Observer

OBSERVER: I Could Do That

Friday, March 14, 2025

Have you ever finished reading a book and thought “I could do that”?Major publisher Penguin Random House is offering an opportunity to would-be writers.PRH’s Write It Fellowship Program is open, offering writers from under-represented communities the opportunity to be mentored by PRH editors over 12 months, with the hope of publication.While Write It aims to…

OBSERVER: Bigfoot – In Plain Sight

Bigfoot: In Plain Sight is being presented from April 8-20 at Malthouse.In 2012, renowned Canadian Bigfoot researcher Robert H. McKinley self-published an autobiographical book encompassing his lifelong journey, and bond, with Bigfoot.In 2024, local comedy team Handful of Bugs adapted that very book into a one person comedy show.Set in the freezing Canadian wilderness, the…

OBSERVER: Rourke’s Reviews

Shoplifters(M). 121 minutes. Now available on DVD.Winner of the Palme D’or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, this exceptional human drama from world-renowned film-maker Hirokazu Kore’eda (After Life, Our Little Sister) is compelling and moving, asking the viewer what is the true meaning of family.Inspired by true events, the film follows the Shibata family, made…

OBSERVER: Three Sisters

Thursday, March 13, 2025

1901 to 2025 – Three Sisters has not lost its relevance in being a tale of hope, love, longing and ambition.Anton Chekhov, celebrated Russian playwright although ill, penned this his second last play.Its first performance being in 1901 just three years before his death from years of suffering from Tuberculous.The question was how can a…

OBSERVER: Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Extra performances have been added in Australia for Les Miserables The Arena Spectaculat – The World Tour as it arrives at Rod Laver Arena from May 14.New performances have been scehduled on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25.The London production of Les Miserables has entered its incredible 40th record-breaking year, still playing to sell…

OBSERVER: Arts Column with Peter Kemp

he BirdsMUMA is unveilling the eighth Ian Potter Sculpture Court Commission – The BirdsCreated by artists Ben Berean, Callum Morton and Linda Tegg – working collaborative as Monash Arts Projects (MAP) – this temporary installation takes inspiration from the humble bird bath to encourage the return of birds to the urban campus.Comprising six stone boulders…

OBSERVER: Rourke’s Reviews

Friday, March 7, 2025

Mother(M). 127 minutes. Now streaming on Netflix.Not to be confused with Bong Joon-ho’s outstanding 2009 drama, this dark look at a destructive mother-son relationship is also first-rate viewing, even if its unflinching approach may turn off some audiences.Masami Nagasawa stars as Akiko, a single mother who floats through life, sponging off the goodwill of others,…

OBSERVER: Dalin Oliver – 90-Day Comedian

South African comedian, Dalin Oliver, makes his Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut at Askal with his multi-award winning one man show, 90 Day Comedian from April 11-20 at Askal at 167 Exhibition St, Melbourne.It’s a coming-of-age story for Dalin, drawing on his experiences of performing the show in seven countries and 18 cities – including…

OBSERVER: How To Flirt – The Ted XXX Talk

Daisy Doris May brings Steve Porters – How to Flirt: The Ted XXX Talk to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 27 – April 6 at the Melbourne Town Hall – Lunch Room.Bringing his TEDx-style fresh take on modern dating to Australia after sell-out shows at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, London’s Soho Theatre, and supporting…

OBSERVER: Wage Against The Machine

ward-winning comedian and storyteller Matt Harvey presents Wage Against the Machine on April 11 at Chapel off Chapel in The Loft at 7.30pm.Matt reckons that everyone (possibly everyone) has had a job at least once that they have hated.A boss they thought they were smarter than (probably were) or just wished daily they could take…