Cathy is present: experiencing Marina Abramovic and her residency in Sydney

When you mention performance art to people, you get interesting reactions, mostly 'well, that's not art.'

And well, it's not a Monet, a Picasso, a Warhol, or even Dali's lobster phone.

But it IS art, like theatre is art, like music is art, like anything creative is art. 

Art can come in all forms, and it can touch your soul or irritate the shit out of you.

Like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder.

Yesterday, on a gloriously sunny winter Saturday, I headed to Sydney to participate in some performance art.

I was definitely well out of my comfort zone. I don't like participatory exercises, they make me cringe and irritable. If I am at the theatre and instructed to participate my initial thoughts are I paid YOU to entertain ME, not the other way round. I am not even a fan of clapping in unison at concerts (although I will always join in vocally), mostly as I am a rock snob, but that's a whole other story.

So why did I head all the way to Sydney to participate in something that would most certainly make me feel uncomfortable?

Marina Abramovic.

Marina, at 69, is up there with Yoko Ono as a avant-garde performance artist. Over the years she has pulled off some crazy feats in the name of art. But she also has contributed great heart and soul to the world of art. There is something enigmatic and charismatic about her, and I find myself very drawn to her and what she does...even if some of it makes me feel uncomfortable.

When I heard she was doing a residency as part of the Kalder Public Art Projects I was intrigued. Reviews I read were sketchy, it sounded almost completely interactive, and Marina may or may not even be there. Would I go?? As awkward as it made me feel, I felt I really had to go...in a way I couldn't exactly explain.

My friend R kindly got me a VIP pass, which I presumed would get me in ahead of crowds given the whole experience was free. So I decided to go. Unsurprisingly no one was too keen to accompany me! But that is ok, sometimes things are to be experienced alone, and hey, if anyone does alone well, it is me!

Each day the residence begins at midday, so I headed towards Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay around 11.30 in case there were queues, and there was. I headed gingerly to the front of the line...even doing that made me feel uncomfortable, lol! The guy there had no idea what my pass meant but directed me to the other side of the building, I almost gave up and just jumped in line, which probably would have taken forever and I would walk away. But there was this determination in me that pushed through the fear. I headed around to the side entrance and was greeted and put into a small group of other VIPs.

We moved through the big sheds with a guide giving us loads of background information about how the residency was going, Marina, participants etc. Marina was in and out of the main section all the time but tried to keep a low profile. She was also working with the other artists in residence on the top floor of the building. The artists in residence had all struggled settling into their spaces, but were now working more comfortably. Some people were coming back multiple times and staying all day. Marina had noticed some of these, and would approach them, and talk to them, and ask them to do 'homework' overnight and bring it in the next day...it wasn't specified what the homework was. The guide wouldn't let us into the area until it had filled a little, to ensure the room had the right vibe for that. At that point I must admit I was thinking the whole thing was a bit of a wank.

We were finally allowed to enter, probably only 5 mins or so after it opened.

We were asked as we entered to read Marina's statement about the residency, and then asked to put all our gear in lockers, including phones and watches. Then we were asked to go to the warm up room, where about 50 other participants were warming up to a video of Marina talking us through physical activities. None were strenuous, but some felt ridiculous, but the vibe of the room was just give it a go, and people were either quietly intense or friendly and happy. Exercises included rubbing/massaging various parts of your body to wake them up, eg lips, chest, heart etc. Also a great breathing one which really seemed to clear my sinuses (going to do it regularly I think).

I didn't do the whole thing, most didn't, the room started to fill more and I moved on to the next room where you were given a pair of headphones to wear. This blocked out all sounds.

I then walked into the main area which was open plan but divided by a few walls. Everyone was quiet and wandering slowly, everyone wearing headphones were participants and then there was heaps of young, beautiful people in black not wearing headphones. They are the facilitators who can guide you through the experience. As I walked slowly looking and wondering what I was going to do a gorgeous young male facilitator took me by the hand and slowly walked me to the area where large wooden framed chairs were facing each other. There was a man in the chair facing me. We smiled. This exercise is based on her famous, The Artist Is Present, exhibit from 2010 at The Moma.

The lovely man and I sat opposite each other for some time. Initially it was excruciatingly painful and embarrassing for me. I couldn't hold his gaze completely, but neither could he. We smiled and kinda laughed but it was incredibly confronting, but eventually we got into a groove and it was very intense. Initially my internal dialogue was freaking out, I'd love to hear a recording of what was going on in my head! I got a point where I calmed down and was comfortable but felt spent and moved to get up and he did the exact same thing at the exact same time, we weren't reacting to each other, it just happened. It was surreal.

I had hardly moved from that when another facilitator took my hand, this time a happy looking young woman. She took me to an area where lots of camp beds with pillows and blankets were set up and with a sweeping gesture suggested I lay down. Remember no talking, can barely hear any noise, all silent. I lay down on the seriously comfortable camp bed and she pulled a grey blanket over me and gently tucked me all the way in and then massaged my temples for a bit. At first I was a little embarrassed, but that left me fairly quickly. After she left I lay there staring at the ceiling, feeling warm and relaxed and completely comforted. I thought about the experience thus far and what else I would I participate in. I thought about the anxiety that had returned the past 6 months after decades of lying dormant. I wondered if I was subconsciously compelled to attend this to assist the anxiety as I felt more calm and still and present than I had been in a long time. I say subconsciously as I didn't know enough about the experience to know it would sooth my soul. Eventually I must have fallen asleep as I may or may not have woken myself with a little snorty snore. Thank goodness for the headphones.  How long I laid there I couldn't tell you, I had completely lost the concept of time, it could have been minutes or hours, I had no idea.

I headed towards the next activity when a facilitator took my hand and led me back to the gazing chairs...sigh. I was seated opposite a lovely young South American woman with an infectious smile that helped ease my discomfort. We smiled and it was amusing and funny. Slowly her smile left her face and we were eyeball to eyeball, the intensity and drama of her eyes were palpable, I felt incredibly moved, like she had some grave sadness behind the smile, my eyes filled with tears and hers became glassy. The moment passed, I looked down to clear my head, we stayed a little longer, then she got up put her hands together and bowed before leaving. I sat there to collect my thoughts.

The next activity was large pieces of cardboard pinned to pillars with a chair directly in front. I chose a lovely blue, even though I wanted the purple, but it was taken. I love to meditate, but don't think I ever completely clear my head of thoughts, my internal dialogue is pretty strong, lol, but I came close this time. I almost fell asleep I was that still and calm, the blue was soothing too. In front of me another activity was going on, one I knew I wouldn't participate in, so I watched it for a bit while sitting there. People were walking incredibly slowly in a large oval, some singularly, some holding hands. And when I say slow, think about walking as slow as you can possibly go, and then slow down a hundred times more and you might get how slow they were. I knew I couldn't walk that slow and would end up laughing or disturbing others. They reminded me of that scene in Plan 9 From Outer Space, where they are running from the aliens (if you know that scene you will know what I mean), that thought made me smile and worried I would get the giggles I moved on.

This time I was led gently by another lovely young man to a platform where many participants stood still with their eyes closed. People were close but not touching. He led me up, it was only a few inches off the ground and motioned for me to close my eyes, all the while holding my hand. Then he gently massaged my shoulders for a little while and tapped me and left. Standing so close to all these other zen, still people with ears blocked by the headphones and eyes shut was surreal. I cannot begin the explain the beautiful energy I felt from standing there and I cannot begin to tell you how long I stood there, I have no idea. After a while I felt a little rocky, so I opened my eyes and stood down. I then sat in a chair close by and watched that for a while before moving on to the last activity.

The last activity was separating grains into colours and counting them. This simplistic activity is to help clear your mind by concentrating on something simple, the area was full and I waited for a while and eventually decided to leave.

I handed my headphones back, collected my stuff and slowly walked out. There was a debriefing room where you could talk about your experience, but I wanted to hold it close and continue to be quiet. I walked slowly through the back area of the experience and up to the top floor where the other artists in residence were, I walked around there but eventually moved on.

I left the building, and wandered slowly around the pier catching the sun. A few memories were triggered by being there and along with my experience I found myself in tears. Not sobbing just tears, I sat down and eventually felt this calmness wash over me, the moment had passed. I guess it was a release after such an intense experience.

I then ran into one of the ladies who came in with me, an older lady in her 80s I think, we spoke for a little while about it, she was quite moved but had had enough, the people she were with were still inside. I left her sitting there contemplating it all and moved on. The rest of the day I walked slowly, I wouldn't call myself a fast walker, but I never walk this slow, but it felt right and comfy. I knew this zen would hang around and possibly be difficult to shake, not that I wanted to anyway. I had planned on some shopping, but I no longer had interest in that, I mostly wandered The Rocks and The Quay, sitting and thinking and watching the world pass by from time to time. I felt calm and quiet and present.

A day later I still feel like that, my life isn't changed, my anxiety is probably not banished, and I am sure at some point the calmness will move on, but I feel from all I observed and did that afternoon, if I take the time - and I sure will take the time - I feel I can return to that state when I wish.

How long was I there? I would have said a little less than an hour, but it was double that time, not quite two hours. It all sounds a bit airy fairy and a bit wanky possibly, and that's ok, the cynic in me was prepared for that, but you know, it never really felt like that. The whole exercise was definitely about shedding inhibitions, being still, being in the present, affording those you are with the time and presence and energy they deserve, and to heal. Because we all need love and healing, no matter how well we are feeling in our lives.

I particularly loved the hand holding, touching, tucking into bed etc. This was a revelation, cause I am not at all good with complete strangers touching me. But it was incredibly comforting, and as an adult, when was the last time someone tucked you into bed? It may sound childish, but what is wrong with that, I highly recommend it.

And the thing I took with me the most was how wonderful each and every participant was. Kind, considerate, generous, and respectful. I mean, people could have been arseholes, disturbed the zen, laughed crassly, been rude, but I didn't experience or see that.

And finally Marina!! I think I caught a glimpse of her holding someone's hand and taking them to the camp bed, she was in a hooded jacket and I am certain it was her face. I guess that makes sense, to be sort of hidden, if she was brazen and out there, it would break the vibe of the room. I thought I would be disappointed not to see her, yet when I did - and I cannot even be certain I did - I really didn't care at all.

So, yes it was uncomfortable and confronting, but once I got over that it was such an experience of transcendence and beauty, I kinda wish I could do a little of it every day.

SYDNEY TRAVELLING FILM FESTIVAL 2015

A Second Chance

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jamie Lannister from Game of Thrones) is Andreas, a detective with a wife and a young son, and a seemingly perfect life in this Danish thriller. His partner, Simon (Ulrich Thomsen) is divorced, drinking too much, and living a hard, messy life. From the outset if is easy to see the progression in their lives. Following up a report of domestic violence finds the pair investigating a junkie couple and their faeces and urine swaddled baby. Andreas, in particular, is horrified by what he witnesses, mostly as the young baby is roughly the same age as his son.

 

Following scenes from Andreas' life shows something may not quite be right, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Then, in the middle of the night, Andreas is woken by the screams of his wife, Anna (Maria Bonnevie), as she tries to resuscitate their dead son. It is too late, and appears he has died from SIDS during the night. Anna is beyond bereft and refuses to let Andreas call an ambulance, as they will take her son away. Andreas pleads and tries to calm her, finally giving her some sedatives to calm her and eventually sleep.

 

And then the movie turns.

 

Andreas takes his dead son, he sits in the carpark of the hospital, deranged and confused, he calls Simon, his partner, but Simon is drunk and dismisses the call. Andreas then decides to do something so devastating, that you just cannot believe it. The consequences of these actions set the audience on a horrifying journey that goes from worse to worse, and with each horrifying action, another consequence arises. And just when you think there could surely be not more twists or turns, another attacks you. Bam!

 

I have never been in a theatre where the audience (and it was a large audience) was so quiet. Not a rattle of a chip packet, not a blow of the nose, not a breathe, not a movement.

 

I think we were all shell shocked.

 

It finally ends up being Simon, who pieces the puzzle together and works out what is going on with Andreas. By this stage, you are prepared for the absolute worst, but Simon helps Andreas out of his dilemma and in a role reversal, saves the day. This is not giving anything away, it would have been a relief to know this during the section I have intentionally not mentioned.

 

There is no denying this is a rough film to watch, horrifying, gut wrenching, almost unbelievable at times. Yet, because it is so well written, so incredibly well acted, you believe every single moment, and even understand the lengths that Andreas goes to to restore his life as he knew it. As someone who cries easily in film, I never shed a tear, this was a different kind of upset.

 

It is a film about good versus bad, blurred lines, and what people can do when forced into impossible situations. To recite the exact storyline is a little surreal, to watch it is another thing altogether.

 

Kaakkaa Muttai or The Crow's Egg

This was a great family film about two young brothers growing up in the slums of India. Their mother and grandmother are working hard to keep the family going while their Dad is in prison. He is also unwell, with TB, and there is a cost to keep him in medication. The boys are taken out of school and 'work' during the day, scrambling along the rail line trying to find pieces of coal which they get money for. This sounds like a depressing film, but whilst the family is undergoing hardship, there is love, beauty, and laughter. These kids are having the time of their life.

 

It's a perfect film to show children about other cultures, the differences and the similarities, without it being too dramatic of forceful.

 

The boys are excited to see a pizza place take shape in the better part of their neighbourhood, and are tempted by the promotion of this delicious looking food. But pizza is expensive and if they want this dream to come true, they will have to work extra hard to make more money. And so a funny and poignant journey begins for these two young scallywags. The film follows their days, the scrapes and adventures they get into, and the people the meet: poor, homeless, drunks, wealthy, kind, mean, all walks of life in this small community.

 

The film also showed us something I have never seen before, warnings that popped up on screen every time someone was smoking or drinking, explaining how alcohol and cigarettes were harmful. It was slightly distracting, seeing this watermark appear on the bottom left of the screen each time, but also very amusing.

 

It is shot with a perfect mix of pathos, drama, and humour. It opens your eyes to the disparages of wealth in these communities and the way the less wealthy financially live, but yet they seem more wealthy from a happy and cared for perspective. It is confronting in parts, but it also shows the traditions of different cultures and also how people are people, no matter what their circumstances are.

 

The boys finally make the money they need for pizza, and proudly turn up to partake in this seemingly amazing place, but things don't go according to plan. The story takes a turn, again, perfectly portrayed through drama and humour, and the ending isn't what you would expect at all.

 

The film shines through the two young actors portraying the brothers, their beautiful smiles makes you realise there is more to life than money and things, and that experiences, especially those shared, amount to a lot more happy than we realise.

MAY ROUND UP

May moved fast, almost half the year has gone.

I was busy as usual, but had a slower paced social calendar which gave me more time to catch up on reading and viewing.

I've had a bad foot (which in turn threw my entire right side out of whack) and this made getting out and about to walk or exercise a little difficult, but I started seeing an Osteopath and that really helped. I also decided mid month to get a new car before the rego on my old one ran out, so that took some time and organisation for the delivery mid June.

Work has been busy with training, projects, and Library and Information Week where we had schools visit for stories and raised money for the Cancer Council with the Biggest Morning Tea. And we entertained the oldies with Brokeback Mountain at our After Hours Movie Night, and they loved it. And it goes without saying we celebrated May The Fourth.

The month started with the new Carl Caulfield play, Where Late The Songbird, a dramedy about the life of Shakespeare upon his retirement, and dealing with family and life away from the theatre. It was well acted and an interesting premise, but could have been a bit more evenly distributed with comedy and drama, as the words really shone when witty. The play was preceded by the most amazing lamb risotto at The Clarendon, and the company of M.

C, E and I headed to the Civic for the second year running to see the APIA concert. This time Joe Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, Brian Cadd, and Glenn Shorack. I've seen Camilleri many times and he was good as always. Ceberano was lovely but should definitely stick to the jazz/blues side of her repertoire rather than the pop, as it suits her voice better. Cadd was surprisingly good, but it was Shorack I was there to see, and he was outstanding. A consummate performer, he treated us to a range of Little River Band songs and I went away smiling. We also had a lovely meal at The Clarendon prior.

I watched my niece and nephew play soccer, went to the markets, caught the Oils Exhibit at the Newcastle Museum, Art Bazaar at LMAG, celebrated P's 40th, had lunch at MoneyPenny, SoulFoods, Cazador, Caves Beach Hotel, and Awaba House. I also did back to back morning teas with C and T at Qs Cafe and Caves Beach Hotel on a rainy Friday morning.

I saw When We Were Young and A Chance Encounter (as part of the French Film Festival) at the movies.

When We Were Young was the latest film by Noah Baumbach. About an older couple, Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts, who become friends with a young, hipster couple, Adam Driver and Amanda Seyfried. It was an amusing look at lifestyle today, young versus old, hipsters, and keeping things fresh. As both Stiller and Driver were documentary film makers, the underlying theme was truth verus reality, and it was all fascinating to watch and see unravel on screen. Baumbach always nails people, and as usual he was on the money. All performances, especially Stiller who I find shines in these melancholy roles, were great. This is a fun film, but it will also make you think. Which, to me, is the perfect combination.

A Chance Encounter (also called Quantum Love) starred the fabulous Sophie Marceau and the debonair Francois Cluzet. The film was very interesting, and had you squirming as the married Pierre keeps running into the single Elsa, and they have quite the chemistry. But will they disturb their lives and go for it...or not. The film keeps you guessing and was incredibly clever with a killer soundtrack! It's difficult to say more without giving away what happens, but it's a very French film and worth seeing.

The highlight of the month was seeing Daniel Johns at the Opera House with A, L, and K. It was crazy driving into Sydney but we got to see a bit of Vivid before hitting the Deep Purple Pool Bar, a pop-up bar at the back of the Opera Bar. But it was Daniel we were there to see and when we found out we had scored fourth row seats we were pretty excited. Daniel and his amazing band arrived on stage behind a mesh screen to much fanfare. Most of the songs were from his new album which I love and it's clear (to me) he has been inspired, at times, by Prince. He also did a few Silverchair songs but it's also clear he's very keen to leave that image behind.

The mesh screen dropped in the middle of the second song which was a relief. Knowing how shy he can be I was a little worried we would have to endure it the whole concert. And what I loved the most was how relaxed and pumped he was to be on that stage delivering to us who he really is...it was a joyous thing to behold and he really is the consumate performer. He talked to the crowd and sung directly to us in such a way, you felt appreciated and loved by him. I wouldn't have called myself a fan before but i think i might now. He played guitar, various electronic machines, and a theremin. And the final song of the night was an amazingly haunting yet rocking version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow!!

I also popped up a couple of stories on ABC Open for the subject of Grandparents, one on my maternal grandparents and one on my paternal grandparents.

And some pics for the month.

MAY REVIEWS

What I've Been Watching

Scandal S3 - this is a guilty pleasure, but this season was full of political intrigue, murder, drama, double dealings, twists, and turns. It does feel like each season outdoes the one previous. The whole Olivia is in love with the president storyline is the least believable part of the show, he is so meh, I just don't get it. But the other characters are fascinating.

The Fall S2 - finally, S1 left us hanging, and S2 takes up right where we were left off. Gillian Anderson is outstanding in this edge of your seat psychological thriller. What I love about The Fall is as a viewer you are ahead of the investigators and know everything that is happening, maybe not why, but definitely what. So you are waiting for them to catch up or catch the serial killer. It is rough in parts, but so addictive! Very much worth watching. Did I say how good Gillian Anderson is??

The Real History of Science Fiction - this was a fun series about everything science fiction, from television to film to books and everything in between. Loads of amazing interviews, footage, and commentary about everything including Doctor Who, Star Wars, Star Trek, Back to the Future, Neil Gaiman, Alien, you name it. Highly recommend. My inner geek shone through watching this, I was in heaven.

Antiques Roadshow - I do love this show, this particular DVD set was when presenters go on a road trip for a week, two at a time, and start with 200 pounds. Each day they purchase 5 items and auction them off in the afternoon, at the end of the week the presenter with the most money 'wins'. They drive around the Uk, you get to see stunning scenery, at least one historical building or museum per trip, and wonderful old pieces.

The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet - about a young boy who is an ace scientist and inventor. T.S. lives on a farm with his sister and twin brother, and his eccentric parents. The Smithsonian wants to see him after he sends off an invention, they do not realise he is a child, and TS escapes on an adventure to get to the museum. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet of Amelie and Delicatessan fame, this is not as quirky as them but still unusual. Helena Bonham-Carter plays his mother. A nice family movie.

Chef – directed and starring Jon Favreau this is a fun story about a divorced dad who starts up his own food van for gourmet food after being sacked from his restaurant. Great music, delicious food, and outstanding cast, it's not a great movie, but it's pretty good and loads of fun.

Still Life - unusual little British film about a man who works in a department that sees to people's affairs when they die and seemingly have no family. He is an investigator of sorts locating distant family of the deceased. In the middle of a complex investigation, and grappling with his own dull life, he finds he is made redundant. He is determined to finish this last investigation. This was a very quiet film, yet hypnotising, and saccharine. Not for everyone I guess, but it was interesting.

Healing - I enjoyed this Australian drama set in a minimum security prison, where some of the inmates work with large birds and train them. Starring Don Hany, Hugo Weaving, and a superb cast of Aussie men, this is worth a look.

Camille Claudel - Juliet Binoche is stunning in this film of Camille's last days at a mental asylum, after her affair with Rodin goes astray. The film is slow paced and at times painful, in subject matter and to watch. One for the fans only.

Renoir - about the last years of Renoir, his last muse, and when his son comes back from war. Lovely paced and stunning cinematography, each frame was like a work of art.

Predestination - I loved this film so much, it's a time travel film with a clever premise. The premise is detailed and to explain it would give away the intricate plotting of the film. And you want to discover the twists and turns as they happen. At times you feel a little confused trying to work out what is going on, but by the films end everything is very easy to understand. It is a wild ride, but hang in there, it is so worth it! Ethan Hawke is superb in this but the show is stolen by Aussie, Sarah Snook. There's a name and face to watch for in the future. 

What we do in the shadows - LOVED this fab NZ black comedy. Set in a share house for vampires in a mockumentary style, every line is a clanger but in the best possible way, I have never laughed out loud so much in a film for a long time. This ties with Predestination as a must see and my pick of the month.

Hail, Hail Rock and Roll - Chuck Berry documentary directed by Taylor Hackford and glorious to watch. It's about Chuck Berry, from 1987, and absolutely glorious to watch. Interviews with Keith Richards, Springsteen, Orbison, Little Richard, Clapton, Jerry Lee Lewis...the list goes on. Keith and Chuck are preparing for a concert, watching Chuck continually stop a seething Keith at rehearsals to ensure Keith gets his riffs right is the funniest thing I've seen. the interviews are interesting and enlightening, and the music superb. I cannot imagine anyone not liking this!

What I've Been Reading

Foreign Soil – Maxine Beneba Clarke – winner of the Victorian Premier’s Unpublished Manuscript Award 2013, Foreign Soil is a collection of short stories about African Women all over the world. From Villawood to Sudan to  Brixton to Jamaica to Sydney, the stories are heart wrenching, funny, and unexpected as they follow strong women trying to live in our world during various time periods. It is an outstanding collection, and the style of writing changes depending on the story which really helps shape the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot recommend it highly enough.

An innocent abroad: life changing trips from 35 great writers edited by Don George This is a Lonely Planet book. A whole range of interesting writers such as Sloane Crossley, Lloyd Jones, Alexander McCall Smith, Richard Ford, Simon Winchester, Jane Smiley and Cheryl Strayed and many more share their stories of adventure from all parts of the globe.

Lost at Sea: the Jon Ronson Mysteries by Jon Ronson This is an intriguing book of essays about things people believe in or get caught up in. To investigate this Jon jumps in the deep in with them. He goes alien chasing with Robbie Williams, goes to far away places where awful things have happened, cruises with people hoping to be enlightened on psychic cruises, gets caught up in the minutiae of Stanley Kubrick's life after his death, invents multiple personalities to get to the bottom of how people are targeted for multiple credit cards and so on. Some of the stories are hilarious, but some are quite sad. Ronson opens up and lets you into these people's lives and what they will do for a little piece of mind in what they think they believe in. Fascinating, I do love his writing and his slant on life.

French ties: love, life and recipes by Jane Webster - this is the follow up to the book I read last month, At my French Table, about the Melbourne family who packed up and bought a Chateau in France. They are moving back and forth between both homes now, and the house is being used at times as a guesthouse, for those wanting to experience living in country France. it is full of divine photos, tips, recipes and stories of the grand old place. Totally jealous!

Musings from the Inner Duck by Michael Leunig - this is the latest Leunig compilation. Full of melancholy, confusion, delight, poems, cartoons, and politics. Everything you love about this National Treasure and more.

Vivienne Westwood by Vivienne Westwood and Ian Kelly Told in the grand dame's words (as such when there is an other writer listed!) and what a life this magnificent woman has led. I've always been a huge fan of her work and art, her attitude and her strength. There was loads of insight into the fashion world, the Sex Pistols, London during that time, and of course the woman herself. There has been many biographies about Vivienne, but this was a whopper to read, with a lot of unknown information. Also a great deal of stories about her activisim, which is lesser known here, but quite grand overseas, in fact she is more well known for that these days than fashion. It's truly lovely to read about your heroes and find more ways to love them.

Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming This is the most insightful and yet dark memoir by the actor and singer. It takes a very dark period of his life and lays it out bare, with supporting information from his childhood and growing up. Alan was approached to do the show Who Do You Think You Are, and it unravelled a whole lot of unknown family history. But what people didn't know was he was finding out a whole lot of other family history in the most traumatic way at the very same time. Mostly connected with his relationship with his father, this is real life twists and turns, and the most remarkable read. It is quite dark in parts, but so beautifully written, so cannot put it down. One of the best memoirs I have read.

My Life and Adventures in Fleetwood Mac by Mick Fleetwood - This was a fun read, but to be honest told me nothing too much new. Let's face it, everyone knows the whole incestuous nature of Fleetwood Mac and there is not much left to tell. It is obvious he has very high regard for each and every Fleetwood Mac member, especially Stevie, and he writes a lot about them meeting, working together etc. There is a bit of musicology within in the book, but I wanted more. When a good muso writes a book, I want music, not gossip, although I guess it's the later that sells books. But this isn't bad, just not as good as it could have been.

The Dress: 100 iconic moments in fashion by Megan Hess - this was so gorgeous, I cannot begin to tell you. Megan has selected 100 looks, from classic designs by famous designers, to icons of fashion and the the dresses they wore, musicians, filmstars, Oscar dresses, wedding dresses. Simply a stunning array of clothing from history. Megan illustrates each design in the most delightful way with a page of words describing each piece. This was sheer delight.

What I've Been Listening To

The Best of the Little River Band - lol, I guess this is a little daggy, but I do not care. After seeing Glenn Shorack perform on the APIA tour, I was in LRB mode for a week or so. Driving along blasting LRB as loud as I could, their arrangements are stunning, the guitar work perfection, go have a listen before you judge my friends! It's A Long Way There is a masterpiece. I don't care for Johnny Farnham much and what a sacrilege when he joined the band in place of Glenn, however even his songs were pretty good.

Exits - Steve Smyth - this is nowhere as good as seeing him live, there is something almost mystical about his live performances that just do not seem to translate on his album. But the album is still supremely brilliant.

Talk by Daniel Johns released one week before I saw him live, I had the album on loop leading up to the Opera Hosue gig. And what a great album it was. I quite liked Silverchair, but would never have called myself a fan, never saw them live. But Johns as a solo artist is rather interesting. The album is more dance/pop and it is obvious he has been listening to a lot of newer Prince, cause a few of the songs on the album remind me of him. This is really worth listening to.

First Aid Kit - everything, they are my new favourite band. Yeah, I am late to the party. My first experience was hearing their cover of America on one of the final Letterman shows. This lead me down a rabbit hole of youtube. My friend J says she played a song ages ago of them, I am sure I loved it but have minimal recollection. This rabbit hole had originals and amazing covers, including Chiquitta, Waterloo Sunset, Walk the line and the list goes on. I headed to mecca (JB) and bought all three albums and have had them on loop ever since. First Aid Kit are sisters from Sweden, with the most delicious harmonies, a little bit Simon and Garfunkal, a little bit country, a little bit pop. Shows how out of it I am, I was telling my day about them, knowing he would like them. He asked me the name of the band again, I told him. He told me he has heard them on the radio, and that they've been around a while. Sisters from Sweden he asks me. Sigh, Dad has always been switched on musically, and yet again he beats me again.

APRIL ROUND UP

April was a little quieter than usual, but I still managed to fit in plenty of fun. Just trying to pace myself and fit in time for more reading and writing.

 

Easter was quiet and I had a well needed break after so much happening. I finally finished my study revamp and had plenty of time to sit back and admire my work. 

L and I caught the fabulous French movie Samba, and then on Monday I had a lovely evening seeing What We Did on Our Holidays followed by Vietnamese for dinner with my gals.

 

Samba was about refugees in Paris, in particular Samba Cisse, (played by Omar Sy from The Untouchables) and he is helped out by Alice (Charlotte Gainsbourg) who ends up falling in love with him. Samba was a gripping and dramatic film with moments of humour and joy. Well worth seeing. What we did on our Holidays was a black comedy starring David Tennant and Rosamund Pike as a separated couple taking one last holiday with their family to Scotland to see Tennant's dying father (Billy Connollly) for his birthday. This was incredibly funny and incredibly sad, much pathos and drama and beautifully shot. I'd love to say more but that would be giving away what happens.

 

I also had a lovely day with family at my sister's property on Easter Sunday.

The following weekend I was out and about, markets at Speers Point park, shopping, walking in Newcastle, and caught the movie A Little Chaos, starring Kate Winslet as a fictional female gardener at Versailles, it was beautifully filmed on location, and Alan Rickman, who also directed the film, was King Louis. It was wonderful to see Kate back in a corset, and if you love a easy paced period drama with beautiful gardens, then this is the film for you!

 

I had a busy Sat in the middle of the month going to soccer for both my niece and nephews (at different locations), collecting my Civic Theatre subscription, and checking out the Capital and Country exhibit at Newcastle Art Gallery which was superb, followed but a bit of shopping on Darby.

 

Then of course the storm hit, I was lucky to have no damage (bar a few fallen branches) and had power the entire time, but by day 2 my anxiety levels were very high, it was stressful being by myself in such a situation. I think it took me a few weeks to recover. The library was ok (bar a leak over the DVD collection), but with no network access and roads unsafe, we were shut for two days so when we reopened on the Thursday it was a bit insane. The storm also meant L and I could not get to Sydney to see Noel Fielding, which was really sad, but better to be safe.

 

Other work events were hosting Blackbutt for the school holidays, kids got up close and personal with tortoises, lizards, snakes and such. It was a blast. I did my Warden review and put out an actual fire which was freaking terrifying, and our movie this month was Moulin Rouge where we had a full house on the Friday after the storm for that.

 

After Moulin Rouge I met friends at The Cambridge for Steve Smyth, who was magnificent as always. At one point he moved from the stage to the 'barrier fence thingie' between the stage and us and grabbed for my hand to steady him as he stood there singing...sigh...I have washed said hand...but the memory lingers.

 

That weekend ended up being almost as bad as the storm, so a family dinner to celebrate my sister's birthday and a quiet weekend was had.

 

Here's what I have been reading, watching, and listening to.

 

And here are some photos.

 

APRIL REVIEWS

What I've been watching

 

Spandau Ballet: soul boys of the western world - this was a great documentary about the band, Spandau Ballet. It tracks there early years leading up to the glory, and their descent with loads of live footage, interviews, and voiceovers recalling the action. Plenty of music and laughs too. This is for fans, but well worth a watch. And I have to say it, then and now, Tony Hadley, phoar, so very good looking and a stunning voice.

 

Masters of Sex S1 - this is something for the Mad Men fans, set in the 50s with stunning attention to detail, it follows the real life work of Dr William Masters and his assistant perfectly played by Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan. Yet this is more than sex, there is great drama behind the scenes, and the fact he was indeed a trail blazer. Also an awesome supporting cast featuring Beau Bridges and Allison Janney as a husband and wife with a devastating storyline, their acting is equally as devastating.

 

Vikings S1 - Finally caught up with this, it is a poor man's Game of Thrones, and whilst not bad, with pretty good acting and stunning scenery, it really is just rape and pillaging!

 

Once Upon a Time S3 - I do love this fantasy fairy tale series, which in this season features Neverland and Oz, with the fabulous Rebecca Mader taking on the role of the Wicked Witch. Stories are intertwined and turned on their heads, and characters intermingle, good is evil, evil is good. It can be a little cheesy, and the acting at times a little wooden or overacted, but the premise is clever, keeps you guessing, and wondering what will happen next. Fun for all the family!

 

Burton and Taylor - great telemovie with Helena Bonham-Carter and Dominic West playing the tortured ex-couple late in their lives, as they attempt to do a play of Noel Coward's Private Lives on Broadway. Scandalous, romantic, and tempestuous, this is shown just as you would imagine it to be.

 

Olive Kitteridge - this is the superb adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel (of short stories) by Elizabeth Strout. The main characters are played perfectly by Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, and Bill Murray. The stories are full on dry wit, and drama and are a great representation of what happened on the page. Highly recommend.

 

Jersey Boys - this was a not so great adaptation of the stage show of the stories of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. I saw the live stage version some years back and whilst the music production and songs were pure joy, they stories left me a little meh. The film version did little to lift that and added even more story which stretched the action unnecessarily. Clint, Clint, Clint, when you are good, you are very good, but when you are bad...

 

Pompeii and Noah  - the less said the better, Noah was overblown and overacted, and possibly did look good on the big screen, Pompeii made Noah look like Shakespeare.

 

22 Jump Street - this is loads of fun, as Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill go to college yet again to infiltrate another drug ring. Silly and yet still funny, this made me laugh.

 

Maleficient - I really loved this tale of the redemption and love with Angelina Jolie perfect in the title role. Beautifully shot, and simply told, this complex tale was surprisingly good. Jolie herself was outstanding, the scene where she loses her wings brought me to my knees.

 

Inch Allah - a middle eastern film about a Canadian obstetrician working in a Palestine refugee camp. The women and children she bonds with, and the horrors she sees. This is a compelling film with a lot of heart.

 

Half a Yellow Sun - this is the film adaptation of the best selling book by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and features Thandie Newton and Anika Noni Rose as two sisters swept up in Nigerian Civil War. This is a sweeping drama against a horrific backdrop, and feels like a masterpiece. I really loved this.

 

The Night Porter - is a stunning drama featuring a young Charlotte Rampling and Dirk Bogarde. Set after WWII, there are flashbacks to the war where Rampling's character was in a prison of war camp, and was 'saved' from death by her captor, Bogarde, mostly as she was beautiful and he could have his way with her. Rampling thinks she sees Bogarde after it all has ended, and despite the awful experience, is drawn to him and complications arise.

 

The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec - this wonderful Luc Beeson tale is my pick of the month. Part The Mummy/Indiana Jones, part Amelie, this film had almost everything in it, and it works beautifully. Set in Paris in 1920, a mysterious man has awakened a pterodactyl from it's large egg and it is flying around Paris. Adele is a journalist come adventurer and is in Egypt looking for something that will help her with a problem she has. She awakens a Mummy and sets a chain of events rolling. This is romantic, and quirky, steampunk, very French, and a little bit fantasy. It was a complete and utter joy to watch, a must see.

 

What I've been reading

Acute Misfortune: the life and death of Adam Cullen by Erik Jensen - It is beautifully written and painfully real, a short read at 200 pages but an intense read. I had the worst dreams - not quite nightmares, but almost - that can only be attributed to the book. Cullen was a talent, but also a deeply flawed human being. I don't know that much about Cullen, but enough to believe Jensen nailed it. Jensen himself almost gets pulled down the wormhole that is Cullen's life. but he is subtle in his telling of this, I suspect there is a whole other story to be told there. The thing that strikes me is that Jensen simply recounts what he knows or has observed, and leaves you, the reader, to make judgment...or not. The book itself is almost a work of art. I guess it is not for everyone, but if you have been tempted, go and give it a go.

Love Your sister by Connie and Samuel Johnson - I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. These people have had the worst and darkest things happen in their lives and yet, such love and heart shines through. Prepare to be cry, this is no story with a happy ending. I have loved Johnson since his Secret Life of Us days, but I had little idea what demons he has and how his real life actually was. It's quite remarkable and what he and  his sister has had to endure, no human being should.

Holidays by William McInnes -  I saw McInnes last November talk about this book and was very keen to read it. McInnes is a showman to the nth degree and his verbal telling of these stories had us all in stitches. This doesn't not come across as well when reading it. The stories of holidaying in the 70s certainly brought up a lot of memories for me, but I just would prefer to hear McInnes tell me the stories, rather than reading them off the page.

Paddle your own canoe by Nick Offerman -  My love for Nick Offerman and his fabulous character on Parks and Recreations, Ron Swanson, knows no bounds. This is a hilarious how to manual come memoir written with that dry wit we all love. He does try to explain that Ron and Nick are indeed two separate entities, but I am not so sure about that. He really shines when writing about his family and his wife, Megan Mullally. I guess this is for fans of Ron, the outdoors, and bacon.

Airmail: women of letters - This is the latest Women of Letters compilation and features overseas writers and artists who featured in the shows when toured there. Expect the usual amounts of humour, pathos, drama, and tears.

At my French table by Jane Webster - Jane Webster and her family, Melbournians, bought a Chateau in Normandy. This is a coffee table style book filled with photos, stories of renovations, settling into the area, and recipes. A pure delight and dream to read and drool over.

What I've been listening to

Vulnicura - Bjork - This is one of the most outstanding new albums I have heard in a long time. It is quintessential Bjork and then some. You feel every beat and every breathe in every piece. I read an article/interview about it just before it came out and it made me cry. The humanness and the heartbreak and the love that Bjork has put into this, makes it her masterpiece. Even without that background knowledge you immediately feel it. It is her most open and honest work to date and a must for fans of music.

I know I listened to other music in April, but to be honest I just don't recall.