The Dream Weaver: Guardians of Grace | Grace Lillian Lee
Each set of armour and shield represents one of Grace’s relatives, creating a physical family tree of woven sculptures. The individualised detail and numerous differences (both subtle and obvious) in each relative’s manifested representations indicates a considered and thoughtful approach to the work. The artworks seem to breathe the life story and memories of their namesakes, and while inspecting the work I could almost see the emotion poured into each stitch and weave.
Meet Your Maker | Alethea Beetson & Blak Social
Captivating and clever in its rendition, Ken Weston’s video design skills are certainly praiseworthy. Beetson’s one-woman performance doesn’t miss a beat as she sings, dances, plays instruments and interacts with these high calibre videos that unfold sequentially across the dominant screen. Her interaction with each is truly commendable and authentic in its fast-paced delivery and simultaneously, convincing enough to blur the boundary of video versus Beetson’s on-stage presence.
Lightscape | Brisbane Festival & Sony Music Entertainment
This is an epic collaboration and a must-see experience for everyone. Expect a mix of popular songs, soundscapes, curated spaces, differing uses of lights and projections within the 1.8km trail.
Kitchen Studio | Elizabeth Willing
Elizabeth Willing blended sculpture and food in a way that meant visually the two were almost indistinguishable. It also meant that as well as focusing on the food, I was also drawn to the tactile feeling of the plates, menus and tables.
The No Bang Theory | Oliver Hetherington-Page
The show itself is a delight, but it stands out against the current landscape of mainstream theatre - Hetherington-Page’s call to action for greater representation and platforming of neurodiverse artists within theatre spaces is a powerful act.
Be Iconic | Fashion Collab & Brisbane Festival
Be Iconic signified the beauty of diversity and inclusivity and freedom by redefining the runway, bringing incredible artists and community to the creative vision. This show delivered on its promise wonderfully - it was inclusive, adaptive, sustainable, and allowed people to express their individuality freely.
Volcano | Luke Murphy's Attic Projects
I knew about ten minutes into the final episode that I would be giving this work a standing ovation and did so with a swiftness I’ve not afforded another work perhaps ever, and my fellow audience members did not hesitate to join me. Haunting, evocative, captivating: Volcano is utterly brilliant, utterly utterly brilliant.
Briefs Factory on The Art Boat | Briefs Factory & Cluster Arts
Super entertaining, very festival-y in its novelty, and by far the best boat trip I’ve had down the Maiwar (Brisbane River).
Fun Home | PIP Theatre
Even though lesbian representation isn’t as rare or poor as it was 10 years ago, it still makes me feel warm and fuzzy when I see it. So of course one of my favourite songs was ‘Changing My Major’ where College Alison sings about her new girlfriend after coming out and sleeping with her for the first time. In this piece Enright’s performance perfectly captured the awkward joy of ‘leaping out of the closet’.
Straight from the Strait | Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation and QPAC
Straight from the Strait is a joyful unfolding of a History lesson taking off on the pulsating wings of soulful songs and reverberating through stamping feet carrying ancestral rhythms and wisdoms. It held me captive from the get-go and set my spirit free by the end of the night.
Dreams & Stories | Queensland Symphony Orchestra with William Barton
Sculthorpe’s Kakadu followed, which was a standout in terms of William Barton’s additions through didgeridoo. Note that this was not part of the original score and something Sculthorpe included after hearing Barton play. In part a beautiful homage between musos. I loved the harmonic shifts of the different instruments mimicking birds, trees, nature and the sometimes flight, fright, freeze and fawn.
Psycho Beach Party | The X Collective
High camp is the name of the game here peoples. From beginning to end Psycho Beach Party is irreverent, tongue-n-cheek, tasteless, and an utter giggle-fest. The play ends, the cast bows and all I had to say was “that was deeply, deeply silly”. And I need you to understand that in this context that is a massive compliment.
Disney Off Ice | Observatory Theatre
Pre-recorded videos of the actors' faces were projected on screen during moments of tension while the actrs were performing live in front of the projections. This was a really impactful stylist choice for the work, which heightened the performances of the actors.
Horizon | Bangarra Dance Theatre
If you are new to Bangarra’s work, then Horizon is for you. If you are looking for a memorable creative and cultural experience, then Horizon is for you. If you want to admire exceptional cutting-edge contemporary dance, with great music, lighting and costumes … Horizon is also for you. angarra’s Horizon is an unmissable experience.
As Told By The Boys Who Fed Me Apples | Lachlan Driscoll
There is so much to highlight from this excellent production—particularly the soundscape, acting, and production design/direction … Actors Robert Wainwright and Riley Finn Anderson communicate the fear and horrors of the journeys and battles, and build a real sense of the loving and trusting relationship established between each of the ‘boys’ and their horse.
Dido & Aeneas | Opera Queensland & Circa
I found that the inclusion of movement added so much to the experience of this work. The acrobats were able to bring the more abstract, mystical, violent, grotesque, glimmering elements of Dido and Aeneas’ world to life. Each and every member of the company (both acrobat and singer) brings a level of virtuosity to their work that reminds one why these forms have lasted the test of time.
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical | TEG Dainty
Brisbane audiences will not be disappointed; this is one show that absolutely deserves to be a sellout. As my plus-one said on the opening night, this must be the best musical we have seen at QPAC. But you’d better be quick, as this show goes back on the road at the end of August.
WILDFLOWER | ADC Mature Ensemble
Defiance defines this performance. Defiance against those they have closed off the stage, the dancing, the community of kindred spirits. We will take what is ours to have.
Plied and Prejudice | Woodward Productions and De Bortoli
The cast is dynamic, the script is a right knee-slapper, and the audience is encouraged to drink and interact with show responsibly throughout. If you’re an Austen lover, a Bridgeton baddie, or a period drama lover in general this is the show for you; I truly can’t recommend this more highly.
Cost of Living | Queensland Theatre
Co-Director Priscilla Jackman has been relentless in pursuing the idea of staging Cost of Living in Australia for the first time when she first stumbled on the script in 2019! Working with Co-Director and star Dan Daw, the two powerhouses of the theatre world have crafted a production that goes beyond how a disability is perceived, putting the focus front and centre on the interdependence of individuals, both disabled and able bodied.