Reviews

The ‘grey rock’ is the Moon.  In a West Bank, Palestine, villageYusuf (Khalifa Natour), a widowed and retired television repairman, is building a rocket to go there.  He’s already done time for being a troublemaker.  He keeps his project secret from his daughter Lila (Fidaa Zaidan) and definitely from Lila’s fiancé, play-it-safe Jawad (Alaa Shehada).  But he sees that he needs the help – if not the blessing – of the village imam, Sheik (Motaz Malhees).  Yusef is so intent – if not obsessed with – his plan, he is

I was lucky enough to attend the matinee performance of Adelaide Youth Theatre’s toe-tapping musical Hairspray JR. This was made extra special when I attended, as the company opened the doors for free to those with disabilities and their families. They capped the audience size, allowing for those with autism to have the space they needed to feel comfortable.

The stage is bare. The backdrop looks like a chalkboard – because it is! Attached to it are five small slates. One is blank. On the bottom of each of the others the names Ali, Dougal, Tessa and Emma are printed in thick white chalk. They are the characters in the story that Anya Tate-Manning is about to tell.

Contemporary composer and chorographer Hofesh Shechter offers a brilliant history of world bloodshed with true experimental finesse in his new show Grand Finale. He is no stranger to Melbourne; debuting in 2009 (Uprising and In Your Rooms), this will be his fourth spectacular visit alongside his company, at this year’s International Arts Festival.

In this wonderful powerhouse of modern dance, Shechter unravels the chaotic assemblage of the world at war, including the current climate change crisis.