This is the first time that such a large collection of Giotto’s works have been on show in the same exhibition space. The Tuscan master (1266-1337) had enormous influence over the future of Western art, preparing the ground for a new concept of the representation of both the human figure and its surroundings. Among the works on display are many famous images, but there are also lots of little-known or newly discovered pieces on loan from collections all over the world.
Simply Barbra
A bit cheeky this, a Streisand impersonator appearing in town the same week as the real thing. For safety’s sake, the ersatz Streisand – Steven Brinberg – is playing way across town in Parramatta but don’t let that deter you. The guy comes with a string of plaudits, having played off-Broadway for a record four years. Highlight of the evening? The duet on ‘You Don’t Bring Me Flowers’ when Brinberg takes both the male and female roles.
Cirque le Masque
New wave circus Cirque le Masque has found favour with audiences around the globe. Performers come from the worlds of both the traditional circus and the theatre. This show, called ‘Fire and Ice’, tries to strike a balance between technology and old-fashioned entertainment – although the job may be made more difficult by the fact that it is being put on in the somewhat cool surroundings of one of Lisbon’s leading concert halls. The show’s aim is an age-old – to attract children between the ages of three and 93. Some things never change.
The Tempest at the Abbey
Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ is the New Year offering from the Abbey Theatre. Shakespeare’s last play involves a tale of magic, love and reconciliation. Shipwrecked on a magical island, the King of Naples and his courtiers are caught in an enchanted dream woven by the vengeful Prospero until all hell breaks loose on the island. Directed by Conall Morrison, the production stars Ballykissangel’s Lorcan Cranitch and Bosco Hogan, as well as Olwen Fouere and Barry McGovern. Music is provided by Conor Linehan and Ellen Cranitch.
Macy Gray
Not even James Brown could make soul music seem so joyously sexy as 31-year-old Nathalie McIntyre from Canton, Ohio – better known by her adopted moniker: Macy Gray. Last year’s album, ‘Macy Gray on How Life Is’, saw her fusing gospel with the sounds of the ghetto to become a runaway success. A curly colossus, she dances with the grace of Giant Haystacks in a leather thong, and her clothes are more garish than Austin Powers’. But with music so undisputedly groovy, such sartorial sacrilege is forgivable.
Rob Becker’s Defending the Caveman
Broadway’s one-man comedy, a hysterically funny exploration of the gender gap, comes to Los Angeles for two weeks only. Although Becker’s observations are comic, his message – that we can learn to understand one another better – is serious. The longest-running solo play on Broadway, it’s sold out everywhere it’s been performed.
Slippery Ice
The Stedelijk Museum has put together an exhibition of some of their most important paintings, pieces of graphic design, photographs and new media works bought during the 1980s and 1990s. The most enticing names are Rob Scholte, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Marlene Dumas, Nan Goldin, Douglas Gordon, Rineke Dijkstra, Gerald van der Kaap, Gunther Förg and Quarez.
Babylon Will Fall But We Will Have a Ball
Amsterdam is lacking the millennium fever that’s taken over some places, so most of its millennial parties are still in the planning stages (rest assured – Amsterdam is always a frolicsome and firecracker-filled place on New Year’s Eve). One exception is the artist-squatted village of Ruigoord, which has already started building a ‘Tower of Babylon’. On its completion on the December 31, this will be the ‘centre of the Grand Ritual … to welcome the new psi-lennium’. Intrigued? – then check out their webpage.
Certified Male
A combination of theatre, stand-up comedy and music, ‘Certified Male’ comes from the pen of Scott Rankin and Gynn Nicholas and takes a long, strong look at the male psyche. A group of suits leave the boardroom for a weekend retreat with their boss. In the tropical resort they stay at, the shedding of inhibitions leads to a series of life-altering events for them all. The music comes from Australia’s leading songwriters, including Paul Kelly and Mark Seymour. Directed by Terry O’Connell.
