It was Summer in Toronto when I arrived in June 2004. I was there to start my new life. I had a backback, a note book and a cheeky sense of adventure. Read more

There is a thrill for me, in attending ATYP’s under the Wharf program – and it may seem like an obvious statement to make – but this is one of the most valuable programs showcasing emerging theatre makers in Sydney. Read more

It’s not a secret. There is an abundance of short form theatre proliferating on Sydney stages. And it’s not just in the independent and amateur sector – with two of Sydney’s main stage companies turning to short form theatre to fill their season – Sydney Theatre Company’s Money Shots (6, 15 minute plays about money) and Belvoir’s The Kiss four short plays bundled together from Australia and beyond to examine The Kiss. Read more

Check out these three opportunities that landed in my inbox in the last week… Read more

The new Ross Mueller play at the Sydney Theatre Company has already nearly completely sold out, so rumour has it. And all I am going to say is BLOODY AWESOME! Read more

You may have noticed I’ve not been out and about as much as usual. The reason is because I have been observing for The National Play Festival. Read more

Henry Rollins is new to me – and I’m pretty sure I’m not even on his radar to I guess I’m so new I’m unknown to him. Unless he does read his email. Or Google himself. (Not in the Tracy Jordon/30 Rock sense.)

Less than a year ago I went along to see Henry Rollins on his Frequent Flyer Tour. For those that know me – have met me at least – you may ask why I’d be interested in hearing Henry Rollins. After all, isn’t he a loud mouthed American misogynist? And Gus, you don’t listen to punk music – except that Dead Kennedy’s album you borrowed from a friend – and that time in high school when you played bass in that band. Gus, you’re all about new Australian plays. Why are you reviewing an old punk rocker doing spoken word? What? What is this? What are you doing? What’s the appeal?

A couple of things. Read more

Now in its second year, the Australian Film Festival opened last week at the Ritz Cinema in Randwick with the Sydney Premiere of Amanda Jane’s The Wedding Party. Read more

During the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival season there is no shortage of arts and cultural events to choose from that contain the theme of or focus on facets of life and issues facing the gay community – identity, love, violence, visibility, politics, AIDS, gay pride, acceptance, alienation, prejudice. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an important part of the Sydney calender, it is a celebration of community and for me serves as a reminder of the issues that face our society. As such it is also a time when gay themed theatre is showcased and I thought I would write a quick post on some of the themes and ideas which I have noticed in the productions I have attended. Read more

Ever engaging, ever provocative Currency House’s Platform papers are an invaluable source of information, encouragement, cultural dreaming and just the right amount of intellectual dissent – and Number 26 “Not Just an Audience- Young People Transforming Our Theatre” isn’t any different. Read more