aftrs @ acmi

another one of aftrs friday on my mind sessions. this one started at 3.30 for a preview screening of australia on trial: massacre at myall creek.

the three-part docudrama was produced by december films for screening on abc, with each episode written and directed by a different team. this episode directed by ana kokkinos and written by andy cox focussed on the court case that involved white men on trial for the murder of 28 aboriginal men, women and children at myall creek in 1838.

after the screening, ana kokkinos conversed with sandra sdraulig so we got to hear how the actual court papers were used in the recreation of this fabulous episode. i was so utterly moved by the story and was sitting on the edge, hoping that the seven white men would be convicted (and thus hanged) but also knowing just how miraculous it would be if they were. this episode is airing on abc1 on thursday april 19 at 8.30 and the other two can be found on abc iView for the time being. check these australian stories out, they're fascinating.

the histrionics

i had won tickets to a preview of the histrionics at the malthouse which was awesome. i love theatre and the staging of this production was fantastic and as there was no research before arriving, i wasn't quite sure what i'd be in for. i wouldn't say i was pleasantly surprised, i was challenged - the playwright thomas bernhard's text was a dark comedy on ego and celebrity. "the world's greatest actor" dropped into a small village with all the demands and eccentricities that go along with it. an amazing performance by bille brown, who as the central character bruscon carried 95% of the dialogue - holy cow.

the malthouse continues to deliver thought provoking and excellent theatre. can't wait for the next show.

easter at the astor

how i love this film, the magic of henson creations, the imaginings of brian froud, music by bowie. just fabulous. the astor has a remastered digital copy of the original 1986 film. i remember watching this at the viewway cinema when it first came out, and even though i have my own dvd copy, it was awesome to watch it on the big screen again.

and what says easter more than a red tulip humpty dumpty egg? thanks mum. (yes, it was easter egg chocolate for breakfast - i don't care, i will never change). happy easter holiday everyone.

only a little foolish, happy birthday me

a comedy feast

caught two shows this evening with friends. best of the edinburgh fest was at the capitol theatre, one of my most favourite venues.

then gordon southern's a brief history of history in the ladies lounge at the forum. i swear i did not know that there was another room at this venue besides the theatre and the stage. though i'm also not certain i would call the space we were in a room. it was close to a walk in wardrobe or a broom closet. it was an extremely tiny room for a funny show about the enormity of history.

tina c is in the house

back at the malthouse for sorry seems to be the hardest word... this was a fabulous mix of comedy, country music and politics. i know, who would've thought it. and let me tell you how envious i am of her/ his incredible legs. wowee!!

i got hugged by three strangers, sang along to the australian national "anthem" of waltzing matilda and ended the evening in a mash-up line-dance. i kid you not. it was a lot of fun and also really thought-full. christopher green was the perfect host in the guise of tina c.

state of the industry

and just how is it? 50 years of the australian writers' guild in 2012. i joined last year, so there's some time i have to make up.

the address by david williamson was delivered at the wheeler centre. and i was surprised that the speech wasn't as passionate or well spoken as i had been expecting. oh, it was well informed and that was interesting in itself but there wasn't as many moments as i had hoped that would work to inspire.

i had spotted two faces in the crowd that i recognised from watching tv in the early 80s. took me a while but they were from cop shop, terry norris and terence donovan. funny to think i haven't seen them in years but the memories are still there. damn i love film and tv.