The Castle, The Dish, Any Questions Now? Any Questions for Ben? » THERE was The Castle, there was The Dish, and now Any Questions for Ben? A decade and a year after The Dish, the highly successful Working Dog gang has now come up with its new film Any Questions for Ben? written by Rob Sitch (who directs the movie), Santo Cilauro and Tom Gleisner. In the ensemble cast are Josh Lawson, Rachael Taylor, Daniel Henshall, Christian Clark and Felicity Ward. It's a school reunion film where somehow, uncharacteristically, no one asks a question of Ben (Lawson). Are there any questions for Working Dog?

Bahar Untitled Bahar explores a place of contradictions » THE current exhibition at Breathing Colours is Our World by Bahar comprising abstract and figurative abstract paintings by the artist. Bahar, a contemporary Persian artist living in Sydney, started painting at the age of 12 and was taught advanced techniques and abstract painting by her master Karim Nasr. Having grown up in a place with contradictions of tradition, religion and logical philosophies due to modernism and historical transitions, Bahar is said to have reflected these contradictions in her painting in texture and setting as well as colors and figures. Breathing Colours, 446 Darling St, Balmain, until February 18. Phone (02) 9555 8543.

Namatjira Rankin's Namatjira paints a portrait of artist's life and times » WITH the help of Namatjira's descendants, writer/director Scott Rankin has painted a whole-hearted tribute to the Arrernte artist whose beautiful watercolors introduced the lounge rooms of Australian suburbia to the exquisite beauty of our central desert heartland. Namatjira was a man who at the height of his fame sold out his shows within minutes, supported more than 600 members of his community, lost two of his 10 children to malnutrition, was forbidden to own land, imprisoned for having a drink with his friends and died a broken man... (more)

Shir Madness gets ready to be beached Shir Madness performers » SHIR Madness is back on Bondi Beach in March with several of its high-profile favories and a number of big-name debutants. Shir Madness takes place at Bindi Pavilion on March 25 with performers such as triple Aria-Award-winning gypsy jazz legends Monsieur Camembert, Melbourne’s wild gypsy pop Barons of Tang, Australian pop-rock star Old Man River, famous New York a capella choir The Western Wind, the London Klezmer Quartet and Australian classical music star Simon Tedeschi. Bookings: 132-849 or ticketek.com. Advance bookings until March 20 at shirmadness.com.

Here comes the Mardi Gras » THE Sydney Mardi Gras Festival opens on February 12 with its traditional Fair Day at Victoria Park, Camperdown, and continues with a variety of events until March 4. For festival spectators a highlight of the Mardi Gras Festival is the glittering nighttime parade on March 3... (more)

» FOR current and coming Sydney theatre productions, the Sydney
Theatre Guide is the place to visit for up-to-date listings and booking
information. Also see What's On in Melbourne.

» IF you have a story to tell, here's how to submit material for publication.





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Larry Rivera, Editor

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