Ah Valentine’s Day, you have come at a most inopportune time, as I have so much work to do! I do not have time for flowers and candy (although I will take the candy).
I’m up at 6.30am (I think this is becoming an ever increasing occurrence!) working on the blog, writing up my thoughts on Pygmalion (including the post-show discussion with the actors) and my notes on the Australian Human Rights Centre in association with Sydney Theatre Company Annual Lecture with Eve Ensler: Until the Violence Stops.
I’m then heading to the theatre one last time before I’m off to Melbourne for a week and a half to finally get to work at Playwriting Australa’s National Play Festival 2012 at the Malthouse!!
Post work I have to squeeze in time to put some finishing touches on a promo flyer for the workshops I am co-facilitating in Brisbane with refugees as part of a first stage of development on a new theatre piece. I am very, very excited about starting the hands-on work on this project!
Also, in my uber fatigued state, I completely forgot to mention that I attended a very random Short Film Festival the other night, held at a location that was texted to me late in the night and which turned out to be this incredibly amazing indie, kitsch, artsy abandoned warehouse “pad” filled with squatters, musos, and other funky types. The film festival had its hits and misses – you could definitely tell that their were experienced professional film-makers involved as well as earnest yet completely inexperienced students as well as the odd pretentious “artist” who spoke with an inexcusably contrived foppish accent when asked about their film or who claimed that they were political activists having no fear in their heart to fight the good fight in Australia for “justice” and “equality” against the “f$#*ing pigs” (their words) – yet it all seemed a tad shallow.
With this said, it made for a most sexy world, one which I really enjoyed observing and immersing myself in. These exciting little subculture events – promoted through underground channels – is so alluring and it is extremely titillating to see young artists getting together, showcasing their work and making networks and new friendships – not to mention getting their drink on! I want to see more and I hope that the quality will continue to grow and new up-and-coming artists are nurtured into the fold! Awesome!
One last thing! Just a friendly reminder – The Griffin Award closes today: “Don’t send us a Valentine, send us your new play instead”. It’s a $10, 000 prize offered for an “outstanding new Australian play” – so get your submission in!
