Word of the Day

Goober.

Roll Up, Roll Up

found!

I visited the newly located Lost and Found Market yesterday for some last minute bits and pieces before my trip to Japan (10 days, but who's counting?). I love this place, and was devastated when I thought it had closed down. And equally excited to discover that it had merely moved to a bigger site down the street! So yesterday I was keen to see what I could unearth. Be proud of me, I could have spent oodles of dollars on the amazing treasures you can find there, but I was good. Saving my pennies for Tokyo's second hand stores - I've heard particularly good things about two areas called Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji. The fact that we only had 30 mins on the parking meter probably helped prevent the splurge that was waiting to happen... Instead I left with a booty that I am most pleased with.

Item #1, a tan leather handbag. Embossed all over, beautiful thick leather, plaited handle and leather stitching around the edges. Perfect size, clasp that works, good strap length (none of this underarm chafing). I've been searching for something like it for well over a year, and I'm in love. Every time I walk past my room and see it lying on the bed I let out a little sigh of contentment. I think this will be the start of a beautiful relationship.

Item #2 is a pair of jeans - high waisted, light denim, tapered leg - love. I was super pleased to have something a little roomy and comfy to wear while out and about all day sightseeing. But the cherry on the already towering cake came this afternoon when I was trying them on, and noticed that there was writing on the pocket. Pierre Cardin. Surely not? I thought. But after a quick inspection of the inner tag, it seems that, yes, I did score a pair of Pierre Cardin jeans (Made in Paris) for only 30 big ones. Don't mind if I do.

Did I mention I love Lost and Found Market?

You Need a Montage

20 Something

Below is my third and final review for the Melbourne Fringe Festival. After deciding I had been rather too forgiving for the first two shows, I was all ready to head in with my claws out, and live up to the 'critical reviewer' title. But this time I genuinely enjoyed it. A lot. I giggled throughout, and the performers were great. Probably a bit strange that this disappointed me, but I was somewhat excited at the prospect of letting the inner bitch out for a run around. Anyhoosie, here is the review below. As always, enjoy.

For a show titled 20 Something, I was surprised to find myself one of the youngest in the crowd at Tony Starr’s Kitten Club. But it soon became clear that age was irrelevant, because this cheeky cabaret act left the whole audience with a smile on their face.

Following sell-out shows in both the Adelaide and Cabaret Fringe Festivals, I had high hopes for 20 Something, presented by cabaret trio The Vox Trust. And sure enough, despite a late start, all was forgiven from the moment Tamara Shinners and Rachel McCall stepped on stage. Looking the part in fishnets and sparkles, the sassy blondes charmed the crowd from the get go, documenting their history since meeting as music students at Adelaide University.

With a nod to the nineties – mixtapes, Wayne’s World and The Thong Song all scored a mention – and accompanied by accomplished pianist Jamie Cock, the pair took us on an entertaining journey through the issues that plague the lives of the 20-something: from mixed messages to naivety, Centrelink payments and the much dreaded quarter-life crisis.

The performance was decidedly tongue-in-cheek, with handmade props, self-deprecating humour and a spot of hula dancing proving they never take themselves too seriously. Yet the occasional moment of profundity, flagged by an operatic barcarolle or a wistful Joni Mitchell tune, prevents the show from drifting into asinine territory, reminding us that Shinners and McCall are professionally-trained performers with serious talent.

Throughout the 75-minute show the connection between the twosome shines through, and it’s this rapport that makes it so successful. The witty repartee flows smoothly, leaving no doubt about the authenticity of their relationship.

As a virtual neophyte to the cabaret genre, I found 20 Something to be a sharp, polished and extremely likeable show, that well and truly lived up to the hype.

And the Little One Said...

Following on from my earlier post, this is a review for the second Fringe Festival show I attended last night. I left feeling a little unsure of the storylines that supposedly wound through the performance, but impressed with her agility and gymnastic abilities.

Enjoy.

There’s something twisted about The Candy Butchers’ And the Little One Said... , and it’s not just solo star Jess Love’s body. With cigarette smoking, spatters of blood and a severed foot in a rollerskate, this is not your average jovial circus act.

On entering the Rehearsal Room at the North Melbourne Town Hall, the show has already begun. Stationed at the entrance pushing fairy floss and spruiking, writer and international circus performer Love paints a clear picture of what’s to come. In her pink, frilly tutu, dishevelled hair and heavily smudged makeup, she personifies the blend of innocence and macabre that encapsulates this piece.

It is clear that Love is a seasoned performer. Encompassing roller-skating, tap dancing, skipping, glass walking, hula hooping and an acrobatic game of hopscotch, this truly is a one-woman circus, and Love manages to make each exploit look simple. She knows how to work the crowd, eliciting enthusiastic ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as she builds each stunt to its climax, and keeping them giggling in between with her comical slapstick act.

Artist Mark Ryden is noted as a strong influence, and his themes of surrealism and juxtaposition of the beautiful and disquieting are certainly evident. The show is powerfully mood-evoking, augmented by the eccentric soundtrack and eerie red lighting. Love’s dark humour and sinister giggles border between innocence and insanity: during one particular childish tantrum she has the unsettling air of a woman possessed.

At times the build up takes just a little too long, and anticipation teeters on the edge of impatience. The show wouldn’t suffer from a little less clowning and a little more illustration of her high-level circus skills. Because when she gets there, Love’s tricks certainly are physically impressive, proven by the audience’s open-mouthed captivation.

At just 45 minutes the show is brief, but if it’s the weird and wonderful you’re after, And the Little One Said… is the one to see.

All the Single Ladies

I'm currently involved in Buzzcuts - a critical arts reviewing program run each year by Express Media, a youth literary organisation. Aiming to build the skills, confidence and exposure of young writers, this worthy program first trains us in the art of arts reviewing in a weekend workshop, then lets us loose on the unsuspecting artists in the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Last night I saw my first show, and I must admit... I got some pleasure out of finding two complementary tickets waiting for me at the box office. Simple things, I know. The play was situated in a tiny room on the upper floor of the North Melbourne Town Hall, with only nine audience members. I forget that you don't start by playing to a packed house. It makes me that much more nervous for the performers when they have such a tiny crowd - pressure to get a reaction is high, to avoid an overwhelming sense of awkwardness.

Anyway I won't say anymore, below is my review. It was a good show, perhaps a little under-rehearsed, but I've read good things about the comedians' past efforts, and it was opening night, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Enjoy.

All Gary and Milo are looking for are some cheat codes to help them in life. When they encounter a mysterious book that claims to give them all the answers, it’s possible they may have earned themselves some bonus rounds.

Based loosely on ‘The Game’ by Neil Strauss, ‘All the Single Ladies’ follows two unlucky-in-love computer geeks on their quest to discover the art of seduction. This entertaining play is jam-packed with gaming and pop culture references, appealing to everyone’s inner nerd.

With a history of national stand-up tours and sold-out Comedy Festival shows, rising young comics Tommy Dassalo and Bart Freebairn have far more comedic experience under their belts than their ages would suggest. The pair are relaxed and confident on stage, bringing their characters to life so believably that you get the sense this world is not altogether foreign to them.

An appearance by comedian Dave Callan as jumpsuit-clad love guru Mufasa injects extra energy into the performance, though at times leads it to a more shambolic place.

The cosy Rehearsal Room at the North Melbourne Town Hall provides an intimate setting for the hour-long show. Though the sets are minimal, use of props and audiovisuals successfully bolsters the gags. The dialogue is witty, however at some points didn’t quite hit the mark, proving to be a little too nonsensical to draw laughs from the small audience.

With references to Pokemon, Nintendo DS and online chat forums, the show is aimed squarely at a younger crowd. Gen Xs will particularly appreciate the use of old-style Nintendo sound effects, which evoked a misty-eyed nostalgia for my companion and I.

Despite some opening night technical hiccups, ‘All the Single Ladies’ is an entertaining journey into the world of male self-help and the internet, and is guaranteed to make you LOL.

it's the music that makes us

In my car today, I pulled out an old mix CD, made last summer with the vision of long road trips backed by an inspiring soundtrack. The road trips didn't happen unfortunately, though it did still get a thorough workout around the streets of Melbourne.

It's been a while since I've had a listen, but today I've re-fallen in love with these cheery tunes. The sun was shining through the car windows, warming my stockinged legs, I was heading home from an enjoyable day of sub-editing work (via a quick shopping stop on Chapel St), and I hummed and tapped along to these whimsical tracks.

There is nothing new featured. Nothing electronic. Nothing dancey. There is lots of acoustic. Lots of pretty voices. Lots of imagery.

Hopefully this summer it will fulfill its ultimate purpose and accompany me on a long, windy drive along Australia's east coast. I'll keep you posted.

Enjoy.

1. 66 - Afghan Whigs
2. Someone's Daughter - Beth Orton
3. Burning - The Whitest Boy Alive
4. She Moves in Her Own Way - the Kooks
5. Kanske Ar Jag Kar I Dig - Jens Lekman
6. He Keeps Me Alive - Sally Shapiro
7. Pot Kettle Black - Tilly & the Wall
8. I Don't Do Crowds - Camera Obscura
9. Naive - the Kooks
10. You Are What You Love - Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins
11. Hugging My Grudge - The Boy Least Likely To
12. Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken - Camera Obscura
13. I Summon You - Spoon
14. Sweet Summer's Night on Hammer Hill - Jens Lekman
15. Strangers - The Kinks
16. Pictures of Houses - Tilly & the Wall
17. Felt Tip - Love is All
18. Close Call - Rilo Kiley
19. Rainbowarriors - CocoRosie
20. New Year's Kiss - Casiotone for the Painfully Alone
21. Sea of Love - Cat Power

Inglourious Basterds

If you haven't already, do yourself a favour and go see Inglourious Basterds.

As with any other movie receiving rave reviews, I was wary, and prepared to be disappointed. A cynical view perhaps, but from past history, a valid one. However, in this case, I think the praise from reviewers and adoring fans was justified.

The central theme of the revenge film - killing Nazis - automatically earns brownie points. Add to that brilliant direction from Quentin Tarantino, an intense yet consistently entertaining script and a talented (and decidely attractive) cast - you've got yourself a quality flick.

And the horrifying, stomach-turning violence that I'd been warned about was somewhat of an exaggeration. Okay, sure, I may have covered my eyes at one or two points in the viewing (one word: scalping), but there was definitely peeking through fingers. If anything, the sheer extent of the death and destruction became quite comical. Why kill off one person when you can slay every character in the scene in a high-speed, messy bloodbath?

Despite running at about 2.5 hours, Inglourious Basterds managed to hold my attention throughout, and the time flew past. Fact and fiction are mixed flawlessly to create a riveting, gory cinematic feast.

All in all - a satisfying, engrossing, tense yet playful WWII representation. A+.

in bloom

Spring and florals. Not exactly rocket science, I realise. But on a walk today, cherry blossoms lined the walking trail, and my neighbour's garden was a virtual field of pretty pastels. It put a spring in my step (no pun intended) and inspired me to document some of the flowery goodness fashion has to offer.