What’s on in Canberra this week? Japanese films and festivals with fireworks, for a start. Add to that some talent quests, poetry slamming and stand up comedy and you’ve got yourself a week full of wonderful.
Wednesday 23 November
CIT Momentum
Where: Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston
When: 12pm to 10pm (runs until Thursday November 24)
If you have some time to spare this Wednesday you’ll want to check out CIT’s celebration of creative work which runs for three big days and nights. The event features work from 11 creative disciplines with 300 students participating. There’ll be 3D animation and short film screenings, sound art and architecture installations, music performances and media pitches as well as talks on interior design and fashion. To download the program, go to http://bit.ly/vKQXYR
Thursday 24 November
Japanese Film Festival
Where: Arc Cinema, National Film & Sound Archive, McCoy Cct, Acton, 2601
When: Screenings at 10am, 2pm and 7.30pm
Why not make this year’s Japanese Film Festival a physical challenge and see how many amazing movies you can catch in a day. The Festival has returned to Canberra to celebrate its 15th year with more films than ever before. Sessions have been known to sell out so get those tickets quick smart. For more info head to www.nfsa.gov.au
Friday 25 November
BONE IDOL – Performance Art Contest
Where: Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Gorman House, Ainslie Ave
When: 7pm (tickets $10 at door)
You may be wondering if this competition is a serious one, or if it’s even legal. Well, we’re pleased to tell you it’s both these things and more. This contest is a mix of Australian Idol, Red Faces and a good old-fashioned talent quest with four-minute performances of, well… anything! You can sing, dance, walk on hot coals, play a vegetable, or do your ironing. No act is too short or too silly so how can you pass up the chance to win the prize of $500 and the coveted 2011 Bone? Entry for performers is free, so get your act together. You don’t have to be particularly talented, but it helps! For more information call or email Alex on alex@ccas.com.au or 02 6247 018
Saturday 26 November
Tuggeranong Festival
Where: Tuggeranong Town Park, Anketell Street
When: 8.30am to 10pm
Tuggeranong Festival turns 23 this year and will be celebrating the achievements and diversity of the local community with lots of fun free stuff for all. This year’s event will feature music and dance performances, hands-on activities, competitions and stalls that will be available over three days of festival fun. Sign your dog up for drag racing, try your fishing skills in the great carp catch or take advantage of free canoes and sailing out on the lake. Check out classic car exhibits and festival rides as well as the finale of fireworks at the end the evening. For the full program head to www.tuggeranongfestival.org.au or call 6293 6500
Sunday 27 November
BAD!SLAM!NO!BISCUIT!
Where: The Phoenix Pub, 21 East Row, Canberra City
When: 8pm to 11pm
Hate pesky full stops and apostrophes? This is the perfect chance to ignore punctuation and win prizes. Some call it poetry but it’s really a posse of passionate people who like to SHOUT poems into microphones. Taking part is free and means you’ll get two minutes in front of a microphone, an audience and five judges to shout yourself silly. This poetry based madness and mayhem is held on the third Wednesday of every month. Sign-up is from 7.30pm with the ‘slamming’ starting at 8. For more info email badslamnobiscuit@gmail.com
Monday 28 November
The Front's Comedy Open Mic Night
Where: The Front Café and Gallery, Wattle Street, Lyneham
When: 8pm (all ages)
This has to be one of the friendliest open mic venues around. It’s held on the second Wednesday of every month in the relaxed setting of a room that looks like it could have belonged to a lovely little cat lady easing the nerves of first-time comedians. To give it a go just rock up on the night and introduce yourself to the staff, who will easily slot you into the program. Then it’s five minutes of fame for you to test out your best and worst jokes and anecdotes. If the thought of stand-up makes you weak at the knees don’t stress, just sit back and get a giggle out of other people’s performances. Who knows, maybe after a few wines you’ll find your pretty funny after all…
Tuesday 29 November
Exhibition – Phase
Where: Craft ACT, London Circuit, Canberra City
When: 10am to 5pm (runs until December 17)
What do photographs and tapestries have in common? They’re both on display at the Phase exhibition by Melbourne artist Tim Gresham. Phase is Gresham’s latest solo exhibition and contrasts modernist photography with the ancient craft of woven tapestry work. The exhibit shows how a series of black and white photographs of architectural structures have been finely reworked into abstract geometric patterned tapestries. It’s an unusual combination of mediums that you should take some time out of your Tuesday to see.
WORDS: Ashley Hamilton