Films carry strong storylines 

By Rama Gaind

MARKING his first film role since his Academy Award-winning ‘Million Dollar Baby’, Clint Eastwood directs and stars in ‘Gran Torino’ and again comes out a winner.
As a recently widowed Korean War veteran, Walt Kowalski is an unyielding, unapologetic racist who is (eventually) forced to confront his prejudices by new immigrant neighbours.
Kowalski is not shy when it comes to pulling out his Colt .45 or Army-issue M-1 Garand when the need arises. Eventually, his actions become more humane.
‘Gran Torino’ is about two things: nurturing a man’s better nature and accepting other nationalities in the community.
It can’t be helped, but Kowalski is drawn into the life of his neighbours, particularly Thao (Bee Vang), a teenage boy who is pressured to steal the prized Ford Gran Torino by a local Hmong gang.
He also likes Thao’s sister Sue (Ahney Her) who is not afraid to stand up for herself.
The film begins slowly, but when it picks up it is reminiscent of a Dirty Harry action film (in very slow motion) mingled with some ‘Unforgiven’-style of dialogue.
Clint proves that at 78, age is no barrier to achieving excellence.
ANOTHER movie worth watching is ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’.
Adapted by director David Fincher from a 1922 short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Brad Pitt in the title role is seen ageing in reverse.
Button is an osteophytic infant, an orphan, born 80 years old who grows younger instead of older.
If you get a sense of ‘Forrest Gump’ déjà vu don’t be alarmed. It’s not surprising as Eric Roth – who wrote the screenplay for that film – co-wrote Button’s adaptation.
Fincher (‘Se7en’) paints a creative, flourishing picture where together with Pitt, even Cate Blanchett gives a strong performance as Button’s life-long love interest.
 

In Cold Light
By Duncan Ley
Everyman Theatre
 

In Cold Light is a sharp production that hits hard. I went thinking I would watch a murder mystery where we would all gasp at the end when we discovered who actually committed the crime; I came away with the compulsion to reassess the basic premises that are the foundation of my own life.

This very clever script spits out one moral dilemma after another at lightning speed and forces the audience to explore and question its own morals, ethics, religiosity, and capability for forgiveness and faith.

Ley has used the one act play format to good effect. With no interval to allow the mounting tension to escape, the audience is taken on a 1 hour 25 minute journey that demands resolution.

Ley’s writing has a temerity about it that yields a powerful response. And it certainly helps that the calibre of the acting drives his points home.

With only a fleeting glimpse of Hannah Ley as Maria at the very end, the burden of keeping the audience engaged is left to just two actors.

Brilliant casting with Jarrad West as Father Christian Lamori. West’s skill as an actor pulls us in as we are witness to the unravelling of this at first, self-assured dignatory, hiding behind a tenuous bravado. The risks he takes as an actor pay off, so much so that we can feel compassion for this man who we think has done the unthinkable.

Ley’s laconic Inspector is the perfect counterpoint for West’s priest and his propensity for brutality throws us off the scent. The two actors are evenly matched and fit comfortably together, particularly in the more physical scenes.

It says much about a script when it can stand on its own without distractions, and director Duncan Driver’s stark set and economic use of lighting add to the intentionally claustrophobic feel of the play. The lighting transition in the last scene is particularly powerful.

This play is currently in development to be made into a feature film and its easy to see why, as it works on so many levels. It is refreshing to see a well-crafted, provocative work produced to such a high standard by a local, fledgling theatre company.

Congrats to Stephen Pike at the Q for starting off its season with such a bang!

Cosmic Ordering For Beginners
Barbel Mohr and Clemens Maria Mohr
ISBN: 9781401917982

RRP: $29.95

Remember the old adage ‘The rich get rich and the poor get poorer’? Is it just luck that some people seem to have it all while others wish they did too?

According to German authors Barbel Mohr and Clemens Maria Mohr, it has less to do with luck and more to do with simply asking for what you want.

Author of several best-selling books, Barbel Mohr has become a household name in Germany. Clemens Maria Mohr (no relation to Barbel) is one of the top business and sports coaches in Germany.

Their book Cosmic Ordering for Beginners outlines the key ideas and principles that the Mohrs say govern the cosmos and illustrate ways of changing your subconscious to positively shape your life.

The book shows you how to tune in to the Universe and order all those things that you truly desire, whether it be more love, more money, better health or a slimmer body.

From the very basics of listening to your inner voice and writing down what you want to wish for to how to collectively wish with others, this practical guide is presented in simple terms easy that everyone can understand.

Written in a lively, energetic style with plenty of fantastic hints, tips, and techniques, Cosmic Ordering for Beginners also includes an exclusive free CD, where Barbel relates the very best meditations and exercises to help make your dreams a reality.

Cosmic Ordering for Beginners (Hay House, RRP $29.95) is available at all leading retailers. Visit www.hayhouse.com.au for more information.

“A crash curve carnival of Bearded Ladies, Japanese Serpent Warriors, Italian Stallions, spike covered Showgirls with sharp teeth, trembling Victorian spinsters, Bodice Ripping Adventuresses, Apocalyptic Beasts in shredded fishnets and towering stilts.”

If you like your theatre to be packed in a neat little box with a predictable beginning, middle and end, don’t venture out for this one.

However, if you like to be shocked, confused, titillated and outraged simultaneously, then you won’t want to miss the Street Theatre’s seaon of The Burlesque Hour commencing on February 10.

Burlesque is described as a humorous theatrical entertainment involving parody and sometimes grotesque exaggeration-and this show pushes the genre’s envelope to its extremes.

Described as part circus and sideshow, showgirl and showstopper, striptease and cartoon strip, boho and butoh, music hall, gothic spectacle and mayhem all set to an electric eclectic soundtrack from hardcore industrial to kitschy Jap-pop, it’s highly likely you’ve never seen anything like this before.

Starring internationally acclaimed Queen of Cabaret Bizarre, Moira Finucane; Japanese butoh dancer and shock cabaret artiste Yumi Umiumare; Circus and burlesque star Azaria Universe, elegant iconoclast Maude Davey with her infamous and fabled Strawberry Act, the Burlesque Hour packed the Sydney Opera House.

If you like your theatre to be packed in a neat little box with a predictable beginning, middle and end, don’t go to see The Burlesque Hour.

If you are fascinated by the extremes to which theatre performance can bend itself and don’t mind nudity and striptease, book early, because this internationally acclaimed show is selling fast!

On at the Street Theatre Tuesday 10 February–Thursday 12th February, Tickets $32/$29; Friday 13th— Saturday 14th all tickets $35 (shows at 7pm and 9pm on Saturday) Bookings essential phone 02 6247 1519 or go tot www.thestreet.org.au.

Recommended: 16+ age restriction for this event; it contains nudity and partial nudity.

Canberra’s doyen of theatre Coralie Wood was farewelled by Mary Porter AM MLA yesterday as she was shipped off to Sydney on the back of a truck. Well, at least her portrait was.
    Regional artist Dr Ian Henderson DCA approached Ms Wood after she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in June 2008 and asked her to sit for him.
    He felt that Coralie and her colourful life were the perfect subject for a portrait to be entered in the 2009 Archibald Prize.

   Dr Henderson DCA is the author of ‘Visual Design: a collection of essays concerning the visual nature of landscape–essays for paintings’. He recently held an exhibition of his paintings at his studio in Nimmitabel.
    His entry in the Archibald Prize for 2008 was a portrait of journalist Ian Leslie.

    The painting, titled Coralie Central combines incorporates various aspects of Coralie’s life and history.
    The crimson bouffant, the larger than life lashes and the Star of David that represents the publicist’s strong link to her Jewish heritage are the central focus of the portrait.
    At the launch the artist said Ms Wood was a wonderful subject to paint, and thanked Henry Hann from That Framing Place in Braddon for framing the portrait.
    Ms Wood said she would be delighted if she were hung at the NSW Art Gallery with old friend Jon English, who is also a portrait subject for this year’s Archibald’s.

Canberra Youth Theatre and Fringe 09 present SIX BILLION LOVE

a butoh inspired live art work
Created and Directed by Cheneoh Miller
Costume Design: Danielle Killick
Lighting Design: Anthony Arblaster
Cast: Canberra Youth Theatre
The number 6,677,563,921 ticks forwards and backwards everyday with births and deaths on the planet occurring even as you read this. We are 1 of the Six Billion and something people – your presence is noted on the world population counter but what makes you so special? What can you give? SIX BILLION LOVE is intimate physical theatre performed by members of Canberra Youth Theatre.
When: 7,8 & 9 February 2009
Where: The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, National Multicultural Fringe Festival
Cost: $15 tickets 

BOOK NOW: Tickets available at Canberra Ticketing 6275 2700

Canberra Youth Theatre’s (CYT) 2009 Semester 1 Brochure has been released and is going to cause one drama after another. CYT invites young people aged 7-25 to come in and create some drama: act, learn, have fun, make new friends and perform in our theatre.
 
Canberra Youth Theatre was established in 1972 and is the longest running youth theatre in Australia. CYT provides young people ages 7-25 with the opportunity to explore, extend and develop their creativity through theatre workshops and productions. Young people work with professional artists to unleash their imaginations and create enriching, collaborative and innovative theatre.
 
This semester CYT is packed full of dramas as we:
 
-Invite young people to perform at the National Folk Festival as part of our youth variety performance event hiJinx
 
-Launch our new Teen Actors Ensemble for 15-18 year olds who want to commit to developing their performance skills
 
– Engage our senior CYT Actors Ensemble (ages 18-25) in TANK, a touring production about our relationship to water ,written by local writer Hadley
 
– Expand Open House, our Emerging Artists Residency Program for  young developing artists seeking to create/rehearse/ develop their own theatrical project
 
– Introduce two new Chrysalis Scholarships: the David Branson Memorial Performance Scholarship & the Jan Wawrzynczak Memorial Technical Scholarship
 
– Create STUFF!, a radio drama set inside the Ministry of Stuff, with a group of 10-12 year olds and local artists John Shortis and Kimmo Vennonen
 
– Offer workshops and performance opportunities for ages 7-25 ranging from storytelling to improvisation, screen acting to Shakespeare, acting technique to physical theatre.

CYT invites young people to join in the dramas and enrol now.
Enrolments close on 6 February.  
Check out our website on www.cytc.net for the full workshop program
or call 6248 5057 for more information.

Little Actors
Age: 7-9 years            
Tutor: Gretel Burgess / Camilla Blunden
What: Two fun workshops for little actors who want to explore the magic of theatre.
 Participants will play drama games and actively engage their imaginations through creative movement and vocal expression as they improvise characters to create performances based on Aesops’ fables. These timeless greek tales told by Aesop are packed full of characters who need to learn to look before they leap, be slow and steady and laugh last. Both workshops will conclude with a short performance for family & friends.
 Where: C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When: Wednesdays 4.30pm-6.00pm
Cost: $260 / participant (sibling and friend discount available)


Act Now!
Age: 10-12
Tutor: Adele Chynoweth
What: Act. Create. Perform. In this fun workshop participants will develop their performance skills as they play drama games and exercises.
 The workshop will focus on the essentials of acting: voice, movement, improvisation and characterisation. The group will create a unique performance based on a well known story. This workshop will conclude with a short performance for family & friends.
Where: C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When: Mondays 4.30pm-6.30pm
Cost: $210 / participant (sibling and friend discount available) (12 WEEKS)


RADIO PLAY: Stuff!
Age: 10-12
Tutor: Adam Hadley
What:The Right Honorable Godfrey F Kerfuffle is the head of The Ministry of Stuff, the government department which represents the cares and concerns of kids. There are Ministers who are in charge of all the important stuff like… pets, friends, playstations, lollies etc. But watch out because budget cuts are looming and the Ministry of Stuff is in jeopardy!!!!
Participants in this workshop will create the story and characters of Stuff! with theatre maker Hadley, then work with John Shortis to create songs and finally they will record their radio Play with local sound artist Kimmo Vennenen… and then prepare to hear themselves on air!
This workshop will conclude with STUFF! being played across the airwaves of Canberra and maybe beyond….
Where: Bogong Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When: Tuesdays 4.30pm-6.30pm
Cost: $260 / participant (sibling and friend discount available)
 
Improvisation
Age: 13-16
Tutor: Nick Byrne
What: Improvisation is about imagination, energy, spontaneity, courage and self confidence. Improvisation processes develop lateral thinking, encourage team work and ignite creativity.
 Participants will learn the basics of improvisation and storytelling through drama games and exercises. The workshop will provide them with the opportunity to develop acting skills as they explore characters and situations developed from their own imaginations.
Where: Bogong Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When: Thursdays 4.30pm-6.30pm
Cost: $260 / participant (sibling and friend discount available)
 
CYT Teen Actors Ensemble
Age: 15-18
Tutor: Peter Wilkins & Joe Woodward
What:
Learn to ACT!
Commit to training all year with a group of dedicated young performers and then perform at the end of the year!
In Semester 1 participants will explore the essentials of acting. Develop skills in voice, movement, characterisation and improvisation.
 In Semester 2 you will bring to life 4 short plays written by the participants of the Artist’s Unite Project from CYT, Backbone Youth Theatre (Brisbane), Urban Myth Theatre of Youth (SA), Tantrum Youth Theatre (Newcastle) and Mess Up The Mess (UK).  Participants will be guided through the creative process, focusing on developing acting techniques and script interpretation & analysis.This workshop will conclude with performances on 21 and 22 November.
Enrol now as places are strictly limited!
Where: C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When: Thursdays 4.30pm-6.30pm
& Sundays 10am-3pm 19 July, 16 August, 20 September, 18 October, 15 November
Cost: $560*/ year ($280/ semester)
*Discount available for full year payment $540
 
Screen Acting: Beginners
Age: 13-25
Tutor: Stephen Barker
What: Lights. Camera. Action. Participants will learn and develop skills in screen acting as they explore the differences between stage and screen acting in this fun and engaging practical workshop. The workshop will conclude with a gala screening of film/ television scenes shot throughout the duration of the course.
Where: C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When: Tuesdays 4.30pm-6.30pm
Cost: $260 / participant (sibling and friend discount available)
 
Screen Acting: Advanced – Shakespeare on Screen
Age: 15-25
Tutor: Stephen Barker
What: Rise to the challenge and discover how the works of Shakespeare translate onto the big screen! This workshop will explore practical skills you can use to get the most out of Shakespeare’s plays, and how to perform them for the camera.  If you have some previous screen acting experience, come along and join this dynamic workshop and crash-tackle scenes from one of the greatest (and most performed) playwrights ever. You will also get the chance to see your work screened at our end of semester performance.  
Where: C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When: Tuesdays 7pm-9pm
Cost: $260 / participant (sibling and friend discount available)
 
Acting Technique
Age: 18+
Tutor: TBC
What: Develop skills in voice, movement, improvisation and characterization.
Participants will work with an experienced director on in-depth character and scene analysis, focusing on developing an understanding of sub text and emotional truth. The workshop will conclude with a short performance for family & friends.
Where: C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When: Wednesdays 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $260 / participant (sibling and friend discount available)
 

THE CYT ACTORS ENSEMBLE 2009
Age: 18-25            
Tutor: Pip Buining and Guest Tutors
Auditions: Saturday 28 February 10am-3pm
Where: C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When: Saturdays 10am – 5pm starting from 14 March.
Cost: $580* / year (or $290/semester) *
Discount available for upfront yearly payment / payment plan also available.
What: The CYT Actors Ensemble is for young people aged 18-25 who are passionate about developing their skills in performance. Auditions for the Ensemble are held at the start of each year and those selected commit to training together on a weekly basis developing core skills in acting, movement, voice, improvisation and performance making.
 In 2009 the Ensemble will be actively engaged in the development and performance of CYT’s major touring production, TANK.
 TANK is sustainable theatre. TANK is about water. Our need and use of it. It’s priceless existence. TANK is set inside a small theatrical water tank. TANK is 6 x 6 minute plays for an audience of 6. TANK is flexible, fun, intimate portable theatre that will tour.
 Application forms can be obtained by contacting the CYT office, applications close on Monday 23 February.
The CYT Actors Ensemble is proudly supported by Canberra Milk
 TANK is sponsored by the Rock Development Group


OPEN HOUSE: Artistic Residency for Emerging Artists
Age:                         18-25
Mentor:             Pip Buining or a professional theatre practitioner of your choice*
What:
“Open House was the perfect testing ground, we failed, we succeeded, we discovered new ideas waiting for us “                        Cathy Petocz 2008 Open House Recipient

CYT’s Open House program is for young independent artists seeking to create/ rehearse/develop a theatrical project. Open House invites emerging artists to take theatrical risks and expand their performance horizons through engaging in an artistic residency in our space for a fortnight.
 In 2009 CYT will run Open House twice: providing an ACT and an interstate emerging artist with the opportunity to develop new work in our theatre.
 The selected artist will have:
– the support of the Artistic Director of CYT
– access to the resources of the company (office, workshop, technical & theatrical)
– rent-free access to a flexible performance space with lighting rig and sound system for two weeks.
– travel reimbursement* for non ACT recipient (*within Australia, conditions apply)
– accommodation for non ACT recipient at Gorman House Arts Centre
– a stipend to financially support* them for the duration of Open House (conditions apply)
 Contact the Artistic Director for further details and an application form.
Open House Recipients must be Australian Citizens.
 Applications Due: Tuesday 1st April 2009 & 1st July
 Where:             C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When:            Open House #1             Monday 25 June- Sunday 8 July
                        Open House #2            Monday 1 -13 December
Cost:                         FREE!


hiJinx @ The National Folk Festival
hiJinx : boisterous celebration or merrymaking, unrestrained fun.
 Do you want to PERFORM? If so then read on…
 hiJinx is a youth managed and produced evening of youth variety performance at the National Folk Festival.
 If you are between the ages of 12-25 and have an act then you are invited to apply to perform at hiJinx. Get up off your couch and act, sing, dance, juggle, play a tune, show your short film, cavort and do your hiJinx on stage. All performers get a complimentary day pass to the National Folk Festival.
 For an application form please contact the hiJinx Committee at [email protected]
 When & Where:
Auditions: Sunday 22 March 2pm @ CYT
Rehearsal: Sunday 5 April 2pm @ CYT
Performance: Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 April
Cost: Free

MASTER IT! Professional Development 18+
The Street Theatre & CYT presents (street development logo here)
Inspire yourself. Discover new possibilities. Extend your practice. Acquire new skills.
 Throughout the year CYT and The Street Theatre will provide Professional Development workshops for local artists (see website throughout the year for details) as well as conducting the Affiliate Program
The Affiliate Program is for theatre makers who want to extend themselves as a Director, Stage Designer, Lighting Designer, Stage Manager or Actor.
This program provides selected participants with the opportunity to be attached to an artist of their choosing through an affiliation with a specific professional Street Theatre production. These secondments will enable you to observe every aspect of a production, from rehearsals to production meetings. Regular meetings will be held with your principal artist of choice where issues of interest arising from your observation of process will be discussed. Each secondment includes a modest stipend for affiliated artists.
For more information contact the Artistic Director of The Street Theatre [email protected]


CHRYSALIS SCHOLARSHIPS
The CYT Chrysalis Program aims to support young and emerging theatre artists. In the past Chrysalis has assisted CYT members through subsiding workshop fees, providing individual mentorship programs and facilitating professional development opportunities. In 2008 Anthony Arblaster was the recipient of the Chrysalis Program and engaged in a technical internship with Belvoir Street Theatre and the Sydney Theatre Company.

Jan Wawrzynczak Memorial Technical Scholarship &
David Branson Memorial Performance Scholarship
can assist a young person through:
 
– subsidising the cost of a semester workshop at CYT OR
– assisting with fees for a specific workshop/course outside the ACT OR
– paying the fee of a professional artist to mentor and work one on one with you OR
– assisting with travel costs to attend a workshop/course outside the ACT
 
For more information or to apply for a Scholarship contact the CYT office 6248 5057 or [email protected]
By Design
What: CYT also designs theatre workshops that are tailored specifically to meet the needs of school groups, community organisations and individuals.
 Where: Workshops can be conducted in our theatre space at Gorman House or at your venue.
 Contact: If you would like to know more about our By Design Workshops contact the office
 Phone: 6248 5057
 Email: pip @cytc.net
 
In the past we have run workshops in:
 Audition Preparation, Acting Technique, Improvisation, Group Devising, Comedy, Physical Theatre, Circus, Acting For Camera, Commedia dell’Arte, Voice, Scriptwriting, Unlocking Shakespeare, 20th Century Theatre Practitioners, Suzuki, Laban, Viewpoints, Butoh, Boal, Directing, Approaching Text, Lighting Design, Set & Costume Design, Stage Management & Teaching Primary and Secondary Drama.

Act Now!
Age: 10-12
Tutor: Adele Chynoweth
What:

Act. Create. Perform. In this fun workshop participants will develop their performance skills as they play drama games and exercises.

The workshop will focus on the essentials of acting:  voice, movement, improvisation and characterisation. The group will create a unique performance based on a well known story. This workshop will conclude with a short performance for family & friends.

Where: C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When: Mondays 4.30pm-6.30pm
Cost: $210 / participant (sibling and friend discount available) (12 WEEKS)

Little Actors
Age: 7-9 years   
Tutor: Gretel Burgess / Camilla Blunden
What:
Two fun workshops for little actors who want to explore the magic of theatre.

Participants will play drama games and actively engage their imaginations through creative movement and vocal expression as they improvise characters to create performances based on Aesops’ fables.

These timeless greek tales told by Aesop are packed full of characters who need to learn to look before they leap, be slow and steady and laugh last. Both workshops will conclude with a short performance for family & friends.

Where: C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon
When: Wednesdays 4.30pm-6.00pm
Cost: $260 / participant (sibling and friend discount available)
 

By Shanna Provost

Guys and Dolls has been described as the perfect musical comedy. First produced on Broadway in 1950, it won five 1951 Tony Awards (including Best Musical). Since then it has been played to thousands of audiences in thousands of cities across the world.

The storyline is highly entertaining, the music full of memorable songs, the dance flirtatious and energetic, and the Free Rain Theatre Company’s production is top quality.

Guys and Dolls opens in brash, flashy Runyonland – where cops, con men, gamblers, ladies of dubious morals and a group from the Save the Soul Mission mingle. It’s packed with classic songs known the world over, including I’ll Know, Luck Be a Lady Tonight, Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat and the title song, you’ll tap your feet through the entire show.

Director Anne Somes has pulled in ‘the big guns’: Lucy Bermingham (CAT Awards for Best Musical Directon for The Hot Mikado and Sweet Charity) as Musical Director and Annette Sharpe as choreographer.

She is delighted with her strong cast including leads Sarah Darnley Stewart, Adrian Flor, Georgia Pike and Tim Dal Cativo and says they give their all to the show.

Guys and Dolls is playing at the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre or three weeks from 13 February to 28 February with matinees on 14 February, 21 & 22 February and 28 February. Tickets from $26-$35. Special group rates. For bookings phone 02 62980290 or visit www.theq.net.au

By Shanna Provost

So you think you can always solve a whodunit? Q Theatre’s first offering for its 2009 season titled In Cold Light by Everyman Theatre, with its myriad twists and turns, will challenge even the most adept mystery buffs.

Written by one of Canberra’s leading theatre practitioners, Duncan Ley, In Cold Light won Best Original Work at the 2003 Canberra Area Theatre Awards. This production is directed by Dr Duncan Driver, who has been involved in Canberra theatre for nearly 20 years both on-stage and as a director.

Ley’s latest play The Ides of March was shortlisted for the 2007 Sydney Theatre Company’s Patrick White Playwright’s Award and had its world premiere in London in 2008.

In Cold Light is short and sharp says Ley.

“Like any decent mystery we start slow and the stakes progressively get higher. The playing space is defined by paint and light and intentionally claustrophobic to enhance the tension, and we hope the audience will feel as if they are first hand witnesses to the unfolding intrigue.”

So what’s it about? They’re not telling (it’s a mystery of course), but we do known that one evening a well respected Assistant Headmaster at an isolated religious college is summoned for questioning by a relentless and ruthlessly intelligent young inspector. Who are these men? What are they hiding?

Described as a slowly uncoiling spring, the plot weaves through a tapestry of twists designed to keep the audience guessing until the very end.

“You’ll need to play close attention and look for clues, and hopefully enjoy having the wool pulled over your eyes”, says Ley.

The Q’s Artistic Director Stephen Pike says it’s appropriate that the first production of the season be home grown.

“In recognition and support of the talent residing in our region we decided to include some locally produced shows in our 2009 Subscription Season and, as Canberra’s most significant resident playwright, Duncan Ley’s work was an obvious choice. Duncan has an incredible gift with dialogue and having a personal knowledge of his work I can assure you that you are in for a treat”, says Pike.

In Cold Light at the Q Performing Arts Centre 4-7 February at 8pm and 2pm on 7 February. Tickets $25-$42 available at www.theq.net.au or phone 02 62980290.

By Shanna Provost

Jasmine House in Gunghalin has the honour of catering 2700 meals to the Wind of Shaolin troupe from Beijing during their tour of Canberra.

The hungry cast of the internationally-acclaimed dance spectacular need three meals each day for the nine days they are in Canberra.

They’re highly trained, incredibly fit acrobats who need to keep their lean muscle and maintain a diet that won’t throw their digestion out of kilter, so traditional Chinese food is an essential.

Jasmine House, the home of Asian delights on the corner of Ernest Cavanagh & Gribble Streets in Gunghalin is best known for its signature dishes, including the piquant San Dong Duck, Yuxiang Stir Fry, the Famous Singapore Chili and a Shaolin Duck dish whose recipe was created by the monks of the Shaolin Temple in China.

Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to dine at Jasmine House while they’re busy creating these 2700 dishes—it’s business as usual.For bookings phone 6242 4788.

Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Penny Sackett launched the 2009 International Year of Astronomy this morning at Questacon in Canberra with a live cross to the Anglo Australian Telescope at Siding Spring and to Chile.

400 years ago Galileo turned a telescope to the sky.
40 years ago Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.

Galileo’s work was the beginning of modern instrumental astronomy and a milestone in the history of evidence-based science. To mark this historical turning point, 2009 has been endorsed as the International Year of Astronomy by both UNESCO and the UN General Assembly.
 

The night sky is the common cultural heritage of all humanity. With hundreds of events happening around Australia alone, IYA will be a year-long, community-based celebration of the science, history and cultural impact of astronomy for people throughout the world.
 

Highlights of the launch included:
• The search for dark energy – an Australian-driven study of 400,000 galaxies to precisely measure dark energy – introduced by Matthew Colless in a live cross to the Anglo Australian Telescope at Siding Spring.
• Win an hour on one of the world’s leading telescopes: the 8m Gemini telescope in Chile. This competition for Australian high school students was launched with a live cross to Chile.
• Remarkable high resolution footage of Earthrise as seen from the Moon.
 

IYA is coordinated globally by the International Astronomical Union, which represents the world’s professional astronomers. In Australia, the National Committee for Astronomy, a committee of the Academy of Science, is responsible for coordinating IYA activities.
 

International website: www.astronomy2009.org
Australian website: www.astronomy2009.org.au
The Gemini competition: ausgo.aao.gov.au/IYAcontest

Encuentro in association with the Belconnen Gallery and the National Multicultural Festival presents:

Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen

Monday 2nd of February to Friday 27th of February 2009

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am. to 4:30 pm.

This exhibition will be opened by Caroline Le Couteur MLA on Wednesday February 4 at 6pm

Encuentro is a Canberra based not for profit cultural organisation of artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Encuentro artists work across all artforms including visual art, music, literature and multi-media.

Tierra Viva – A Changing World is an exhibition of painting, photography, ceramics and drawing that explores the dynamics of our changing world. The artists exhibiting in Tierra Viva – A Changing World include: Oscar del Pozo (Argentina), Rosemary von Behrens (Australia), Chun-chiang Shih (Taiwan), Celia Gallardo (Argentina), Ian Haynes (Australia) and Ana Gallardo (Argentina).

For more detailed information, please contact:

Belconnen Arts and Cultural Development Officer:

[email protected] 62640235