Sad Boys Luv Art | Baby Blue
Dance, drag, costume, and performance come together in Baby Blue’s Sad Boys Luv Art. The show is a journey through male femininity that seeks audience interaction and reflection. Thalia Novela leads travellers through a fantasy world, with each new location introducing a new mythical creature. These magical entities are portrayed by Luna Thicc, Brandi Doll, Bailey Strothmann, Crimson Coco, and of course, Baby Blue.
Brown Church | The Naavikaran Collective
It is not long before I find myself completely taken in by the artists who have now formed a circle of celebration, clapping their hands to time. Naavikaran’s white flowy skirt accented with silvery foil-like material has a life force of its own. The other performers look equally royal in their costumes, twirling, swirling, locking eyes with one another, immersing themselves in the beauty and safety of friendships they have forged amongst themselves. I smile so much at the unfolding of this dance sequence simply because it is unadulterated, unpretentious joy.
The Pillowman | Good Time Theatrics
Directors Hannah Boyd (who also played Arial) and Sophie Wickes (who played Katurian) chose to adapt this work with an all-female cast; having the two police officers dressed in bright pink, almost cyber-punk like jumpsuits and gender-swapping the storyteller Katurian and their brother Michal. As a director myself, I thought this was an intriguing concept that had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, the inconsistency of direction resulted in this casting choice falling flat and undercutting the power of this award-winning text.
Five Shows for Teens and young adults to check out at Brisfest this year!
For Brisvegas residents, Brisbane Festival is the most wonderful time of the year. It is a time when art is celebrated and rejuvenated. A time when theatregoers roam the streets; a glass of red wine in hand, hopping from one show to the next. If you have a teen that is itching to get into theatre or maybe you have a teen that’s never been exposed to theatre before, here are your must sees of this years season.
Five Emerging Playwrights to Keep Your Eyes On…
That’s why it has been so reassuring to see a plethora of new playwrights emerging in the Brisbane independent arts scene, who have such a gorgeous control over their texts. If you haven’t heard of these indie playwrights before, jot their names down and follow their socials, as I can guarantee that you will be blown away their artistry.
Best Cafes to Stay All Day and Write in Brisbane
One of my favourite past times is to sit in a café and write – whether that be writing plays, short stories, poetry… you name it. So, I thought I’d make a list of the cafes that I frequent the most with a notebook and/or laptop in hand, ready to get those creative juices flowing.
Karen Lee Roberts is a creative Chameleon
For a show about a subject as serious as mental health/ mental wellness, Chameleon is quite light- hearted throughout. There are darker moments, and people do shed tears, but you will definitely get your fair share of belly laughs and giggles in this cabaret. It has been written to not take one’s self too seriously, and has some absolutely hilarious scenes unfold.
"If you want to get acquainted with the independent art scene in Brisbane, this is a great place to do it" - Angela Peita and Lauren Hale on RuckusFest.
We've always really strongly believed that anybody can make art and in whatever realm, that everyone has an interesting story to tell. This festival is about giving people an opportunity to play with that, but also to meet other people that want to play with. You don't have to be good at it, you can just enjoy it and get involved with it. And the kind of natural outcome of that is you're hanging out with other people who are interested in those things, so you’re making communities.”
Five shows in places you’d never expect
One of the beauties of the Anywhere Theatre Festival is catching performances in the most weird and wonderful places of our town. Here are five of the most unusual and enticing spots to catch some art in this May.
"What’s most important is finding performers who want to showcase their talent through new or existing material, and be a part of an event that lifts each other up."
Brisbaret is for people that want to discover the incredible performers around their own city who they might not see otherwise. If you enjoy laughing at the state of the world and experiencing a vast array of live performances, but perhaps don’t have the longest attention span and want to do something fun on a weeknight that you can still get to bed before 11, Brisbaret is for you!
This show is for anyone who has loved, has lost, who has made a mistake, who has simply lived
Taking place over three years in fictional Brisbane pub, His Majesty’s, this play follows a blossoming new relationship, a young woman who struggles with addiction and a young man who finds himself suffering from a terminal illness. This play deals with love, loss and how we deal with these emotions.
A first date which includes puppets, sourdough starter, music and plenty of new discoveries
This show is for LGBTIQIAP+ Brotherboy and Sistergirl communities and allies, it’s for young people, it’s for people who want to see authentic relationships on stage, people who want a light-hearted night and people who feel like they haven’t got everything figured out just yet. If you’re a lover of silliness and a bit of awkward sexiness, this is the show for you!
Hot Mess Comedy: "There are no scripts, no protective gear and nothing is off limits. "
There are no scripts, no protective gear and nothing is off limits. The comedians cannot rely on pre-rehearsed sets and have to push themselves to come up with jokes on the spot. The acts are fantastic and every show is different because as audiences, you decide the topics, and only the funniest survive."
"There was a tangible sense of what “live” really meant, and to feel and see the energy feedback loop between performers and audience members was incredible"
David Carberry reflects on programming Sideshow West End Fringe and providing a platform for local artists to get back in front of audiences after the COVID-19 lockdown. “The first event we had on July 31st, just a week after restrictions had lifted was incredible … I think everyone was feeling it, and pretty much all of our events were sold out from July onwards. I feel like generally people missed it, and there was a renewed sense of appreciation, and I sincerely hope it can continue.”
Note this interview was completed before the Sideshow needed to cancel the events of the closing weekend of the Fringe Program due to ongoing noise complaints.
Five Brissie bops to get you bouncing
I don’t know about you, but I love listening to music. Especially when it’s music produced, written, performed (and sometimes all three) by local Brissy artists. So, I thought I’d compile a list of the latest Brisbane bops I’ve been listening to. Vee goes looking for the best local sounds.
Three Brisbane Zines for a Literary Lover
Why seek greener pastures when there is a mossy cornucopia of content right here in your own backyard? Here are three local zine-makers who are bringing you the latest art, literature, and poetry from Brisbane.
For my sins I live in Brisbane
Many a time a stranger to our sundrenched plains has cried, ‘but nothing ever happens in Brisbane!’ And I say woe unto you, for you are not getting invited to the right parties.