Brisbane Powerhouse Events

Angry Young Women in Low Rise Jeans with High Class Issues

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:30:00 +1000

An outrageous comedy by Matt Morillo

For girls who thought "Sex and the City" didn't go far enough, for guys who still don't understand and for anyone with an interest in ladies underwear comes a new survival manual for the modern urban goddess.

This outrageous new comedy parades a series of foxy, witty and anxious women who are coffee-driven, sensitive, wired, misunderstood and fuming with awkward issues. They are frustrated with the way of the world, the perceptions men have of them and their own reactions to it.

“A must see for any Sex and the City fan…hilarious…you have to see it.” New York Cool
“Fast and funny… a truly great piece of theatre.” US Offoffonline

“Mixed Company … whose production of Five Women Wearing The Same Dress won the ABC Bell Award for Best Independent Production 2008 is onto another sure-fire hit…”

Warning: Recommended for mature audiences 16+. Contains adult themes, graphic language and coarse language

The True Story of Butterfish

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 07:09:00 +1000

WORLD PREMIERE
A PLAY BY NICK EARLS
PRODUCED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE

Following the successful stage and screen adaptations of After January, 48 Shades of Brown and Zigzag Street, Nick Earls’ new tale of rock stars and life in Brisbane premieres.

Curtis is no longer a rock star. His dad is dead, his wife has left him, he's purchased a house in Kenmore online and his advertising executive gay brother is giving him lectures on family values. With his chart-topping band, Butterfish, Curtis Holland lived the clichéd rock star dream, residing in Route 66 motels, travelling in custom-built buses and getting married between a sound-check and a gig in Nevada.

When Annaliese Winter walks down Curtis Holland's front path, he's ill-prepared for a sixteen-year-old schoolgirl who sings like a lark and is confounding cocktail of adult and child. So when Curtis receives an invitation to dinner from Annaliese's mother, Kate, he is surprised when he not only accepts but after an evening of burnt casserole and home truths he finds himself being drawn to this remarkable unremarkable family. However when forever young Derek flies in from LA and visits the burbs, a roadcase full of resentments float to the surface.

Filled with acute observation, humour and tenderness, Butterfish is Nick Earls at his very best.

Playwright: Nick Earls
Director: Andrew Ross
Cast: Myles Pollard, Caroline Brazier, Nathaniel Dean Penny Harpham and Jason McLaren
Songwriter: Robert Forster
Musical Director/Songwriter: Adele Pickvance

Approx. duration 80mins

Photo by Jo Bell

The Idea of North – 15 Year Anniversary Show

Fri, 22 May 2009 14:47:00 +1000

Throughout the past 15 years The Idea of North has firmly secured their place as the best jazz vocal group to come out of Australia. They will be performing a chronology of the music from their six albums so far plus a host of new, unrecorded material.

Their award winning a cappella style has taken them all around the world, performing in some of the most prestigious venues and festivals including: The Lincoln Centre (NYC, USA); The Kennedy Centre (DC, USA); Blue Note (Japan); Gewandhaus (Leipzig, Germany); National Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Center (Taiwan); Jazzclub Fasching (Stockholm, Sweden); Seoul Arts Center (South Korea); Kuala Lumpur Music Festival (Malaysia); San Jose Jazz Festival (CA, USA); New Zealand A Cappella Festival; Penang Island Jazz Festival and the Fujitsu Jazz Festival (Japan).

Come and join "this quartet of groovers who rescued instrument-free singing from the 80s" as they celebrate their 15th birthday at Brisbane Powerhouse.

“This is a wonderful group to watch in performance.......truly a 'sight and sound' experience of the highest calibre.” Don Burrows, Australian Jazz Icon.

"Strong, polished voices with a blend to envy - a welcome addition to the tradition of great vocal jazz." Peter Eldridge, New York Voices

Upper Gallery seats only available for the evening 7.30 pm performance - please call the box office to book on 3358 8600.

Queensland Music Festival

Wed, 20 May 2009 12:41:00 +1000

Directed by Deborah Conway, the Queensland Music Festival is a state-wide celebration of musical excellence, a major cultural and artistic success story with a national and international reputation, and an unparalleled geographic reach.

QMF transcends boundaries. Over 17 days, the best of local, national and international talent will perform every conceivable style of music to Queenslanders in Brisbane and in over 20 regional and remote centres. No music is left unloved in a program that will move and inspire with new and surprising cross-genre exchanges from around the State, the country and the globe.

To see the Queensland Music Festival program at Brisbane Powerhouse, click on the events below.

QMF website

The Tiger Lillies

Mon, 18 May 2009 16:00:00 +1000

THE SONGS OF SHOCKHEADED PETER AND OTHER GORY VERSES.

The Godfathers of the alt-cabaret movement return with a show celebrating 20 years of dark and deviant theatrics.

For the first time in years, they will perform the songs from their Olivier award-winning smash Shockheaded Peter, along with a selection of numbers from their Grammy nominated album The Gorey End and other deranged fan favourites.

With an international reputation for being the foremost avant-garde band in the world, The Tiger Lillies never cease to surprise, shock and entertain with their inimitable musical style, conjuring up the macabre magic of pre-war Berlin and fusing it with the savage edge of punk.

"It's not surprising that their cult following is worldwide - a Tiger Lillies gig is a journey into wild emotion which passes right through melodrama and out the other side into bizarre beauty.'" Evening Standard

"In an ideal world, The Tiger Lillies would represent Britain in the Eurovision song contest." The Times

Duration 2hrs including interval.

Warning: This performance may contain offensive language and adult themes. Recommended for people aged 15 years and older.

1 + 1 in 2/4 Time: conversations between makers of dance and makers of music

Tue, 12 May 2009 14:44:00 +1000

Dance and music are intrinsically linked.

Throughout history, the relationships between choreographer and composer have spawned some of our best loved music – Tchaikovsky and Petipa, Adam and Coralli, Delibes and Saint-Leon, Debussy and Diaghalev, Copland and Graham, Cage and Cunningham. None of the great classical and modern dance repertoire of the 19^th and 20^th century could have emerged without the collaborative creative energies of these makers.

But what becomes of this traditional working relationship in a 21^st century conditioned by economic rationalisation and the GFC? Hear some of our most respected makers of both dance and music speak about their own uniquely creative relationships and their vision for dance beyond 2009.

Guest choreographers for this free-to-public event include Gavin Webber (Splinter Group), Francois Klaus (the Queensland Ballet), Natalie Weir (Expressions Dance Company), and Lisa O’Neill (independent choreographer) with composers Iain Grandage and Guy Webster.

To book your spot at this forum, please call Ausdance Queensland on 07 3852 3655.

Duration: 1hr 30mins

Tashi Workshops

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:14:00 +1000

Do you love the Tashi adventures? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore Tashi’s world?

This school holidays the same people who have brought you the Tashi plays are bringing you a Tashi theatre workshop. Based on one of our favourite Tashi stories, this workshop will explore the characters and situations that Tashi gets himself into using drama games and fun activities. Don’t miss this new TASHI activity!

Kidz 6-10 years
Duration 45mins

Kidz in the Kitchen

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:13:00 +1000

WITH BAR ALTO

Kids - get ready to don an apron, get creative and cook up a storm in the kitchen with expert chefs from Bar Alto!

Kidz in the Kitchen is an exciting new workshop that teaches kids about nutrition, food preparation, cooking and, of course, taste testing.

Professional chefs will teach kids how to cook a range of healthy recipes and Simon Hill, owner of both Bar Alto and Isis, will showcase his favourite culinary delights.

Kidz 4-8 + 9-12 years
Duration 90mins

Rock Climb Wall

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

Kids rock at Powerkidz!

Did you know that rock-climbing is one of the world’s most popular activities? On this unique mobile wall, multiple climbers can scale the rock at the one time. Make it to the very top and you’ll get to ring the bell loud and clear to let everyone know! Great, safe and lots of fun for the whole family.

Kidz 4-12 years

Please note: This event is subject to weather conditions. The Rock Climb wall can not be booked in advance and is only available for purchase on the day.

Photo by Studio Impressions

Reading Nook

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

Discover some new adventures.

If you are looking for some quiet time why not head for the reading nook. There are a wide selection of books to read and plenty of cushions to ensure you’re comfortable.

All Ages
Venue Powerhouse Theatre Door 5, Brisbane Powerhouse

Photo by Studio Impressions

Magic School

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

WITH CHRISTOPHER WAYNE

Channel 10’s Toasted TV regular Christopher Wayne is here to share some new magical secrets.

Ever thought you’d like to be a magician? Learn some awesome tricks and how to put your own show together so you can show off to your family and friends!

Kidz 9-12 years
Duration 75mins

Photo by Studio Impressions

Painting Wall

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

Grab a paint brush!

Who is in your family? Where do they live? Grab a paint brush and a pot of paint and let everyone know. You can paint your mum and dad, grandparents, your home or perhaps your family pet.

There are only 2 sessions a day so arrive early to get involved.

Kidz 4-12 years
Duration 90mins

Photo by Studio Impressions

Little Frog

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

Little Frog has tiny, tiny legs but he can still jump, jump, jump all day long.

This animated and interactive newcomer will share his funny songs and games. Join in with the jumping, leaping and singing.

Check out www.littlefrog.tv for a sneak peek.

Kidz 4-8 years
Duration 60mins

Animation by Bigfish

Music Video Magic

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

WITH MARKWELL PRESENTS

Create your very own music video masterpiece!

Using the latest video editing equipment, you will plan, produce and possibly star in your very own music video clip.

Working with Brad Jennings and Steven Maxwell from Markwell Presents, participants will work together as a ‘production team’ to create their own music video masterpiece and will have the opportunity to take home a copy to view with parents and friends.

Kidz 9-12 years
Duration 3.5hrs

Dymocks Booksellers

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

Get passionate about children’s literature.

Dymocks is one of Australia’s leading bookstores. This Powerkidz we’ve enlisted

Dymocks Booksellers to give you a fantastic selection of children’s books and activities to choose from. Their extensive collection is worth a browse – you may even find the perfect book to purchase to take away with you on the day!

All Ages
Venue Powerhouse Theatre Foyer, Brisbane Powerhouse

Photo by Studio Impressions

Laser Beak Man

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

BY TIM SHARP

An extraordinary insight into the magical world of superhero, Laser Beak Man.

View drawings of the cheeky, heroic and inspirational superhero called Laser Beak Man. Relive Laser Beak Man's time in the Navy or when he met Barbie.

21-year-old Tim Sharp is taking his art to the world. He has sold his drawings in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Hong Kong, Singapore, Amsterdam and throughout Australia.

Documented on the ABC’s Australian Story, Tim’s Laser Beak Man allows him to unleash his intelligence, sense of humour and step outside the loneliness of Autism.

Kidz 4-12 years

Artwork by Tim Sharp

Crayola Kidz Corner

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

Welcome to the most colourful corner of Powerkidz.

Settle into the Crayola Kidz Corner and let your imagination run wild with crayons and pencils in all the colours of the rainbow and Powerkidz colouring in sheets.

All Ages

Photo by Studio Impressions

Costume Corner

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

Get glamorous and go crazy with dress-ups galore!

Choose a character and an outfit to match… create your own world and play to your heart’s content with costumes and clothes supplied by RSPCA Thrift Stores.

All Ages
Venue Mosquito Hall, Brisbane Powerhouse

Photo by Studio Impressions

Bernie's Footy Club

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

Kick a footy with Brisbane Lion’s Bernie.

Bernie ‘Gabba’ Vegas is heading to Powerkidz to teach you some AFL tricks. Refine your handball and kicking skills. Perhaps you may even score a goal!

All kids that participate will receive a supporter pack from the Brisbane Lions. There are a maximum of 100 kids per session so remember to sign up as soon as you arrive.

Kidz 4-8 years + 9-12 years

Photo by Studio Impressions

Rio Jam

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

WITH RIO RHYTHMICS

C’mon, move your feet and move your hips.

Join Rio Rhythmics for this energetic dance class that mixes Latin dance with contemporary and street moves. Helping kids find their groove are highly qualified dance instructors who focus on rhythm, coordination, confidence and FUN.

Kidz 4-8 + 9-12 years
Duration 60mins

Photo by Studio Impressions

Theatre Intensive

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

MULTIPLE DAY WORKSHOP

The magical world of theatre is waiting for you.

Be inspired and empowered by a fantastic range of fun activities for your voice, face, body and imagination.

Drama helps kids with leadership, confidence, self-esteem, clear speech, physical and social development, lateral thinking and teamwork.

Kidz 9-12 years
Duation 2hrs x 4 days

Photo by Studio Impressions

Singstars

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

WITH CREACTIVES

Ever dream of becoming an Australian Idol?

Find out what it takes to be an awesome vocalist. Learn the secrets of great singing techniques and how to choose the songs that will make you sound like a star.

Kidz 9-12 years
Duration 90mins

Photo by Studio Impressions

Powervocalz

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

MULTIPLE DAY WORKSHOP WITH CREACTIVES

Powervocalz will take you from the shower to the stage.

Come together with other kids, learn some great vocal techniques and sing your favourite songs. There’s no getting voted out of this workshop - Powervocalz is open to everyone.

On Day 3 there’s an opportunity to perform for your family and friends!

Kidz 4-8 years
Duration 1hr x 3 days

Photo Studio Impressions

Powerbandz

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

MULTIPLE DAY WORKSHOP WITH CREACTIVES

Join a band for a week.

If you enjoy pop, rock, hip-hop, rap, R&B or any modern music, then this is for you! All guitars, drums, keyboards and equipment are supplied. Dazzle your friends and family with your new talents when you perform in a concert on the Turbine Platform. No experience required.

Kidz 9-12 years
Duration 3hrs x 5 days

Photo by Studio Impressions

Flipside Circus Aerial

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

MULTIPLE DAY WORKSHOP

Star in the circus these school holidays.

The circus is coming to town and you’re invited to star in the show! Come to a three day intensive workshop and professional trainers will teach you trapeze, tissu, lyra, acrobatics, juggling, hula hoops and performance skills.

On the third day you’ll perform in your very own circus show. Invite your parents, grandparents, neighbours, aunts and uncles to watch the performance. And bring your camera!

No previous experience necessary – just bring yourself.

Kidz 6-16 years
Duration 2hrs x 3 days

Bookings for the Flipside Circus Aerial Workshop can only be made by contacting Flipside Circus directly on 07 3852 5292.

Photo by Studio Impressions

Wildlife Heroes

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000

WITH RSPCA

Discover the secrets of our backyard.

Participants will be guided by RSPCA workshop facilitators through activities that will provide awareness of all the weird and wonderful wildlife around us and how they can contribute to saving that wildlife.

Each session has two activities: the first activity is Claire’s Cool Crafty Contraptions where participants will create their own animal related creation. The second will be a ‘day vs. night’ activity where participants will explore the local flora and fauna, gaining an appreciation of how animals live and play at different times of the day.

Dress Requirements: Be sure to wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing and bring a hat.
Please note: Parents/carers to attend workshops with their children. All profits go back to RSPCA.

Kidz 4-8 years + 9-12 years
Duration 90mins
Venue Graffiti Room (4-8 years), Stores Rehearsal Room (9-12 years), Brisbane Powerhouse

Photo by Tess Pike

Pottery Wheel Funshop

Fri, 08 May 2009 14:56:00 +1000

WITH BAZIL GRUMBLE

It’s time to get your hands dirty.

Delve into the fun and engaging world of pottery with this incredible new workshop. Workshop facilitators will guide you through the techniques of pottery wheel and hand sculpting.

Learn the tricks of pottery and create a range of objects that you can take home.

Kidz 4-8 + 9-12 years
Duration 2hrs

The Beats Bus

Fri, 08 May 2009 14:49:00 +1000

AN INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCE

Take a fun, hands-on, musical journey aboard the unique and exciting Beats Bus.

Discover music through songs, games, sounds and plenty of interaction with percussion instruments. Your kids will be inspired and encouraged to become life long learners and lovers of music. And, they’ll have loads of FUN.

Kidz 4-8 + 9-12 years
Duration 60mins

Short+Sweet

Wed, 06 May 2009 09:27:00 +1000

Short + Sweet is coming to Brisbane and it’s your chance to act, direct or have a play you’ve written performed at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

Short+Sweet is the largest ten-minute theatre festival on the planet which currently holds seasons in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Singapore and Malaysia.

Over two weeks the first ever Short+Sweet Brisbane will be presenting the best thirty ten-minute plays by local and international writers and it’s your chance to act, direct or submit a play that could be performed at Brisbane Powerhouse.

To register your interest as an actor, director or to submit a play click here. The deadline for plays is July 1 2009.

“To check out the current state of Australian theatre – try Short+Sweet.” (Sydney Morning Herald)

"...snappy plays proudly catering to audiences with the attention span of a goldfish." (The Australian)

“…energy and originality. Short+Sweet is a buzz.” (The Age)

Song Trails

Fri, 01 May 2009 09:38:00 +1000

What’s written on tour stays on tour….

This is an acoustic jam featuring Rebecca Barnard (Rebecca’s Empire), Scott Edgar (Tripod), Peter Farnan (Boom Crash Opera), Leah Flanagan, Robert Forster (The Go-Betweens), Mark Gable (The Choir Boys), Erik McCusker (Mondo Rock) and Melinda Schneider. Works written on the road, discovered at the workshops conducted around the state and favourites from each musos’ songbook will be performed live and raw.

Song Trails is presented in association with CQUniversity, APRA, Tarong Energy and the Australia Council for the Arts.

Duration: 1hr 45mins

Please note Song Trails is part of Live Spark, our free Sunday afternoon music program.

Remember Me

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:07:00 +1000

This powerful Australian work by Dancenorth merges live music by renowned composer Iain Grandage with film, theatre and dance to create a work of great tenderness and nostalgia.

Documenting a lifestyle of weekly ballroom dancing that has largely disappeared from modern Australian life, Remember Me is a meeting place for two different generations and an insight into the differences and similarities of people. Dance and the body become metaphors for larger concerns about age, life and death, as they both inhabit the same space, one like a memory or premonition of the other.

With dynamic and intensely physical choreography, compelling narratives and powerful imagery combine to create a performance with poignant thematic pulse.

Thanks to the Australia Council for the Arts Music Board for commissioning Iain Grandage’s new music score; the Australian Festival of Chamber Music for the original collaboration; the Dalrymple Cultural Community Centre Trust and the Charters Towers Social Dancers.

Please note this production is recommended for patrons aged 15 years and over.

Duration: 1hr 45 mins including interval.

Warning: This performance is recommended over 15+. It containc coarse language and adult themes.

Queensland at Home

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:07:00 +1000

A time capsule of vintage film, photos and audio with live music by Topology.

Queensland at Home intertwines contemporary music performance with footage and oral histories from the State Library of Queensland archives dating back to the early twentieth century. Robert Davidson has brought together a compelling collection of Queenslanders engaging in everyday activities.

Musical Adventurists Topology, who are increasingly recognised as one of Australia’s leading new music ensembles in contemporary art music, have created a new work inspired by the sights and sounds of times past. Performing live, Topology's music is woven together with the projected visuals to create an evocative portrait of life in Queensland.

As the State looks back at its 150 years of history, Queensland at Home reveals the extraordinary in the ordinary.

“A lush, gorgeous sound world of energetic movement” – The Courier Mail (on Topology)

Tashi

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:36:00 +1000

Tashi is back at Brisbane Powerhouse, bigger and better than ever.

Tashi, the Swan & the Dragon

Tashi tells the best stories ever! But how did he get to here from his old country, very far away? Dive into a magical world of Swans, Warlords and Dragons.

Tashi: Lost in the City

Jack is really worried when he and Tashi find themselves stuck in a lift, but it reminds Tashi of one of his amazing adventures when he was lost in the city back in his old country. The city is the most exciting place on earth, but if you get lost it can be a very different story. However even when Tashi finds himself trapped in a cellar, he knows that as long as he stays calm, he will think of a clever way out.

Duration: 1hr 10mins including interval.

Imaginary Theatre is supported by the MAPS for Artists program, a managing and producing partnership between Metro Arts and Brisbane Powerhouse.

Construct

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:22:00 +1000

Choreographed by Tanja Liedtke, toured by Performing Lines.

Candid, complex and clever, Helpmann Award winning construct is a dance work that exposes the dark underside of dream-building.

construct starts with an empty theatre full of possibility - a space in which to construct. Effortlessly shifting between the physical act of building and the emotional construction of lives, Liedtke explores with wicked humour the curious connections between building a home, a life, a relationship, and a future.

Brisbane Powerhouse is honoured to present construct, choreographer Tanja Liedtke's final work. It was commissioned by London's Southbank Centre and premiered there to critical acclaim in May 2007 followed by a U.K. tour. It has enjoyed sell out performances at both the 2008 Sydney Festival and in Seattle at On the Boards in April 2009.

The work won two Helpmann Awards in 2008: Best Choreography (Tanja Liedtke) and Best Male Dancer (Paul White).
The work also won three Australian Dance Awards in 2009: Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer (Kristina Chan), Outstanding Achievement in Independent Dance (Tanja Liedtke) and Outstanding Achievement in Choreography (Tanja Liedtke) .

In August 2007, at the age of 29, Liedtke was accidentally killed in a road accident. She had been about to take up the prestigious position of Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company

Original cast members and choreographic collaboratorsKristina Chan and Paul White, both of whom have performed with Australian Dance Theatre, are joined by Lisa Griffiths for the Brisbane season of construct.

"construct is a small-scale marvel... (a) candid, complex show with the kind of clever movement that has the audience laughing out loud and frequently bursting into spontaneous applause. " The Times

"Liedtke’s style looks all her own; fresh and interesting…it is crafted with audacious originality." The Stage

Warning: This performance contains nudity. Recommended for people aged 15 years and older.

Duration: 60mins, no interval.

Axe Me Biggie

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:02:00 +1000

An exhibition by Stephen Dupont

World Press Photo and Walkley award winning photographer Stephen Dupont provides a portal into the world of Kabul, Afghanistan, 2006.

“Axe Me Biggie” is a basic Anglo-phonetic translation of the Dari for “Mister, take my picture!” When in Afghanistan in April 2006, Stephen Dupont heard this phrase many times.

Dupont’s portraits capture the faces behind these requests and illustrate a complex situation that defies easy answers. Both sympathy and caution are aroused through his honest photography of the suffering and compassion of the Afghan people.

Dupont hopes to open up a window into not just these individual lives, but the lives of others. On Stephen Dupont’s last visit to Afghanistan he was injured in a suicide bombing however still continues his courageous work as a photojournalist.

“For two decades Stephen Dupont has epitomised the modern Australian photojournalist.” Sydney Morning Herald

Artists Talk Wednesday 5th August 11am

Red Earth, Rawhide And Ruddy Flies

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:20:00 +1000

Exhibition By Anthony Pelto

Mount Isa boy Anthony Pelto recounts the story of his journey into the Australian outback with a caravan, his cockatiel Alice and 30 recycled surfboards.

Red Earth, Rawhide and Ruddy Flies presents Pelto’s photographic collection of 30 surfboards covered in cowhide featured against the magic backdrop of the Australian iconic landscapes and people.

The cowboards are the first of the ‘Pelto collection’ he has chosen to develop due to his personal connection with the Australian outback. Mt Isa has made a lasting impression on Pelto, particularly its Rodeo heritage, the friendly people and the wide open spaces. During his years spent in various country towns he started unearthing concepts to use the cowboards he had created as instillations to the startling beautiful, but harsh conditions of the outback.

Pelto journeyed from Brisbane west to the skirts of the Simpson Desert and up to the red centre, Northern Territory. This exhibition captures the lonely nature of this landscape, the richness of its beauty and the spectacular contrast between the traditional surfboard and Australian outback. Both true icons of Australian culture.

Umbilical Brothers – Heaven By Storm

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:37:00 +1000

The Umbies are dead and there's only one place in heaven. Who gets there first? The Umbies return to their roots in their brilliant Perrier-nominated show.

They’ve faced off against George Negus, played charades with Harry Shearer, have multi-platinum, award-winning DVDs, supported Take That just before Robbie left and N'Sync just before JT left (if you'd like Human Nature to break up just give them a call), performed for the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance, served a ball into Pat Rafter's backside in front of thousands, appeared on the Tonight Show with their second biggest US fan Robin Williams, and are regularly stalked by American mothers after the success of their kids TV show in the US.

The Umbilical Brothers are a global comedy phenomenon, and they are performing their Perrier Award nominated smash hit Heaven by Storm.

As with all their adventures Dave & Shane have again raised the stakes.

In Heaven by Storm, they die on the way to theatre and when it comes time to enter Heaven, there is only one spot left.

From Hawaii to Tokyo, New York to Stockholm, audiences have laughed like idiots at their acclaimed performances and in this classic show Shane and Dave use the entire comedy spectrum, warping theatrical rules to convey their twisted path to the Pearly Gates.

"Exquisitely crafted...sheer imaginative brilliance. 5 Stars." The Australian

"After half an hour in their company, a stoned astronaut being pursued by a foot-high rubber dinosaur seems almost an everyday occurrence." The Scotsman

Warning: This performance contains adult themes. Recommended for people aged 15 years and older. Strobe lighting and smoke machines used.

Duration: 90mins

Jimeoin on Ice

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:03:00 +1000

From the magical world of Jimeoin comes this smash hit show. See Jimeoin gracefully skate through brilliantly funny observations on the absurdities of everyday life … Get your skates on!

"A Comic Masterpiece," Daily Mail UK
"As sharp as they come... Stand up is rarely so appealing," London Evening Standard
“ Has his victims doubled up in agonising laughter,” The Herald, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2008

Warning: This performance contains offensive language and adult themes. Recommended for people aged 15 years and older.

Duration: 90mins

Wholphin – Rare and Unseen Short Films

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:28:00 +1000

Curated by Dominic Jarvis and Claire Ogden.

The Wholphin short film series brings some of the best international short films, animations and documentaries to Brisbane - for free!

The debut screening includes Spike Jonze’s revealing and never publicly screened portrait of Al Gore, made during the election campaign of 1999. There’s also a beautifully black, comic exploration of 70s England that isn’t, but could easily be the prequel to A Clockwork Orange. Other films feature a death defying stunt whipped up by the Edgerton brothers; an instructional video on “poke-poling a monkey-faced eel”; what happens when you have too much time, a gun and a drum kit; meat puppets and a mystical tangent to the land of Oz.

The event will start with an introduction of the films and a short public discussion. All for free.

“An eclectic but irresistible hodgepodge of cultural ephemera.” Rolling Stone Magazine

“A perfect balance between political, social and outright attention-grabbing films.” Short Ends Magazine

Curated by Dominic Jarvis and Claire Ogden.

Entire duration: 1hr 30mins

Warning: The Wholphin series is rated MA 15+. These films are not suitable for people under 15. Children aged between the ages of 2 and 14 cannot be admitted to an MA 15+ film unless they are accompanied by an adult for the duration of the film. Contains adult themes and coarse language.

Sonya Hartnett’s Thursday's Child

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:52:00 +1000

Thursday’s Child is Tin, born on a Thursday and, like the old nursery rhyme, ‘has far to go.’ A strange and lonely child who digs, his wanderings take him underneath the earth into the subterranean tunnels that he’s pre-destined to roam. Told by Tin's sister, Harper Flute, it is a story of a family’s struggle on their desolate farm during the great depression. There is death, crop failure, neighbourhood and family disputes.

Tin is an ever present but mystical essence in their lives. Harper watches with a child’s clear eyes her family’s struggle to survive on the hot and impoverished land. As life on the surface grows harsher, her little brother escapes ever deeper into a dark, subterranean world. The play explores the spirit of hard struggle with change, cruel misfortune and the idea that life is a pre-determined fall from a great height. Thursday’s Child is a poignant and intriguing story, ending in great hope.

Brought to you by the team that created the 2007 Helpmann Award winning production of Jackie French’s Hitler's Daughter.

A Monkey Baa Theatre Production. Suitable for ages 12-16.
Duration: 80mins

Brisbane Jazz Festival

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:31:00 +1000

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Brisbane Jazz Festival, a celebration of live and improvised music by some of the world’s most acclaimed jazz artists.

Grammy Award winners, big-name internationals and Australia's best jazz talent. There’s also a strong local flavour with our city’s best artists taking the stage for a fine offering of free entertainment.

Line-up yet to be announced.

Powerkidz

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:23:00 +1000

Looking for the ultimate school holidays experience? Powerkidz is the perfect hub for children, packed with performances, workshops and plenty of free events.

Download Powerkidz Guide (3.6MB)

These school holidays we welcome back Flipside Circus with a spectacular new circus piece celebrating the history of family circus and the ever popular Tashi with his latest adventures.

A range of workshops are on offer, including theatre, hip hop, clay animation, magic and illusion, circus, mask making and more. Exciting new workshops include the Flying Oragami, Rio Jam and Kidz Capoeira. There’s something for every kid these holidays.

Free events include all the favourites: Powerjam, Costume Corner, Crayola Kidz Corner and Little Frog.

So be adventurous, get creative and try something new at Powerkidz!

Please Note: There are no events held on Sun 5 or Mon 6 July. Parents/carers are asked to accompany children at all times. The festival is recommended for children aged 4-12 years.

September holiday dates
Tue 22 Sept - Sat 3 Oct

Photo by Studio Impressions

Dirty Apple

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:49:00 +1000

Be the first to witness this amazing work – created for and by young people aged 13 to 25. Dirty Apple makes its world première as part of the Queensland Music Festival and Q150 celebrations.

Exploring issues that are relevant to the youth of today, this work is reflective of their interests and of significance to young audiences and the wider community.

When Ben takes revenge on his teacher with the help of modern technology, things go from bad to worse for him and his schoolmates. Tragedy ensues, accusations fly, and feelings of remorse, denial and despair make this one of the most powerful youth operas you will ever experience.

The collaborative process adopted for the development of the work is unique, and flows from the company’s work with Backbone Youth Arts. Dirty Apple is suitable for those 13 years of age and over and contains coarse language.

Composer                  Jonathan Henderson
Librettist                    Shaun Charles
Designer                    Sharka Bosakova
Lighting Designer    Andrew Meadows

Sung in English.
Duration: 80 minutes (no interval)

Available in Opera Queensland's Subscription Packages.
An Opera Queensland production in collaboration with Backbone Youth Arts and co-produced by Q150, Queensland Music Festival, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and Queensland Performing Arts Centre.