Parkland Mystery Solved
On your evening stroll through the fragrant and ever-changing beauty of the Spectacle Garden in the Roma Street Parkland, you may have noticed the usually austere Agapanthus looking particularly flamboyant. The Agapanthus' vividly coloured seedpods have recently prompted much deliberation amongst parkland visitors and Spring Hill locals. Each stem is a different fluorescent colour - pink, yellow, orange and so on.
Did a mischievous parklands sprite paint the pods? Perhaps an alien is trying to send a message? Are the gardeners experimenting with a new kind of pest control? Is it a kind of horticultural installation art, or are graffiti artists practising their technique on the Agapanthus?
Although all these theories are believable, Gardens Coordinator Paul Hoffman has admitted he was responsible for the Agapanthus adornment, and the goal of creating a "bit of a discussion point" has succeeded! He also confirmed that no Agapanthus was harmed in the painting process. The stems and flowers were covered and only the seedpods were painted.
As a Spring Hill local, you will appreciate how lucky we are to have the Roma Street Parklands on our doorstep. If you're not familiar with the history and sub-tropical wonder of the parklands, why not take a free, guided walking tour? Tours leave from the Hub at 10 am and 2 pm daily (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day). You can also register your interest in volunteering as a guide or gardener on the parklands website: www.romastreetparkland.com
The Australian Institute of Horticulture offer a range of gardening classes including organic soil improvement, courtyard makeovers and kitchen gardening at Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre. The classes cost $50 and include light refreshments and take home products. For bookings contact Linda Brennan on 3349 2967.
And doesn't time fly? This April, the Roma Street Parklands turns five, so keep an eye out for further information on the upcoming celebrations.
These are indeed "troubled times", but a little light entertainment at the Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre is sure to lift the spirits. As the sun goes down and kookaburras chuckle, a light summery breeze rustles the leaves of the moonlit Moreton Bay figs and the fun begins. There's plenty of ancient philosophy, laughs and action-packed interaction in Grin & Tonic's classy production of 'Monkey And His Magic Journey to the West'.
The tale begins as naughty Monkey meets some new friends and embarks on a journey to India to acquire the scriptures from Buddha, and save the world. This well-choreographed tale is energetic and often acrobatic, as Monkey, Pigsy, Sandy and Tripitaka fight, bounce, challenge demons and each other during the course of their adventure. The amphitheatre has a huge stage, which extends to the grassy area out front - and the cast covers it well - sometimes into the audience. The body acting is technically enthralling and shows incredible co-ordination. By the way, take along some wine, insect repellant and a blanket if you choose to lounge on the amphitheatre's wide grassy stairs. This is a balmy summer evening in Brisbane, after all.
Nason's script is full of subtle references to the local parklands' wildlife and cheeky contemporary jibes at some of our less appealing politicians, such as the "gross frocked immigration demon". We're urged to avoid civil servants, bureaucrats, flying demons and be on the lookout for "Communification". Impressive staging including pulleys and see saw mechanisms levitate Buddha and the rest of the characters, whilst a series of demons emerge from beneath the boards in all their terrifying splendour. A nunchukker display and calypso flavoured strip tease prove particularly enthralling. Stewart's funky music is well orchestrated and the percussive effects synchronised with the choreographed fighting are compelling. A couple of musical numbers are thrown in for good measure.
Remember, change is the only certainty, so watch out for the flying bananas!
Monkey And His Magic Journey to the West, Grin & Tonic
Theatre Company
Written, Designed and Directed by Bryan Nason with Music by Nick Stewart
Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 4 pm and 7 pm, and Sundays at 4pm until 5 March
at the Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre.
For bookings, phone: 3862 1181
Precious Pieces
'Barbara Heath: Jeweller to the Lost'
This very personal collection of works by Brisbane-based jeweller Barbara Heath, from the mid-1980s until the present, explores the notion that as well as bodily adornment, a jewel can also be a cherished object. Something we might put on display or keep in a drawer and take out when we're feeling sentimental - a precious trinket that reminds us of special person, moment or event.
From 'Mashrabia-inspired lattice brooches' to individualised 'Love tokens', the intricate designs of Heath's exquisitely crafted jewels incorporate a vast array of precious and unique materials. Freshwater pearls, gems, granite, hematite, tortoiseshell and opal are integrated with coral and white enamel - the final piece of work forever encoded with a story, secret message or attendant symbolism. The collection features jewels Heath has created for clients, such as the 'Memory Ball', fused together from a personal selection of brooches, and her own items that reflect personal themes of birds, babies, ladders, running dogs and waves.
A DVD interview provides further insight into the inspiration behind Heath's work - anyone who's ever lived in an old Queenslander will appreciate the mesmerising beauty of dappled light in the trees behind verandah lattice. Beyond the private realm, if you ever have cause to appear in the Roma Street Magistrates Court, keep an eye out for the stainless steel door handles on the doors of the courtrooms - Heath designed those. Another example of her public art, a sculptural cylinder of metal net, can be viewed on an exterior wall of the Neville Bonner building on William Street.
'Barbara Heath: Jeweller to the Lost' continues at the Queensland Art Gallery until 26 March, 2006. Gallery hours are: Monday to Friday 10 am - 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 5 pm. Admission is free.