Are you old enough to remember when theatre of angst and tragedy were acceptable in our theatres and demanded a tough skinned audience to accept the unpalatable realities? Something hit me when reflecting on reviewing Bell Shakespeare’s productions for about twenty years. John Bell was my hero after seeing what he could do with Shakespeare’sContinue reading “From Angst to Affirmation: a theatre of betrayal”
Author Archives: shadowhousepits
“Saturday Night Fever” a youthful dream
“Saturday Night Fever” is probably best known for the Bee Gees sound track; it being the biggest selling film sound track of all time. Yet beneath the memorable tunes and perfectly crafted lyrics, there is a gritty and very dark reality experienced in the lives of all characters.
When the Holy Spirit Comes on You
No matter how objective, rational and scientific its approach to development might be, even when using verbatim dialogue, the work of theatre is sculptural and multi-dimensional and is highly subjective. And this is its strength and power!
FIRE IN THE HEAVENS
I remember the impact this poem had on me as a kid. And it wasn’t just the visual tone of the work, but the metaphorical and dangerous aspect. Christopher Brennan has a unique place in Australian literature. His work predated the influence in Australia of the various “isms” that became so much a part ofContinue reading “FIRE IN THE HEAVENS”
Mocking the dead from the political swamp
While these “fools” worked to reveal truths and break through the fawning of sycophants surrounding kings and queens, the mocking seen by the US President is of a very different nature
Education mottos and mission statements virtually no one uses while creating a culture of narcissism
Without a statement of purpose for individual linking to relational responsibility educational slogans and mottos risk simply orientating educational practice to the inherent narcissism of individual self-interest.
New Year finger to the bullies
Recently I took the unusual step of explaining to students the appropriate use of the “Finger”. A New Year’s resolution might be to offer the literal and metaphoric “Finger” to bullies close up and the bullies on the International stage. Our young artists and society’s thinkers shouldn’t be made targets for Smugnatist bozos who attemptContinue reading “New Year finger to the bullies”
