What's On – 213

Aesop’s morality musical

Shadow puppets, a cello, clarinet, piano and percussion – Aesop’s Fables has it all! Don’t miss this collection of performances and artworks based on the famous morality stories of Aesop.

This stunning concert showcases the Espresso Kids Choir and the Espresso Chorus Orchestra performing original pieces by Alice Chance, plus the fantastical shadow puppetry of Clare Testoni – the combination of which is bound to astound both young and old.

The idea behind this presentation was thought up by artistic director Michelle Leonard who, after recently rediscovering her love for illustrated children’s books, wishes for adults to view these tales through the eyes of a child once more.

The hour-long concert event kicks off at 6pm on Saturday 29th and 3pm on Sunday 30th June, followed each day by fable foods and refreshments and an exhibition of the ink and watercolour works of Paul Heppel.

Tickets $25 (or $15 for kids) at the door. For more information, visit www.espressochorus.com.au.

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Women on top

Exploring the difficulties of professional women working in a male-dominated world, Top Girls is a delicate blend of humour and drama with a strong message about gender equality.

Top Girls tells the story of Marlene, a woman who has just been promoted at work, beating a man out for the position. However, as she celebrates this success in her professional life, Marlene is forced to remember the personal sacrifices she made to get there.

Written by Caryl Churchill in 1982, largely as a response to the economic and social policies of Margaret Thatcher, the New Theatre is revisiting this contemporary classic that still remains topical in our society 30 years on. Frighteningly so, in fact, at a time when politicians seem more interested in sexist mud-slinging rather than political debate. This play will be running at the New Theatre (542 King St, Newtown) from July 9th to August 3rd.

For tickets and more info visit www.newtheatre.org.au.

• Ciao has one double pass to give away for the play. See our Giveaways page for details.

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 Sunday 30th June

Head On Photography Exhibition

In association with the Head On Photo Festival, Leichhardt Library will be exhibiting Elize Strydom’s work ‘Small Town Girl’, which explores the lives of four teenage girls growing up in rural locations; what they wear, how they feel, the way they see themselves, alongside David Brazil’s work ‘The Upper Reaches’. David’s images centre on the Blue Mountains, a place of myth and mystery in Australia. For more information, contact Leichhardt Library on 9367 9266.

• Leichhardt Library: The Italian Forum.

 

Sunday 30th  June

Balmain Sinfonia

The Balmain Sinfonia is making their triumphant return to stage, performing their second concert at the recently renovated Macquarie Theatre. The four-piece program – featuring the unique bass trombone solo The Rhapsody, by Eric Ewazen – begins at 2.30pm with tickets on sale for $25. For bookings and info, visit www.balmainsinfonia.com or call 9810 5080.

• Macquarie Theatre: Macquarie University, North Ryde.

 

Thursday 4th July

Not Quite Cabaret

After the success of this show last year, Not Quite Cabaret is back for its second season. Described as “pub entertainment with a twist” this performance presents a mix of hilarious short skits and sketches that promise to have you falling out of your seat with laughter so come down, grab a drink and have a giggle! For more info and bookings visit www.notquitecabaret.com.

• Exchange Hotel: 94 Beattie St, Balmain.

 

Weds 3rd to Sat 6th July

The River Eats

Based on the Taoist belief that everyone and everything has an inherent opposite, this live performance, a standout at Melbourne’s 2012 Next Wave Festival, is coming to Sydney this July. The River Eats follows the journey of Pinky as his psyche unravels, dragging the audience “into a turbulent techno world of mirrors and estrangement.” More info at visit www.performancespace.com.au.

• Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh.

 

Saturday 6th July

The Hardware Store

The recently opened Hardware Store in Alexandria is having an opening celebration featuring plenty of great activities for the family, including the opportunity to meet the Dulux dog! Running from 9am to 5pm, the day’s events include face painting and craft for the kids, a sausage sizzle and celebration drinks at the end of the day. You will also have the chance to meet a few hardware experts, so if you’re interested in DIY projects around the house and were looking for some tips and advice, than this event is not to be missed.

• Where: 50 McCauley St, Alexandria.

 

Sat 13th & Sun 14th July

Bastille Weekend in Balmain

Following the success of last year’s Bastille Day celebrations at Little Darling Diner, this year promises to be even bigger and better with celebrations spanning the entire weekend! Come along and commemorate the beginning of the French Revolution with some amazing French food served in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere at Little Darling Diner in Balmain. Book in for the special 4-course lunch or dinner – which includes a French cheeseboard and your choice of French specialties such as traditional garlic snails in the shell and duck breast with duck rillettes – and enjoy live music playing as you dine on both Saturday and Sunday. Viva la France!

• For bookings call 9810 5255. Little Darling Diner: 485A Darling St,Balmain.

 

Sunday 21st July

Soul Sista Jam

What’s better than a Sunday session of all female DJs, singers, MCs and performers? A FREE Sunday session! This July the Lewisham Hotel is hosting an event to “support and appreciate creative women” with performers across an eclectic mix of genres including hip hop, soul, funk, garage, handbag, RnB and house. Featuring main act Charmizzle Von Dizzle, as well as Queen Shirene, Abby Dwyer and guest male DJ Samir Samaali (of le Garage), the event runs from 2pm to 9pm and will be an afternoon of funky beats for the whole family; just don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes with you!

• Where: 794 Parramatta Rd, Lewisham.

 

Friday 26th July

Seeking the 2013 Marrickville Kid

The annual Marrickville Festival is on its way once again and the local council is searching for the new ‘Marrickville Kid’ to be the face of the event. The winner will be featured on all promotional material for the festival, as well as be part of the official festival welcome on the day with Mayor Victor Macri. To be eligible as The Marrickville Kid you must live locally and be under 15 years.
To enter kids must submit a current portrait photo of themselves and a short essay of 25 words or less on why they want to be the face of Marrickville Festival.

• Email: coevent@marrickville.nsw.gov.au with the subject line ‘Marrickville Kid Competition Entry.’