Entertainment

After a 4 year wait, she’s finally here – ‘OCDiva’ Comes to Lismore

Published

7 months ago

25 October 2023

Liam

After a 4 year wait, she’s finally here – ‘OCDiva’ Comes to Lismore

A new opera by Eve Klein | Libretto by Yasmin Arkinstall/Sharna Galvin/Sarah Penicka-Smith – Think you don’t like opera? Think again

Fresh from featuring in British comedian Bill Bailey’s 2023 tour, Yasmin Arkinstall returns to the stage in ‘OCDiva’, a new autobiographical opera about one woman’s struggle to do life, art and mental health.

Following a sell-out preview performance at the Arts and Cultural Exchange Parramatta, a regional tour to Wagga Wagga and Narrandera, and shows in Lawson and Blackheath, audiences are raving about ‘OCDiva’ and its star, Yasmin Arkinstall. Described by one audience member as ‘quirky, worthy, moving, silly, joyful, ‘OCDiva’, this new opera, plays in Lismore in November. This will be your last chance to see OCDiva in 2023.

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The twenty-something-year-old opera singer, TikTok dancer and Western Sydney girl has her life turned upside-down by her search for diagnosis and treatment for sensorimotor OCD. Combining R&B, a dash of music theatre, a TikTok dance, and a whole lot of delicious, defiant, and occasionally heartbreaking opera, ‘OCDiva’ follows Arkinstall on her journey through various therapies and therapists.

Arkinstall says, ’To share my lived experience of how OCD has affected my life through song is a dream come true to me. I feel like I am merging two of my biggest life goals: to perform on stage, and to spread true awareness about a condition that has debilitated me since I was a child.’

‘This project means the world to me, especially as an artist with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder because it’s a condition that is often misrepresented and at times mocked in the media. OCD was listed in the top 10 most disabling conditions by The World Health Organisation and yet there is little representation of it being a serious anxiety disorder that can leave sufferers housebound, jobless and even suicidal.’

Conceived in 2019, and awarded an Australia Council grant in 2020 to commission Dr Eve Klein’s composition of the score, ‘OCDiva’ has been in development for nearly five years. The opera is technology-enabled to allow Arkinstall, who lives with significant disability, full control of each performance, including what she sings, and when.

According to Music Director Sarah Penicka-Smith, who conceived the project after seeing Arkinstall in an audition, ‘the creative team has created a work which leans into the uncertainties of, and risks in, performing with a disability, and made the artist’s ability to choose a ground-breaking structural element of the work.’

But tailoring the opera is not just about what the audience sees; it’s been a theme running through the project from the start. The creative team has worked to ensure that there is true representation of Arkinstall’s lived experience in the music and libretto. And on a more practical level, rehearsals and recording sessions remained flexible in a bid to reduce feelings of overwhelm or triggering.

‘This has allowed me to put forward my best self artistically,’ says Arkinstall.

OCDiva 2023 Tour Poster

The opera’s all-female, all Australian, creative team, many of whom have lived experience of chronic illness or disability, challenge ideas of what opera can be, how it can be presented, and who can participate. With Arkinstall as the sole performer, ‘OCDiva’ features a sumptuous and eclectic new score by award-winning composer and sound artist Dr Eve Klein, setting a libretto co-written by Arkinstall, Sarah Penicka-Smith, and theatre director Sharna Galvin, who was also part of the show’s original project development team. Movement Direction is by celebrated dancer and choreographer Jana Castillo, and Design is by emerging Brisbane-based artist Olivia Watkins. ‘OCDiva’ is a production of Penicka-Smith Arts & Event Management; the show’s Producer Melanie Penicka-Smith is the final critical part of the original development team and creative team.

Arkinstall, a long-term ambassador for The Smith Family and a mental health advocate, is keen for this unusual opera to reach a wide audience. ’I’m hopeful that this musical work will make audience members feel less alone if they have a mental illness, and even encourage people to seek help for their own struggles. I feel this story is especially timely what with the pandemic we’ve all had to endure and the prevalence of anxiety disorders in the community.’

‘OCDiva’ premiered at the Arts & Cultural Exchange in Parramatta and toured to Wagga Wagga and Narrandera. It’s now set to tour to the Blue Mountains, and the Northern Rivers.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

All performances conclude with a Q&A with the Creative Team (not all Creative Team members will attend all shows).

Running time: approximately 60 mins, plus up to 30 minutes’ Q&A.

Content Warning: ‘OCDiva’ contains themes relating to mental health and ableism. ‘OCDiva’ may not be suitable for children aged 12 and under.

A new opera by EVE KLEIN.
Libretto by YASMIN ARKINSTALL/SHARNA GALVIN/SARAH PENICKA-SMITH
Movement Director: Jana Castillo
Designer: Olivia Watkins
Conceived and produced by Sarah Penicka-Smith and Melanie Penicka-Smith/Penicka-Smith Arts & Event Management.

Original project development by Sharna Galvin, Melanie Penicka-Smith and Sarah Penicka-Smith.

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Entertainment

Blues on Broadbeach

Published

4 days ago

15 May 2024

Liam

Blues on Broadbeach

Returning for its 23rd year, Blues on Broadbeach is set to transform the Gold Coast into a rhythm and blues haven from May 16-19, 2024!

The festival will feature over 65 international and local artists across 16 indoor and outdoor stages, promising an abundance of live rhythm & blues over the four-day event.

The festival program and app are now live, so you can start planning your experience today! A highlight of the festival will be US headliner Melissa Etheridge, who is set to deliver a rocking two-hour show on Saturday night.

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Other international stars making their way to the festival include Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton, Ana Popovic, Eric Bibb, Hi Rhythm Section with Boo Mitchell, and Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, all renowned figures in the contemporary blues scene.

The festival will also showcase plenty of national and local talent, including festival favourite 8 Ball Aitken & Friends, who will host a special All-Star Blues Jam on Sunday, May 19. Gold Coast’s own Karl S. Williams will open for Melissa Etheridge on Saturday night.

A new addition this year is the Kurrawa Park Sunday Ticket, featuring New Zealand’s electronic-reggae-soul pioneers Fat Freddy’s Drop, alongside Tijuana Cartel and BOOMCHILD, who will perform exclusively at Kurrawa Park on Sunday, May 19.

With VIP tickets already sold out, be sure to secure your ticket soon to expand your Blues on Broadbeach experience! Beyond the six outdoor stages in the Broadbeach precinct, 10 Partnered Venues will also offer live music, allowing you to enjoy a meal or drink without missing any of the festival’s packed programming.

With so much happening from May 16-19, don’t miss out on your favourite acts! Download the Blues on Broadbeach 2024 festival app from the App Store or Google Play to create your personalised schedule.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: 16^th – 19^th of May
Where: Broadbeach
Tickets: Available here.

For more entertainment news, click here.

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Entertainment

ASH GRUNWALD AT THE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

Published

4 days ago

15 May 2024

Liam

ASH GRUNWALD AT THE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

One of Australia’s leading blues musician, Ash Grunwald, has announced a nationwide tour to celebrate the release of his latest single, “Life Without You.”

This laid-back track, which explores the themes of enduring love and appreciation for one’s partner, is a collaboration with Garrett Kato, renowned for his work with Tones & I’s “Dance Monkey” and numerous releases by Ziggy Alberts. The song’s emotional depth is sure to resonate with listeners.

Ash Grunwald has long been an inspiration, encouraging a generation to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, “surfing by day and jamming by night”.

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His illustrious career has seen him share stages with legends like James Brown, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, and Keith Urban, among many others. He has captivated audiences at sold-out festivals across Europe, Japan, and North America.

Grunwald’s impressive discography includes six Australian Top-50 albums, and he has been recognised with numerous accolades: five ARIA and four AIR Award nominations, two APRA Awards, and the Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards.

Don’t miss the chance to see Australia’s most dynamic blues performer live at The Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah. This tour promises to be a memorable experience, showcasing Ash Grunwald’s exceptional talent and his latest musical endeavours.

Be sure to catch this tour and witness the captivating performances of an artist who has significantly shaped the Australian blues scene. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, Ash Grunwald’s tour is an event not to be missed.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Fri 24th May, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah
Price: $50+BF
Tickets: Available here.

For more entertainment news, click here.

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Entertainment

Great Board Games for Family Game Night!

Published

1 week ago

9 May 2024

Liam

Great Board Games for Family Game Night!

A classic game night is the epitome of a cosy evening spent indoors, filled with laughter and friendly competition. Whether you’re looking to refresh your game cupboard or considering board games as thoughtful gifts, exploring the right options can enhance these lively gatherings. From strategic board games that challenge the mind to light-hearted party games that bring out the laughs, there’s something for everyone. Let’s delve into a selection of excellent games that are perfect for family game night, ensuring hours of entertainment and cherished memories with loved ones.

The game of life

College, marriage, kids, insurance! What a way to learn about being an adult while adding fun to the mix! In the Game of Life, each player navigates through various life stages using a plastic car on the game board, from choosing a college to settling into retirement.

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The goal of the game is to traverse life by making wise decisions, aiming to retire first and with the most wealth. It’s an excellent game for teaching children about life’s lessons in a fun and accessible manner. Playing this game as a family not only promises enjoyable moments but also ignites meaningful conversations.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Two to four
Recommended Age: 8 and up
Playing Time: 30 to 60 minutes

Monopoly

The first official Monopoly game was released in 1935, and it has been cultivating real estate moguls ever since. This board game involves both risk and chance as players purchase and trade properties while trying to avoid jail.

Players can buy properties if they have the necessary funds and can generate income by charging rent to other players who land on their properties. The objective of the game is to bankrupt your opponents, which can be a lengthy process. The strategy is to acquire enough properties in the same area to create a monopoly, making it difficult for other players to afford rent, ultimately leading to their bankruptcy.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Two to six
Recommended Age: 8 and up
Playing Time: One to two hours

Cards Against Humanity

When playing Cards Against Humanity, forget about maintaining decorum. The game features black cards with open-ended prompts and white cards filled with a mix of humorous, risqué, and bizarre phrases.

In each round, a player takes on the role of the judge and selects a black card to present to the group. The other players then choose one of their white cards that best complements the prompt and hand it to the judge. The judge mixes these submissions and reads them aloud, ultimately picking a favourite based on their appeal.

This game is strictly for adults, designed to provoke laughter. You can enjoy it just for the fun or keep score with points for each round’s winning card to find out who excels at pushing boundaries.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Four to 20
Recommended Age: 18 and up
Playing Time: 30 to 90 minutes

UNO

To play this engaging family game, all you need is an Uno card deck. It doesn’t require any additional pieces like marbles or spinners, making it easy to clean up and perfect for travel.

The Uno deck consists of 108 cards, with 25 cards in each of four colours and eight special action cards, such as Skip and Reverse. Players match cards from their hands to the card in the centre of the game by colour or number. They draw new cards from the deck until none remain. When a player is down to one card, they shout “Uno!”—a highlight of the game. Winning also traditionally involves a celebratory dance, adding to the fun.

Product Details: