Few texts are as closely associated with a single era – or as widely mischaracterised – as The Great Gatsby. In truth, the two go hand in hand; the imagined glamour of the Roaring Twenties often serves to obscure just how deeply cynical and pessimistic the novel is. Despite its brevity, abridged adaptations inevitably prioritise…
On the surface, this deeply confrontational play deals with several heavy themes, including (but not limited to) trauma, discrimination and the destructive aftermath of both. But it’s equally concerned with an even more ambitious matter: the nature of truth. The action begins with several figures in hazmat suits sweeping a crime scene as Laurenz Laufenberg's…
This is not the story of Josephine Baker that you know. As the title suggests, it is “for”, rather than “about” the famed singer, dancer and actress. Baker’s story defies neat narratives, and while this performance touches on many elements of her life, from her onstage persona to her Rainbow Tribe of adopted children and…
The most popular prestige television shows of recent years have made it clear that we all love to watch rich people being awful, but Chekhov’s 1904 masterpiece is a reminder that this is nothing new. The action in The Cherry Orchard centres around an aristocratic family in terminal decline, and the coddled individuals who prioritise…
Forget any preconceptions you might have of Louisville as a sleepy southern town. Many of the bars here are open until 4am and it doesn’t take long to see why Kentucky’s largest metropolis bills itself as Whiskey City. With close to a dozen downtown distilleries (and more on the way), bourbon and rye lovers will…
Often overlooked by Australian travellers in favour of its more famous coastal cousins, Chicago is the quintessential American city. Sitting somewhere between LA’s glitz and the grittiness of NY, it’s far less transient than either, making it easy to have plenty of real connections with locals. It’s also a place with a rich history that’s…
Sixteen years after her passing, Pina Bausch remains the most famous contemporary choreographer in the world, and the fate of the company she founded is still inextricably tied to her. For Tanztheater Wuppertal, this is a double-edged sword. It grants a level of publicity that few other dance troupes could dream of, especially those based…
Looking through someone’s record collection can be a great way to get a sense of their musical influences. But a guided tour provides deeper insights still. And while David Harrington’s Listening Party is surprisingly light on tunes, it provides enough context to function as a mini autobiography of the rule-breaking violinist and founder of Kronos…
The Adelaide Fringe is a hotbed of creativity, with artists and audiences from all over the world joining forces for an unrestrained orgy of imagination and innovation. But even the most dedicated festival-goers need some more literal sustenance. Fortunately, the Fringe also offers a broad range of culinary delights to satisfy every taste. Here’s what…
Adelaide Fringe has kicked off with its typical swagger, taking over the psyche of this historic small city and filling Adelaide’s streets, venues and gardens with just under a month of fun, experimentation and exceptional food. Festival veteran Alexis Buxton-Collins lets you know how to make the most of your time at Adelaide Fringe, whether…
There’s a reason Tasmania’s capital was known as “Slowbart” long before Dark Mofo (6-23 June) livened up those long winter nights. It gets seriously cold, and without a mental map of places to stay warm, navigating the city in the depths of winter can be a challenge. Fortunately Hobart’s many bars know how to put…
The Dead Sea can hardly be claimed as a new attraction. When Christ was born not even 50km away, Cleopatra had already built the world’s first spas on the shore of the famously salty lake, so that she could bathe in the mineral-rich waters and retain her youthful looks. Clearly it worked, and many others…
