Reviews

Chrissy Amphlett was never the kind of artist who could be confined neatly between stage wings. To capture her spirit requires something equally uncontainable, messy, eclectic, playful, and defiant. Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett, co-created by Sheridan Harbridge and Sarah Goodes, succeeds in doing exactly that. This new cabaret is not a straight biographical retelling, nor is it a jukebox concert.

Created and directed by Brisbane-born Stephen Page, Baleen Moondjan premiered in February 2024 at the Adelaide Festival as Stephen’s first major piece since working with Bangarra Dance Theatre as artistic director for more than 30 years. It is a fascinating theatre experience, as the dance and song takes place inside giant whale bones (a fabulous set design by Jacob Nash) to reinforce and celebrate the Indigenous Baleen Whale totems of Page’s mother’s Moondjan heritage from Minjerribah/Stradbroke Island.

A twenty-something woman, Riley (Georgia McGinness) goes back to the country town she came from – just as her life is coming together...  Her twin sister Mia has died, leaving behind a four-year-old son – and an empty house.  In a supermarket queue, Riley is startled when an old schoolmate, Kieran, mistakes her for Mia... And Riley doesn’t correct him.  Which makes us wonder about Mia...

Even the rain could not deter a sold-out audience attending St Peter’s Cathedral to experience Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s latest concert Remember: Sacred and Profane featuring two legendary composers Richard Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.