Story: Nancye Hayes to be anything but ‘Earnest’

For their seventh production in the 2014 season, The State Theatre Company of South Australia will present The Importance of Being Earnest. The play, Oscar Wilde’s most famous and last production, debuted on the 14th of February in 1895 in London, England at the St James Theatre.

The writing is witty, frivolous (there is really nothing earnest about it) and hilarous and for a real treat The State Theatre Company is bringing great dame of Australian theatre, Nancye Hayes to star as Lady Bracknell alongside one of Adelaide’s fastest rising stars, Nathan O’Keefe as Algernon.

Presented by the State Theatre Company in association with Envestra this production will be directed by Geordie Brookman with Assistant Direction by Yasmin Gurreeboo and design by Ailsa Paterson. The full cast includes Lucy Fry, Nancye Hayes, Caroline Mignone, Nathan O’Keefe, Yalin Ozucelik, Anna Steen and Rory Walker.

Set within the stifling conventions of Victorian England, two young bachelors have taken to bending the rules and the truth to add a dash of excitement to their lives. Jack invents a brother Ernest as an excuse to leave his dull country life behind so that he may pursue Gwendolen, the delectable daughter of the formidable Lady Bracknell. Across town, Algernon decides to take the name Ernest, when visiting Jack’s young ward Cecily. When each gentleman is forced to unwind his web of lies and reveal himself – being “earnest” takes on a whole new meaning…

Company artistic director, Geordie Brookman said that the opportunity to “bring together an actor of Nancye’s stature with a bright, young star like Nathan in such an absurdly funny play was an irresistible opportunity. The production will be both sumptuous and anarchic, combining all of Wilde’s wit with Nathan’s brilliant physical comedy skills.”

Nancye Hayes (OAM) is a multi-award winning actress, achieving a Helpmann Award, Green Room Award, Norman Kessell Memorial Award, three Lifetime Achievement Awards, a Critics Circle Award and an MO Award for her past work. Nathan O’Keefe has also been recognised by the Adelaide Critics Circle with awards including the Individual Professional Award for a body of work.

The much-loved comedy of love, manners and mistaken identity has been delighting audiences for over 100 years, and will continue to do so in the Festival Centre’s Dunstan Playhouse from the 25th of July until the 16th of August (opening night Tuesday 29 July). Following the Adelaide season, the production will tour to Canberra, Geelong and Wollongong.

Book your tickets here, and remember in the words of Oscar Wilde, "The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Modern life would be very tedious if it were either, and modern literature a complete impossibility!"

Paul Rodda

When: 25 Jul to 16 Aug
Where: Dunstan Playhouse
Bookings: bass.net.au

Story: Tasmanian wine playing the global game

I recently spent several days on the island of Tasmania; a beautiful place that is good for the soul, palate and intellect. There is no questioning the quality of their wines, local produce and the ability of the locals to make the best use of both. There are fabulous whiskeys, amazing beers and delicious ciders being produced and they enhance wine, not detract from it.   

Tasmania is not the only Australian wine region that has plenty to offer the epicurean, but it has more to offer than most.

In the UK, US and Canada, Australian wine has become commonplace; its cloth cap and hobnailed boots, the McDonald's of wine, the drink of the plebeian not the patrician.

And here is the crux: this current image of Australian wine does not suit Tasmanian wine, but Tasmanian wine is still Australian. Tasmanian wine is struggling to be seen as a peacock in a paddock turned into a dustbowl by a huge flock of brush turkeys.

How much do consumers like to pay for wine? A damn sight less than the average cost of a Tasmanian bottle.

Below is a table of red and white bottled wine sales in Australia on a moving annual total (MAT) to August 2013 in millions of litres:

The average retail price of a bottle of table wine in the Woolworths group is $10.24, and the average price of a bottle of Tasmanian wine in the same group $20.91. Units of Tasmanian wine only account 0.9% of Woolworths stocks, but in value they represents 1.9%. Dan Murphy's stocks 55 Tasmanian wines from 19 producers, so there is space for more, but not a lot of space. Not so much space that Tasmania can increase production rapidly, thinking it can take the world by storm.  

So what is the lesson from this? The Tasmanian wine industry should grow slowly - always remaining just short of market requirements. If the customer is kept a little short on product then the producer gets to set the price; once there is surplus stock the producer is forced to take the price as set by the market.  

With that in mind, here is a review of a Tasmanian Pinot Noir.

Delamere Vineyards Tasmania Pinot Noir 2012: We’ve all heard the story of good wine reflecting the patch of dirt the vines are grown on, or more broadly the region that the grapes originated from. This wine is a blend of vineyards, so should reflect Tasmania, which it does, but that is not the point here. Wine is nearly always enjoyed more in its home surroundings, and on first taste this wine, tasted in my home in Byron Bay, didn’t come across too well.

However after being cooled in the fridge for a while, as Pinot Noir is a cool climate grape, it was more akin to drinking it in a cooler climate and greatly enjoyed. The nose transformed from broad and flat to defined pinot noir stinky. Delicate top notes travelled over a firm base of delightful flavour; good on the finish and enough on the return to add extra interest. 94 points and very reasonably priced at $27.

Tony Keys

News: Arts Administration Traineeship

Carclew are searching for a "highly energetic and driven individual who will jump at the opportunity to work as part of a dynamic team of arts and cultural leaders".

They are currently advertising the position of 'Arts Administration Traineeship' for a 12 month appointment.

The role offers a practical and skills based entry pathway into arts administration.

The successful trainee will contribute to Carclew's Community Program, undertake on- and off-the-job training in arts administration, be mentored and trained by leading professionals and upon completion will receive a nationally recognised Certificate III in Business Administration (Arts).

Applicants must be available to commence the 12-month appointment in July 2014.

HOW TO APPLY
1.    Download and carefully read the information and eligiblilty criteria
2.    Download and carefully read the job and person Specification
3.    Download and complete the coversheet (available to download from this link)
4.    Submit your application by 5pm, Friday 27 June 2014

The application must include the coversheet, a cover letter, the applicants current CV with responses to essential requirements as listed in the selection criteria and as outlined in the job and person specification. Applicants are also required to include names and contact details of three referees and evidence of date of birth.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are reminded that the period for submissions closes on the 27th of June at 5pm.

Story: 2014 Adelaide Cabaret gets underway

The 2014 Adelaide Cabaret Festival’s Variety Gala Performance kicked off last night and marked the opening of the final year for Festival Director, Kate Ceberano.

The 2014 festival runs under the title “Not Your Usual Suspects” and includes 480 artists delivering 180 performances over the 16 days and nights of the event.

According the Ceberano she has “cultivated a motley crew of artists, musicians, singers and comedians who’ll rattle the bars” at the Gala night. The event, which was hosted by Musical Theatre star, Todd McKenney is a “tasting plate” of what the 16 day festival has to offer.

This year’s festival highlights will include well-known names such as Anthony Warlow and Rhonda Burchmore, but will boast a program of more “unusual acts”, in order to deliver the festival’s theme.

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and Artistic Director Douglas Gautier says: “After months of meticulous planning [the] Adelaide Cabaret Festival is finally here. Audiences are in for three weeks of outstanding performances from local, national and international stars of the highest calibre.”

As always Barefoot’s reviewers will be on the ground covering a range of shows from the festival, so be sure to keep checking back to see what we’ve been up to! Some of the shows covered will include ‘Little Bird’ staring Paul Capsis and co-presented by the State Theatre Company, ‘Swing On This’, ‘Brian D'arcy James’, ‘Kathy Najimy’, and Adelaide's favourite Cabaret Festival returning act Mark Nadler.

The 2014 festival showcases 23 world premieres as well as a further 12 Australian premieres and Artistic Director Kate Ceberano says, “I have fulfilled my wish list of amazing artists to showcase at this year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival. As I flick through the program I really do marvel at the number of amazing stars on show, as well as the depth of talent we’ve compiled in this incredible lineup. I feel confident that I am leaving a vibrant and relevant festival in the very capable and entertaining hands of Barry Humphries.”

Tickets are available via BASS on 131 246 or online at bass.net.au. Full program details can be found at adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au.

Not to be outdone, Adelaide's famous fringe event is running concurrently too. The Adelaide Cabaret Fringe festival has an exciting mix of local artists performing around town, so be sure to check out their program online at cabaretfringefestival.com. It’s that special time of year when Adelaide goes crazy for cabaret folks; get amongst it!

Paul Rodda