An Evening with Max Gillies: Once Were Leaders

One of Australia’s best loved political satirists, Max Gillies’ cutting edge insights into the foibles of our political leaders has made us both laugh and probably cry through national hit shows such as The Gillies Report and No Country for Old PMs.

In 2014 Max is back to ask the big questions: Is Australia suffering a leadership drought? There was a time when politicians could inspire us. But were they really any better than the current crop? Is it a case of the more things change the more they stay the same?

Max Gillies has been a keen observer of the political combat zone for half a century, and his parody and caricature are renowned. Max discards the make-up and wigs for a rich collection of pen-portraits. Join him as he shares his memories of a life spent on the fringes of power mining the archive for his favourite moments.

The performance will include a special Q+A with Max Gillies.

Wulamanayuwi and the Seven Pamanui

Goosebump-raising, joyful and emotional, Wulamanayuwi and the Seven Pamanui bursts with songs and puppetry, as it mixes the enchanting tradition of European fairytales with the Dreamtime characters and stories of the Tiwi Islands.

Playwright Jason De Santis brings a Tiwi twist to an old favourite to create a modern Aboriginal adventure story, inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. The result is a joyful romp through a familiar tale of myth, magic and adventure.  Narrated  by Japarra the Moon Man, join Wulamanayuwi, daughter of a Tiwi warrior, on her journey to rescue her seven little brothers transformed by Jirrakilala, her evil stepmother into seven mischievous spirits, the seven Pamanui.

Puppets, song and dance combine to make this a whole family adventure featuring the language and rhythm of the Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin. Packed with spirit and humour, Wulamanayuwi will delight audiences young and old.

What a great way to celebrate Reconciliation Week!

‘Wulamanayuwi and the Seven Pamanui is a feast of colour, movement and culture that completely satisfies the appetite for a spirited night out at the theatre’  The Barefoot Review

‘Beg, borrow or steal to get into this delightful family play, even if you’re hard-working adults’  City News

Burrinja and Yarra Ranges Council are proud to be a part of the Blaklines Indigenous Theatre tour program

Also showing at The Memo in Healesville on Thursday 29 May, call 1300 368 333

Barassi! 

The ‘football meets theatre’ event of the year.

Barassi is the story of iconic Australian footballer, coach, motivator and father of modern football Ron Barassi depicted in an epic fashion, from child to elder statesman, it is a story of passion and courage, of success and failure.

The story starts in World War II, when Ron’s champion footballer father is tragically killed in Libya. It follows the development of young Ron under the care and mentorship of legendary coach Norm Smith, as he develops into ‘the father of modern football’. Ever driven to challenge himself and to live up to the impossible memory of his father, Barassi makes the transition from champion player to the game’s most ferocious, unstoppable Super Coach achieving the status of legend along the way. His football success knows no bounds while his marriage, business and old Melbourne club crumble.

From tragedy to legendary, award-winning playwright Tee O’Neill’s stage show about this remarkable man, will uplift and inspire with plenty of laughs along the way.

Get your team mates together and prepare for a great night out!!

'This is a winner: good writing, committed performances and astute direction do justice to the man and the game.’ The Age

Also showing at The Memo in Healesville on Sat 2 Aug, call 1300 368 333