Review: The Crucible (MTC)

Latchet shoes demonstrate real commitment to period costuming

Arthur Miller’s account of the “Salem Witch Trials” in colonial Massachusetts between 1692–93, is an allegorical play which points to the climate of hysteria surrounding McCarthyism in the 1950s.

The Crucible is a heavy, cheerless play, principally about, honour, power and its abuses. When Miller was called to testify before the “Un-American Activities Commission” in 1956, he was sentenced to a year in gaol for contempt of Congress, for refusing to name names. The conviction was eventually over-turned on appeal.

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Top Activities for Families at Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads is one of my favourite places in the world. No question.

It has the best of all worlds: opportunity to reconnect with nature, simple pleasures like a beach walk, great coffee and beautiful natural surrounds. It has everything you could possibly want from a coastal holiday, but without the heightened frenzy of its peninsula neighbours.

Best of all Barwon Heads has something for everyone to savour, whether it be sporting pursuits (think golf, swimming, surfing, cycling, bowls, tennis for starters), pampering, solitude, a vibrant market culture, natural attractions or culinary treats.

My review of this seaside town, with an eye on the most diverse of family groups, is now published by Weekend Notes. You can read it here.

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BYO Baby on Arts Centre Melbourne Tour

Geoffrey Rush as King Berenger in Exit The King, 2009

Photograph by Hugh Hartshorne

Thanks to the cooperation of Culture Mamas and Arts Centre Melbourne, your baby or toddler is more than welcome to accompany you on a specially scheduled tour of Melbourne's iconic State Theatre. 

What's more the tour will be followed by 'The Extraordinary Shapes of Geoffrey Rush' exhibition, and a complimentary glass of bubbly. 

Read all about it here.

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Review: Circus Oz - Cranked Up

School Holidays for Theatre Lovers

Man In Black: The Johnny Cash Story

Review: Circus Oz - Cranked Up 2013

Photo: Rob Blackburn

They've taken over Birrarung Marr for the next while ahead of a tour into regonal Victoria, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia.

Circus Oz is 'cranked up' and in a celebratory mood for their 35th birthday, and you're invited to the party.

Read my review on Weekend Notes here.

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Circus Oz: Cranked Up and Ready to Party
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Textile and Fibre Get a Guernsey in Western Victoria

Book binding is on offer at COPACC

Serious craft is afoot this winter in Colac, with Cross Pollination, a meeting of creative minds and talents at Colac Otways Performing Arts Cultural Centre.

Firmly focused on textiles, the event will incorporate three art exhibitions, day-long workshops, and a makers' market.

The full previews articles may be read on the Weekend Notes site by activating the links below:
CrossPollination: Textile and Fibre Art Event
Suitcase Makers' Market

Kids Love Theatre? Melbourne has it ALL this school holidays.

Circus Oz is at Birrarung Marr

Theatre lovers are in for a treat this school holidays.

An amazing array of opportunities are on offer in this town for people of all ages, including courses, tours, activities and performances.

If you are, or know, a budding actor, musician, dancer, circus performer or puppeteer, there is something on offer for you. ON the other hand, if you love going to shows, there's a smorgasbord of choice for all tastes.

Read the full article here.



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The Man In Black Is Coming: Tex Perkins is Johnny Cash

Who dresses in black, sings low, and has a guernsey in three different music -genre Halls of Fame?

Back into Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre strides The Man In Black: The Johnny Cash Story, with Tex Perkins in the title role for four shows only (July 19th-21st).

Read the full article on Weekend Notes here.

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Dandenong Creek Trail (activity review)

Weekend Notes has now published my piece about Dandenong Creek Trail, a forty-three kilometre long track stretching from the bayside suburb of Carrum to Ringwood.

The trail is shared by walkers and cyclists.
You can view it here.

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Acting Courses at VCA (Adults, VCE Drama students, and secondary students)

Victorian College of the Arts is offering short courses for aspiring thespians this coming school holiday break in Melbourne.

VCE Drama students may relish the opportunity to get ahead in solo performance assessment with a special course designed for those completing Unit 4 in the second half of the year.

Tutors are all working professionals with industry experience. Find out more here.

VCA is also offering a five-day Pop Song Writing Bootcamp for those interested in learning about some tricks of the trade. Find out more here.

State Library Guided Tour for Pram-Pushers

A certain chill may have descended on Melbourne, but parents looking for an inside outing will be delighted to learn it’s still warm and dry inside the State Library of Victoria. And children are welcome.

One of Melbourne’s treasured landmarks, the State Library of Victoria and Culture Mamas invite you to join a pram-friendly guided tour on Thursday 13^th June from 10.30-11.30am. 

The tour will take in the splendour of the library’s majestic Dome. Celebrating its 100^th year in 2013, the dome is described by historian Stuart Macintyre as a ‘magical hidden place’. Read the article here.