Friday 31 October 2014

'AFTER JULIA'


"After Julia" is commissioned by Decibel, a new music ensemble led by Cat Hope. She asked seven composers to create works responding to the prime-ministership of Julia Gillard.

One of the composers is Andree Greenwell, for whose piece I (Hilary here) wrote lyrics. It was conceived as a three-part song cycle, beginning with Ms Gillard's acceptance speech, moving through the challenges she faced (specifically, the language and attitudes she encountered that no male leader has ever had to endure), and finally a gospel rendition of the Misogyny Speech - the last of which, due to time constraints, we'll have to save for a future performance. But the first two songs are there in all their glory, beautifully brought off the page by a vocal ensemble of six young women.

"After Julia" will be performed on November 8 at the ABC's Eugene Goossens Hall, Ultimo, Sydney.

The evening will be introduced by Julia Gillard herself, and she will be interviewed by Julian Day on stage as part of the program.

Entry is free, but RSVP is essential.
At time of writing there are only six tickets remaining, so hurry!
You can book here.


Monday 6 October 2014

Monkey… Journey to the West



Justin Smith, Aljin Abella, Aileen Huynh and Darren Gilshenan play the motley Buddhist pilgrims

Well, it's been a hell of a journey to get Monkey… Journey to the West to the stage. Six years from concept to production! But what a production! It's a feast! Having played at the Brisbane Festival last week, it's now enjoying a run at the Parramatta Riverside Theatres. If you miss it, don't worry. This production by Kim Carpenter's Theatre of Image will be back next year for a national tour. 

Writer: Donna Abela 
Directors: John Bell and Kim Carpenter
Composer and lyricist: Peter Kennard
Movement Director: Scott Witt
Cast: Aljin Abella, Darren Gilshenan, Justin Smith, Aileen Huynh, Ivy Mak, Anthony Taufa, Lia Reutens, Troy Honeysett; and Tim Farley, Joshua Tieu and Jair Coronado from Team 9Lives.