Genext - New Romance: Art and the Posthuman | Museum of Contemporary Art

My daughter (15) went to MCA's Genext evening New Romance: Art and the Posthuman  on Sunday. The event is for teens aged between 12 and 18, where they get the run of the museum. (images by Mischa)

More info 

Random Musical | Monkey Baa Theatre

If you are looking for a day out with some culture and fun, Monkey Baa Theatre is a great family venue for such an event. Situated directly opposite the children’s playground in the Darling Quarter Precinct, Monkey Baa Theatre is currently presenting Random Musical by Cre8tion till 16th July. 

The musical commences with each child writing down a random word on a card, and from these cards their random words lead the actors in taking the audience members on a clever and completely random musical adventure. Conjuring up spontaneous characters based on the audience’s random words, these talented actors completely improve the whole story with creative song, clever dialogue and costume, creating a storyline that is unlimitedly imaginative.

The kids loved the audience participation and surprises of the unexpected twists and turns of the story. Their involvement in the musical created a connection to the story that kept them entertained and creatively involved until the end. When asked who was their favourite character my son replied the pianist. He was amazed of how the pianist cleverly kept up with the actors sudden change in storylines and pace with the changes in his music.

Random Musical was lots of fun and I felt it was a great intro to improv acting and live theatre for young children. You won’t know what story you will get, but it will be definitely totally original with lots of silliness, fun and laughs.

By Virginia and Barkley

Random Musical
12^th – 16^th July 2016
Monkey Baa Theatre
Darling Quarter Precinct

Friday Finds

image: Nick Miller

+ A new music and arts festival - The Lost Lands - shared experiences for families of creatives, music-lovers and the adventurous. When: October 28-31 2016, Where: Werribee Mansion (Melbourne)

+ hotDocs - Most documentaries are classified for under 18's 

+ Unicorn Youth - weekly radio show dedicated to giving young LGBTQIA+ people a voice

+ Why poetry is great for young children - Lilly Blue on Kinderling radio

+ If you have a shutterbug aged under 11 - get them snapping for this

+ JAM Online courses for kids

+ Studio Ghibli week at Golden Age Cinema in Surry Hills

+ How to talk about teenage mental health 

+ Aphex Twins first video in 17 years directed by a 12 year old YouTuber

Taikoz Family Taiko Play is tanoshii!

Our favourite family arcade game in Tokyo is Taiko no Tatsujin (Drumming master). It's so addictive we have to drag our kids (and ourselves) away from it or we would be playing it all night long.

My youngest son, Salvador (12) and I were invited to try out the real thing over at the Family Play Taiko workshop at Taikoz. We were joined by other families as we gathered in the Taikoz inner sanctum hidden within the Ultimo Trade Centre in Ultimo to learn about the Japanese performance art of drumming. After a warm up, we were guided through playing a drum sequence with our tutors Kerryn and Sam.  The workshop was energetic and rewarding as we developed our rhythmic skills working as a team.

As a bonus Kerryn and Sam impressed us with their drumming skills and showed us what we could achieve if we kept on drumming!

The Greasy Chicken Orchestra - 15th Feb 2016

photo by Rachel Knepfer

We love discovering interesting evenings we can enjoy as a family especially when it involves music. So when our friend Phillip Johnston told us about his upcoming event - we were all over it.

Hope to see you there!

Here are the details:

"15th Feb -- The Greasy Chicken Orchestra at Foundry616, the great jazz club in Ultimo. The group is devoted to early jazz - the music of the 1920s and 1930s, New Orleans jazz, early Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton. It's not a trad band, and it's not a historical re-enactment, it's a living love letter to the music of one of the best eras of jazz, played by some of Sydney's greatest jazz musicians.

And it is starting early (7.30PM), so that kids can come too - yes, it's a school night, but it starts at 7.30PM, they could be home in bed by 9PM! (as if).

Note: musicians in the picture will not all be the same as those playing on the night, and no white chocolate chip cookies will be sold. But they do make great fried calamari at Foundry616!

Here's the great band we'll have:

Phillip Johnston: soprano saxophone

Peter Farrar: alto saxophone

Jeremy Rose: tenor saxophone

James Loughnan: baritone saxophone

Peter Dasent: piano

Jonathan Zwartz: bass

Nic Cecire: drums"

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The Greasy Chicken Orchestra
Monday 15 February 2016
Foundary616
616 Harris St 
Ultimo
Tickets $5 online (+ booking fee) or at the door

Seymour Centre | Page to Stage over the school holidays

This school holidays the Seymour are bringing the pages of two popular children's books to the stage alongside free activities within their courtyard and foyers.

The Very Cranky Bear (Crank Bear) is being brought to life by South Australian theatre company Patch Theatre who are known for their delightful productions (Mr Mcgee and the Biting Flea, Emily likes to Bounce!, Who Sank the Boat?). We loved their production of  Me and my Shadow way back in 2011.

For older children,  Brisbane's Shake & Stir Theatre Co. will take on Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts.  My 11-year-old son is keen to catch this production and it is on our list for over the holidays.

What we love: Affordable family theatre.  Live music (The Vegetable Plot) and Parkour in the courtyard from Team 9Lives.

Seymour School Holiday Program
22 - 26 September
Tickets from $20.

Vivid Sydney 2015 | Youth and Families

Vivid Light is always a major event on every family calendar. My stand out this year is Light Origami which invites viewers to explore the nature of reality by entering a giant 3D kaleidoscope.

This year we will also be including our children in our Vivid Sydney Ideas and Music adventures.

My daughter  (13 years) is a young creator - and I'm curious to learn more about her world. We will be heading to #NOFILTER  -  a 'conversation inspired by and showcasing the work of young creators and explore the distinct point of view youth can provide in the creative process. Young producers, animators, photographers and social media personalities will share insights into their own creative process, discuss what connects with their audiences, and offer key takeaways for anyone looking to learn from the future stars of content creation.'

She will also be attending An evening with Morrissey with her dad within Vivid Music.

My eldest son (16 years) will be into Feedback - A Music Conference for Young People - he is yet to explore the Vivid Music program.

And for younger kids - Archikids Play[ground] will be right up their alley in the Hyde Park Barracks as it transformed into an interactive playground. Not sure yet if it will be too young for my 11 year old son.

Dress Up Attack! = indie rock performances + interactive activities --- for young kids and their parents/carers.

The MCA Zine Fair covers all my kids.... the fair is a great introduction and inspiration into what they can create on their own and distribute.

So much to explore over May and June!

Sydney Festival 2015 for families

The 2015 Sydney Festival opens next week and has again another wonderful year for families with young and/or older children. Masquerade will be on the top of most families list  and Tabac Rouge will be magnificent.
Ali McGregor's Jazzamatazz! will knock the kids socks off and The Luck Child looks like fun.

This year we will be catching The Kitchen - in 2010 we all went as a family for Roysten Abel's The Manganiyar Seduction and we were all wowed.

There are plenty of free options across the city to keep you busy over the school holidays as well.
The Vegetable Plot - Melodies and vegetables
Hotbed Designs - Blocks prints and fabric paint
Dear Hope Street - A modern day message in a bottle
Australian Museum in the Village - Discover Hyde Park as a scientist
City of Sydney Lawn Library - Books take a holiday outside
Cool down with the Waterfall Swing at Darling Harbour
More free options.

To explore the full family festival program visit: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2015/family

Sydney Festival
8 - 26 Jan 2015

Kids at the House 2014 - Sydney Opera House

The Kids at the House have announced their 2014 program. I was delighted to see some old favourites and performances I have been waiting patiently to arrive in Australia. My kids are getting older now (15, 12 and 9) and we have outgrown the Babies Proms but the 2014 season looks after everyone.

These are our picks:

Illusionists 2.0 - My youngest son is obsessed with magic - as most nine year olds are. We have already secured our tickets for his upcoming birthday.

The Magic Flute - This kid friendly performance of The Magic Flute is a wonderful introduction to opera and worth saving up for. My daughter and I went to this in 2012 and we both loved it.

The Incredible Book Eating Boy  - Everyone in our house eats books and this is also a favourite book when the kids were younger.

Leo  - This looks like fun and physical theatre is wonderful for all ages.

The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly  -  Finnegan Kruckenmeyer  is one of our favourite playwrights - he knows kids theatre!  

Hans Christian, You Must Be an Angel - My eldest son and I have seen Gruppe 38's performance of Hansel and Gretel in 2010 and a reworking of Little Red Riding Hood - A Sonatina and The Little Match Girl in 2007. When I saw that their latest production was featuring  in the Dublin Theatre Festival - I urged our family in Dublin to go.  I am booking our tickets now!


Of course, there is more to explore - but I will leave that up to you.

Arts Rocket Friday Finds

• BEAMS art festival...wander through the lane ways of Chippendale for installations, workshops and music
• Thinktank workshops for tech crazy kids at Powerhouse 
• Teens - Zine making workshop with Vanessa Berry
• Last weekend we watched The Rocket  - kids gave it 10/10
• Relive the magic of early cinema with The Adventures of Prince Achmed
• Kid Contemporary at Contemporary  Sydney 

The Cat in the Hat - Sydney Opera House

image: Leigh Russell

Today we headed to the Sydney Opera House to celebrate Summer with Dr Seuss's The Cat in the Hat  and experience the family friendly precinct along the Broadwalk. As we headed towards the Opera House we could feel the vibe before we even walked into the special Summer at the House area.

Before or after the performance families can hang outside in the sunshine  along the western broadwalk and grab a drink, Mexican from El Loco (with kid size tacos) or delicious healthy ice blocks. We loved this area and there is enough space to wander around and take in the amazing view. There are shaded table areas but make sure you take hats for kids if you miss out and have to take a table in the sun.

The Creative Play areas is a successful concept used to keep young children occupied before they head into the theatre.  Within the foyers kids have a choice of story telling, puppet making and the very popular Seussophone to keep them busy. 

The Cat in the Hat performance (with an all Australian cast) is wonderful for families with young children (3 - 6 years) who love the book and want to see the characters brought to  life. If you have children who are hesitant in learning how to read this is a great opportunity to see a performance that can lead to picking up the book to start their reading adventure.    Cat in the Hat  kept  the young audience members transfixed utilising sound effects, puppetry, vibrant props and kids imagination   to capture the chaos and charm  bringing this classic story from page to stage.

Our tip: Make sure you give yourself time before and after the show to experience everything on offer!

The Cat in the Hat  until 27th Jan 2013
Sydney Opera House
running time 40 minutes
Ages 3 - 6 years
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Arts Rocket Friday Finds

• La la Land colouring books featuring Australian and International artists
• Sign up camera loving  kids to the Art House Co-op Series 
• Sydney Opera House goes  Lego  
• Film festivals in Sydney with great family films - check out French Film Festival, Young at Heart and the Silent Film Festival
• Pop up Paper Zoo at Tinkerlab

My night at the Opera | The Magic Flute

Photo by: Branco Gaica

On Tuesday my Mum and I had an evening out together at the Opera. We went to the Sydney Opera House for a performance of  Mozart's "The Magic Flute."  I have been to the Opera House for kids shows before but this was much more special.

I like to listen to Opera on the radio in the evenings before I go to sleep and the last few weeks I have been listening to the CD of The Magic Flute.

We arrived at the Opera House early so we could get a drink in the foyer and I also had some chocolate. There were a lot of other families there as well.  When we went  into the  concert hall it was completely full and our seats had a great view of the stage and we could see everything that was going on.

I thought the singing was inspiring and the costumes were so divine. The puppets were oversized, colourful, fascinating and everyone seated near me  enjoyed them.  The set was huge and it  moved around for the performers and to show different scenes.   Sometimes it was difficult to understand what was being sung (even in English) but luckily you can read the surtitles (the words appear on a small screen above the stage) but I found it more enjoyable just to listen and take it all in.

The story is about Prince Tamino who is saved from a serpent by three of the Queens helpers.  When they go off to tell the Queen a bird catcher called  Papageno bumps into the Prince and takes the credit for saving him from the snake and they become friends. When the three ladies come back they put a muzzle on him so he can not talk as punishment for lying.

The Queen sends them both off on adventure  to save her daughter Pamina from  the cruel Sarastro.  Tamino is given a magic flute and Papageno silver bells for a safe  journey. There are also three spirits that guide them. But there are some twists and  Prince Tamino and Papageno  face many dangers but find their way to a happy ending.

The Opera runs for two hours but you get to have a break half way and can go outside, enjoy the view and have a chat.

After the performance even though it was way past my bed time  we had a drink and some dessert at the Opera bar outside and listened to the jazz band playing and talked about our night at the Opera.

I think  The Magic Flute would be  great for kids who are  five and older and families who want to have a special night out with their kids.
by Mischa age 10

MORE INFO
Sydney until 23rd March 2012
Melbourne 21st April until 12th May 2012
Bookings and more information visit http://www.opera-australia.org.au/

The List Operators - Kids do Compooters | Sydney Festival 2012

The List Operators - Kids do Compooters is exactly what school holiday entertainment should be all about - silly, disgusting, hilarious and plenty of poo jokes to keep the whole family happy.    My two youngest children (10 and 8) and I did not stop laughing throughout the opening performance of this fantastic show within the Sydney Festival family program.

The List Operators take on Cyberspace and everything floating within it   featuring  plenty of audience  participation to keep the pace going. The game of Pong has never been more exciting.  Matt Kelly and Richard Higgins are masters at captivating a whole audience,  both kids and adults.

Kids do Compooters is so much fun and once word spreads expect it to be difficult to get hold of a ticket.

MORE INFO

All tickets $18.00

Suitable for age group 5+ 

Seymour Centre
Dates
Jan 10 - 13  at 10.00am
Jan 11 - Jan 13  at 12.30pm
Bookings and more info

Riverside - Parramatta
Dates
Jan 17, 19-21 at 10am
Jan 19-21 at 12.30pm
Bookings and more info

Kids at the House 2012 - Our picks

Escape from Peligro Island

The Kids at the House 2012 program has been announced.  We have seen some real gems over the last years of the program that caters for families young and old and the 2012 program does not disappoint.

These are our picks for the year:
White (22 - 26th Feb)
A production suited for younger audiences introduction to theatre (2 - 4 years) from Scotland's Catherine Wheels Theatre Company.

Escape from Peligro Island (19-28th April)
My kids have always loved the "Choose your Adventure" books. This takes the same concept and lets the audience choose the narrative of the play voting with their own remote controller.    *No two shows will be alike!
This exciting production was written by Finegan Kruckemeyer. Many families may have seen his beautiful piece "Boats" at the Darlinghurst in 2011.
Suitable for ages 7+
Prepare for this show to sell out!

Boxy George (3 - 13th Oct)
An intimate puppetry experience by Danish theatre Company Teater Refleksion.
George is alone
It is nice to be alone
Everything is nice and tidy
Perfect.
But...one day a box shows up.
And George is not alone anymore
Suitable for ages 5-10 years

Man Coverts Birds (18th Aug)
Another  Finegan Kruckemeyer piece!   Slingsby bring us a  coming of age journey  about flying from nests, birdsong  and the nature of man and wild things.
Suitable for ages 10+

Of course, there are many more performances to explore within the program.  I would advise booking ahead on any shows that catch you eye.
For full program and bookings visit: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/About/program_Kids_at_the_House.aspx

Rocks Moonlight Markets

This is a fantastic find. The Rocks have gone to a lot of trouble to provide quirky and fun entertainment for everyone, in a family friendly environment. Plus there are stalls and pop up shops for present buying.

Arran and I had a great time. It started with a street lined with chamber musicians, which led us to explore a couple of laneways.
Next we were enticed into an intimate (secret) laneway performance. So we can't tell you what we saw! There are a few shows and they last for around 3 minutes.

After that we passed through quirky book readings to the puppet theatre which alas, was not age suitable for under 18's (which they did tell us before we went in).

We were even a little spooked by the curious tent, as we hadn't taken along a present ... Enough said, again, you need to see it for yourself.

In between grabbing a bite to eat from the market stalls, we also had a boogie at the silent disco, watched some swing dancing and live music in the square. Plus there were Hula Hoop lessons and hairdressing and makeup.

It was such fun. We are going back next week and have even booked in for a hairdo! Apparently next week is "Urban", the look this week was swing.

A great, fun way to spend a few hours. Definitely worth a visit.

Forgot to mention, all the activities, except the puppet show were free. Absolute score for the Rocks!

Opening hours - 5.30pm - 10pm
Friday nights
4 November - 23 December
The Rocks, Sydney

--
Joanne Kee

Machine Atlas | 25 - 28 August

Machine Atlas brings together a group of young Australians to create machines for the future that inspires change, consequence and invention. The community are invited into this world where anything is possible - incorporating performance, music, film and installation..

At this market you can sample an array of bespoke machines for living ...

Machines that we need

Cause and effect machines

Mechanical body extensions

Machines that make you look good

The world of Machine Atlas has been created by 80 young people and a team of emerging theatre makers involved in Shopfront's Outreach and Education Program.

Age Group: This exhibition will inspire teens as well as younger kids who like to create and build.

Dates: 25 (Preview) - 28 August

Venue: Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street, Kogarah

Cost: Free event

**Shopfront also present interesting school holiday workshops - keep your eye on their website for upcoming details.

Hairspray - Welcome to the sixties

My daughter (9 years) and I like to spend time away from the boys in the house and have a girls night out once a month. Last week our "night out" was at the musical Hairspray. The evening was alive with an air of excitement because this was going to be her first musical and we are fans of the original John Waters film.

The story is set in 1962 Baltimore and Tracey Turnblad is a 'pleasantly plump' teenager who achieves her dream of dancing on a local TV dance show. Tracey uses her new found popularity as a platform to encourage intergration and makes some enemies and new friends along the way.

The cast exudes an energy that keeps the audience captivated during the two and half hour show. The set has a personality of its own and consists of giant LED screens that animates replacing traditional props and backdrops, allowing scenes to change instantly and keeps the musical fast paced. I found the screens at first overwhelming but I soon adjusted to the style.

The colours are vivid and bright, costumes are flamboyant and bold and the dancing and singing spectacular. Stand out songs for us were the energetic, "Welcome to the 60s" and "You can't stop the beat".

When I asked my daughter what she thought of the show she said, "Mum, I didn't like it... I loved it!"

• The performance runs for two and a half hours with a 20 minute interval
• The 8pm performance gave us a late night and if you are the taking the kids the matinee would be better suited.
• Performances contain strobe lighting, stage smoke, fog effects, LED screens and theatrical smoking
• The audience consisted of musical aficionados, families, couples and groups of friends young and old.
• If you want to see the movie before the performance - the John Waters original version is a lot of fun! (rated PG)

For more information on bookings, performance times and ticket prices visit: Hairspray, The Musical Until 7th August at Lyric Theatre, Star City

Director: David Atkins Cast: Trevor Ashley, Jaz Flowers, Grant Piro, Scott Irwin, Marney McQueen, Jack Chambers

Snow on Mars - Review - Sydney Festival 2011

Richard Tulloch and Kim Carpenter (Theatre of Image) have teamed up again for the Sydney Festival for their wonderful production "Snow on Mars."

The story centres on 12 year old Waylon (physical performer, Rick Everett) who wants to be an astronaut but his father has other things on his mind. Waylon's mother has passed away and he travels from each caravan park to the next with his supportive Nana and country singing dad around Australia. The story explores family, following your dreams, friendship and the beauty of space.

I went to the performance with my son (aged 7) and his friend. The acrobatic and aerialelements and the creative use of the large screen were the highlights of the performance. One of the favourites for the boys was a spectacular scene when the Ghost Astronaut walked across the screen the stars exploded beneath his feet. Amongst the excitement of the multimedia and movement their attention span did waver during some parts of the story.

If your child has a love of space, astronauts and/or acrobats! they will enjoy Snow on Mars.

Go behind the scenes of Snow on Mars: http://blog.sydneyfestival.org.au/snow-on-mars-behind-the-scenes

More details:

January 7 to 16

York Theatre Seymour Centre

Bookings and more information http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2011/Family/Snow-on-Mars/

Snow on Mars - Sydney Festival 2011

Our whole family loved The Book of Everything at the Belvior on earlier in the year.  So we are very excited to see that Richard Tulloch and Kim Carpenter have teamed up again for the production of Snow on Mars. The production will incorporate aerial, actors, music, song and digital animation.

12-year-old Waylon (physical performer, Rick Everett) wants to be the first man on Mars.

From a country caravan park, he writes letters to his hero, Andy Thomas. It seems impossible that Waylon could ever become an astronaut. His Dad (Elliott Weston) and Nan (Deborah Kennedy) move around so often that he is falling behind in his schoolwork.

Waylon getting into NASA is as unlikely as finding snow on Mars.

With the help of his Nan and local girl Gabi (Danielle Jackson), Waylon throws himself into the challenge, entering a project about the difficulties of landing the first man on Mars.

They discover that, although dreams may not necessarily come true, there is much joy and excitement to be had in reaching for them.

Writer: RICHARD TULLOCH. Concept & Design: KIM CARPENTER. Director: GALE EDWARDS. Composer: PETER KENNARD. Choreographer: ROWAN MARCHINGO. Lighting: TRUDY DALGLEISH. Digital Artists: MICHELLE FRENCH & BETSY BAKER. Advising Astronaut: ANDY THOMAS. Cast: ELLIOTT WESTON, DEBORAH KENNEDY, DANIELLE JACKSON, RICK EVERETT, DEAN CROSS.

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More details:

January 7 to 16

 York Theatre, Seymour Centre.

 Suits ages 6-106 Adult $36, Child $24 Family $23 x 4 = $92.

Bookings: Sydney Festival 1300 688 812. Seymour Centre 02 9351 7940 Ticketmaster 1300 723 038 http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au