The Planner

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday November 15, 2008

Compiled by Ellie Harvey Angie Schiavone Send listings to theplanner@smh.com.au

GOING, GOING ...

INDONESIAN ART FESTIVAL

Indonesian artists living in Sydney exhibit work alongside traditional objects, textiles and photographs. There's an Indonesian dance demonstration at 2pm on Saturday and a grass-puppet-making class at 2pm on Sunday.

Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, free, www.waverley.nsw.gov.au.

TRIPTYCH

Examining the elements - air, electricity and water - through dance, this performance explores them as fundamental modes of physicality. Incorporating sonic and visual structures, it is framed by three large video screens that surround the audience.

Saturday, 4pm, 8pm, CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh, $30/$25, 1300 723 038, www.ticketmaster.com.au.

ABSTRACT MOOD

Wendy Cohen and Janette "Dusty" Symonds, who come from very different cultural and artistic backgrounds, exhibit a collection of abstract works that cover a diverse range of moods and techniques.

Saturday and Sunday, 11am-6pm, Gallery Adagio, 91 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, free, 9552 2833.

LEONARDO DA VINCI

Models Of Invention replicates da Vinci's designs as three- dimensional models, be it in art, science or technology. The models display form and function, mechanics, futurism and dualism.

Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm, Level 4, UTS Tower Building, Ultimo, free, www.leonardo.uts.edu.au.

ETC

ART @ LOUNGE

An auction featuring more than 15 original works donated by local artists. The auction will raise money for a campaign to legalise same-sex marriage in Australia.

Sunday, 5pm, Cafe Lounge, 277 Goulburn Street, Darlinghurst, free, www.studioasu.com/lounge.

CHRISTMAS CHAIR TREE

The challenge has been set. More than 300 wooden kitchen chairs are needed to build this unusual community art project. For every chair received, $5 will be donated to the Starlight Children's Foundation Livewire. The tree will be lit on December 5.

Saturday, 8am-11am, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Loading Dock, 66 Harrington Street, The Rocks, free, 9240 8856, www.therocks.com.

RIVERBEATS

A cultural carnival with an environmental slant - Riverbeats Live blends music, performance, multimedia visuals, theatre and animation for a spectacular night-time display.

Saturday, 7.30pm-10pm, Parramatta River, Lennox Street Bridge, Parramatta, free, www.riverbeats.com.au.

MATHILDA'S MARKET

Get the Christmas shopping done a little early this year at the kids' markets where 55 artists, designers and small retailers put their goods on sale. There will be music and face painting for the kids.

Sunday, 9am-1pm, St Ignatius College Riverview, Tambourine Bay Road, Lane Cove, free, www.mathildasmarket.com.au.

MIDWEEK

THE GOD BOTHERERS

Laura, a dizzy 24-year-old from Bracknell in England, is out to save the world in this satirical romp through the Third World. Written by English playwright Richard Bean.

Wednesday and Friday, 8pm, Darlinghurst Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point , $25-$35, 8356 9987, www.darlinghursttheatre.com.

DAN WILSON

Dan Wilson, formerly of Semisonic, headlines his own show in Australia for the first time, after supporting Martha Wainwright on her tour. Wilson's latest album, Free Life, was widely acclaimed.

Wednesday, 8pm, Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Enmore, $26.40, 9550 3666, www.factorytheatre.com.au.

GREENING THE UNIVERSE

Astronomer, writer, broadcaster, environmentalist and musician Dr Fred Watson discusses the environmental implications associated with furthering our knowledge of space. Bookings essential.

Thursday, 6.30-7.30pm, Barnet Long Room, Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay, free, 9265 9895, www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

FASHION PARADE

The Whitehouse Institute of Design shows the work of interior-design and styling graduates, along with their end-of-year runway fashion show. The diverse range of creations may show the future of fashion.

Tuesday and Wednesday, 6pm, Paddington Town Hall, Oxford Street, Paddington, $30, 9267 8799, www.whitehouse-design.edu.au.

FREE

EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL

See the internationally acclaimed film Welcome To The Sticks (Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis) which makes light of French regional stereotypes, on a giant outdoor inflatable screen. Bring a picnic.

Saturday, 7pm (film 8pm), St Leonards Park, cnr Falcon and Miller streets, North Sydney, 1300 767 746, www.HelgasFilmFestival.com.au.

SAFE SEMINARS

Learn from self-defence expert John Gill about safety and awareness strategies, and defensive techniques to protect against physical and sexual assault. The seminar has been specifically designed for children older than six and women. Booking essential.

Sunday, Pymble, Beecroft and Warriewood, for details, phone 0432 767 900, www.johngill.com.au.

WOOD CARVING

Sydney Woodcarving Group demonstrate their craft as part of an exhibition of more than 80 artworks by 18 artists using various woods from Australian cedar to Manchurian oak.

Saturday, 1.30pm-3.30pm, Fairfield City Museum and Gallery, cnr The Horsley Drive and Oxford Street, Smithfield, 9609 3993, www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/museumgallery.

EIFFEL TOWER

An exhibition of photography, art and memorabilia goes on display to celebrate the Eiffel Tower, climbed by more than 200,000 Australians each year. Next year is the tower's 120th anniversary.

Saturday and Sunday, all day, Sofitel Wentworth, Phillip Street, Sydney, 9231 5243, www.franceguide.com.

OUT OF TOWN

THEATRE IN THE PARK

On the banks of the Hawkesbury River, Brooklyn Community Theatre will perform a comical murder-mystery. Their tradition is to keep the name of the play a secret until the big night but they assure it will be great entertainment for all.

Saturday, 6.30pm, Brooklyn Rest Park, Pacific Highway, Brooklyn, $15/$10, www.theatreinthepark.com.au.

LIGHT SPECTACULAR

Start the Christmas celebrations a little early this year with the Lights Spectacular, a display featuring a snow dome, nativity scene, motorised miniature train set and gingerbread house. It incorporates more than 20 kilometres of lights and 400,000 globes.

Sunday, 6.30pm, Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin, $12.50/$7.50 (children five and under free), 4998 4000, www.hvg.com.au.

CROOKED MOUNTAIN CONCERT

Enjoy an open-air concert as the sun goes down, with performances from the winners of the Western Region Battle of the Bands, special guest James Reyne and country singer Felicity Urquhart. There will be food, markets and kids entertainment under the stars.

Saturday, 5pm (concert at 7pm), Warrumbungle National Park, just out of Coonabarabran, north-western NSW, $50/$45, 6825 4364, www.outbacknow.com.au.

PORCELAIN EXHIBITION AND SALE

Hand-painted porcelain is on show in traditional, European, floral and modern styles, as well as watercolours and silk painting. The theme, Beetles, Bugs & Butterflies, has attracted many colourful and textural displays.

Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm, The Old Court House, cnr Harbour Street and Cliff Road, Belmore Basin, Wollongong, free, 4228 8936.

PERFORMANCE

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

The Australian Chamber Orchestra features lead violinist Richard Tognetti and principal cellist Timo-Veikko Valve. They perform Prokofiev's Classical Symphony, Brahms's Double Concerto for violin and cello and Beethoven's Symphony No.8.

Saturday, 8pm, City Recital Hall, Angel Place, from $48, 8256 2222, www.cityrecitalhall.com.

THE WILD BOYS

The Australian Theatre of the Deaf presents a play combining sign language and physical movement. It tells the story of two very different boys who see the world in much the same way.

Saturday, 2pm, 8pm, Parade Playhouse, NIDA Parade Theatre, 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington, $30/$15, 1300 795 012, www.ticketek.com.au.

GAY CONVERSION SCHOOL DROP OUT

In this hilarious stand-up show, discover what happened when Anthony Menchetti's wacky parents sent him to a Christian gay conversion school to rid him of his homosexuality.

Saturday and Sunday, 9pm, FuseBox at the Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Enmore, from $19, 9550 3666, www.factorytheatre.com.au.

DANCE DANCE DANCE

Performers from Dancing With The Stars, Strictly Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance make up the cast of this dance show featuring ballroom, salsa, Latin American, jive and breakdancing.

Saturday, 8pm, Star Theatre, Star City Casino, from $49.50, 1300 795 267, www.ticketmaster.com.au.

SUNSETS

Relax with a free drink on a lazy Sunday afternoon to the country and bluegrass music of the Green Mohair Suits, early '70s rock from the Ramalamas and soul from singer-songwriter Aaron Lyon.

Sunday, 4pm, Fringe Bar, 106 Oxford Street, Paddington, $8, www.myspace.com/fringesunsets.

BOOKS

BOOK SIGNINGS

Head to the Glebe Fair to get copies of Science Is Golden signed by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (10am) and the 2008 Chaser Annual signed by some members of the Chaser team (noon).

Sunday, outside Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, inquiries, 9660 2333.

MARGARET WILCOX

The author discusses her memoir Gone, about a mother's 14-year search for her daughter.

Thursday, 6.30 for 7pm, free, Berkelouw Books, 708 New South Head Road, Rose Bay, bookings, 9371 5500.

BOB CARR

The former Premier shares his opinions on presidential biographies and memoirs.

Wednesday, 5.30 for 6pm, $22, State Library of NSW, Macquarie Street, city, bookings, 9273 1770.

TRAVEL TALE

Comedian David Smiedt discusses his book From Russia With Lunch: A Lithuanian Odyssey.

Wednesday, 6.30pm, free, Potts Point Bookshop, 14 Macleay Street, Potts Point, bookings, 9331 6642.

MAGGIE BEER

Meet the TV cook and hear about her new book, Maggie's Kitchen.

Tuesday, 1pm, free, Stanton Library, 234 Miller Street, North Sydney, no bookings, inquiries, 9936 8400.

SUSANNE GERVAY

At a meeting of the Australian Storytelling Guild, the children's author will give tips on how to connect with young people. Today, 1.30-4pm, $35, Hughenden Hotel, 14 Queen Street, Woollahra, 0407 808 338.

Angie Schiavone

bookworm@smh.com.au

CHILDREN

EVENING ON ENDEAVOUR

Take a guided tour aboard the full-scale replica of Captain Cook's HMB Endeavour and learn about the crew's living conditions, including what they ate and where they slept. Eighteenth-century sailors' dress encouraged. Children must be over seven, bookings essential.

PRAM STROLL

The World's Greatest Pram Stroll is a four-kilometre walk around parklands to support young mums with depression. The event is part of World Picnic Day, offering markets, kids activities, old-fashioned picnic games such as three-legged races, global music and more.

Sunday, 10am, Jamieson Street, Newington Armory, Sydney Olympic Park, free, www.worldpicnicday.com.

Saturday, 6pm-8pm, National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, $20 ($45 family), 9298 3655, www.anmm.gov.au.

PUPPETS @ PADDO

Playing in the heart of the Paddington markets, these puppet shows feature some of Australia's leading puppeteers in a colourful and interactive performance. Today's shows are Puppetease and Funky Fins.

Saturday, 11am, 1.30pm, Uniting Church, 395 Oxford Street, Paddington, $9.50, 1300 306 776, www.mca-tix.com.au.

INTERACTIVE ART

This weekend is a fun and engaging session for six- to 12-year-olds with interactive and improvisational storytelling performed by Open Stage Productions.

Sunday, 2.30pm, Art Gallery of NSW, free, 1800 679 278, www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au.

NEXT WEEKEND

A DISAPPEARING NUMBER

Renowned London theatre company Complicite performs the highly acclaimed story that intertwines mathematics and beauty, connecting ideas, cultures and moments in time. Directed by Simon McBurney.

Saturday, 2pm, 8pm, Sunday, 5pm, Sydney Theatre, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, $85/$65, 9250 7777, www.sydneyoperahouse.com.

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

One of Australia's top fashion photographers, Hamish Ta-me, is exhibiting a collection of personal black-and-white works shot on the streets and beaches of Sydney. At noon he will talk about the photographic industry from commercial and artistic points of view.

Saturday, 10am-4pm, 13 Joynton Avenue, Zetland, free, www.doofdoofdoof.com.

WALK FOR AIDS

In the lead-up to World AIDS Day next month, this two-kilometre walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens raises money for men, women and children living with HIV.

Sunday, 11am-2pm, Royal Botanic Gardens, $20, 1800 651 011, www.walkforaids.org.au.

JAZZ IN THE GARDEN

The Historic Houses Trust's annual outdoor concert features Katie Noonan and jazz ensemble Elixr, award-winning vocalist, Kristin Berardi with an 18-piece jazz orchestra and The Crusty Suitcase Band.

Sunday, 6pm-9pm, Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road, Vaucluse, $30/$25, 8239 2211, www.hht.net.au.

FOR THE DIARY

AUSTRALIAN POETRY SLAM

The country's best rappers, lyricists and master verse spitters take to the stage for two minutes or less to impress the audience in the hope of taking out the 2008 Australian Poetry Slam. Hosted by the award-winning Miles Merrill.

December 4, 6.30pm, The Studio, Sydney Opera House, $20, 9250 7777, www.sydneyoperahouse.com.

ERIC CLAPTON

Three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Eric Clapton, will perform in Sydney early next year. The writer of Layla and many other hits has had a career spanning 50 years, and there's no indication he's slowing down yet.

March 8, Sydney Entertainment Centre, tickets from $99.90, 136 100, www.ticketmaster.com.au.

THE COOGEE CAROLS

Sing along to traditional and contemporary carols by the beach - an annual event that has previously attracted thousands of residents, families and friends. Watch out for an appearance by Santa.

December 21, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Goldstein Reserve, near Coogee Beach, free, www.coogeecarols.com.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Join Ratty, Badger, Mole, Weasel and Otter, as Kenneth Grahame's story of life on the riverbank comes alive. This theatrical performance is an interactive, family-friendly event.

January 6 to 31, Royal Botanic Gardens, $25, 1300 122 344, www.ticketek.com.au.

BUDDY HOLLY

Exactly 50 years on from February 3, 1959 when Buddy Holly was killed at age 22, Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story returns to Australia for a limited 12-week season with all his greatest hits.

Opens February 3, Lyric Theatre, Star City, Pyrmont, from $50.90, 1300 795 267, www.ticketmaster.com.au.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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