The Scene - Local Entertainment News

No doubting Thomas

Trinity Catholic College students Jenna McLean and Brianna Slattery in a scene from Under MilkWood.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary since the death of celebrated playwright Dylan Thomas, Trinity Catholic College will present a special production of his classic radio play, Under MilkWood, from Thursday to Saturday, January 29-31.

Dylan Thomas, who had already gained international fame for his poetry, died in New York in 1953, shortly after completing Under MilkWood. The play is set in Wales in the same year of his death, exploring 24 hours in the life of the 67 inhabitants of the village Llareggyb.

Seen through the mind of a retired, blind mariner named Captain Cat, the play brings to life each of the town's residents - the timid, the outspoken, the lovers, the jesters, the gossips, the children and the many other characters who make this one of history's most enchanting plays. Under MilkWood has great humour and pathos and a language that never ceases to crackle with vitality and movement.

"Under MilkWood is a much loved radio play that has been transformed to film animation and the stage," said director Peter Derrett. "Its appeal is in the warm portrayal of all aspects of the human condition - our frailties, strengths, sorrows and joys, in a language which is nothing less than 'verbal fireworks'."

Directed by Peter and Genevieve Lewis, this production of Under MilkWood features 70 cast and crew members, an elaborate set constructed from timber to represent the cottages of the town and a live, continuous music score under the musical direction of Trinity's new Head of Performing Arts, Mark Robinson. Those involved in the production are from the years 10, 11 and 12 drama program, who have worked with the college's new dance teacher Allysha Rogers on the choreography.

Trinity is renowned for producing quality live theatre productions, and if past shows such as Hiawatha and Pippen are anything to go by, Under MilkWood promises to be a riveting and enriching journey.

The play will be performed at the Champagnat Theatre in Hindmarsh Street from 7.30pm each evening, with an extra matinee performance on Saturday (Jan 31) at 3pm. Tickets are $12/8 and are now available from Caddies Bean Shop.

Freebie: The Echo has one double pass to giveaway to the performance on Thursday, January 29. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 on Tuesday, November 27, and tell us in which country did Dylan Thomas die (tip: read the story!)

A dirty little duo

Three years ago Nicole Brophy and Jodi Moore (pictured) joined together to create Dirty Lucy - one of the most exciting folk duos that have come onto the Australian music scene for some time.

Nicole Brophy's vocal arrangements and gritty guitar riffs are teamed with Jodi's amazing violin solos and soulful mandolin, creating a unique cocktail of classic and acoustic sounds.

One reviewer described Jodi as the "the Hendrix of the violin" and when you see her in action on her electric violin you can certainly see why. For this particular tour Nicole and Jodi will also have Syd Green from iOTA playing drums. Dirty Lucy performs this Sunday, January 25, at the Great Northern in Byron Bay from 8.30pm. They will be supported by Ryan Toohey. Tickets are $6 at the door.

The luck of the Irish

Triumphant Irish dancers Inez Botta-Stanwell of Georgica (left) and Georgia Hahn of Goonellabah.

There's was a lot more than luck of the Irish involved when local Irish dancers Inez Botta-Stanwell (10) and Georgia Hahn (9) both recently won awards at the 2003 Queensland Irish Dancing Premierships.

Both students of the Lismore School of Irish Dance, Inez (from Georgica) and Georgia (from Goonellabah) both won their competition categories, and the impressive trophies they received as a result represent countless hours of practice to perfect the hard and soft shoe Irish competition dances.

The school's teacher, Glenys Ritchie, is justifiably proud of her students.

"The children and young adults work so hard to perfect their competition dances and it's great to see them rewarded with medals and trophies now and then," she said.

"However, competition isn't for everyone and being able to enjoy yourself and perhaps give joy to other by performing in public is a huge reward in itself. Everyone gets a kick out of it."

Irish dancing is a great way to keep fit and the school is now taking enrolments for 2004. Any girls, boys, teens or adults interested should phone Glenys on 0416 224 258.

Jazzing it up

Renowned local music and Southern Cross University contemporary music teacher Jim Kelly (pictured) will be playing two gigs on the north coast this weekend - one solo and one with his quintet.

The first gig, which features Jim solo, will be held Friday, January 23, at Kokopelli Cafe in Bangalow - the perfect little venue for Jim's intricate guitar style. He'll play from 7pm.

On Sunday, January 25, the Jim Kelly Quintet will play a special 'Sunset Jazz' gig at the Pioneer Tavern in Wollongbar.

A repertoire by the great American songwriters will be presented featuring the extraordinary vocals of local singer Natalie Gay, with Jim on electric guitar. Joining Natalie and Jim on stage is Greg Lyon on bass, Luke Collins on drums and Mitch Carey on sax.

An afternoon of fine jazz that's sure to delight jazz lovers of all persuasions. The gig starts at 5.30pm.

Holy Moses!

Afro Moses O'Jah plays Coorabell Hall this Sunday.

Ku Promotions continue their fantastic tradition of bringing quality performers to the north coast, when they present Afro Moses O'Jah and his five-piece band this Sunday, January 25, at Coorabell Hall.

Afro Moses is a world-renowned musician from Ghana in West Africa whose titles include multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer, dancer and teacher. A true musical talent, Afro Moses has shared the stage with the likes of Miriam Makeba, Ziggy Marley and Angelique Kidjo, sharing his mix of pulsing Afro beats, reggae, jazz, funk and African dancehall jive.

He is a master musician of the Kora (a 21-stringed African harp), the Kalimba (thumb piano) and the Tama (talking drum), not to mention being a dazzling singer and showman. His unique musical vision mixes traditional African instruments with modern western styles to create an amazing fusion of sounds that reflects his respect and love for different cultures, and his passion to bring them together as one.

People may remember he was personally invited to be part of the Olympic Games in 2000 and proved to be a highlight of the Closing Ceremony night. He also composed some of the soundtrack for the internationally successful and Academy Award nominated short film Inja in 2003.

This will no doubt be a joyful event of global dance rhythms and songs, so bring your dancing shoes and get ready to be uplifted. Doors open at 8.15pm for food and drinks by Ka-Toush, with music from 9pm. Tickets are $16 at the door.

Talking heads

Local artists Susan Joyce and Cal MacKinnon.

Abstract painter Susan Joyce from Tuntable Creek and photographer Cal MacKinnon from Byron Bay have collated a joint exhibition, With All Things Left Unsaid, which opens this Friday, January 23, at the Grafton Regional Gallery.

Susan and Cal gave each other six pieces of work to respond to in their respective art forms resulting in twelve duos depicting a visual conversation between mediums.

The exhibition is on show until February 29. Both artists will talk about the on Friday, February 20, at the gallery from 2pm. For more details phone Grafton Regional Gallery on 6642 3177.

Give us a break

The Darwin-based Styles Impression Crew will be a feature of the Australia Day Aussie Battlers' Hip Hop, MC, Break event.

The Darwin-based, multicultural dance group Styles Impression Crew will be a feature of the Australia Day 'Aussie Battlers' Hip Hop, MC, Break event that will be held next Monday, January 26, at the PCYC in Lismore.

The Northern Territory dancers raised the dough to come to NSW by teaching hip hop classes at schools and organising Men Move - a male dance showcase featuring the Tope End's best contemporary and cultural dancers.

The Styles Impression Crew are one of many crews coming to Lismore's 'Aussie Battlers' event, and they will be here inspiring youth of all ages and abilities to get up and give dance a go.

Organised by NORPA Dance Action, 'Aussie Battlers' is attracted more than 200 people attended last year, and already this year looks set to break that record.

Any dancers are welcome to give the competition a go, with people able to enter in three different sections: as a break crew, competing in crews of four and as a group or solo funk/break routine. MCs can rhyme, beatbox or freestyle in an open mike and battle.

The competition will be hosted by local MC's Les 'Bex' Beckett and Krisdafari, who will provide some great DJ beats for the event.

Even if you're not a dancer, go along and watch the action and help support this growing local event. The fun begins at 1pm.

For more information or to register email emma@norpa.org.au or phone 6622 3279 ASAP.

A family affair

Chrissi Claff (left) and her daughters Lindell, Carina and Jacky get costumes ready for The Gondoliers.

Three talented sisters, Lindell, Carina and Jacky Claff from Clunes, will be hitting the stage in principal roles in Gilbert and Sullivan operetta The Gondoliers this Friday and Saturday night (Jan 23 and 24) at the Star Court Theatre.

Not only will the sisters been seen in the performance, but Carina and her mother designed and made costumes for the cast of 30 and Chrissi will also be a supplementary chorus singer.

The girls have joined with other dedicated young artists in a weeklong marathon of music, dance and acting rehearsals, which culminates in the performance this weekend.

"We really encourage people to come along and see the results of our week long opera workshop," said artistic director, Valerie Tamblyn-Mills

The show starts each night at 8pm. Tickets are available at Caddies Bean Shop or at the door.

Sealed with a kiss

A scene from The Frog Prince - Firetrax Theatre Company's latest pantomime.

Firetrax Theatre Company's latest production, The Frog Prince, is a fantastic new pantomime for all ages that will be performed for the last time this weekend at the Bangalow A&I Hall.

As always the Firetrax Theatre Company has taken a classic fairytale and adapted it into an interactive, charming tale for young and old alike, with plenty of audience participation and a 'hug' session with the cast after the show so youngsters can meet their favourite characters.

The Frog Prince will be performed at the Bangalow A&I Hall from Thursday to Saturday, January 22-24. All performances start at 2pm.

Tickets are $5 for kids, $8 for adults or $5 per head for a family (two adults and two or more children). They are available at the door or you can book on 6687 1998.

Nimbin in tune

NIM-FM is presenting a special one-off gig with percussionist Tunji Beier and hurdy-gurdy maestro Matthias Loibner this Friday, January 23, at Nimbin's Djanbung Gardens from 8pm.

Matthias has mastered the medieval hurdy-gurdy instrument and combined with his unusual technique he produces unheard of sounds. His performance partner Tunji Beier studied percussion in West Africa and South India, developing a unique style of percussion. He currently plays in Australia with Xenos and Lindsay Pollak, while last weekend Matthias was a special guest of Wild Marmalade at Coorabell Hall.

Tunji and Matthias have now been collaborating for more than seven years, touring together across Europe, Africa and Japan, whilst also popping up at the odd Australian folk festival such as Woodford.

Tickets to the performance are $15/10. For info phone NIM-FM on 6689 0277.

Get into the swing of things

Dancers in the local area have the unique opportunity to learn from two of the world's top Afro/American swing/lindy hop dancers, Steven Mitchell and Virginie, at the fourth annual Lismore Swing Dance Camp.

During the camp, which runs from Jan 23-27, more than 150 swing and lindy hop dancers will come to Lismore to learn, compete, dance and generally have fun.

As well as Steven Mitchell and his partner Virginie, this year participants will be able to learn from two other experienced dancing duos - Kevin St Laurent and Carla Heiney, and Joel and Alison Plys.

"Steven and Virginie are renown for their innovative approach to Lindy Hop and for reviving the dance as a living art form," said Brian Whelan from Lismore Swing Connection. "They are incredibly versatile and creative - they make everything they do their own. They just have so much energy for teaching the heart and soul of the dance."

The three couples will teach three different levels of dance - beginners, middle and upper level - so dancers of all abilities, including those who have never tried it before, can either learn the dance or improve their skills.

Swing dance performances, a friendly 'Jack and Jill' dance competition and social dancing each evening until late has been organised at Lismore City Hall for campers and non-campers alike. The camp will run over five days and nights, from Friday, January 23, to Tuesday, January 27. For information phone 6622 3633 or visit the website at www.swingconnection.com.au.

Flood memorabilia

NORPA wants to collect old photos, memorabilia and stories about Lismore's major floods to contribute to the production of The Flood, which will be performed in Lismore's CBD on Easter Sunday.

All items loaned to NORPA will be catalogued and returned to their owners safely.

If you think you can contribute phone Peter Emerton on 6622 0300.