Harry Potter in Nude Horse Play

This is a two-part post looking at the culture of theatre programming and production in the context of the recent debate around gender inequity. I made a post here recently describing the clear imbalance as a symptom of a much wider issue in this industry – that of nepotism. The more I think about it the more I can see this is everywhere – and it is something which impacts the development of the craft on a global scale (I’ll leave out judgement on whether this impact is positive or negative). The fact is the culture of favours granted through personal intimation is so ingrained in the arts community you cannot avoid its reach. In the coming days I will be examining this in detail, beginning with the question that was the catalyst for a national debate. Who gets to put on shows and why?

‘On Merit’ pt 1: Celebrity Direct

Twenty-Ten: A User Guide

Taking a tip from Dylan I’m not looking back at the year past but only ahead at the many exciting things to take in over the next one. Ten is upon us and I’ve put together a little A-Z of what’s to come. That’s twenty six events I’m psyched about- one every two weeks! Plus all the things I haven’t even heard about yet. Woah.

Prepare To Cream Thyself: SydFest’10 Unleashes

just how am i expected to sleep until then?

Quickfire Lessons From a Master Of The Absurd

REVIEW: GOOD EVENING

Sydney Opera House, December 2009

Shaun Micallef has never afraid to step into uncharted territory – but this trip down memory lane is a real treat for fans of his style of weird. If you aren’t familiar with the work of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, it’s a great lesson in comedic history.

Caleb Spits The Dummy

I for one don’t believe for a second there is a culture of gender bias specific to the theatre world, apart from the myriad of great roles for men of course. Most of which are written by men of course. Historically women artists have had less than one percent of the opportunity men have had since theatre began. But this is 2009; women get plenty of opportunity, training and in my experience, seem to be everywhere in the arts.

Happy Days

REVIEW: HAPPY DAYS

Belvoir St Theatre, November 2009
This is not theatre as you know it.

Boldly Going Where Words Cannot

REVIEW: The Curiosities

Performance Space, November 2009

…this ensemble under the choreography of Sue Healey are committed to the creation of such a thing to scrutinise emotional states at an almost cellular level. What is the biological makeup of Heartbreak? Or Joy? Or Freedom?

Time Out Steps Up to Recognise Independent Arts

one doesn’t think of their reviews as being anything approaching critical, the words “gushing praise” spring to mind when it comes to just about anything they write.

What Social Media Marketers Don’t Want You To Know

If you’re reading this, there is a voice in your head which is seeking to rationalise this idea, agree? disagree? Everyone does it – it’s the condition of being human. You’re already framing your responses before the listening is even complete – and this, friends is the critical point of social media engagement

Everyone’s a F’kn Comedian

REVIEW: World’s Funniest Island
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour, October 17-18

…I found myself hanging around with ten or so performers, as the likes of Greg Fleet and Rick Shapiro got up to do unscheduled sets, heckling each other and generally living large as the weekend drew to a close. Moments like this sum up the warmth of the festival, as what is a very closely-knit comic community all gather.