Flooding in
Flood Stories is the interactive audio project that documents the community’s response to the 2017 Lismore flood.
The 2017 flood was the first to overtop Lismore’s new levee, which had been built in 2005 to protect the town’s central business district and surrounding residential areas. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that 20,000 people were evacuated from Lismore and Murwillumbah. Four years on, the city of Lismore and its residents continue to grapple with the effects of the natural disaster – economically, physically and psychologically.
Funded through The Quad’s residency program Plein Air Flood Stories is an audio walk and storytelling project by audio documentary-maker, Southern Cross University lecturer and City of Lismore resident, Jeanti St Clair. The project explores residents’ experiences of the flood that left the community reeling in the wake of the intensity and destruction of the event. Scheduled for 2020 but delayed by the COVID-19 restrictions, Flood Stories features ten audio stories. The experience commences in a shipping container in the Lismore Quad. The audience dons raincoats and gumboots and takes ‘audio walks’, hearing stories of rescue and recovery. Participation is free.
Running 28 April–6 May in Lismore Quad.
For further details visit www.lismorequad.org.au
Funny Kids
Kids have a unique ability to see things for what they are. Of course, if they say what they see, they get in trouble. Not in comedy. Sharing insights on how you see the world is what gets you laughs! If you have a kid with a knack for humour, or perhaps a knack for seeing the world in a unique way, or even an honest way, then maybe you’ve got yourself a comedian. But don’t worry, it’s not serious! See if they have a career ahead, or just build their resilience. The Funny Kids stand up comedy workshop is taught by Mandy Nolan at the Drill Hall in Mullumbimby on Sunday 2 May 9am–12pm. A writing session, a rehearsal and a live show at the Byron Comedy Fest on 16 May to follow. For a spot in this workshop for 10–14 year olds go to mandynolan.com.au
A Boy Called Sailboat
Acclaimed guitarists Slava and Leonard Grigoryan have expanded their creative output by crafting and recording the soundtrack to the award-winning movie A Boy Called Sailboat.
Sailboat brings love and hope to a family who have forged a simple but proud life in the drought ridden Deep South of the USA. One afternoon he brings home a ‘little guitar’. From this moment, Sailboat and his little guitar are inseparable, and when his ill grandmother requests he write a song for her, Sailboat meanders through adversity to deliver the unimaginable – the greatest song ever written.
The Latin-themed soundtrack is a key element to the movie and provides an opportunity for audiences to hear the Grigoryan Brothers like never before. A Boy Called Sailboat is screening Thursday 29 April at Byron Theatre at 7.30pm with a live soundtrack performed by the Grigoryan Brothers. The screening will also include a Q&A with the film’s director, Cameron Nugent. Hosted by BBIFF director J’aimee Skippon-Volke.
Playing Chicken
Lemon Chicken is back at the Courthouse Hotel this Friday 23 April, kicking off at 8pm. This time there will be simultaneous dancing and drinking, as well as a special guest support band. Lemon Chicken will be pulling back the covers with songs from Hoodoo Gurus to the Foo Fighters. It will be an awesome evening of raucous music and a great crowd.
Bringing the live, local music back to town for only $5 at the door. @lemonchickenband
Swap it up for empowerment
Here is your chance to swap your lovely, but rarely worn, clothes for other lovely but rarely worn clothes and to support Women’s Empowerment in Indian Villages by doing so.
Bring along your good quality clothes (all on hangers). Also, baby or children’s clothes in a basket or on a mat for display. There will be free refreshments including cake, coffee and tea, live acoustic music by Greg Emery, and raffle prizes.
Entry is $20 – to book your place please phone Francoise on 0404 728 450.
Saturday 1 May at 2pm at Gondwana Community Hall.
Join in on the Loneliness Connection
TLC: The Loneliness Connection is a project funded by Create NSW to shine a light on loneliness and create community connection. The project outcome is a collaboratively devised dance-theatre experience that is layered, original, fun and intimate. The production is directed by Vicki Lawrence with local performance artists Marissa Treichel, Rohini Drury, Ruth Walker, Danielle Linegar, Justine Grantham and supported by Drill Hall Creative Director Liz Chance.
Book now to reserve your place and support this local, new, vulnerable and important dance theatre work. One show only! Sunday 2 May 2021, 2pm.
Tickets $25 from www.drillhalltheatre.org.au
Green Light for MardiGrass
The Nimbin MardiGrass is on! With the covid-caused cancellation last year, and watching the second Bluesfest knock out, organisers were nervous, but President of the HEMP Embassy and host of the event, Michael Balderstone, is thrilled to say it’s game on! ‘We have a terrific lineup of speakers and artists of all kinds. A lot of comedy and a lot of politicians, which should balance each other out! Two newly elected Legalize Cannabis politicians from WA, David Heilpern is back since he quit the bench, and he will MC a Q&A on Roadside Drug Testing, the main reason he disrobed.’
Join the hill folk for MardiGrass – literally the best grassroots festival in the world. Cutting edge culture, music, comedy, politics, and connection! 30 April–2 May. Find our more on nimbinmardigrass.com
Looking Through
Look At / Look Through is the latest group exhibition at BSA that explores the relationship between the figure and the landscape. In some works, figures survey the landscape in front of them. In others, the viewer becomes an absent figure, with the work inviting them into another place outside of the gallery.
Byron School of Art opening celebrations Friday 23 April, 6–8pm.
CINEMA
Peter Rabbit 2
The lovable rogue is back. Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have made peace as a family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself on the mean streets of the city where his mischief is better appreciated. But when his furry family is put in danger, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.
Peter Rabbit 2 is screening at both the Ballina Fair cinema and the Palace Theatre
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