In today’s world, what does it mean to be free? Is it a feeling of liberation from the rules that society dictates, or is it a fire of truth within us that refuses to simmer down? Marking a 2-year benchmark, ‘The Deplorables’, an award-winning production by female-led regional theatre company Skin of our Teeth Productions,…

In our life’s journey, it’s safe to say that we may likely get to experience the gamut of relational dynamics. Some may be genuine, some may be deemed unhealthy or harmful; but more often than not; they are largely played out behind closed doors, where couples may hide their truth from the outside world for…

In an ever-changing world, there may be times where we feel the need more for meaning in our lives. More purpose. More direction. For this reason? We may turn to religion for salvation. To steady our belief systems. To set our minds at ease. Some for spiritual reasons. And others? For personal reasons. The ‘Big-ness’…

From the moment I sit down, the minimal stage is set. A table and some chairs on one side, as well as on the other. Blaring music ensues, demanding attention. Anticipation. One does not know quite what to expect, so we sit in silence, waiting—for some serious action to take place. And then, one by…

When a dramatically-drawn stage, set impressively as a stark deck of a cruise ship is cast in blue lighting, with unnerving music pounding from the speakers, I know I have arrived immediately in an undercurrent of something I can’t quite put my finger on. A backward feeling descending on my conscience; that once this cruise…

The world is coming to an end. Life feels inconceivably unfair and beyond your control. So how would you choose to cope? Would you adopt ‘a survival of the fittest’ mentality? Would you suffer in silence? Or would you fall into despair in a constant state of lack? In a bid to connect Australian audiences…

As I sit in my seat, a wave of tranquility fills my soul. I am transported to a place that feels rustic, with dry leaves scattered across the ground, basked in dreamy orange and blue light. Two walls on either side of the stage are layered in natural calico material and sage detailing, setting a…

In today’s world, where the terms ‘unpredictability’ and ‘uncertainty’ have become part of our everyday vocabulary, is it no wonder that we, as a society, are craving more and more control over our lives? To feel safe, repetitive routines and rituals are formed. Activities and nutrition fuel our bodies and minds. Social connections satisfy our…

As I enter the Motley Bauhaus saloon-style pub in Carlton, I am infused with 1970’s nostalgia, bedecked with retro-style posters of shows-gone-by, and funky music beating in the background. Representing the liberated spirit of artistic creation, a barman serves drinks and food while his voice echoes over a loudspeaker, directing fringe-goers to their designated garret-style…

Upstairs in Motley Bauhaus’ cabaret room, I come upon a stage set as the aftermath of a torrential storm. A neglected apartment in shambles – with its occupant nowhere to be seen. Open bottles of alcohol and soda cans lie half-hazardly across the floor. Fancy women’s clothing slumber in a supine position. So very unfitting,…

Tap dancing, as a whole, would usually bring to mind a nostalgic air of old 1940’s Hollywood, featuring singers and dancers hoofing to high-energy numbers. Other than Australian Dein Perry’s West End hit ‘Hot Show Shuffle’, and his hit film and show ‘Tap Dogs’ a few years later; I had not seen a contemporary tap…

As I walk down the laneway of Meyer Place, I arrive at a mysterious dark door, which unbeknownst to me, leads up two flights of stairs to the Improv Conspiracy Theatre, a destination for lovers and students of improvisational comedy in Melbourne. I enter a dark, intimate theatre where smoke machines cast the room in…

Deep within the depths of the Motley Wherehaus I enter Vault 2 – a tiny rectangular 25-seat theatre encased in wall-to-walk black draping, already creating a dramatic, moody, and immersive chasm of theatrical bravery for me to embody. Against a black minimalist stage dimmed against green and crimson lighting, and flanked by white candles on…

Up the stairs of the multi-story landmark Clocktower building in Moonee Ponds, I come upon a theatre studio lit up in bright primary colours, complete with a giant matted floor, and two rows of seats at the back. With prams parked downstairs in the entrance hall, hoards of parents gladly seat themselves criss-crossed in these…

Coffee is my drug. No, it really is. My addiction started while at uni in America, happily buying Dunkin’ Donuts coffee around the corner from my apartment. With sugary creamed milk. I go to great lengths. Right now, I’m obsessed with  my 7- Eleven $3 latte special. They say my lattes are more milkshake than coffee. With…