Observer

OBSERVER: Lazarus, at Theatreworks

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

In a wonderful production, Lazarus is one man’s heart-rending story of growing up as an indigenous person in Australia.It is a no-holds-barred insight into the injustices and harm done to indigenous Australians, told plainly, simply and mostly without rancour.The play is biographical and based on the life of Taungurung Elder Uncle Larry Walsh.Taken from his…

OBSERVER: The Cottage

What an intriguing web is spun as we delve into a 1923 comedy written by playwright Sandy Rustin, performed by Peridot Theatre.Somewhere in the English countryside is a cottage where three very sexually active couples arrive at various times for a weekend of heterosexual activity.Before we get into who is mugging who, the set is…

OBSERVER: Darebin Speakeasy

Darebin Arts Speakeasy presents In Shadows (Dalam Bayang-Bayang), a haunting new work that reimagines the myth of the pontianak from June 24-28 at Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre.The pontianak is one of Southeast Asian folklore’s most enduring figures: a spirit born of betrayal, known for her long black hair, haunting laughter, and lingering presence among…

OBSERVER: The Audience

The Audience – National Theatre Live Live theatre performance, historical research and film technology merge brilliantly in the National Theatre Live production The Audience, written by Peter Morgan and starring Dame Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II.Recorded in June 2013 at the John Gielgud Theatre, directed by Stephen Daldry, The Audience returns to cinemas for…

OBSERVER: Murder In Paris

Fans of the late Kerry Greenwood Phryne Fisher series are going to love Kirsty Manning’s (pictured) new novel, Murder in Paris.Whereas Greenwood focused on an elegant, rich single woman detective in the 1920s, Manning’s era is the 1930s, with her dynamic young Australian lead character, Charlotte ‘Charlie’ James.Manning has written historical mystery of murder, fashion,…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

ShowsBeaumaris Theatre: Two Ladies (Nancy Harris) Until June 6 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Adam Rafferty. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.auStrathmore Theatrical Arts Group: Kimberly Akimbo (by David Lindsay Abaire) Until June 6 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Drew Mason. Bookings: stagtheatre@outlook.com or 0419505231Babirra Music Theatre: 42nd Street, Until June 6…

OBSERVER: The Songs of John Farnham

Terms such as ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ are overused these days. However both epithets fittingly apply when describing the Australian singer John Farnham.Timely then that a benefit concert The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend has been announced.A launch announcing the September 20 concert event was held in the foyer of Rod Laver Arena where…

OBSERVER: Mr Big

Monday, June 1, 2026

The Tayo Tayo Collective and fortyfivedownstairs present Mr Big: aka Tatay, a Trans Woman and that Tiring Tune written by Dax Carnay-Hanrahan from June 24-July 5 at fortyfive-downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.Set between 1990s Manila and contemporary Melbourne, Mr Big follows Diana, a trans Filipina woman juggling her upcoming wedding and the funeral of her…

OBSERVER: From All Sides

The conventional view of life in Western Sydney as boring and suburban was given a shake-up by the low-budget independent feature From All Sides with its portrayal of a multiracial sexually liberated family living there.Unfortunately the film’s promising premise was only partially realised as direction, editing, script and acting all suffered from shortcomings.A married multi-racial…

OBSERVER: The Forest – Lucy Guerin Inc.

The Forest by Lucy Guerin Inc. will be presented by Rising with University of Melbourne Arts and Culture from June 4 – 7 at the Union Theatre, University of Melbourne, Carlton.The new dance work reflects the many identities that forests hold in the human imagination.Our deep connection to trees has existed throughout history, alongside the…