Canberra Arts thingy compiled by Allan Sko
We’re here, we’re queer and we’re all about the arts baby! Read on to see what’s on offer this month.
WHO: The Shoe- Horn Sonata by John Misto
WHAT: A play based on true events in WWII
WHEN: 3-27 April
WHERE: Mill Theatre at Dairy Rd, Fyshwick
Based on true events, The Shoe- Horn Sonata is a compelling revelation of the experiences of women imprisoned by the Japanese in WWII told through two who meet again 50 years later.
The filming of a TV documentary forces the women to relive a past in which unspeakable brutality was punctuated by moments of heroism, tenderness and even a gentle humour. They confront terrible secrets that even the Australian government has tried to erase from history.
The Shoe-Horn Sonata was first performed at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre in 1995 and won both the Australia Remembers National Play Competition (1995) and the Play Award for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards (1996) for Australian playwright John Misto. For tix & more info: ticketing.humanitix. com/tours/theatre-at-dairy-road
WHO: Billy Elliot The Musical
WHAT: A production by Free-Rain Theatre Company
WHEN: 9 April – 5 May
WHERE: The Q Performing Arts Centre
The heart-warming coming-of-age stage musical based on the 2000 film boasts music by Elton John, and the book and lyrics by screenwriter, Lee Hall. The tale of a motherless British boy with an anachronistic love for ballet follows personal struggle and fulfilment against family and community unrest fuelled by the tumult of the 1984–85 UK miners’ strike in County Durham, NE England. The talented cast of adult and child performers feature two Canberra lads and two Newcastle boys in the lead role of Billy Elliot, and his best mate Michael.
By Free-Rain Theatre Company Director – Jarrad West Choreographer – Michelle Heine Musical Directors – Katrina Tang & Caleb Campbell Producer – Anne Somes. Tix are $55 – $75 via The Q website.
Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s April school-holiday program is a chance for young ones to show off their creativity in an action-packed day of visual and performing arts, guided by a team of professional artists, musicians, dancers, and actors. Everyone starts the day playing theatre sports before breaking into smaller classes based on age. Participants will be introduced to fun materials such as fabric, paint, and collage to create amazing artwork! They’ll learn a Hip Hop dance routine with our Fresh Funk tutors. After lunch, musicians Katie and Jess Cole will lead a collaborative music making music session. Wednesday 17 April, from 9:30am to 3 pm. $85 via Ticket Tailor. Currently sold out but there is waitlist!
WHO: All Fired Up
WHAT: An 80’s Mixtape Musical
WHEN: 18 April, 7.30pm
WHERE: The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre
Solve the problems of your world, one 80’s song at a time! Part play, part musical, and part rock show, this hilarious new show will have you on your feet, rocking out to the soundtrack of your youth! Meet Tammy Tooth, a woman in the midst of an epic existential midlife crisis. She’s lost her job, her husband, and now her mind.
Through a quirk of fate, Tammy travels back in time to 1987, where she comes face to face with her 16-year-old self in her teenage bedroom. Tickets are $30 – $59.90 via The Q website.