fortyfivedownstairs Announces Upcoming Events

fortyfivedownstairs announces upcoming events:

The McNeil Project has critics and audiences raving, Un:sighted is an all abstract affair, and come August we're all ears with a musical smorgasboard set to delight - classical compositions, satirical revue and sing along doo wop tunes.

Theatre: The McNeil Project Wattle We Do Next Productions Ends 29 July Final week – not to be missed!

As well as the director, there has been praise for all the performers. Luke McKenzie and Cain Thompson, founders of New Theatre Company, Wattle We Do Next, who appear in both plays, fortyfivedownstairs veteran Richard Bligh (Café Scheherazade, Uncle Vanya) and newcomer Will Ewing all impress.

The plays present a "powerful slice of life", closely resembling that of the author, Jim McNeil who spent most of his life in and out of prison. On his release in 1974 he became the darling of the Sydney theatre set, had a short lived marriage to Robyn Nevin, and died of alcohol related illness in 1982.

The McNeil Project is one of the most powerful theatre experiences you'll have – two plays which have become justified classics of Australian theatre.

dates: Friday 6 to Sunday 29 July
times: Tuesday – Saturday 8pm, Sunday 5pm
tickets: Full $44, Concession $36

Book online or phone (03) 9662 9966

Both Galleries: Un:sighted
Group exhibition
Until 28 July

A group exhibition by Peter Summers, Troy Mendham, Emma Langridge, Tim Gresham, Louise Blyton and Lynette Smith. These six Melbourne artists all focus on the myriad pathways of abstraction.

The exhibition was opened by respectEd Gallery director Charles Nodrum who has been a champion of non-representational art for many years. He spoke highly of the work of the six artists, which range from Peter Summers' superbly executed colour field paintings, to Lynette Smith's astonishing installation of hundreds, perhaps even thousands of tiny beaded pins, casting intricate shadows.

In strong contrast are Troy Mendham's exuberant freehand black and white works with the impeccable geometry of Emma Langridge and Louise Blyton, while Tim Gresham combines his two loves, tapestry and photography in an installation that demonstrates the links between architectural and natural repetitive images and his exquisitely woven tapestries.

The two galleries have become the site of a brilliant mini contemporary installation.

Coming up

Music Theatre Revue: Mademoiselle
High Performance Company
1 - 19 August

In 2011 Michael Dalley entertained near hysterical, sell out audiences with his take on our obsession with real estate and décor - Urban Display Suite.

This year he returns with Mademoiselle, accompanied by long-time collaborator Paul McCarthy. We have had a preview of just a few of his wicked songs from this "gothic camp" musical revue and Dalley's biting wit is back with a vengeance!

Accompanied by the incomparable John Thorn on the grand piano, this will blow the winter blues away, in a night of totally politically incorrect satire.

dates: 1 - 19 August
preview: Tuesday 31 July
times: Tuesday to Saturday 8pm, Sunday 5pm
tickets: Preview $25, Full $35, Concession $28

book online or call 9662 9966

Music Recital: Streeton Trio
Musica Viva Rising Stars
6 August

The wonderful young Streeton Trio is returning to fortyfivedownstairs, and we couldn't be happier. This super talented young group are Musica Viva's "Rising Stars" for 2012 and their performance earlier this year delighted us all.

Lyrical, romantic, disciplined – all words that could be applied to the performances of pianist Benjamin Kopp, violinist Emma Jardine and cellist Martin Smith. We confidently assert that the Streeton Trio players are stars already playing with superb authority and rapport.

Programme:

Antonin Dvorak: Piano Trio No. 4 Op. 90 "Dumky"
Toru Takemitsu: Between Tides
Dmitri Shostakovich: Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor Op. 67
dates: One performance only - Monday 6 August
time: 8pm
tickets: Full $40, Seniors $35, Concession $25

book online or call 9662 9966

Both Galleries:Tupun Nguranguru – People of the Sandhill Country
The Spinifex Arts Project - 15th Anniversary Exhibition
Presented by Vivien Anderson Gallery
31 July - 11 August