This Week in Queensland Theatre: Aug 30-Sep 5 2010

Check Company websites for show times and further details

A week to check the programme, make your picks, and draw breath before the Brisbane Festival hits town.

Stand by for a huge month of fringe, mainstage, street, and anywhere you can find it entertainment in Brisbane city and the suburbs. Chookas to Noel Staunton, director of the Festival and to the whole team!

Opening:
My Sublime Shadow Dir. Lynne Bradley: Zen Zen Zo at the Old Museum Building (Wednesday)

Continuing:
A Catch of the Breath by Robert Thwaites: !MetroArts Independents
Engine by Janis Balodis Dir. Julian Louis: La Boite Theatre at the Roundhouse

Other:
Greenroom is one year old on Wednesday. Happy Birthday to us … notice the cupcake?

MEAA Showcase Agreement: breakthrough?

The ongoing discussion around the labels professional and amateur, independent, pro-am etc. continues elsewhere and will, undoubtedly, go on. I’ve written elsewhere on this issue – here and here. Last week I noticed that Katherine Lyall-Watson revived the discussion in a post called ‘Pro vs Am‘ on OurBrisbane.com. Along with a couple of others, I had my 2c worth in the discussion which has since petered out – for the time being. You can be certain it will return.

I also noticed from the latest MEAA Equity bulletin that A Catch of the Breath by Robert Thwaites currently playing at !Metro Arts is the first to utilise the new Equity Showcase Agreement. I was intrigued to see what these terms and conditions comprise, so I got in touch with MEAA – the Agreement isn’t on the web yet – and they very quickly sent through a copy.

It’s an interesting document, and one which may sort out some of the disgruntlement over labelling, maybe set to rest the ‘taint’ of amateurism which can linger around productions not covered by MEAA awards, but which use the talents of professional artists. More importantly, it provides a way to protect its independent members from exploitation. Should there be any disputes arising from the Equity Showcase Agreement, all parties have to agree, on signing, that MEAA will mediate. Continue reading “MEAA Showcase Agreement: breakthrough?”

Engine: La Boite Theatre at the Roundhouse

Engine by Janis Balodis
  • Season 25 August – 11 September
  • Tuesday – Wednesday 6.30pm
    Thursday – Saturday 7.30pm
    Matinees 2pm Sat 28 August;  11am 25, 26, 27 & 31 August, 2 & 7 September
  • 75 minutes
  • TICKETS : Full Price $30; Concession $20; 30 years and under $20
    Group discounts $20 for 5+ (excludes group booking fee)
  • Phone bookings (07) 3007 8600

This Week in Queensland Theatre: August 23-29

AIDS Awareness Ribbon
Image by Auntie P via Flickr

For further details check company websites

Monday 23rd 6.30pm One Night Only:
Hats off Brisvegas 2010! a variety concert fund-raiser for the Hope Fund to assist people in Queensland living with HIV-AIDS
Hosted by Bob Downe at the Playhouse QPAC

Opening:
Engine by Janis Balodis: La Boite Theatre at the Roundhouse  (Wednesday)

Continuing:
April’s Fool by David Burton: Empire Theatre Projects Company at JWCoCA
Jesus Christ Superstar Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice: Harvest Rain Theatre at QPAC
Blackbird by John Rodgers and Megan Sarmardin: JUTE Theatre, Cairns
A Catch of the Breath by Robert Thwaites !MetroArts Independents

Helping others ‘see’ theatre through your eyes

Greenroom has heard that Vision Australia is looking for some observant and articulate volunteers with a passion for the arts. That’s you, isn’t it?

Vision Australia in partnership with Access Arts Queensland will shortly introduce its Audio Description Services for designated performances at QPAC. Audio description is the art of putting into words the picture or the action that a sighted person is viewing. Like signed performances for people with varying levels of hearing impairment, audio description will help blind people and those with low vision to enjoy the excitement of live performance.  It’s a great way for those of us who can see and hear onstage action to share our own love for the performing arts with others – perhaps for their first time.

If you can find the words to describe onstage action as it’s happening, or would like to – Vision Australia offers comprehensive training and ongoing support, then you might want to get along to the information session being held at Vision Australia, 373 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo on Thursday 2 September from 10.30-12.30

If you’d like more information, or want to let them know you’re coming, please get in touch with Richard Attwater on 37272277 or email him Richard.attwater@visionaustralia.org

Sounds like something theatre lovers would enjoy.