbie sewer, experienced sewer, outfit featuring Indigenous fabric and a people’s choice award. WHEN AT COST INFO
The Belong Ball Dust off your tuxedos and ballgowns and dance the night away. Indulge in champagne on arrival, a sweets table and help fundraise for the RSPCA to support lost, neglected and abandoned animals. WHEN AT COST INFO
Tactile Arts Kids Workshops Head along to Tactile Arts for a variety of workshops these school holidays, from ceramics to print-making, designed especially for children. Crafty, creative fun! WHEN AT COST INFO
FRI 24 JUN – TUE 19 JUL TACTILE ARTS FROM $30 tactilearts.org.au
SAT 25 JUN | 5.30-8.30PM DARWIN SKI CLUB FREE eventbrite.com.au
SAT 25 JUN | 6.30-11.30PM WHARF ONE FOOD AND WINE $79 – $89 belongevents.com.au
Brekkie in the Park Head to Palmo for what some call the most important meal of the day, andsome family-friendly, outdoor fun at Brekkie in the Park. Enjoy a free,healthy breakfast, activities for the kids and, of course, coffee! WHEN AT COST INFO
SUN 26 JUN | 8-10AM TIVERTON PARK FREE palmerston.nt.gov.au
Too Much Stuff Recycling Upcycling Flea Market Have you got too much stuff? Or, do you need stuff? Head along to
WHEN AT COST INFO
SUN 26 JUN | 9AM-12PM ALAWA HALL FREE facebook.com/ toomuchstuffdarwin
Parap Village Markets Soak up the warm Territory atmosphere and hospitality at the Parap Village Markets, on every Saturday throughout the year – rain or shine! Sample the tantalising tastes of
together to help raise vital funds for local charities including Rotary’s Junior Sport Foundation and Charlie King’s NO MORE initiative. Every Wednesday, you have the opportunity to place in the Grand Final in July, to have a shot at a million big ones. Fore!
local and exotic dishes, catch up with friends, and wander through the markets to discover a bounty of local goods, including clothing, jewellery, art, crafts, and much more. The Parap Market experience is an essential part of your visit to Darwin, and a local favourite on the weekend routine. WHEN EVERY SAT | 8AM-2PM AT PARAP VILLAGE MARKETS INFO parapvillage.com.au
Movement Medicine Deep dive into the magnificence of presence every Sunday morning, and for the love of life, have a dance! New dancers are welcome, no experience necessary. WHEN EVERY SUN | 10-11.30PM AT NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE COST $20 INFO movement.magic@ yahoo.com
Breakfast by the Bay The cool breeze is starting to waft in over Fannie Bay and that means the crew at Darwin Trailer Boat Club are delighted to announce breakfast is back! Running every Sunday in the Dry, head down for brekkie bowls, eggs benny and much more!
WHEN AT COST INFO
EVERY SUN | 8AM DARWIN TRAILER BOAT CLUB FREE facebook.com/ darwintrailerboatclub
Salsa Classes Join Salsita Dance for these practical, fun and easy going classes, designed to help you feel confident on the dance floor. Come along and give it a whirl! WHEN AT COST INFO
EVERY TUE | 6.30-9.30PM DANCE WORLD STUDIO $20 salsitadarwin.com.au
Rotary Club of Darwin’s Million Dollar Hole You’re invited to take a shot at a seven-digit bank account if you can hit a hole-in-one at the Garden Parks Golf Links course. This community event has been put
WHEN AT COST INFO
EVERY WED | 5.30PM GARDEN PARKS GOLF LINKS $20 FOR 3 SHOTS aapevents.eventsair.com/ million-dollar-hole-in-one
PALMERSTON LIBRARY palmerston.nt.gov.au/library
Gadgets and Games Club Aimed at children 5-12 years, Gadgets and Games explores learning and fun games based on STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. WHEN EVERY TUE | 3.30-4.30PM
Storytime Sing, dance, listen to stories and engage with puppets at these fun and interactive sessions. Suitable for children aged 1-5 years. WHEN EVERY TUE & THU 10-10.45PM
Nurserytime Nurserytime involves songs, puppets, nursery rhymes and movement chosen specifically to enhance your baby's early literacy development. Suitable for children aged up to one year. WHEN EVERY WED | 10-10.45PM
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 like-minded peeps and make new friends.
Geek Up - Board Games If you're aged 15-25, you're invited to join the GG Social Club for a fun afternoon of board games. Bring your own or play one from the club’s collection. Snacks provided.
WHEN EVERY THU | 3.30-4.30PM
WHEN SUN 12 JUN | 1-4PM
CASUARINA LIBRARY launchdarwin.com.au
Geek Up - Drawing + Illustrations Drawing in the air con with snacks and new friends – sounds like a perfect Sunday arvy. Kezia has heaps of different fun activities on offer for peeps aged 15-25, including collaborative drawing, character and background design, exploring different drawing techniques and more. Let's get geeky! WHEN SUN 5 JUN | 1-4PM
Geek up Dungeons and Dragons Air con, Dungeons & Dragons, mates and snacks. That sounds like a pretty great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. If you're aged 15-25 and want to meet, connect and play, this is for you! WHEN SUN 26 JUN | 1-4PM
For a chance to see your event listed here, upload to our website. It's free!
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PERFORMING ARTS
Golden Years of
By Tierney Seccull
BROWN’S MART Darwin Community Arts – basically all the orgs that began as Brown's Mart Community Arts before they grew and branched out into their own organisations.”
Archival photograph of Ken Conway reviewing the model plans for the Brown’s Mart administration building expansion.
If that little guest list is anything to go by, you know it’s going to be a good time. The heritage listed structure is the oldest building in Darwin, built in 1885 by the mayor of the day as a mining exchange. It’s endured a lot in its tme, including destructive cyclones and bombings in WWII, and the same can be said for the theatre itself. Brown’s Mart CEO Sophia Hall says its longevity can be put down to one thing – the people.“
Brown’s Mart Theatre is a beloved local treasure, making valued deposits to the memory banks of thousands of locals and visitors over the years. This year, Brown’s Mart goes gold, 2022 marking the cherished arts organisation’s 50th anniversary. SPUN – Turning 50 THU 9 JUN | 7.30PM BROWN’S MART THEATRE $35 brownsmart.com.au
Local actor, and more recently playwright, Ciella Williams was tasked with sorting through the archives, and says everyone has their own special Brown’s Mart memory. SPUN, produced by Alyson Evans, presents the perfect platform to share them. “It’s such a nice way to get these beautiful stories – [Brown’s Mart] is just so close to my heart. I was in
Photo: Rod Diehl
WHEN AT COST INFO
Keeping on brand, with community connection at its very core, they’re keen to celebrate. And, of course, you’re all invited. Celebrations kick off this month with a special instalment of SPUN, a deeply loved home-grown storytelling event, now in the gentle hands of Brown’s Mart after a careful handover from the Story Projects team last year.
Also rolling out throughout the year is a special permanent exhibition, created in consultation with Larrakia Nation and other community and arts organisations to share the history of Brown’s Mart Theatre. There’s also a big shindig pegged for September – the official birthday party – done in cahoots with the Top End’s creative community. “We’re bringing back into the fold all the organisations that were born out of Brown’s Mart – NT Writers’ Centre, Corrugated Iron Youth Arts, Darwin Theatre Company, Tracks Dance,
SWAN LAKE By Hannah Muir
Swan Lake
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my first play at Brown’s Mart when I was 14, and I remember seeing Mum [Gail Evans] on the stage from when I was very tiny. My parents even met there,” Ciella says.
WHEN AT COST INFO
SAT 25 JUN | 7PM DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE $45 | $38 MEMB/CONC/GROUP | $30 CHILD yourcentre.com.au
BALLET IN THE DESERT? Not what you’d assume to be a thriving option for Territorians. “Every day someone asks me if there’s ballet in the NT and they are always surprised by my answer, particularly in Alice,” says Lynne Hanton, Duprada Dance Company Artistic Director.
Brown’s Mart has lasted this distance because of the passion, dedication, and spirit of innovation and energy which has threaded through and been characteristic of so many of the people and organisations who have been part of our history,” she says.
and said they had to fight for the building not to get knocked down. “Some Darwin City Council members wanted to see the building demolished. There was talk of keeping the stones as a memorial for the Chinese labourers who hued the stones to build Brown’s Mart, but we said, ‘why don’t you leave it where it is as a memorial?’,” he says. “Darwin Theatre Group was one of three small local amateur dramatic societies, and it didn’t have a home, and some of their members said, ‘let’s lobby to retain the building and to convert it to a small community performance space – we don’t want to run it, we want it to be for the community’, and so a lobby was formed. We had all kinds of support not to demolish it – locally from historical societies, and architects from interstate ... In August 1972, we held our first play there.” Other competitors vying for the space had concerns the amateur theatre groups wouldn’t last 10 years. Now, 50 years later, these “amateurs” sure showed them.
“From its earliest days, and through several iterations, the consistent themes have been of community and collaboration. So many different artists have found a shared moment “I feel proud to be part of it, and I or dream within the walls of Brown’s feel proud that it has such a broad Mart, and it is these many contribuoutreach ... Personally, it’s interesting tors who make up the whole picture, to see different generations coming who have been at the heart of forward and that it still retains the Brown’s Mart and its ongoing survival.” same strength that we thought had in those days. In some ways, it Ken Conway AM was one of the folks justifies our vision – it’s become so involved back in the early days, much more than just a theatre!”
Lynne opened Duprada in Alice Springs in 1984 and 10 years later expanded to Darwin as well. In fact, Lynne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2011 for the development of classical ballet and choreography in the Northern Territory.
It doesn’t take a ballet buff to know at least a smidge about Swan Lake. If not the classic story, perhaps the iconic score, or at the very least the Dance of the Cygnets (tip: YouTube it for an instant reminder). As Lynne says, it’s “a quintessential love story”.
So yeah, there’s ballet in the desert and the Top End. And once a year, they merge to perform in both Alice Springs and Darwin.
With its exquisite music by Tchaikovsky, stunning costumes, and based on the choreography by Anne Woolliams, it’s all-time favourite. Presented in four acts, this dramatic ballet switches between the grand ballroom of a palace and the calm and magical moonlit lake. The performance provides an opportunity to get back into the theatre after some disrupted years.
Though of course, as has been the way throughout the pandemic, the last few years have been a little messy meaning the two studios haven’t been together in quite some time. However, this is soon to be resolved as a delayed celebration of 20 years of Duprada in Darwin, dancers from both studios perform Swan Lake at Darwin Entertainment Centre. “There’s a lot of excitement, we have quite a few first-time travellers as well as seasoned performers,” said Lynne.
“We can celebrate what we have in the NT for young people,” said Lynne. “[audiences can expect to see] an artform that a lot of people work hard on to bring the most amount of professionalism as possible.”
By Hannah Muir
TRASH MAGIC
– THE –
RUBY IS A YOUNG girl who is deaf, and she and her family have embarked on a camping trip to the Northern Territory. Trash Magic is presented in black light theatre – a magical, comedic form of theatre where glowing, ultra violet-lit objects appear to float through the air.
Her location means a lack of accessibility to touring stage shows, while her identity means a lack of representation on the screen. Not particularly inspiring stuff. That is, of course, until she watched Jessica Mauboy audition for Australian Idol in 2006, and later, her portrayal of Julie in the 2012 film, The Sapphires. “I thought, that could be me. I knew I wanted to be a performer, but up until that point I had never thought it would be possible, or if it was, I would be playing someone very different from me, ” Lorinda says.
choreographed to music designed by Matt Cunliffe, performed with military precision. Under the cover of darkness, six performers expertly manoeuvre the puppets.
This exciting theatre experience is a collaboration between Luminous Productions and Artback NT, born from an initiative to create employment pathways for people with disabilities in the arts.
“One puppet might need to be operated by three people – someone on the head, someone on the feet, and someone on the arms. It’s all puppeteers on the stage most of the time, moving around like crazy, we are puppeteering for our lives! With black light, it’s all about coordination,” says Lieman.
While Ruby loves camping and nature, her family is very messy and disrespectful of the land. During the show, the family’s trash comes to life as bush animals, and they begin to wreak havoc on the campsite.
From recycled Mountain Dew bottles, to take away containers and a fly swat, components to make up the puppets were all sourced entirely from found materials, and the cast had a whale of a time putting them together.
With minimal dialogue and signing during voice over moments, the show is inclusive, designed to cater all audiences.
“I’ve been dumpster diving for a long time but it has been lots of fun. We’ve tried different things, and through the experimentation process, we found that often the solution is the simplest one and that’s been really fun to discover.”
“Visual theatre is a great way to translate a story. We wanted a performance that catered to people in the community who might not have good hearing, and a visual show where language isn’t a barrier,” says show creator and director, Tania Lieman. A combination of physical theatre and dance, the production is
Premiering the first week of the school holidays, it’s the perfect excuse for a fun-filled, family outing. Trash Magic is a wonder-filled performance about taking care of our beautiful country, and sharing it with family and friends.
Brown’s Mart Theatre
Gove Arts Theatre
WHEN THU 30 JUN – SAT JUL 2, 10AM | FRI 1 JUL, 7PM COST $35 | $10 CHILD INFO brownsmart.com.au
WHEN WED 20 JUL, 6.30PM THU 21 JUL, 10AM COST $25 | $13 CHILD INFO facebook.com/goveartstheatre
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre
Araluen Arts Centre
Photo: Duane Preston
Photo: Jodie Hutchinson
SAPPHIRES Put yourself in Lorinda Merrypor’s shoes of yesteryear. A young Indigenous kid growing up in Rockhampton, Queensland, harnessing a deep burning love for musical theatre with nothing but her telly screen to feed her appetite.
By Kate Conway
“If you see it, you can be it. But I never saw it until I saw Jessica Mauboy in The Sapphires.” Fast forward to 2018, and Lorinda is cast to play Julie in the widely acclaimed stage show of the same name. Except for a few COVID cancellations, the show has been touring nationally, including often-forgotten regional towns since 2019. This month, it’s the NT’s turn. In case you’ve been living under a non-precious stone, The Sapphires is the true story of four Yorta Yorta women, one of which is writer Tony Briggs’ mother. From their humble beginnings as a small group singing country music, to being picked up and sent to perform for troops serving in the Vietnam War, the story was written for stage, adapted for film. This stage edition is said to be Briggs’ most intimate version yet.
Darwin WHEN FRI 3 JUN, 7.30PM SAT 4 JUN, 2PM & 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $55 INFO yourcentre.com.au
Alice Springs WHEN AT COST INFO
WED 8 JUN | 7.30PM ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE $55 araluenartcentre.nt.gov.au
“it’s the cast that’s made it so intimate. It’s intimate for us to play this story, to be a first nations person playing a First Nations character,” Lorinda says. In 2019, The Sapphires was showing in Shepparton, the home of the real Sapphires. Lorinda was surprised one day by a phone call from the real Julie. “She said to me, ‘I heard you guys are in Shepparton, do you want to come over for dinner?’ We spent all night with them, we sang together around the dinner table. It was surreal. It really drove the story home even more.” Lorinda says the most rewarding part of the job is the community outreach. The cast and crew travel through rural and remote Australia visiting schools and community centres, talking to the kids that she was of yesteryear. “I feel such pride and honour to be part of this story and to get to share that with kids that need to see that is really special.”
WHEN WED 6 & THU 7 JUL, 10AM COST $20 | $10 CHILD INFO gyracc.org.au
WHEN TUE 26 JUL, 6PM WED 27 JUL, 10AM, 1PM & 2PM COST $30 | $10 CHILD INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au
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Urzila
CARLSON We’ve been waiting a long time for this. Award-winning Kiwi-South African comedian Urzila Carlson returns to the Top End with her hilarious new show, It’s Personal. Tierney Seccull caught up with her for a chat about her new show, how hot it is in Darwin, and something else we will let you find out as the conversation unfolds.
Urzila Carlson – It’s Personal WHEN SAT 11 JUN | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $62 INFO yourcentre.com.au
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Tell us about It’s Personal – what inspired it? I spent so much time in quarantine, so that’s kind of where it came from. There were so many thoughts in my head, and I read an article where there are basically two types of people in the world – the type who have that internal voice that they communicate with the whole day, and the type that doesn’t have it at all. And I just thought, ‘wow – how quiet would that be?’ But also, everyone’s on social media and TikTok and people are sharing everything. I’m not an over-sharer on socials; I’ve never even put a pic of my family up. I just think we live in a time where we share everything online, but no one can actually ask you or comment on anything private … It’s like we’re not allowed to say a thing anymore, yet we can share our private sh-t online. I just thought, with 10 weeks in quarantine, there’s so much stuff I was thinking about and wondering if other people were thinking about it, too. So I wrote this show about it. I didn’t know how it was gonna go, but it’s amazing how the audience comes on a journey and they go, ‘yep – I’ve had that thought, too’, which is f--king’ strange. People have loved it, and I’ve loved it – I wish I could tour it for another couple of years, actually.
degrees when we are sitting at 16 in New Zealand, so I thought yep – that’s why I struggle in Darwin. I will need to sit in a pool to get my core temperature down and keep things manageable. I’m actually coming three days early so I can hang out a bit. I’ve never actually seen anything of Darwin, so I thought I should come and check it out! My tour manager lived in Darwin, so he’s got a schedule planned of all the things I need to see while I’m there, so I’m just going to follow his lead, I mean I usually do, I don’t do a lot of planning. I’ve done two gigs in Darwin, and I said I’m not doing gigs in Darwin again, it’s too f--king hot! At the Festival in the park at night there were these giant moths flying into my head, and I thought, ‘this is bulls--t, I’m never coming back’. But he said ‘you should go back, it’s amazing, it’s beautiful’, so he’s determined to make me love it. The past couple of years have seen us in and out of lockdowns, some nailing the craft of baking sourdough – did you form any skills or hobbies during your quiet time at home? I managed to finish porn.
Do you do any over-sharing in the show? I do. All is revealed in the show, but I tell ya what, when I tell people at the end, it has just been blowing up…
You did what, sorry? I finished porn. Yeah. All of it. I watched all of it.
You’ve tried a few times to return to Darwin, your last appearance at the 2018 Darwin Festival. Can you even believe this is happening? Being on tour at the moment … I can’t believe I’m on the road. I did a show in Sydney to 6,000 people – that’s 6,000 people sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a theatre, and I honestly didn’t think that would ever happen again. I was blown away.
So, the special skill you picked up while in lockdown was watching all of the porn? [laughs] Yes, I watched all of it, to make sure I knew what was going on. I remember a lot of stuff from it, you know. I wanted to learn a new language, but then I remembered I’m already talented in the language department, so I just finished the porn.
Your Darwin show has been a long time coming, and we’re the last stop on your tour – any plans while you’re in town? Yes, you are, end it on a bang! I looked it up yesterday and you guys have 32
[laughs] This all ties back to your show, doesn’t it – we can just say what we like these days? [laughs] I didn’t think I should lie to you!
&
balarr catching the light
2022 NT WRITERS FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Photo: Tim Nicol Photography
Festival Opening Join Larrakia Elder Bilawara Lee and family, as they open four days of books, culture and ideas with a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony. WHEN THU 23 JUN | 5PM FOR 5.30PM CEREMONY AT MAGNT FRONT LAWNS
local writers about travel and trade, and those seeking a new home across the waves. Between readings, musicians Claire Kilgariff and Francis Diatschenko perform Michio Miyagi’s ‘Haru no Umi (The Sea in Spring)’ and ‘Sunrise’ from Jon Fitzgerald’s Sea Suite, forming a richly layered meditation on the voyages we make. WHEN SAT 25 JUN | 4.45-6PM AT COLIN JACK-HINTON MARITIME MUSEUM COST $35 | $30 MEMB
Puff Piece – John Safran
Devotion – Hannah Kent
2020 NT Writers Festival Opening Event.
Architects and aficionados of the written word rejoice, as the 2022 NT Writers Festival (NTWF) returns, this year’s big celebration of words held in Garrmalang/Darwin. he 2022 theme is balarr – catching the light. In Larrakia, balarr means to light up or to become light. NTWF Artistic Director Rita Horanyi says the idea sprouted whilst attending an exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. “I was playing around with a few different ideas, but was interested in ideas of truth-telling and bringing things to light, and moving on from a period of darkness or difficulty, as of course the last couple of years have been a bit challenging,” she says. “I thought about the Top End, and that we are surrounded by beautiful light. I went to see an exhibition in Melbourne called Bark Ladies: Eleven Artists from Yirrkala, and there were all of these references to rainbows and catching the light. I just thought that was a phrase that captured the Top End nicely, but also these ideas.” The four-day festival is unique in that it flitters between the Top End and the Red Centre every second year, allowing access for writers and book lovers across the Territory to engage. This change in setting also allows the program to respond to the surroundings. “The NT Writers' Centre covers all of the Territory, so it’s evolved to take place in alternating locations. It means the nature of the festival changes form, year to year, because we want to offer an experience that
is site-specific,” Horanyi says. “Being place-based and responsive to where the festival is – in two very different places environmentally – is what ties the festivals together. We respond to the environment, and program with that in mind.” This year, the bulk of the action takes place at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), set to be a hub of conversation and unique experiences with workshops, panels and other special events. Satellite events invite attendees to beautiful outdoor locations. The Storied Walk by Gurambai is led by community philosopher and poet Kelly Lee Hickey, and includes a stroll along the Gurambai Walking Trail by Rapid Creek. Across the Seas allows you to nestle among the vessels that have carried people to Top End shores at the Colin Jack-Hinton Maritime Museum, accompanied by readings of poems by Ynes Sanz based on the stories of the boats. The festival stays true to its mission of giving Territorians the chance to engage with people and activities they may not otherwise get the chance to. Special guests include satirist, author and documentary-maker John Safran, discussing his book Puff Piece, while award-winning author Hannah Kent unpacks her book Devotion with ABC Radio National’s Sarah L’Estrange. “The festival is a really wonderful
By Tierney Seccull
opportunity for writers across the NT to come together and connect, and to connect with interstate writers and ideas,” says NT Writers’ Centre Executive Director Fiona Dorrell. “It also allows industry professionals to make connections outside of the NT, and to find readership beyond the NT community.” Eager to offer something for everyone, across a wide range of genres and experiences, the program champions local – from participating creatives to the outdoor beauty of the Top End. “There’ll be lots of different forms of storytelling. We have Kuya James doing a musical performance on the Saturday night, and we have Witiyana Marika performing after the Writing in the Sand panel,” Horanyi says. “At MAGNT, there’s also a Yolŋu exhibition to celebrate 50 years of ALPA at the same time, so it’s just going to be a really lovely weekend where you can delve into different kinds of storytelling and art in the beautiful weather. "The bar is open in the evening, so you can settle in with a nice glass of wine and share stories. We just welcome everyone to come along and enjoy it!”
2022 NT Writers Festival WHEN THU 23 – SUN 26 JUN INFO ntwriters.com.au
with Sarah L’Estrange In this unmissable evening event, award-winning author of Burial Rites, Hannah Kent, is joined by producer of ABC Radio National’s The Book Show, Sarah L’Estrange for an enthralling discussion about her most recent work, Devotion. WHEN FRI 24 JUN | 5-6PM AT MAGNT FRONT LAWNS COST $30 | $25 MEMB
Other Worlds In this interesting reading night, held in the otherworldly atmosphere of Darwin’s World War II Oil Storage Tunnels, an extraordinary line-up of writers take you on a journey into imagined futures and alternative universes, where anything can happen and where you might find yourself seeing the world in a different light.
Satirist, author and documentarymaker John Safran helps us make sense of the difference between a cigarette and a ‘HeatStick’, and to expose Philip Morris’s chicanery with his trademark humour and wit. Don’t miss John in this entertaining conversation about how language can be a matter of life or death. WHEN SAT 25 JUN | 6.30-7.30PM AT MAGNT AMPHITHEATRE COST $30 | $25 MEMB
Stories Beneath the Stars Throughout the ages, people have looked up to the night sky for inspiration and guidance. In this special event, a stellar line-up of writers and storytellers come together for an evening of words and song about losing, and finding, our way in the world. Kick back and settle in for a spellbinding night of storytelling beneath the stars. WHEN SAT 25 JUN | 8.30PM AT MAGNT AMPHITHEATRE COST $35 | $30 MEMB
WHEN FRI 24 JUN | 8.30-9.45PM AT WWII OIL STORAGE TUNNELS COST $40 | $32 MEMB
Parap Markets Story Tour Spend the morning wandering through Darwin’s beloved Parap Markets with local artist Tisha Tejaya as your guide. Tisha is joined by her aunty Hong Teo, who shares insights and stories about the produce at the markets. Local writer Haneen Mahmood Martin also reads short reflections about the role of cuisine in embracing her culture. WHEN SAT 25 JUN | 8-9.15AM AT PARAP VILLAGE MARKETS COST $35 | $30 MEMB
Across The Seas Enjoy readings of poems by Ynes Sanz inspired by the boats in the Colin Jack Hinton Maritime Museum, as well as readings from
Storied Walk By Gurambai Hidden away in Darwin’s suburban sprawl is Gurambai Walking Trail, a small but significant patch of remnant bush that follows Rapid Creek and its associated wetlands. Led by Kelly Lee Hickey, this guided story walk brings writers, artists and environmentalists together to share reflections and stories about the area. WHEN SUN 26 JUN | 8-9.30AM AT GURAMBAI/RAPID CREEK WALKING TRAIL COST $40 | $32 MEMB
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DECKCHAIR
and poignant story. A baby is kidnapped from hospital by a desperate grandmother and her flight sets off a chain of events that brings together complete strangers over the course of one dramatic day. WHEN THU 2, WED 8 & MON 20 JUN 7PM
Dr. Strangelove Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 black comedy is – worryingly – still funny today, as the threat of nuclear war and doomsday devices should, like most cold war relics, be left in the past. Anchored by Peter Sellers acting in three major roles, it features some of the most iconic images and lines from movie history. WHEN SAT 25 JUN | 7PM
CINEMA JERVOIS ROAD DARWIN WATERFRONT
cost $17 | $13 CONC | $10 MEMB $9 CHILD | $40 FAM info deckchaircinema.com 8941 4377 | GATES 6PM
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Here Out West The opening night film from the Sydney Film Festival 2021, Here Out West features the work of eight writers, five directors and three producers. The resulting anthology, set in Western Sydney, is a moving
FlicNics Dust off your picnic blanket and bring the popcorn, City of Palmerston’s free outdoor movie program is back! Screening fortnightly on Saturdays during the Dry, you’re invited to these free outdoor movie screenings at selected locations in Palmerston. cost FREE info palmerston.nt.gov.au
Limbo Limbo is a wry, funny and poignant cross-cultural satire that subtly sews together the hardship and hope of the refugee experience, following a group of new arrivals as they await results of their asylum claims. Among them is Omar, a young Syrian musician struggling with the guilt that comes with leaving his former life behind. This deadpan comedy-drama from a bold new voice in British cinema shines a light on the hearts and lives of those at the centre of a crisis that is mostly only experienced through the headlines. WHEN SAT 18 JUN | 8.45PM
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom The action-packed, second instalment in the Jurassic World trilogy sees an impending volcanic eruption threaten the remaining dinosaurs on the fictional island, Isla Nebular. Owen and Claire return to mount a campaign to rescue the dinosaurs from this extinction level event, with twists and turns along the way.
Paw Patrol: The Movie The heroic Paw Patrol pups are called to Adventure City when their biggest rival, Humdinger, becomes mayor and the vibrant metropolis is thrust into a state of chaos. Armed with exciting gadgets and gizmos, Ryder and the team must work together to stop him causing mayhem, and save the residents of Adventure City.
WHEN SAT 4 JUN | 7-9PM AT GOYDER SQUARE
WHEN SAT 18 JUN | 7-9PM AT SANCTUARY LAKES
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16 Thu
Wed
6 Drag Trivia at Mayberry 7 Storytime 7 Geek Squad
22 Mon
6 Skate Nights 7 Million Dollar Hole 7 Nurserytime 26 Hot and Cold Big Band
27 18 Alice Springs Beanie Festival
6 Tactile Arts Kids Workshops
See Festivals 17
23 Thu
6 Drag Trivia at Mayberry 6 CEO Sleepout 7 Storytime 7 Geek Squad 11 NT Writers Festival 19 Darwin Pride Festival 23 Wudie Kutie (last chance) See Festivals 18
17 Fri
See Festivals 19
18 Sat
19 Katherine Pride Festival
Thu
9 Trash Magic
6 Tactile Arts Kids Workshops 6 Drag Trivia at Mayberry 7 Storytime 7 Geek Squad
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See Performing Arts 8
17 Malandarri Festival
Fri
6 Parap Village Markets 12 Limbo 12 Paw Patrol: The Movie 17 Malandarri Festival See Around Town 5
Wed
6 Tactile Arts Kids Workshops 7 Million Dollar Hole 7 Nurserytime 26 Hot and Cold Big Band
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6 Entries close for Royal Darwin Show 19 Katherine Pride Festival 20 Sweet Dreams and Gut Reactions by Pamela Kleemann-Passi (opening) 26 Soulful Ignorance Launch 26 The NEO 26 Live on Fridays
24 5 Government House Open Days
Tue
6 Tactile Arts Kids Workshops 11 NT Writers Festival 18 Alice Springs Beanie Festival 19 Darwin Pride Festival 26 Live on the Lawns 26 Live on Fridays
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6 Tactile Arts Kids Workshops 6 Silver Jewellery Making with Marianne Eichenberg 7 Salsa Classes 7 Gadgets and Games Club 7 Storytime 26 Jam Night
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Sun
Sat
7 Movement Medicine 7 Breakfast by the Bay 19 Katherine Pride Festival 26 Seaside Sessions
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8 Swan Lake
5 Government House Open Days 6 Darwin Frocktails 6 The Belong Ball 11 NT Writers Festival 12 Dr. Strangelove 18 Alice Springs Beanie Festival 19 Darwin Pride Festival 22 DVA Exhibitions (last chance) 22 3 Young Fellas (opening) See Performing Arts 9
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26
Mon
12 Here Out West
Sun
6 Brekkie in the Park 6 Too Much Stuff 7 Geek Up Dungeons & Dragons 11 NT Writers Festival 18 Alice Springs Beanie Festival 19 Darwin Pride Festival 21 Walking through a Songline (last chance) 21 Mermaids: Mirror Worlds (last chance) 26 Darwin Pride Festival Finale 26 Seaside Sessions
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Tue
6 Silver Jewellery Making with Marianne Eichenberg 7 Salsa Classes 7 Gadgets and Games Club 7 Storytime 26 Jam Night
See Festivals 17
17 Djarmalak; Concerts on Country
AROUND TOWn Books & fILM Performing Arts 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.
Wed
7 Million Dollar Hole 7 Nurserytime 26 Hot and Cold Big Band
Tue
Thu
6 Penfolds Dinner Series 6 Drag Trivia at Mayberry 7 Storytime 7 Geek Squad 12 Here Out West
Wed
6 Skate Nights 7 Million Dollar Hole 7 Nurserytime 9 The Sapphires 12 Here Out West 26 Hot and Cold Big Band See Performing Arts 10
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2 Fri
Sat
10 Urzila Carlson – It’s Personal
6 Parap Village Markets 21 A Thousand Rivers Collided and Changed Direction Within My Chest (last chance) 25 Ministry of Sound Classical 27 Waxing Gibbous
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See Around Town 5
Applications close MON 13 JUN
Sun
offtheleash.net.au/jobs
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7 Movement Medicine 7 Breakfast by the Bay 7 Geek Up - Board Games 20 Rapid Creek Open Studios Art Trail 20 The Residency by Linda Joy & Sonia Martignon (last chance) 26 Seaside Sessions
4 Sat
5 Katherine Junk Festival
6 Parap Village Markets 9 The Sapphires 12 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom 23 long water: fibre stories Curator Talk 24 NT Chamber Music Festival 24 Live at the Lake
4 Gumurr’manydji Manapanmirr Djäma (opening)
See Feature 4
Commencing JUL 2022
GRAPHIC DESIGNER CASUAL 7-10 Days per month
WORK WITH US
6 Music on the Lawn 9 The Sapphires 21 Mermaids: Mirror Worlds (opening) 23 Wudie Kutie - Water is Good (opening) 26 First Folk’n Friday 26 Live on Fridays
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Calendar JUNE 2022
1 7
July advert bookings deadline
Fri
7 Salsa Classes 7 Gadgets and Games Club 7 Storytime 26 Jam Night
10 22 Feel the Joy by Margie Joy (opening) 22 Abundant Country by Katinka Moes (opening) 22 Franca Barraclough The Visitors (opening) 26 Live on Fridays
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Sun
July web uploads deadline
Mon
5 Katherine Junk Festival 7 Movement Medicine 7 Breakfast by the Bay 7 Geek Up Drawing + Illustrations 20 The 42nd Alice Prize (last chance) 26 Seaside Sessions 26 First Sunday Blues
PUBLIC HOLIDAY
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Applications to be our next Graphic Designer close today.
Go on, throw your name in the hat!
Thu
24 NT Chamber Music Festival
See Music 24
9
8 Spun – Turning 50
Tue
6 Drag Trivia at Mayberry 7 Storytime 7 Geek Squad
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6 Silver Jewellery Making with Marianne Eichenberg 7 Salsa Classes 7 Gadgets and Games Club 7 Storytime 26 Jam Night
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Mon
One week left to apply be our next Graphic Designer
July ad artwork deadline
Wed
See Performing Arts 8
15
7 Million Dollar Hole 7 Nurserytime 26 Hot and Cold Big Band
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FESTIVALS Djarmalak; Concerts on Country WHEN AT COST INFO
By Tierney Seccull
ome of the biggest names in Indigenous music are making tracks to the remote Aboriginal community of Beswick/Wugularr, located just over 420 clicks south of Darwin on Bagala Country, for the 2022 incarnation of Djarmalak; Concerts on Country. Created to celebrate the legacy of Balang T. E. Lewis, and derived from his beloved Walking With Spirits festival, Djarmalak is presented by Djilpin Arts. Celebrating 20 years this August, the community-owned, not-for-profit organisation has garnered great repute for presenting genuine on-Country experiences.
so we decided to raise a series of concerts at the cultural centre instead,” she says. “We did that in 2019 over three weekends and it was a really fantastic result. We weren’t sure about it as everyone was really attached to the falls, as you can imagine, but with so many years of work put into that cultural centre – to build it up into a whole precinct – we really wanted to celebrate that and bring people to it. “It’s very accessible and has beautiful artworks and accommodation. We’ve got a gorgeous stage there dedicated to Balang, so it’s a super beautiful space.”
After Djarmalak was paused in 2020 and 2021, its return to the NT’s culture and events calendar is a very welcome one. Djilpin Arts Manager and Lewis’ wife Fleur Parry says Djarmalak sprouted from a project of the same name Balang was working on before his passing in 2018.
Over three huge Sundays in June, July and August, the small community comes alive with music, art, dance and culture. Kicking things off this month is ARIA and NIMA award-winning singer Miiesha, set to cast her soulful glow upon festivalgoers as she performs tracks from her forthcoming EP Mirrors.
“After his passing, it was decided that the waterfall, which was the remote wilderness venue for the [Walking With Spirits] festival, needed some rest time and some cultural respect,
In support is one of the NT’s fastest rising stars of the rap world, J-MILLA, the recipient of the 2021 NIMA Archie Roach Foundation Prize amassing a swag of fans and accolades after the
Malandarri
By Tierney Seccull
FESTIVAL
THE REMOTE COMMUNITY of Borroloola is located on the McArthur River, about a seven-hour drive form Katherine. Although the small historic town might be famous for its fishing, the community comes to life each year with the arts and cultural showcase that is Malandarri Festival. The festival – formerly known as DanceSite – is presented by Artback NT, and a true calendar highlight for locals. It provides the community a chance to celebrate, with a strong emphasis on cultural tradition and transition to younger generations. Malandarri is a celebration of traditional and contemporary dance and music of the four clan groups living in Borroloola – the Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Gurdanji and Mara peoples. Marlene Timothy is the Malandarri Festival Director and Cultural Events Officer, and a senior Yanyuwa/ Garrwa woman. She leads the Indigenous Traditional Dance Program community engagement in Borroloola and Robinson River,
ensuring the festival and any related activity is community driven. “The Malandarri Festival is very important to our community – it brings the four local clan groups and visiting communities together to share culture through traditional and contemporary music, song and dance, to keep culture strong,” she says. Although it has been kept small over the past couple of years for the protection of the community, with a very local attendance, everyone’s invited to attend. “People can come to experience two nights of cultural practice being revived through traditional performances by all age groups, starting from as young as five to older generations.” The line-up for the 2022 festival features Numbulwar’s Devil Dancers, and Dave Spry performing with Roper Gulf musician Barnabus Timothy. There’s also the premiere of Arrkula
release of his debut single ‘Unlock the System’ in 2020. Yolŋu Songmen Djakapurra Munyarrun and Rrawun Maymuru bring the ancient Songlines of their country to the stage, their beautiful performance promising to be an otherworldly experience. Hosted by the effervescent Constantina Bush, and with dance, art, workshops, food and conversation – plus the opportunity to camp and take a day tour – all three Sundays present a wonderfully immersive cultural experience, with great respect to Djarmalak’s origins. “We’re still offering small number day tours to the falls with our guides, but it’s a very ‘no-footprint’ approach, but people can go and hear the story and the history,” Parry says. “In 2019, Walking With Spirits became Djarmalak, which means ‘come together’. It’s very special. "It’s a really beautiful and welcoming community, and after two years in a remote community under isolation, it’s been very difficult, so this is a chance to come out of that and also to celebrate 20 years of achievement.”
Photo: Benjamin Warlngundu Bayliss
Photo: Paz Tassone
A SPECIAL series of SUNDAYS
SUN 26 JUN BESWICK COMMUNITY $50 | $50 WORKSHOP | $50 CAMPING PER VEHICLE shakespearaustralia.com.au | djilpinarts.org.au
Yinbayarra (together we sing) – a very special project under the careful guidance of Dr Shellie Morris. This powerful cross-cultural collaboration sees the Tiwi Strong Women’s Choir join voices with the Borroloola Women’s Choir and is sure to be a magical experience. Dr Shellie Morris has spent many years being invited to communities around the world, but her relationship with the Borroloola Songwomen is one of the most special, due equally to her journey of discovery and her familial ties to the region as a Yanyuwa woman. "Working with my families has been one of the highlights of my life. It's been a long journey but a beautiful one and it will be ongoing, it's a lifetime of learning, sharing and elevating our voices," she says. With market stalls, workshops, music, food and art, this year’s Malandarri Festival a must. Round up the crew and immerse yourself in the beauty of Borroloola.
WHEN AT COST INFO
FRI 17 & SAT 18 JUN BORROLOOLA SHOWGROUNDS GOLD COIN artbacknt.com.au
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RUGGED UP in the Red Centre
By Zoya Godoroja-Prieckaerts
You walk into this gallery and it’s like no other exhibition opening you’ve been to. People are touching the art, grabbing it, wearing it on their heads. They’re high from overstimulation – colours everywhere, crazy shapes, textures soft, wiry and mottled. It’s a frenzy and everyone wants a piece of the action. If you’ve ever been to the Alice Springs Beanie Festival, you know exactly what we’re on about. This year, the festival celebrates 26 years. What an effort. Massive and amazing. Dedicated beanie
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lovers have been volunteering over the years to make this beautiful, community loving – and community loved – event continue to thrive all these years. The 2022 theme is Stitching Hearts and oh, how they will mend any soul who walks into Beanie Central. With 7000 beanies on display, you’re sure to find at least one warm, cosy treasure to fit your winter-frosted crown. But heads up – there’s likely someone else also eyeing off your pick, so you’ve got to get in quick to nab your numero uno beanie. But it’s not all just trying on and buying other people’s handmade beauties.
There’s something for everyone. On opening night, peruse the delicious smelling food trucks, all lined up outside along the gallery patio. Enjoy music, loud and cheerful to match the vibe inside. Find young kids running around, completely giddy.
For those of you that like to make, there’s a long list of workshops to sign up to including felting, weaving, eco dying, the Japanese mending technique boro, and more. There are even children’s workshops for the littlies. See, there really is something for everyone!
Admire gorgeous women adorned in last year’s beanie purchase, and the blokes, dressed dashingly with a splash of absurdity, showing off their outrageous purchase from years gone by. Spy the newbies to town, mouths gaping open, smiling in shock at more of the riches this town brings.
If you’ve never been to the festival, please, treat yourself. You’ll crack at least one – if not 300 – smiles during opening night. And if you’re not into crowds, then enjoy a little TLC with a workshop, where women from out bush teach you their tricks with laughs and stories aplenty, as you quietly
stitch away, warm cup of tea ready for your break. It’s the festival Mparntwe wants and needs halfway through a busy year – wholesome, nurturing and thrilling all at once.
Alice Springs Beannie Festival WHEN FRI 24 – MON 27 JUN OPENING FRI 24 JUN, 6-9PM AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE COST FREE INFO beaniefest.org
Katherine Pride Festival WHEN FRI 17 – SUN 19 JUN AT SELECTED VENUES COST FREE AND TICKETED EVENTS
Darwin Pride Festival
FIERCE FiESTA Returning after an iconic inaugural year, the Katherine Pride Festival once again lights up K-Town for three fun-filled days to celebrate diversity, acceptance and rainbows.
While last year’s theme, Hope, was all about looking forward in the wake of the first wave of the pandemic, Fierce is the flame behind both the Katherine and Darwin Pride Festivals, with the main view of championing advocacy. “We need to get on with advocating for what our community is entitled to, and there is still so much injustice to LGBTQI+ people,” says
WHEN THU 23 – SUN 26 JUN AT SELECTED VENUES COST FREE AND TICKETED EVENTS INFO topendpride.com.au
By Kate Conway
Ben Herdon, Chair of the Katherine Pride Festival Sub Committee.
“The fierceness of this brand is that we want people to rally together and be a tight community that has each other’s back and will advocate for equality.” Fierce can take on different meanings for individuals but acknowledges that, while the fight for equality isn’t over, there is still so much to be celebrated. The weekend is jam-packed with frivolities to do just that. Join special guest drag queen and fierce supporter of the Katherine
Pride Festival, Wonder Mama of Sydney, hosting her popular Drink and Draw art classes. It wouldn’t be a Pride Festival without Drag Queen Bingo, which is always a hit. This year, organisers have added a new angle to the crowd-pleasing, sparkling event. “We’ve still got the drag queens hosting it but we’ve called it Bears and Bombshells Bingo, and we’ve got some guest presenters on the night to add a bit of difference,” Herdon says. While Bears and Bombshells is sure to
be a party event on the calendar, Dine with Pride at Kumbidgee Restaurant is a classy affair, offering diners a three-course dinner with a purpose. “We want it to be a real community building and networking space for the festival. It is a sit-down dinner, but there will also be entertainment, opportunities to dance, and some places to break away from the group and chat in a bean bag to network for a bit,” says Herdon. For Katherine to have a growing Pride Festival is a source of pride in itself, highlighting the strength of community, and the support of allies.
“There is still a way to go, but Katherine feels quite safe for a town that is quite small and country. One of the best outcomes of the festival is the community coming together and getting to know people, and knowing they have got your back is really significant. It has been really great seeing who is supportive of us in this town,” says Herdon. The action in K-Town kicks off the weekend before Darwin Pride Festival unleashes the fierceness in Darwin. So get dressed up, get the crew together to let the good times roll. It’s time to get fierce.
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VISUAL ARTS ART TRAIL
ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE
Rapid Creek | 0477 168 216
61 Larapinta Dr, Alice Springs | araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au DAILY, 10AM-4PM
Adrian Robertson, 'Family in Yalpirakinu', 2021, acrylic on canvas, 122x61cm
Catherine Miles, 'Part Fish', acrylic on canvas, 75x61cm
Rapid Creek Open Studios Art Trail
The 42nd Alice Prize THE ALICE PRIZE is an acquisitive national contemporary art prize, welcoming entries from around Australia, in any medium or theme. Coordinated by the Alice Springs Art Foundation, The Alice Prize is judged by an expert selection panel and judge of national standing, with national exposure for exhibiting artists and the opportunity to show in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, the
cultural heart of Australia.
could feel the connection between you and your family.”
Adrian Jangala Robertson was announced as the winner at the opening event for his work, Family in Yalpirakinu. Judge Lara Merrington, said “there is complete honesty to this piece. Your use of colour is dramatic, and the piece is quite captivating. I really
Following on from the success of last year’s open studios, the Rapid Creek Artist Collective has been working hard to present new and affordable artwork and craft, based on local themes. Walk, cycle or drive around Oliver and Ryland roads, and get to know some of the award-winning creatives living, learning and loving on Larrakia land. Creatives include Aly de Groot, Henry and Fernanda Dupal, Allison Dowell, Catherine Miles, Russell Mead and Katie Bradley.
UNTIL SUN 5 JUN
WHEN
SUN 12 JUN | 10AM-2PM
TACTILE ARTS
19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay | tactilearts.org.au TUE-SUN, 10AM-4PM
Sweet Dreams and Gut Reactions by Pamela Kleemann-Passi Pamela Kleemann-Passi presents a bedroom installation composed of life-sized hair-covered garments and objects. Hair, a loaded signifier bodily and culturally, is simultaneously subject – object, on your head or on another’s head, and abject, as waste on the salon WHEN
SAT 18 JUN – SUN 10 JUL | OPENING FRI 17 JUN, 5.30PM
Sonia Martignon & Linda Joy, 'Untitled' 2022, monoprint, 30x40cm
The Residency by Linda Joy & Sonia Martignon An exhibition of new works by Linda Joy and Sonia Martignon, created through a variety of printmaking processes through the Tactile Arts residency program. The works showcase quintessential NT bush land, exploring distinctive flora and iconic formations that are instantly recognisable as belonging to this unique landscape.
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until SUN 12 JUN
floor or a stray in your food. The work explores illness and embodies the polarities of desire and disgust that hair provokes. The world-first Mo-Hair Suit crafted from men’s facial hair for Movember last year is also on show.
Pamela Kleeman-Passi, 'Worn To Be Heard' Mo-Hair Suit, 2021, men’s facial hair & mixed materials. Photo Sam Wong
MAGNT Museum and Gallery of the Northern Territory
ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS
19 Conacher Street The Gardens, Darwin NT | magnt.net.au
Shop 4, 19 The Mall, Charles Darwin Centre aboriginalbushtraders.com
DAILY, 10AM-4PM
MON-FRI, 9AM-3PM
Walking through a Songline marquee and digital installation. Image courtesy of the National Museum of Australia and Mosster Studio
Walking through a Songline Follow in the steps of the Seven Sisters and immerse yourself in a Songline through this multi-sensory digital installation at MAGNT. Experience a space of light and sound where paintings come to life, stories are visualised, and ancient
knowledge is shared in new ways. Walking through a Songline is developed by the National Museum of Australia and Mosster Studio.
Gurrtu:
UNTIL SUN 26 JUN
GUMURR’MANYDJI MANAPANMIRR DJÄMA A photographic exhibition from the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) celebrating 50 years of Yolngu economic independence, enterprise, self-determination, culture and ingenuity. WHEN DAILY, 10AM-4PM OPENS SUN 12 JUN
Dolly Dollys by Kathy Nyinyipuya Guyula
Everything Is Connected Ancestral beings travelled across the land creating the landscape and everything associated with the land, naming places, and giving life and language to the different clans. The Yolŋu world is divided into two complementary halves or moieties. Yirritja and Dhuwa that form the basis of the complex gurrutu or kinship system through which all things are connected and related. Gurrtu is a showcase of fibre works from Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts. UNTIL SUN 3 JUL
COCONUT STUDIOS 8/18 Caryota Court, Coconut Grove THU-SUN, 10AM-5PM
Yolŋu wäŋa roŋiyirra marrtji guyaŋura bunhaŋur (Returning home from hunting). People featured: Muwarra Ganambarr 1
WATCH THIS SPACE 8 Gap Rd, Alice Springs | wts.org.au WED-FRI, 12-5PM | SAT, 10AM-2PM
A THOUSAND RIVERS COLLIDED AND CHANGED DIRECTION WITHIN MY CHEST A Thousand Rivers Collided and Changed Direction Within My Chest is a culmanative act of resistance against colonial structures – language, power and culture – through the personal lens of prominent Yugambeh poet and activist, Lionel Fogarty. Lionel Fogarty, 'Love Justice, Cost Response', 2020, paint and paper, 23x33 inches
The Karrabing Film Collective, 'Mermaids- Mirror Worlds' (detail), 2018, two-channel film, dimensions variable
Mermaids: Mirror Worlds Coconut Studios presents a solo exhibition from Belyuen by The Karrabing Film Collective, featuring a two-channel video installation Mermaids: Mirror Worlds, along with interviews that span the collective’s globally celebrated career.
The exhibition is the first time Fogarty’s raw painted works on paper are shown to the public, exhibited beside a film collaged from Fogarty’s archival footage and filmed poetry readings. UNTIL SAT 11 JUN
WHEN FRI 3 – SUN 26 JUN | OPENING FRI 3 JUN, 6PM
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DARWIN VISUAL ARTS 8 McMinn St, Darwin | dvaa.net.au
WED, 12–5PM | THU-FRI, 10AM-5PM | SAT, 10AM-2PM
WHEN FRI 10 – SAT 25 JUN OPENING FRI 10 JUN, 6-8PM
Margie Joy, 'While I Sit Waiting', 2022, acrylic ink and paint on canvas, 40x50cm
Katinka Moes, 'Earth Weaving'2022, acrylic paint and fabric on canvas, 91x91cm
Feel the Joy by Margie Joy
Abundant Country by Katinka Moes
Feel the Joy is an outward expression of the joy Margie feels when surrounded by nature. The beauty amd vibrancy of colours in Darwin’s flora and fauna has inspired this recent series of artworks. Margie's pieces are created using inks, paint, paper and playful line making. You're invited to come and feel the joy.
Emerging artist Katinka Moes expresses her love and appreciation for nature with her vibrant style. She draws upon childhood memories growing up in remote Aboriginal community, Gawa, and the privilege of learning about the natural environment from the
Yolngu people, an experience for which she is extremely grateful. Abundant Country celebrates the beauty of the different habitats of the Northern Territory, and the abundance and diversity of wildlife in our country.
NCCA Northern Centre for Contemporary Art
PAUL JOHNSTONE GALLERY
WED-FRI, 10AM-4PM | SAT, 9AM-2PM
WED–FRI, 10AM-5PM | TUE & SAT, 10AM–2PM
Harriet Place, Darwin | pauljohnstonegallery.com.au
Vimy Lane, Parap | nccart.com.au
Derrick Butt, Corban Clause Williams & Cyril Whyoulter. Photo courtesy Yvonne Mandijalu & Martumili Artists.
Franca Baarraclough, 'Go Feral', 2019, audio visual, dimensions variable
FRANCA BARRACLOUGH - THE VISITORS The Visitors is an exhibition of large-scale photographs, videos and installations by artis, Franca Barraclough, that depict the people, paths and stories woven through the sociological landscape of contemporary Central Australian culture.
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This powerfully evocative exhibition grapples with the conundrum that living in the desert throws into high relief, but that is also in play across the nation, referred to by Barraclough as the "dancing duality" of living on Country.
WHEN SAT 11 JUN – SAT 30 JUL OPENING FRI 10 JUN, 6PM
Corban Clause Williams, Cyril Whyoulter and Derrick Butt. Three young artists, three proud Martu men. They are teachers of their culture and painters of their country. Together, they symbolise a proud new generation of Martumili Artists celebrating cultural knowledge and cultural identity. This exhibition showcases the works of the 3 Young Fellas together for the first time. WHEN SAT 25 JUN – SAT 16 JUL OPENING 25 JUN, 11AM
3 Young Fellas
CDU ART GALLERY
UNTITLED GALLERY+STUDIO
Orange 12, CDU Casuarina Campus | cdu.edu.au/gallery
Unit 3/1 Clocktower Caryota Crt, Coconut Grove darwincommunityarts.org
WED-FRI, 10AM-4PM | SAT, 10AM-2PM
WED-FRI, 11AM–4PM | SAT, 10AM-12PM
long water: fibre stories LONG WATER: FIBRE STORIES illuminates spiritual, ancestral, and physical connections to water through fibre practices of artists from Yuwaalaraay (North West NSW), Quandamooka (Moreton Bay
QLD), Kuku Yalanji (Far North QLD), Zenadh Kes (Torres Strait Islands QLD), Yurruwi (Milingimbi Island NT), and surrounding homelands. This group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women share an
inseparable relationship to water, be it the vast sea, inland waterways, or expansive river systems. UNTIL SAT 9 JUL | CURATOR TALK, SAT 4 JUN, 10AM
Patsy Chulugu, 'Turtle', 2022, acrylic on canvas
WUDIE KUTIE - WATER IS GOOD Wet season, Dry season, the flow of water in the Daly River, salt water and fresh water. Fracking poisoning the river, cotton farming extracting water from the river. Mixed media Sonja Carmichael with ungaire, Minjerribah (detail), February 2020. Photo: Rhett Hammerton
WHEN
including sculpture, sound scape and paintings. Science meets art in this exhibition by Patsy Chulugu.
FRI 3 – THU 23 JUN | OPENING FRI 3 JUN, 6-8PM
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Photos: Tim Nicol Photography
MUSIC
By Kate Conway
SPOTLIGHT
on Chamber Music By Kate Conway
DESIGNED HISTORICALLY for formal, intimate gatherings, such as regency courts or cozy home settings, chamber music is small-scale classical music performed by up to 15 musicians with personal flair and expression. The inaugural Northern Territory Chamber Music Festival is a joint venture between Darwin Symphony Orchestra and the Arafura Music Collective that has been in the works since 2018, and is presented in the intimate setting of Brown’s Mart. These days, the developing art form has evolved to be associated with all sorts of venues, and while the strong traditions remain, modern composers in the vibrant genre are experimenting and incorporating interesting cross cultural infusions and issues that represent society. Curated by Arafura Music Collective Artistic Director Claire Kilgariff and Darwin Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Jon Tooby, the pair has found a wide range of unique works to highlight the evolving genre and entrance the audience.
“I don’t like just doing a standard classical concert. I like to put some pieces that everyone knows and then mix it up. It is about exposing people to extraordinary music, and all the music that we are playing is incredibly interesting, evocative, and in a way, provocative,” says Tooby. As well as the aforementioned thought provoking performances, the inaugural festival aims to encourage chamber music composition through the Young Artists Showcase, featuring school students and members of DSO’s Young Artists Program. It also features the NT Composers Seminar, hosted by renowned NT composer Cathy Applegate and featuring NT composers Netanela Mizrahi, Nick Yates and Francis Diatschenko, each presenting a new work especially written for this event. Lifting the curtain on inspiration and composition processes, audiences get down to the nitty gritty of what goes into creating a piece, the interactive style part of the ethos of the festival, explains Tooby.
“We’ve got a wonderful program of fascinating and interesting works that I’m sure the audience will be completely delighted with,” says Kilgariff.
“People should attend to enrich their lives, it will open new world doors that they would never have heard before. It’s not just a classical concert or going to see a symphony, it will be very engaging.”
“From Telemann in the Baroque period, right through to a work by Ian Grandage that was composed recently, and an amazing work by Gavin Bryars, it will be completely astounding for the audience.” A highlight of the program, Bryars’ experimental and highly evocative piece, Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet, incorporates vocals from a homeless man recorded in 1971 played on a loop accompanying the music.
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Grandage’s Black Dogs is the program’s finale performed by a guitar and a string quartet, and is inspired by two friends’ struggles with mental health.
NT Chamber Music Festival WHEN AT COST INFO
SAT 4 & SUN 5 JUN BROWN’S MART THEATRE FREE – $45 brownsmart.com.au | dso.org.au
LIVE at the Lake
AFTER THE SUCCESS of previous years events, Palmerston residents and visitors are in for a treat with the return of City of Palmerston’s Live at the Lake sessions. Returning to the idyllic Sanctuary Lakes, Deputy Mayor of Palmerston Amber Garden says the family and pet friendly event is about making the most of the glorious, Dry season weather and enjoying free, live music in the picturesque setting. “It’s an opportunity to get out and enjoy Palmerston’s great outdoor spaces. It’s not just a singing event – you can bring your family, catch up with friends. As a council we always strive to provide a wide range of different events and activities for our community and visitors,” she says. “We want to take advantage of the Dry season, putting on something different like live music outside, as opposed to inside in an auditorium.” Bring a picnic blanket, beanbag or chair and settle in for the sunset, swing by later on in the cool of the evening and bring along dinner. While it’s perfect for families, friends and fur babies to get together, providing a platform for local musicians is at the core. “It supports our arts and culture, so that means that we are actually
giving the local musicians a chance to showcase their talents here in Palmerston,” Garden says. And the support is clearly felt by the artists, the all-new line up of acts set to perform their own original tunes in a safe, welcoming space. “They’re giving their all to put an original performance together, and it would take a lot to be able to do that. It is such a relaxing feeling sitting there and seeing these guys put their hearts and soul in everything,” says Garden. First cab off the rank is local duo Kim & Kat Koole, showcasing their signature blend of warm vocals and complementary harmonies. With a wide array of easy listening country tunes, and original songs in their repertoire, the sister’s melodies are just the thing to soundtrack a relaxed, Dry season afternoon. WHEN SAT 4 JUN | 4-7PM AT SANCTUARY LAKES COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au
f you love the club classics from the early days but also enjoy your music delivered on the strings of violins, Ministry of Sound Classical is, without a doubt, the gig for you. Founded in 1991, Ministry of Sound (MoS) quickly established its reputation of being the home of dance music. With a nightclub in London and its own record label, the multi-media entertainment biz has broken beyond the boundaries of the UK over the last three decades, winning legions of devout followers across the world, this magazine’s editor included. Releasing compilation hit after compilation hit, including releases under the Hed Kandi brand, and hosting dance parties worldwide, MoS’ idea to play club bangers backed to a classical orchestra was a bold one, but one that hasn’t fallen on deaf ears. After selling out concerts across the country, it’s the Top End’s turn to relive club favourites with Ministry of Sound Classical at Darwin Amphitheatre. One special guest taking to the stage is Miss Connie, who says MoS has played an important part
in the evolution of her band Sneaky Sound System. “Ministry of Sound was so supportive of us from the very beginning, you know. We were always included on the Annuals [compilations], we kind of worked together, it was a double-edged sword … I think one of my favourite memories was actually playing at Ministry of Sound in London,” she says. Also making an appearance are vocalists Reigan, Lady Lyric and Ben Woolner (SAFIA), as well as local legends Caiti Baker, Max Fredericks and DJ UK. The whole shebang includes supports Groove Terminator, Sneaky Sound System, Touch Sensitive, John Course and more, all backed by a live orchestra and band.
the orchestra] draws up an emotion, you’re already there with a memory and it really brings it home. It’s like having a scone with cream on the top!” Celebrate 30 years of Ministry of Sound, and dance through the laser beams under the stars and palm trees, the whole experience veiled in some serious nostalgia.
Ministry of Sound Classical WHEN AT COST INFO
SAT 11 JUN | 2-11PM DARWIN AMPHITHEATRE $99.95-$149.95 yourcentre.com.au
By Tierney Seccull
JOIN MINISTRY THE
As much as the crowds have loved hearing these tunes reimagined, Miss Connie says it’s a buzz to perform hit tracks in a classical context. “I think when you put an orchestra behind anything it sounds epic, you know? That’s why we love going to the movies … It just kind of adds another depth, another level,” she says. “If you’re talking about nostalgia, it really gets into your heart strings. And the beauty of the strings [in
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THE NEO FIND A WAY SINGLE LAUNCH
GIG
Following the launch of the first two singles, 'Snake Man' and 'Out of Place', Territory institution The NEO is back to launch their new album's third single, 'Find a Way'. The band's 12-piece funk soul experience hits the Happy Yess stage supported by talented local musicians. It also features the debut screening of their newest film clip, starring a wild Darwin audience filmed at the band's recent cabaret performance.
guide OTL's quick and essential guide to live music in the NT. To find out more, head to offtheleash.net.au
WHEN FRI 17 JUN | 7-11PM AT HAPPY YESS
Ministry of Sound Classical WHEN AT COST INFO
SAT 11 JUN | 2-11PM DARWIN AMPHITHEATRE $79.80-$119.80 yourcentre.com.au
Waxing Gibbous WHEN AT COST INFO
First Folk’n Friday First Folk’n Friday is joint initiative of the Top End Folk Club and Happy Yess, celebrating our diversity and the inclusiveness of this great place we live in, capturing the spirit of the Top End in music. WHEN AT COST INFO
FRI 3 JUN | 8-11PM HAPPY YESS AT BROWNS MART $10 facebook.com/ topendfolkclub
NT Chamber Music Festival WHEN AT COST INFO
SAT 4 & SUN 5 JUN BROWN’S MART THEATRE $20-$45 brownsmart.com.au
SAT 11 JUN | 6PM HAPPY YESS $10 | $5 happyyess.com
Soulful Ignorance Album Launch Party NT MCs D-Day (ASP) and Marshay Logan (NY) have spent the past 18 months crafting their first collaborative album, Soulful Ignorance. The 15-track album is a journey that goes back and forth between party ignorance and introspective good vibes. The album features guest MCs Kxng Mash, Dan the Underdog, Threat3, Lil Dicky and Ned Hargraves. Head along to this free album launch party and support Territory music! WHEN AT COST INFO
FRI 17 JUN | 8PM EPILOGUE LOUNGE ROOFTOP FREE facebook.com/epiloguelounge
Live at the Lake SAT 7 MAY | 4-7PM SANCTUARY LAKES FREE palmerston.nt.gov.au
Live on the Lawns: Karnage N Darknis Mparntwe hip-hop duo Karnage N Darknis (KnD) have released three albums and performed extensively since forming in 2008. They write collaboratively, with their songs
Photo: Nico Liengme
WHEN AT COST INFO
WHEN FRI 24 JUN | 12.30-1.30PM AT THE OLD COURTHOUSE, ALICE SPRINGS COST FREE INFO musicnt.com.au
Darwin Pride Festival Finale Top End Pride Festival and MusicNT's All Good Project have joined forces to bring you one of the biggest and best celebrations of original live music from queer artists to conclude the 2022 Darwin Pride Festival. Featuring a variety of incredibly talented local musicians soundtracking a quintessential Top End sunset, this Sunday evening celebration is sure to end your Darwin Pride Festival in style. WHEN AT COST INFO
SUN 26 JUN | 4-10PM DARWIN TRAILER BOAT CLUB $40 topendpride.com.au
Seaside Sessions Settle in under the green sails with a cold drink and an afternoon of live music, at Darwin Trailer Boat Club. With drink specials and world-class sunsets, it's the perfect way to see out the weekend!
Tell me about your upbringing, was your house particularly musical? Madison: We grew up with our Baba, who is our mum’s dad. He’s a massive musician, he’s always been in a band – biggest Beatles fan ever. He was on the news for having one of the largest Beatles collections in America. We would listen to The Beatles every day on the way to school and when he would pick us up, whenever we would go over to his house.
THE WANTED GEMS 26
reflecting issues that matter to them as Aboriginal artists and providing a voice for change. Break up your workday and check out the first in this lunchtime concert series.
IN 2020, MICAELA and Maddison Hull of Alice Springs duo The Wanted Gems were preparing to finish high school and propel themselves into giving it a go as musicians. They had exciting things in the pipeline, like their upcoming gig at BASSINTHEGRASS thanks to winning Battle of the School Bands and were even signed up to appear on The Voice. Cue COVID, exit plans. Hannah Muir caught up with the talented twins for a chat.
Micaela: Before we moved to Australia, from America, we were always surrounded by his music – we would go to his band practices with him and his gigs. I guess when we moved here it was the complete opposite, no music at all. Madison: Yeah! Then we started doing music class and one of our friends was playing the ukulele, we were like, ‘what is that?’ and so we
WHEN AT COST INFO
EVERY SUN | 3PM DARWIN TRAILER BOAT CLUB FREE facebook.com/ darwintrailerboatclub
Hot and Cold Big Band The Hot and Cold Big Band has been unleashing swing music upon the unsuspecting population of Darwin since 2009. With a repertoire spanning nearly a century of swing, and a free dance lesson from Swing Dance NT, it’s easy to see why it’s the Top End's premier weekly big band gig. Swing on by to The Rails and join in the fun! WHEN AT COST INFO
EVERY WED | 7.30PM DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB $10 | $5 MEMB darwinrailwayclub.org
Live on Fridays Relax into your weekend with this Dry season favourite, as the Brown’s Mart Precinct is filled with free live music every Friday. Unwind with the perfect mix of well-loved established musicians and bands, with exciting emerging talents also featured. Just bring your thirsty mates – the friendly Brown's Mart team will take care of the rest! WHEN AT COST INFO
COST $15 | $10 CONC INFO facebook.com/theneoband
JAM NIGHTS AND OPEN MIC
Live blues band support in a welcoming environment. WHEN SUN 5 JUN | 3PM AT TRACY VILLAGE SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB COST GOLD COIN DONATION INFO facebook.com/ firstsundayblues
Jam Night WHEN AT COST INFO
EVERY TUE | 9PM SMOKE & OAK DARWIN FREE facebook.com/ smokeandoakdarwin
Want a chance to see your gig listed here? Upload to our website! Scan for deets.
EVERY FRI (EXC 12 AUG) | 5-7PM BROWN’S MART COURTYARD FREE brownsmart.com.au
just started playing it and singing, and have been every day since. Do you find anything particularly musically inspiring living in Alice? Madison: Alice Springs is a really musical town. If you’re a musician, you know all of the other musicians, and everyone is so supportive. We started doing Jump Inn Jams here in town to get us confident and ready, and everyone was just so welcoming and so encouraging. Micaela: Yeah, it really was the perfect place to start performing. Any particular Territory role models? Madison: Yeah, I would say Colin Lillie. He’s given us some pretty good advice which has been really helpful. We were supposed to open one of his shows, but COVID cancelled it, as it has been cancelling a lot of our gigs.
Micaela: He was really helpful and supportive when we were going to go on The Voice, too. He has so much experience. What kind of gigs are you doing at the moment? I saw you perform at the Off The Leash launch at Montes, which was great. Madison: At the moment, we’re doing some weddings, Juicy Rump, Jump Inn – we are doing a lot of hosting of open mic at Epilogue and the Jump Inn. We have the Fringe Festival in Darwin coming up!
INFO
facebook.com/ madisonandmicaela.music instagram.com/ thewantedgems
By Kate Conway
Waxing Gibbous WHEN YOU HEAR the names The Jigsaw Collective, Luna Maria and Gentrified Ferals, you might be wondering what that’s all about. They’re all NT bands, and although when popped together they might sound like an unlikely combination, there’s a rich tapestry of love, adventure and history that connects them. With members playing or singing across different band roles, and a husband and wife duo, there is kinship woven into the fabric of these three bands. Under a waxing gibbous moon, the close-knit bunch is getting together for one night of folk, grunge, jazz and soul. Just shy of a full moon, and associated with abundance, completion, and transformation, the bands feel it is representative of
their growth in previous years. “We have all been laying low due to COVID, isolation and all those things, and in that time we’ve evolved and developed in the shadows, just like the moon does,” says Gentrified Ferals frontman Rod Baker. “The restrictions give you the occasion to pause and reset, and we have been recombining and allowing chaos and creativity to come back in.” After jamming at open nights and parties this year, the event is the first real hit out with a new line-up, and for Gentrified Ferals, a new sound. “There’s an improvisational jazz value put into the grunge sound, but for us, there will always be a bit of a punk aesthetic,” says Baker. Combined with Lunar Maria’s gentle,
melodic folk sound, and The Jigsaw Collective’s signature blend of energetic, contemporary jazz and blues, the night is set to entertain. Baker hints at a few surprises in store. “Expect the unexpected! I don’t actually know what is going to arrive until the moment it happens on stage, whether that is in movement or words.” After a self-confessed, pandemic induced hibernation, Waxing Gibbous is about three bands getting together and supporting each other out of the shadows.
WHEN AT COST INFO
SAT 11 JUN | 6-11.30PM HAPPY YESS $10 | $5 MEMB happyyess.com
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