| EA TR C BI O O D M TH US E O RE & M E C Y SW E ED HAT UR AN M AT C T S UL TE IC D O C T AS N FE O C H AT S W O O D |
| RI LO VE E PH C R AP L H EA P UR RT A AC S AG PI H SI N E E O LU ES N S ST RA FE G A M EN O IU PE C T TER RE GH G LAU RE EX TR H O E N UR O PT C RA E Y A L ST JO ZE ZE TR |
| C M US O T IC M H VI K ED EA SU ID DA Y TR AL S N E C E AR TS culturebites.net.au |
| excited for this new chapter of creative arts in Chatswood and invite you to join the feast of music, theatre and art. This new program offers something fresh, reflecting Chatswood’s unique cultural identity. There’s something for everyone, especially children, families and young adults who can take advantage of special ticket prices. E W EL C Following an extremely challenging time for the arts, I’m proud that Willoughby City Council continues to be bold in supporting and delivering arts and culture. I am incredibly O M Chatswood is where people of all ages and backgrounds On behalf of Willoughby City converge to create something Council, welcome to Chatswood special and I’m proud that our Culture Bites – our flagship 2022 Culture Bites program cultural program for 2022. showcases our vision for A changing program of Chatswood and beyond – innovative cultural activities at innovative, quality, accessible The Concourse – the cultural culture that’s inspiring and heart of the North Shore – and lots of fun. Chatswood CBD, Culture Bites Cr Tanya Taylor presents a feast of theatre, Mayor of Willoughby music, art and children’s shows. Tuck into mesmerising symphonies, aerial acrobatics, poignant drama, hilarious circus capers and interactive light art installations. In its inaugural year, the program boasts a rich array of activities and events, including many free activities, exhibitions and live music performances. 4 |
| On behalf of Willoughby City Council, we acknowledge the traditional inhabitants of the land on which we stand, the Aboriginal People, their spirits and ancestors. We acknowledge the vital contribution that Indigenous people and cultures have made and still make to the nation that we share, Australia. 5 |
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| M U SI C A CHATSWOOD CULTURE BITES PRODUCTION NEXT CHAPTERS II: 8 |
| D E RL R O IE W EM PR BE UPLIFTED BY THE SWEEPING SOUNDS OF THE WILLOUGHBY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AS IT AGAIN JOINS FORCES WITH POWERHOUSE AERIALISTS FROM LEGS ON THE WALL FOR THE THRILLING CONCERT NEXT CHAPTERS II: ABOVE BELOW. Contemporary classical pieces, created by living composers from around the world, featuring Elena Kats- Chernin’s iconic Wild Swans Suite (featuring harp, piano and celeste) and esteemed Australian composer Graeme Koehne’s Just Walk Beside Me. Be transported to another world with Matthew Hindson’s, The Stars Above Us All. Renowned soprano Susannah Lawergren will join three aerialists from LEGS ON THE WALL to float above you in a sea of sound to create a dreamscape of daring imagination. Next Chapters a rare treat... Orchestral music in Chatswood is alive and creating pleasure. Classikon* Quite literally breathtaking PROGRAM Arvo Pärt Mein Weg Elena Kats-Chernin Wild Swans Suite Russian Rag Graeme Koehne Just Walk Beside Me Matthew Hindson The Stars Above Us All Conductor Sarah Penicka-Smith Performance Director for Legs On The Wall Joshua Thomson Producer Juliet Rosser THE CONCOURSE CONCERT HALL 19 MARCH 7PM $29 –– $85 FAMILY $205 APPROX. 70 MINS (NO INTERVAL) REC FOR AGES 12+ *Reviews for Next Chapters 1 performed in May 2021 Cut Common* 9 |
| C SI U M 10 Image credit: artist Andrea Davies. |
| U C TI O N HI TN EY N WITNESS THE SONGS OF ONE OF THE GREATEST POP ICONS OF OUR GENERATION THIS SEPTEMBER WHEN THE WILLOUGHBY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PAYS HOMAGE TO THE MUSIC AND VOICE OF THE LATE, GREAT WHITNEY HOUSTON IB UT E TO T O HE F A VO G EN ICE ER AT IO WORLD PREMIERE TR O RC H ES TR A C H AT S AT E W O O D D C U LT U RE BI TE S PR O D Gone too soon at the age of 48, the American singer had a string of worldwide hits including I Wanna Dance With Somebody, How Will I Know and The Greatest Love of All. THE CONCOURSE CONCERT HALL 24 SEPTEMBER 2PM & 7PM $29 –– $65 FAMILY $170 Performed by the star of The Voice, Masha Mnjoyan, expect soaring vocals and thumping beats to get you up and dancing! Masha earned a standing ovation after turning the chairs of all four judges during her blind audition on the reality TV show where she was coached by the inimitable Boy George. PROGRAM* Higher love How will I know If I told you that It’s not right, but its Ok I’m every woman I wanna dance with somebody Greatest love of all I will always love you I have nothing Saving all my love Conductor George Ellis Lead Vocalist Masha Mnjoyan * Program subject to change APPROX. 95 MINS (INCL. INTERVAL) REC FOR AGES 12+ 11 |
| C SI U M CHATSWOOD CULTURE BITES PRESENTS DISNEY FANTASIA WITH THE WILLOUGHBY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA THE WILLOUGHBY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS HIGHLIGHTS FROM TWO OF DISNEY’S MOST EXTRAORDINARY AND GROUND-BREAKING ANIMATED FEATURES, FANTASIA AND ITS SEQUEL, FANTASIA 2000 IN CONCERT LIVE TO FILM. Conducted by George Ellis, scenes from each of the two iconic films will be projected in high definition on a large screen above the orchestra as they perform classical selections by Beethoven, Debussy, Elgar, among others. 12 |
| Released to great acclaim in 1940, Walt Disney’s Fantasia was his boldest experiment at the time and culminated in the creative visionary’s desire to blend animated imagery with classical music. The original film score was conducted by Leopold Stokowski with the Philadelphia Orchestra, recorded in stereophonic sound, which was still an experimental medium at the time. What had begun as a vehicle to develop Mickey Mouse’s career with an animation short titled The Sorcerer’s Apprentice went on to become a genuine cinema classic. PROGRAM Selections from Beethoven’s Symphony No.5; Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, Pastoral; Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite; Debussy’s Clair de lune; Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite (1919 version); Ponchielli’s Dance of the Hours; Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice; and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance. Conductor George Ellis Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts THE CONCOURSE CONCERT HALL 22 OCTOBER 2PM & 7PM $45 –– $99 FAMILY $276 APPROX. 120MINS (INCL. INTERVAL) REC FOR ALL AGES A ex ma th pe g e ri ica en en l tir ce e fo fa r m ily . This rare and wonderful experience of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra performing live-to-picture is a revelation for both long- time fans of Fantasia and those seeing Disney’s brilliant animations for the very first time. 13 |
| C SI U M CO O LL EN EC IX TI VE THE JULIET LETTERS SU ND AY SE SS IO NS Composer Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet “Exquisite translucence” Limelight Magazine* PHOENIX COLLECTIVE IS A DYNAMIC ENSEMBLE SHOWCASING CLASSICAL MUSIC WITH A UNIQUELY AUSTRALIAN EDGE. BRINGING TOGETHER SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST ACCOMPLISHED MUSICIANS, THE EXCLUSIVE PHOENIX COLLECTIVE SUNDAY SESSIONS WILL FEATURE THE WORK OF AWARD-WINNING CONTEMPORARY AND CLASSICAL COMPOSERS FROM ELVIS COSTELLO TO STEVE REICH, IN THE INTIMACY OF THE ZENITH THEATRE Featuring one of Australia’s foremost multi-award winning Mezzo Sopranos, Jacqueline Dark, The Juliet Letters is a song sequence for string quartet which marries chamber music with Beatles- esque art pop. Inspired by the true story of a Verona professor who responded to letters addressed to Juliet, of Romeo and Juliet fame. 15 MAY 4PM THE MUSIC OF STUDIO GHIBLI Composer Joe Hisaishi The musical masterpieces of Japanese cult animation giant, Studio Ghibli, blend fantasy and reality and highlight growth and the importance of nature. Renowned for their empathy for *Reviews for Phoenix Collective 14 |
| human frailty, they provide a re-energising reminder of our need for imaginative, uplifting journeys. Tracks from 10 different movies including Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and Totoro will be performed. 29 MAY 4PM DIFFERENT TRAINS Composer Steve Reich Composer Traditional Unknown Arrangements Danish String Quartet Different Trains is a three- movement piece for string quartet accompanied by a bespoke video, created by Sina S. During World War II, Reich made train journeys DAFT PUNK Composed by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter Arrangements Danijel Požgaj, Ian Anderson, Alison Gillies, Bojana Jovanović, Inacio Saldanha, Priscila Pacavi and Jeff Tincher. The legendary French electronic music duo is widely regarded as one of the most influential TRADITIONAL FOLK acts in dance music history. From reflections on the darkness Hear the Phoenix Collective of the human experience, be reinterpret their iconic beats transported into a landscape of through the lens of a string forests and flowing streams, as quartet as Daft Punk’s synths, the quartet perform a selection drum machines and vintage of Nordic folk music. vocoders are translated into violin, viola and cello. 31 JULY 4PM 14 AUGUST 4PM Violin & Artistic Director Dan Russell I Violin Pip Thompson I Viola Ella Brinch I Cello Andrew Wilson PHOENIX COLLECTIVE SUNDAY SESSIONS between New York and Los Angeles to visit his parents, who had separated. Years later, he reflected on his experience as a Jew, and how different his train journey might have been had he lived in Europe. In this extraordinary work, Different Trains weaves human speech into a musical work mirrored by the string quartet. ZENITH THEATRE $29 –– $49 FAMILY $140 REC FOR AGES 12+ ALL SESSIONS APPROX. 70 MINS (NO INTERVAL) 15 |
| C SI U AT S LO W O O D C UG ULTUR H E BITES BY PR O D U C TI O N SY IN M TH PH E O PA NY RK M IL H C A W 16 JOIN THE MAGNIFICENT WILLOUGHBY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FOR A SPECTACULAR AL FRESCO CONCERT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY UNDER THE BATON OF SYDNEY’S OWN GUY NOBLE. |
| Bring your picnic rug and folding chairs and settle in for a captivating afternoon of music. Be transported by the greatest classical music of all time including Nessun Dorma (Puccini) Music of the Night (Phantom of the Opera), Musetta’s Waltz from La Boheme, O mio babbino caro (Puccini) and duets including Tonight from West Side Story. Special guests, soprano Julie Lea Goodwin and tenor Mark Vincent, bring their star power to this memorable concert. REGISTER YOUR INTEREST at culturebites.net.au to receive information about how to secure your spot for this free, not to-be-missed-event. Kick back with a cool drink courtesy of the pop up bar by Finders Distillery, the North Shore’s newest craft distillery creating unique handcrafted spirits. WILLOUGHBY PARK MCCLELLAND STREET WILLOUGHBY 10 JULY 2 –– 4 PM FREE TICKETS available to Culture Bites mail subscribers only. 17 |
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| TH EA TR E CO A CK CK AT O O ★★★★ This amazing Australian story rings with authenticity, humour and quirky compassion. B D Y G IR E EC O TE FFR D E BY Y A W TH ES ER LE D Y EN EN O C H A N EN SE M BL E TH EA TR E PR O D U C TI O N Stage Noise Image by Christian Trinder Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – An Australian Government initiative. 20 This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its funding and advisory body. |
| A STORY OF STRENGTH, RESISTANCE, HOPE AND POSSIBILITY Inspired by the true story of legendary First Nations cricketer Johnny Mullagh and Australia’s first ever international sporting team. Over 150 years ago, 13 brave Aboriginal men in Western Victoria picked up their cricket bats and embarked on a treacherous voyage to England and into the unknown – all in the name of sport. Risking illness and persecution, Australia’s first international cricket team – including Australia’s first Indigenous sporting hero, Johnny Mullagh – amazed the English crowds with astonishing talent, personality and grit. When a group of young present-day activists sneak into the Wimmera Discovery Centre to expose the truth of what happened to Johnny and his teammates, a hidden legend of triumph and tragedy unfolds. Funny and incredibly moving, Black Cockatoo is an artistic collaboration between iconic Australian writer Geoffrey Atherden (Mother and Son, Babakiueria) and former Sydney Festival Artistic Director Wesley Enoch (Black Diggers). CAST Joseph Althouse Phoebe Grainer Mema Munro Mark Nannup Kyle Shilling Colin Smith ZENITH THEATRE 31 MAY 8PM $29 – $75 APPROX. 90MINS (NO INTERVAL) REC FOR AGES 12+ Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences are advised that this show contains depictions of people who have died. 21 |
| E EA TR ...deeply moving and gently provocative, turning focus to Australia’s multiculturalism and the way that notions of authenticity are shaped by our world ★★★★ Time Out TH A heartwarming and fun look at heritage and storytelling told one dish at a time ★★★★★ The AU Review Image by Clare Hawley 22 |
| N DE U BL LI CI E O US A PE CO RF N O TE RM M A PO N R C A E RY PR A O SI D A U N C A TI U O S N TR A LI A The flavours and aromas of our favourite dishes wind their way through the deepest recesses of our being, where even the thought of a particular meal can transport us back to a pivotal moment. A SUMPTUOUS NIGHT OF STORYTELLING, SERVED WITH A SIDE OF DISHES STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART. AFTER SELL-OUT SHOWS AT SYDNEY FESTIVAL, DOUBLE DELICIOUS IS ON THE MENU IN CHATSWOOD! This truly is a show that tantalises all the senses. Audiences will have the unique opportunity to taste the story. Bitter and sweet, each story culminates in an authentic recreation of the storyteller’s chosen dish. After sell-out seasons at Sydney Festival, Asia TOPA and OzAsia Festival, Double Delicious sees storyteller cooks share secrets behind the dishes that proved significant in their lives. Storytellers include TV Chef and Kim Chi master Heather Jeong as she remembers meeting her father for the first time at the age of 9. Performing artist Valerie Berry recalls the shock of moving as a child from bustling Manila to outback Ceduna. And Writer, Journalist and Presenter Benjamin Law tells the hilarious story of growing up in the shadow of the Big Pineapple. Writer and Comedian Jennifer Wong recounts the many kinds of sweetness that nourish and heal. A tasting sample of each dish is included. Storytellers Valerie Berry Raghav Handa Heather Jeong Benjamin Law Jennifer Wong CIVIC PAVILION, THE CONCOURSE 15 JUNE 8PM 16 –– 18 JUNE 5PM AND 8PM $68 –– $95 APPROX. 1HR 40 MINS WITH FOOD (NO INTERVAL) REC FOR AGES 12+ Tickets include a tasting sample of each of the five dishes cooked. Content warnings Some moments of flashing lights and loud music/noises. The dishes served may include meat, gluten, preservatives, egg and garlic. 23 |
| Herald Sun Jillian Murray gives a superb performance - poised, vulnerable, intelligent, and full of the subtlest ironies Theatre People E EA TR TH ★★★★★ The audience is mesmerised, holding on to every word, gesture, with eyes following her movements, taking in what’s been so eloquently said Image by Jodie Hutchinson 24 |
| U TO ES ST AG L A C TI RI N IO ID D N BY JO A C RI N G PR ES EN TS O TH F E TH MA Y EA IN GI R KI CA NG L ★★★★★ We felt like privileged listeners, given access to an extraordinarily insightful confrontation with the way in which grief loosens our grasp on reason ArtsHub THE DETAILS WILL BE DIFFERENT, BUT IT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU. Described by the New York Times as ‘thrilling and engaging – universal, profound... and uplifting’ Joan Didion’s celebrated memoir is brought to life by Green Room Award- winning actor Jillian Murray in a critically-acclaimed solo performance that reunites her with director Laurence Strangio (L’amante Anglaise national tour 2019). This highly personal account of loss through the lens of hope unpacks a surreal and overwhelming time in Didion’s life as she faces the sudden loss of her husband John, and later her daughter Quintana. Deeply moving, sometimes funny, and ultimately joyful, this is one woman’s story of the journey to find acceptance, and the lessons learnt in letting go. After a critically-acclaimed sell-out premiere season at Melbourne’s FortyFive- Downstairs this is a production that is a must-see for fans of great drama. Written By Joan Didion Directed By Laurence Strangio Lighting Design Andy Turner Sound Design Darius Kedros Photography Jodie Hutchinson Performed By Jillian Murray The Year of Magical Thinking is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc., and Concord Theatricals Company. This production was developed for the stage by FortyFiveDownstairs. ZENITH THEATRE, CHATSWOOD 14 JULY 8PM $29 –– $65 APPROX. 85MINS (NO INTERVAL) REC FOR AGES 15+ 25 |
| E EA TR TH FROM MULTIPLE-AWARD WINNING PLAYWRIGHT SAMAH SABAWI COMES THEM — A COMPELLING TALE OF SURVIVAL, FRIENDSHIP, AND THE THINGS WE ARE WILLING TO DO TO PROTECT THE ONES WE LOVE. THEM LARA WEEK, LA MAMA, AND CRITICAL STAGES TOURING PRESENT BY SAMAH SABAWI DIRECTED BY BAGRYANA POPOV Developed in consultation with people living in conflict zones and displaced by war, the play was first supported by Melbourne Theatre Company’s Cybec Electric program before enjoying a sell-out extended season at the famed La Mama Theatre. Originally produced by Lara Week and Samah Sabawi, in collaboration with La MamaTheatre. 26 With unexpected tenderness, laughter, and song, THEM takes audiences into extraordinary circumstances to reveal our shared humanity in the ordinary moments that shape our lives. CAST Taj Aldeeb Nahed Elrayes Claudia Greenstone Sahil Saluja Osamah Sami, Mehran Tajbakhsh THEM is supported by La Trobe University, the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) ZENITH THEATRE, CHATSWOOD 19 AUGUST 8PM 20 AUGUST 2PM AND 8PM $25 –– $49 APPROX. 80MINS (NO INTERVAL) REC FOR AGES 14+ This production contains themes of war which may affect those with experience of conflict. Ticket holders are advised the work contains adult themes, moderate language, and sudden loud special effects. Fund – an Australian Government initiative, and the Australia Council for the Arts, the arts funding and advisory body of the Australian Government. THEM tells the story of one young family as they face the decision whether to flee their war-torn city. Omar, Leila and their young child are counting down the days. Their friends enjoy fantasies of escape, and the arrival of Omar’s sister brings a real chance to get out – but at what cost? |
| Perhaps the most important piece of theatre you will see this year. ★★★★★ The Music A drama dappled with humanity and humour amid the horrors of war [...] The inextinguishable spirit of laughter, of the music of life in the face of desolation, is crucial to both the play’s poignancy and appeal. ★★★★ Sydney Morning Herald Image by Justyn Koh 27 |
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| From the multi-award winning circus and physical theatre makers Asking For Trouble comes this exciting new show for young people and their families. Dive into a magical world of play and creation, where everyday objects become a universe of fun and adventure. Two strange heroes are hunting for whispers of possibility when they discover a pile of seemingly ordinary objects like sheets, broomsticks and cushions. A MAGICAL PHYSICAL CIRCUS ADVENTURE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES In a series of vignettes a couch, table, cushions, sheets and broomsticks transform into rockets, trampolines, cliffs and tents... places to imagine and explore. Images appear and disappear. FoRT is full of ridiculous clowning, spectacular acrobatics and poetic visual imagery that celebrates the kind of creative genius that has been known to turn lounge rooms into volcanoes and cardboard boxes into racing cars. If you’ve ever made a fort from a sofa, or helped your little one create their own, this is an inspiring and delightful new theatrical experience the whole family will enjoy. ZENITH THEATRE, CHATSWOOD 12 JULY 10AM AND 12PM $25 FAMILY $90 APPROX. 55MINS (NO INTERVAL) REC FOR AGES 3 –– 10+ A fun and playful physical theatre show that inspires creative play Arts Review 31 |
| ST RA LI A N C H A M BE R O RC H ES TR ER BE SE E DR A ’S IN A O O M M Y A PR O D U C TI O N T F H A OR EAT N C R D H E FA IL M D I L RE IE N S AU B M AS A ED R A DA GA O N O RI PT RE T ED T HE G IN W P BY IL IC A L M TIM D A TU U N RE SI M D C C J B BY GA AN OO PA RR E T K B Y A Y U N L N ST ER A N H O PE N A Illustration ©Julie Vivas FROM ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST CELEBRATED CHAMBER ORCHESTRAS COMES THIS IMMERSIVE PERFORMANCE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES. WEAVING TOGETHER CAPTIVATING STORYTELLING WITH A NEWLY COMPOSED SCORE PERFORMED BY AN ACO STRING QUINTET, THERE’S A SEA IN MY BEDROOM CAPTURES THE MAGIC OF A CHILD’S FANTASY WORLD. 32 David is frightened of the sea. He does not like it at all, not one bit. But one day he finds a conch shell at the beach and takes it home – and he hears the sea trapped inside. ‘Come out, sea, come out,’ he says softly. ‘I won’t hurt you.’ Based on the beloved children’s book by award-winning author Margaret Wild, There’s a Sea in My Bedroom is an immersive and theatrical introduction to live |
| classical music, capturing the Chatswood Culture Bites magic of a child’s fantasy world. and the Australian Chamber Returning to the stage following Orchestra are proud to present this beautifully reimagined a sell-out Sydney Opera House story that promises to bring premiere season in 2019, this moments of joy, sadness, fear, exquisite performance weaves together captivating storytelling magic, and laughter. with a specially commissioned score from Australian composer Paul Stanhope, performed live by a string quintet of ACO musicians. CIVIC PAVILION, THE CONCOURSE 26 JULY 10AM AND 11:30AM 27 JULY 10AM AND 11:30AM $29 FAMILY $104 28 MINUTES + POST-SHOW INTERACTION OF 15 MINS RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP 2 – 8 YEARS | K – 2 SCHOOLS 33 |
