WWI CENTENARY EXHIBITION AT MELBOURNE MUSEUM NEW website review by Gabrielle Grech REMEMBRANCE THROUGH EXPERIENCE. Bohemian Rhapsody Club is very grateful to Asha Holmes / Asha Holmes Publicity for assisting us in organising the WWI Exhibition visit
The World War One Centenary Exhibition currently on display at Melbourne Museum follows in creative detail The War that Changed the World. In many ways this is The Exhibition that Changes the approach of representing The Great War in Australia. A concise system of independent iPhone tours allowed me in my exploration of the exhibit to individually explore, discover and consume all the exhibition had to offer. There was an immense amount of dimensions and viewpoints of the war and its significant place in the history of Australia and the world. The exhibition was most compelling considering the proximity in time to the 25th of April, and the huge outpouring of gestures and remembrance of this day only a mere week before my visit.
The wide range of specifically Australian displays and historical views enhanced the exhibition, which risked, like many others to base itself too much on the British role in the war. The exhibit enriched the role of Australians in the Great War and marked their significance through the educated opinions of various historians. It is this simple yet effective combination the museum employs, of independence and a strong sense of direction through the multiple levels/sections of the exhibition which give substance and freedom to your visit. The exhibition is one that you could spend one hour, or if you’re like me 3 hours in. The exhibition clearly appeals to a wide range of age demographics, when I was there alone I saw the elderly and school aged alike fascinated by the wide range of displays the exhibition.
This was largely due to the ingenious mesh of modern and classic art and presentation techniques in creating a whole experience. The almost immediate ability to have the sensual as well as visual and auditory experience was essential to creating what I deem an extremely well put together and thought out arrangement. The idea of creating surrounding trench walls, of visual and sound of men running across the front and the use of wartime film on large digital screens enhanced and realised the idea and concept of the Great War. Although an almost exclusively British and Australian view and recount of the war, the exhibit does so in a concise manner and with considerable depth. Whether you come into the exhibit with little knowledge or with a wide expanse of intelligence regarding the Great War, your mind will be enriched.
I would almost need to write a book to expand upon all aspects of the exhibit, but those which made it stand out and recommend itself especially compared to others I hopefully exemplified above. A definite must-see as the one hundred year remembrance of the beginning of The Great War passes and its claim in history of Australia and the world is demonstrated.
Written by Gabrielle Grech, 2015. From: University of Melbourne.
MELBOURNE AQUARIUM 2015 NEW review by Julie Dargan (article) and Glen Wilson (photography) Bohemian Rhapsody Club is very grateful to Phoebe Dennis for her kind assistance of this work
Thank you for the opportunity to do a review on the Melbourne Aquarium. An amazing experience that is more that just is a must to visit. This is a wonderful venue, right in the heart of Melbourne along the YarraRiver.
The staff from beginning to end are wonderful. Pleasant, smiling faces with an enthusiasm that is contagious for parents and children, teachers and students, tourists and young couples.
I learnt an amazing amount of information that I never knew about our amazing Australian sea life. Have you ever held a sharks egg in your hand? This is just one of the many fascinating interactive areas for all to enjoy.
I loved following this well laid out area. You are guided in a continual loop so as to get to see everything but without people walking backwards into you. Watching the children’s faces at each display was a treat.
The aquarium has some ingenious ways to get the children to learn things without even realising it.
The music throughout is just perfect. Not screaming, not too fluffy, but just right to make the journey a relaxing one.
Every step of the way there are staff willing to share their knowledge with you in a beautiful way. They obviously love their job and this makes the visit to the aquarium so much more interesting.
There is also an abundance of other animals like lizards, spiders and penguins.
This is a wonderful venue for a wedding also. What an absolute unique place for a wedding. I remember going to the aquarium for my sister’s wedding and came home with some wonderful memories of the event. If you are looking for a wedding with a difference I highly recommend the Melbourne Aquarium for that Special Day. How many people can say they ate while the sharks were circling?
DOG LOVERS SHOW 2015 NEW Bohemian Rhapsody Cub is very grateful to Katie Woolway and Adam Valentine for kindly assisting us with this work
Dog Lovers Show review this is the story of a Doggy who was at the exhibition... wow-woof...I enjoyed it so much!.. now I know that I will never be hungry - there is much food varieties: - organic - fat free - dairy and wheat free - food that contains even blueberries! - vegetarian and not-vegetarian - rabbit, goat, cow, lamb, roo, chicken meat and mince - oh. I was almost swimming in my saliva dripping, tasting and sniffing; they even have a kids free zone where kids are allowed to get in and they could pet us, they also had face painting zone for kids of course where face-painters made them look like us - even happier; now I also know I have many brothers and sisters: mastiffs and boxers, german shepherds and malteeses and... mmm... what was that hairy big ball of fur: newfoundland; now I do not have to worry about shampoos and napkins - I know there are so many of them on the market - I am looked well after; there is a celebrity vet stage where you can meet your favorites, no Dr Phil though; now I know i can find my best match in human and they can find me too to matter what breed I am there is always a hyppo to meet one hyppo to match; now I know I will never be lost as there is a special mobile application to find me - I can sleep well; I saw a scooby-doo - i was not even scared; I know that my brothers and sisters who are disadvantaged and not as lucky as many of us are also looked after well: there are so many organisations, rescues and societies including my fav rspsa that I believe there is not even one homeless dog on the street left; and how many specials are there? check it out:http://dogloversshow.com.au/melbo…/exhibitors/show-specials/ what else can I add to conclude my story softly and nicely? people and dogs, go there, enjoy it and have fun for more than hours - tomorrow is the last exhibition day!
SPEAKEASY HQ 21 ACTS SATURDAY ALL STAR VAUDEVILLE NEW website Bohemian Rhapsody Cub is very grateful to Knuckles for kindly assisting us with this work Review of Speakeasy HQ Saturday 25th April 2015 by Murray Brooks / MHB Photography
Located at 377 Little Bourke St Between Elizabeth and Queen street you enter via Racecourse Lane the door is signed. You take a leisurely stroll up the stairs to level 2 where you are greeted by the owners Roy Maloy and Knuckles. The atmosphere is very speakeasy style very dim and smokey. This is created by a smoke machine to give that cigar smoke feeling.
You are escorted to your seats by the staff and offered drinks and Tapas. As it is pre-show, doors open at 6.00pm and there is a happy hour at the bar with $5.00 drinks till the main entertainment starts. Giant pretzels and sweets are on sale throughout the night; these are brought around to the tables by the “Candy Girl” Boylesque performer Ryan Lovat “oh what legs”
There is jazz music playing whilst you enjoy a chat and drink till around 6.45pm when you have the amazing talented musician and singer Mathew Hadgraft; he entertains you with keyboard and songs like Sesame Street and Home and Away theme songs etc... and then a couple of songs from the cabaret act: the stunning Tash York. The main show starts at 8.00 pm consisting of 15 short acts from Cabaret , Boylesque, Comedy, Burlesque, magic, singing and much more. The MC was Roy Maloy himself; the Circus King Roy, who holds 9 world records for performances... and he is the Great Showman. The audience is asked to participate in every way from joining in singing to being on stage to help with acts and also if they think an act is extremely good to stamp their feet "vaudeville style" Overall if you want a fantastic night out where you can watch class acts of all types and enjoy good company with friends as well as have a great night entertainment this is the place to go but you must ring and book because they have had sold out shows for the last three weeks
For bookings visit the website www.speakeasy-HQ.com Review by Murray Howard-Brooks MHB Photography
Speakeasy HQ / Speakeasy HQ - The Blind Tiger www.Speakeasy-HQ.com - Vaudeville Show Every Saturday Night - Speakeasy HQ presents weekly extravaganzas that span the widest cross-section of live and performing arts of the contemporary era. Described as Australia's Underground Galaxy of Stars presenting Vaudeville!
Vaudeville is 3-5min acts of every genre, on the one stage! Jazz, Comedy, Circus, Carnival & Sideshow, Burlesque, Magic & Illusion, Cabaret and live music shows from a dedicated theatre at Melbourne's newest roof-top bar!!
Entry via Racing Club Lane, head up the stairs to Level 1 where you will find the new Speakeasy HQ and Melbourne newest Rooftop bar The Blind Tiger!
The rooftop is open for Drinks, Gourmet Hot Dogs and Grilled corn from 6pm - 8pm Our Theatre opens from 7:30pm where we offer food packages, and our famous Candy Dolls serving Popcorn, Crisps, Pretzels, and all the sweet delights you can ask want! As the night guys on they also serve our famous Slingshot cocktails and snake oil shooters!
Admission numbers are strictly limited - pre-purchase ticket holders receive an early bird discount and are given direct access with no need to wait in line! The tickets are usually sold out!
HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY - ZOOS VICTORIA NEW review by Jess Dey (video and project manager) and Luke Slater (article, photos and project manager assistant) 20/04/15
Healesville Sanctuary
Fans of local fauna, get around Healesville Sanctuary.
Located an hour east of Melbourne’s CBD, at the end of a scenic drive through Victoria’s Yarra Valley, the sanctuary offers a more open feel to its animal enclosures, with some even allowing you to get face to face with their inhabitants.
Without a doubt, the biggest draw to the Sanctuary is the “Spirits of the Sky” display, which features several of Australias birds of prey and parrots in action. It’s difficult to describe the adrenaline rush you feel as a Wedge Tailed Eagle soars past your face towards a perch behind you.
The variety of Australian animals was outstanding, with the larger of Victorias Great Zoos offering a chance to see overseas fauna; it is nice to be able to see what resides in our own backyard. The “Meet the Keeper” segments provided both an entertaining and educational insight into the history of animals such as dingoes and kangaroos; even I, a self-professed Australian history buff, was able to learn some new facts.
Healesville has several conservation initiates, with aspirations to be Australias leading zoo based conservation organisation. Notably, the sanctuary has assisted with the repopulation of the Tasmanian Devil, yielding over 100 joeys to date.
Their initiates go beyond just repopulating species on the brink of extinction, they also play an active role in the protection of animal habitats; doing so through initiatives such as the “Wipe for Wildlife” campaign, which promotes the use of 100% recycled toilet paper as a means of preventing deforestation in Australia. Healesville Sanctuary offers individuals, couples, and families an excellent day out.
Very grateful to Jess Dey and Luke Slater! Also very grateful to Healesville Sanctuary Communication Assistant Megan Croucher and Katy, the Healesville Sanctuary Zoo Keeper for their constant support of this editorial in organising the visit and for the interview.
HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY VIDEO BY JESSICA DEY AND LUKE SLATER NEW
ABSINTHE SHOW AT CROWN review by Crystal Corocher and Saroj Gunasekara Bohemian Rhapsody Cub is very grateful to Zac Exner for kindly assisting us with this work
Prepare your senses for intoxication! If Las Vegas was a pie (stick with me this metaphor is worth it) the Gazzillionare and his assistant Penny Pibbets have brought a slice to the rooftop of Crown Casino Melbourne…..but the thing about any pie is there’s always a point at which overindulgence will lead to nausea yet, inexplicably, we will always permit ourselves just a little bit more. It’s the best way I can place you to consider what it’s like to be in the Spiegel tent at the mercy of some of the boldest, bravest cirque actors in the world. The Gazzillionare made ‘Borat’ seem tame (I’m not even kidding) and his assistant Penny was simultaneously the sweetest offsider and dirtiest comedian, ever on hand to take things – not that ‘one step too far’ – but a freaking mile!! The ‘Gazillionare’ systematically attacked every minority group in the audience with wicket wit, vulgarity and offensive “ohmygoddidhereallyjustsaythat” racism. But you should know that it is actually a compliment to Australian audiences that the show is even touring here. In a brief Q&A with the production team post-show I asked what other countries were on the tour schedule. This was after a kindly German photographer had just pointed out that the crew we were speaking to would have been arrested if they told the same jokes in Germany! “You guys are it” was the response. “Aussies are progressive”. What the Gazzillionare was acknowledging was our ability to laugh at ourselves and not take life too seriously. I think the fact that Absinthe is here right off the back of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is advantageous timing. There have been a lot of discussions in the media of late regarding ‘joke censorship’ thereby limiting artist’s creative expression. My advice to anyone attending Absinthe is to leave your sensitivities at the door, have an open mind and enjoy an outrageous night out! The skills in Absinthe will challenge you to consider what the human body is truly capable of. With performers from Ukraine, USA, Sweden, Russia, Germany and Poland, the cast is a collective of some of the best Cirque performers in the world. The hand balance (Michal Nowosadako & Zbignew Sobierajski- Poland) defied belief. The complexities of this routine were executed with precision, seamless transitions and a combination of strength and grace that must be seen to be believed. From balance to burlesque, high wire to horizontal bars – this show really has it all. And if you’ve never seen a stripper remove items of clothing using fire before – what rock have you been hiding under? Just kidding, who would possibly think to do that?? Angie Sylvia from Sweden is an edgy striptease artist (and let’s assume just a little bit nuts) – because that’s what she did! Anything more would be a ‘spoiler alert’ so if this has sparked your curiosities – you’d best go and see it for yourself! This show is rated 15+ and tours for a strictly limited season but I do believe it would be more appropriate to rate this as an 18+ performance – seriously, don’t take your children!!— at Crown Melbourne.
ALEX AND NILUSHA CONCERT review by Irina Ivanova
The hall was full of captivating mystery. The opulence of the Melbourne Recital Centre, with its muted lighting and soulful atmosphere created a dream like sensation.
The musicians were very welcoming of their visitors and thanking them for coming to share the experience with them. Alex and Nilusha had their new album out “Tales to Tell” and they are both extremely proud of it. I guess what makes anyone proud and happy is that their message is being expressed clearly and heard and enjoyed by others. This album sounds fantastic and is a profoundly felt-through story of someone’s life – or everyone’s life…
Who did not have broken wings or broken heart? Chilean born Alex Pertout has for decades being recognised as one of Australia's leading percussionists and with credits on hundreds of albums and soundtracks he is undeniably one of Australia's most recorded musicians. Alex has also attained credits with television orchestras, in countless live performances, in the theatre, as a recording artist and record producer as well as a respected educator.
Sri Lankan born Nilusha Dassenaike has a unique vocal style that incorporates a delicate balance between her eastern and western musical influences with silk like sounds with rhythmic improvisation. Nilusha has vast performance and studio recording experience ranging from jazz to popular styles.
Their music is abundant with vivid emotional and lyrical content, mesmerising percussion rhythm and masterful performances by special guests which are invited by the artists to enrich the performance.The faces in the chamber were peaceful and happy, waiting for something exciting to happen. And it did…
The story flowed strongly and gracefully through the minds and souls of the participants. People were tuning in willingly and gratefully into the rhythm and melody of the songs. There’s nothing to hide, and the little promises of life are nearly misheard. Though we’re still falling into the clear water and cheer the new king, knowing his pain and wish for peace. He’ll bring us sapphires and appease wanderlust. And we’ll give him the gift of gifts.
For the final The Riddle Song was chosen. It is an ancient folk song originally titled “I gave my love a cherry”. Like for most traditional songs, both the author and the date in which it was written is a riddle in itself. It is a lullaby based on two English folk songs: "Child Ballad no. 1" (also known as "Riddles Wisely Expounded"), and "Child Ballad no. 46." In this lullaby, which was said to be written in the 15th century, a maiden says she is advised to unite with her lover. [http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=18010]
The Riddle Song sounded as an anthem for freedom to make our own choice in life, and how we see that life and what it holds for us.
ANIMAL SAFARI AT THE WATERGARDENS review by Julie Dargan Bohemian Rhapsody Cub is very grateful to Katerina Dassios for kindly assisting us with this work
Join in the festivities at Watergardens this week for something different for the children to enjoy. This is a fantastic idea for all the family to enjoy. I have never been to Watergardens and was surprised at how large the area is. It is a wildlife adventure trip throughout the whole of Watergardens. Zebra, Lion, giraffe and rhinoceros are some of the few animals on animatronic display. Do not forget to look up also to see the monkeys enjoying a swing. The craft village was very popular with the children where they were able to paint themselves their very own animal mask. Best of all it is free and the ladies on hand were very helpful. Be sure to be early as the face masks finish at 2pm every day. Pick up an adventure map and answer a few questions as you wander around to each animal to be in the draw for an overnight slumber safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo (valued at $900). For me it was a great experience with the children. I was able to walk around the whole of Watergardens without any complaints from the children. What a wonderful idea and all FREE, so what is stopping you. Pop on down now.
ATTILLA SAUTOV Bohemian Rhapsody Cub is very grateful to Maria Sklyar for kindly assisting us with this work review by Sylvester Kroyherr
REVIEW OF CONCERT BY VIOLIN VERTUOSO ATTILLA SAUTOV with his SYMPHONIC TRIO ENSEMBLE GIVEN AT the KINGSTON CITY HALL on 29 March 2015. (Presented by the Shalom Association) ARTISTS: Renat Yusupov (cello), Hila Yusupov (piano) and Aaron Barnden (violin).
To start the concert, we were treated to four short pieces by a very young ensemble of 6 violinists who demonstrated great enthusiasm. Noting that Attilla began playing in Tashkent Uzbekistan at the age of 4, his performance to follow left the youngsters absolutely dazzled. With a sense of humour, he was quick to point out, that all the hard practice had paid off, although “the reward for hard work was more hard work”. With his 1812 French violin (sometimes unplugged), Attilla set about mixing a diverse variety of pure classical pieces with modern pop classics (using backing tracks to enhance the blend and rhythm).
The first half of the programme consisted of 12 pieces with classical highlights like ‘Meditation’ from Thais by Massenet (absolutely sublime), to the ‘Flight of the Bumble Bee’ by Rimsky Korsakov (brilliant interpretation by Renat), to the ‘Swan’ by Saint Saens (a sublime rendition by Renat and Hila). In contrast, we were engaged by the soulful ‘Theme from Schindler’s List’ by John Williams.
The technically complex Paganini Variations on the G string (Moses Fantasy) was moving and absolutely spectacular – considering that the whole piece is played on one string only! With the full team in action (including Aaron), the first movement of the Bach Double Concerto with its brilliant interplay, was followed by the spicy and gypsy flavoured ‘Csardas’ by Monti – what an exciting and original arrangement!
The second half exploded into several medleys of Jewish songs, including ‘Tumbalalaika’ and Hava Nagila and much to the delight of the clapping audience. Michael Jackson’s ‘Heal the World and Save the Children’ was rounded with emotion and included 3 key changes to add further variety. A fiery Croatian tune was followed by the dramatic theme from ‘The Pirates of the Caribbean’ and an intense rendition of Mozart’s ‘Turkish Rondo’ – so powerful that Attilla’s violin suffered a broken A string! Undaunted, he changed the string in record time. Attilla’s explosive and technical artistry continued with two additional virtuoso pieces building up to the finishing crescendo of Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons – Storm’ and the Brazilian ‘Tiko Tiko’.
Despite the limitations of the City Hall, the group’s spectacular and electrifying artistry was extremely well received, proving that classical, pop and folk can mix well. It can be said that Attilla’s intentions were not simply to entertain but to inspire; creating a feeling that most anything is possible. Although residing now in Queensland, Melbourne awaits you Attilla ASAP!
SYLVESTER KROYHERR (Musician/Architect) 3 April 2015
With an informative pre concert introduction by the Conductor and Artistic Director Mark Shiell, the programme began with the initially delicate and melancholy Overture to Weber’s opera “Oberon” featuring the French horns – this being the theme of the evening, namely “Horn Power”. The driving central themes were energetic and uplifting, interwoven by musically sensitive romantic rhythms.
The second item featured the premiere of “A Song for Gallipoli” by George Dreyfus to commemorate the centenary of the ANZACs and set to music to a WW1 poem by British Charles Sorley who died at the front aged 20. Selena Pettifer’s enchanting and pure voice captured and expressed the sombre disharmony of war. A stunning performance and presence!
Taking absolute control, Roman Ponomariov breezed into Richard Strauss’s Horn Concerto No 1, displaying flawless tonality and smooth delivery. The lively and poetic first movement flowed effortlessly into the mournful and melancholy second movement. With the last movement, Roman took the audience to another level to conclude with skilful flair and excitement much to the delight of everyone, including Mark Shiell, who brought back Roman for a fabulous encore; this being the third movement of the fourth Horn Concerto by Mozart. Loved the little cadenza!
The massive Symphony No1 by Brahms followed the interval with the orchestra generating commanding contrasts between throbbing and energetic themes and mysterious haunting passages.
With some well presented staccato sections from the violins, the first movement finished majestically. In the second movement, the interplay between the strings and woodwinds was well rounded with some sweet passages from the solo violin (namely Mary Johnston). Flowing into a gentle march like rhythm in the third movement, the clarinets and the plucking of the cellos was very effective, finishing the section with bounce and sparkle. As expected, the finale began energetically which eventually built up to Brahms’ so called “most noble melodies” – beautifully handled by the violins. Maintaining energetic momentum, the orchestra finished the symphony with exuberance and style.
Well done to everyone, including all the volunteers!
SYLVESTER KROYHERR (Musician/Architect) / Rachel Sandey 31 March 2015 Very grateful to Sylvester for such a splendid review!!!!
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW 2015
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2015 was a colorful symphony of smiles as flowers (you might heard this expression) are the smiles of the earth or should I say we met so many people there with kids who enjoyed themselves on Sunday while selecting plants and flowers for their gardens, having picnic at Royal Melbourne Exhibition and the gardens around it or simply sunbaking. What was amazing? - I would say the unexpected variety of everything about and aorund plants, gardens and flowers: breathtaking landscapig that you would never guess how certain buildings were erected in such a a short period of time, boutique garden compatition, floral design classes, area to play for the kids, show gardens of all kinds, florists, growers, fresh flowers market, sculptures exhibition, garden sculptures, birds houses for sale, seends and fertralisers giveaways, flowers giveaways, floral fashion, street music on every corner of the huge display, art and jewelry related to flowers - all for sale and much much more... and till the next year - dream about the flowers...