"It shows how much views are changing on sexuality." The cast of Blush on making a 'sexy adult circus' more subversive & inclusive
Some of the reviews we received had a bit of a stab at the male nudity, but not the female nudity, because Australian audiences especially are very used to women being sexualized in that way… And the success of the show sort of shows how much people are changing, like how much views are changing on sexuality.
"We were inspired to create an event that celebrated and centred the art of improvisation!" Rosa Sottile on the 2022 Brisbane Improv Festival
We were inspired by the New Zealand Improv Festival and other similar festivals to create an event that celebrated and centred the art of improvisation! Improvised theatre and comedy is so special because every show is completely unique and different - you literally will never get the same show twice.
"I’ve created these shows to ignite and spark conversations about young people and the adults in their lives." Virag Domby on 'Dear Adults' and 'What's for Dinner?'
There was no play medium out there that I felt resonated with my thoughts as young person. Certainly nothing that gave me agency. So, I guess you could say that I made it my mission to write and direct `works which give youth a platform for their voice to be heard.
"Backbone Festival is a testament to the resilience, creativity and abilities of young artists." Sampson Smith on the 2022 Backbone Festival.
It feels incredible to be a part of the beginning of their journeys, and it’s wonderful to see where artists and works from Backbone end up. I’m particularly excited about presenting the new work of our three Pilot Artists in Residence; Howling Jackals by Micah Rustichelli, Sad Boys Luv Art by Baby Blue, and Pierrot by Martelle Simon-Green.
"This has been years in the making and sharing it with our communities is also years in the making" Director Te Arepa Kahi at the local premiere of his film 'Muru'
For many indigenous māori whānau or families who have migrated to Australia, some even born here, any New Zealand film, theatrical performance, showcase or concert we choose to attend is such a privilege. It may arrive months later, but the support shown at Muru was one where these examples were evident. Why? They reconnect us to home, they remind us who we are as a unique individual and culture and they tell the lives we once left. They too portray us.
"It’s been (another) difficult year, and we all deserve a Happy Hour." Darcie Rae on the escapist joy of Glitter Martini's latest show
I have spent a fair bit of time thinking about capital A “Art” over the last couple of years, and the line between art and entertainment. I’ve landed on joy as being a perfectly acceptable reason for something to exist, and this show is a celebration of that. Also all the acts are themed around happy hour beverages.
"The House (of Alexander) has actually shown me that the world is my oyster and the possibilities are endless." Aniita Maka on power of chosen family in Ballroom.
Seeing women like mama Ella … She was the first openly transwoman who worked in the airlines, and she’s worked in many different industries and how she has navigated through that lifestyle is something we don’t envisage for ourselves, because we feel its out of our reach. To see someone overcome that and negotiate through that stuff, is what inspires me and keeps me going as a person.
500 Pieces of Arts Criticism
Arts criticism is cultural criticism. Our artists reflect the world around them, they choose a toothy issue or a personal one, one that affects millions or one that breaks a single heart, and they climb right in amongst it and thresh it out. It’s a vital service, it’s how a culture breathes, how it rebirths, how it discards the rotten and the dead weight, how it dances.
Eight shows to dive into in the final week of BrisFest22
The final week of the festival is absolutely chockas full of sexy art to bring the fun, feels and frivolity that a post COVID Meanjin needs. For our final series of recommendations as taken from our latest monthly newsletter, the team brings you eight shows to dive into in the final week of the festival. Show’s are selling out fast, so get your tickets soon or be prepared for a serious case of FOMO.
Six shows and events you shouldn't miss in Week Two of BrisFest22
Not sure what to check out during week two of BrisFest? Don’t worry, NEHIB’s got your back and bring you six shows your shouldn’t miss during week two of the festival, as recommended in our latest monthly newsletter. Get into it, Meanjin!
Five shows to sink your teeth into in the first week of the 2022 Brisbane Festival
Being spoit for choice, it can be hard to figure out what to see in such a dense program. Luckily the team from NEHIB is on hand to help you choose. Each month, we release a newsletter to give you our recommendations of what you simply MUST see, and we’re giving you a sneak peak of some of recommendations each week of the Brisbane Festival this year, so you can get a taste of what to expect if you subscribe.
Five Shows for Teens and young adults to check out at Brisfest this year!
For Brisvegas residents, Brisbane Festival is the most wonderful time of the year. It is a time when art is celebrated and rejuvenated. A time when theatregoers roam the streets; a glass of red wine in hand, hopping from one show to the next. If you have a teen that is itching to get into theatre or maybe you have a teen that’s never been exposed to theatre before, here are your must sees of this years season.
5 reasons to get your mates together and head to Jungle Love this weekend
Well here at Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane we don’t often cross the river - but when we do, we go all the way into the mountains and dance all weekend. That’s right, that gorgeous collective of arts lovers and boho dreamers is gathering for the next instalment of Jungle Love.
Five Emerging Playwrights to Keep Your Eyes On…
That’s why it has been so reassuring to see a plethora of new playwrights emerging in the Brisbane independent arts scene, who have such a gorgeous control over their texts. If you haven’t heard of these indie playwrights before, jot their names down and follow their socials, as I can guarantee that you will be blown away their artistry.
Raising funds for the Support Act ‘Roadie fund’ with loud music and good times
The pandemic hit many industries very hard, and one that was almost impossibly decimated was the arts. But while the artists at the front of house made a lot of headlines, one of the industries that didn’t get so much attention was behind-the-scenes… the crew who get our stages and venues bumped in, lit, rigged, bumped out, and transported. On Sunday, August 7, starting from 5pm at The Zoo Brisbane, COUNT ME IN: Fundraiser will be taking the stage to raise a donation for CrewCare’s ‘Roadie Fund’.
Best Cafes to Stay All Day and Write in Brisbane
One of my favourite past times is to sit in a café and write – whether that be writing plays, short stories, poetry… you name it. So, I thought I’d make a list of the cafes that I frequent the most with a notebook and/or laptop in hand, ready to get those creative juices flowing.
"Every possible aspect of what the audience may experience must be thought through." Kirsten Siddle dishes on 'Love Lust Lost'.
The work has been in creative development for almost three years, so we’re pretty thrilled that it’s finally premiered. Creating immersive theatre is challenging! There is an infinite amount of detail involved, everything must be layered and layered over each other and absolutely every possible touchpoint and aspect of what the audience may (or may not) experience must be thought through, carefully curated and dramaturgically analysed. There’s a team of more than 100 superstars behind this show, so there’s a lot of moving parts, but the team is a true powerhouse and every problem is tackled with creativity, flair and determination.
West End Film Festival promises a wildly innovative program for 2022
This year’s Festival is hyper local yet national featuring flicks from chilly Melbs to humid Darwin covering content on hot topics, music videos, animation, dramas, youth, other cultures and a wonderfully inspiring, provocative, yet diverse program from our own homegrown 4101 and SEQ filmmakers. Audiences will get to view an amazing talent of multimedia events across West End plus find unexpected popup film events in non-traditional film settings.
"I don’t want pain to be my legacy." Tristan Niemi on subverting the expectations of theatre
The artists that I’m close with, when we talk about our practice, we often come to a place of discussing this pressure we feel to be in pain in order to making art of value. But when a layer of othering, as you put it, is added to that the pressure becomes intensified and localised to the “otherness” we are branded with. I, personally, plan on being a working artist for the rest of my life and I don’t want pain to be my legacy. I don’t want the next generation of artist to have to inherit that from me and feel that same pressure. So, I’m using ASK to point out the despicable nature of this pressure.
"It is up to the individual to draw from their own wellspring of self-belief." Overcoming writers block with Ad Astra
We chose this play for several reasons. Firstly, the overarching theme of a playwright who is struggling with writers’ block is a metaphor for anyone who has struggled with the creative process. No matter what drives you as a human being, we all have a creative muscle and at times, it needs massaging!