Black Mist Burnt Country

Testing the Bomb. Maralinga and Australian Art

In the 1950s Australia became the nuclear testing ground for the British Government. A total of 12 atomic tests were conducted. Sixty years after the events Black Mist Burnt Country revisits the history of the test program at Maralinga, Emu Field and Monte Bello Island, through works by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists across the mediums of painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, music and new media spanning seven decades.  An award winning Burrinja national touring exhibition.    

“Powerful, though-provoking, moving - a must-see.” - 2017 Audience member

Black Mist Burnt Country
Public Program

Guided Tours

A guided tour of the exhibitions works and history. Starting from the 5th of December and available Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays by appointment only. Please book ahead to assure availability - contact box office on (03) 9754 8723 or use this online form

n.b Tours unavailable from 22 Dec - 14 Jan

January Tour Dates for 2019

THUR JAN 17 2PM | SUN JAN 20 11AM | THUR JAN 24 2PM
WED JAN 30 11AM | WED FEB 06 11AM

Kids Activities

1000 Cranes

According to Japanese tradition the person who folds a thousand cranes is granted a wish. Origami cranes have become a symbol for the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, and subsequently a symbol for peace, through the book “Sadako and the thousand paper cranes”. 

Magnetic Poetry Board - express your self in rhyme, verse & haiku, add your poem to the story of the exhibition

See below for film program and writers forum

Part of the Black Mist Burnt Country Public Program

DR. STRANGELOVE

OR HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB 

In 1964, with the Cuban Missile Crisis fresh in viewers' minds, the Cold War at its frostiest, and the hydrogen bomb relatively new and frightening, Stanley Kubrick dared to make a film about what could happen if the wrong person pushed the wrong button -- and played the situation for laughs. Dr. Strangelove's jet-black satire (from a script by director Stanley Kubrick, Peter George, and Terry Southern) and a host of superb comic performances (including three from Peter Sellers) have kept the film fresh and entertaining. 

Stanley Kubric's iconic Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) is presented with discussion about the film and its history led by Mick Broderick from Murdoch University

Part of the Black Mist Burnt Country Public Program

 

Children's Art Classes

Fun, Creative, Open Ended classes 
Empowering children to tap into inner creativity

January Holiday Art Classes for Children

Tues Jan 15
10.30am-12pm | Decorated notebook, Key ring, calendar
1pm-2.30pm | Watercolour Animals 

Wed Jan 16
10.30am-12pm | Jewellery pendant and necklace or bracelet, trinket box
1pm-2.30pm | Fabric print a bag and paint fabric to make a bag or cushion at home

Tues 22 Jan
10.30am-12pm | Watercolour Water Reflections
1pm-2.30pm | Tie Dye T.shirt & Create a colourful pattern

Wed 23 Jan
10.30am-12pm | Diorama Scene with Miniature People *Bring shoebox
1pm-2.30pm | Tie Dye T.shirt & Create a colourful pattern

Suitable for Ages 6-12
5 year olds to be accompanied by a parent

Places Limited. Book in early.

 

Steve the Magician's Magic Show and Balloon Twisting Workshop

Join Steve the Magician as he presents Magic and Balloons in a fun 1 and a half hour session for kids of all ages between 5 and 105 years

It all starts with a 30 minute journey of hilarious side splitting laughs as this heart-warming magician empowers the children with magic and a good dose of self-esteem.  Friends will be made and memories will be created all in the name of Magic and Fun. 

After the Magic Show the Balloon Twisting Workshop begins. In this 1 hour session everyone will learn all the basics of balloon twisting and how to make 4 different objects.

Then using your new found knowledge and more balloons than you have ever seen before, you will take part in a freedom session where you get to create whatever you like.

It’s colourful, squeaky clean and fun for anyone from 5 yrs to 105 yrs.

This really is a treat for everyone, but a must do for the kids these holidays.

Show & Workshop run time 90 minutes | Ideal ages 5 - 105 years

Spike

by Little Wing Puppets

A baby echidna in search of where he belongs.
Combining shadow puppetry and physical comedy Spike is an interactive experience for a family audience. Spike is the story of an echidna, who is stolen from his nest, and hatches from his egg far away from home. A young girl finds him. She is playing alone in the bush because she is being bullied by other children. He has no spikes yet and she doesn’t know what kind of creature he is. She tries to work out where he comes from, but accidently puts him in dangerous situations – in the nest of a crocodile, an emu and a turtle. He feels frightened, rejected, alone. As the story unfolds, she helps him to discover where he belongs, and he helps her to find her own “spikes” and stand up to the bullies.

Run time 40mins + Q & A | Suitable ages 4 - 10 years 

 

Midnight Oil 1984 (2018) 

This documentary is a vivid portrait of the era and the songs that embodied it.

In 1984, Midnight Oil released their iconic record Red Sails in the Sunset. They embarked on a relentless tour around the nation performing raw and electrifying music that reignited the imagination of young Australians. That same year, their lead singer Peter Garrett committed to run for a Senate seat for the Nuclear Disarmament Party. With the mounting pressure of balancing the demands of music and politics this is the year that would make, but nearly break, Australia’s most important rock and roll band.

Thirty years in the making and featuring never seen before seen footage of the band on and off the stage, MIDNIGHT OIL 1984 is the untold story of the year Australia’s most iconic rock band inspired the nation to believe in the power of music to change the world.

A concert style screening.

Part of the Black Mist Burnt Country Public Program

 

Exposing Maralinga in Print   

a writer's forum

With moderator Robin Gerster, (Professor at the School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics at Monash University) three authors examine and explore their process of bringing the story of Maralinga and the effects of the British testing program to print, each from a different perspective. 

Panel:

Elizabeth Tynan - "Atomic Thunder: British Nuclear Testing in Australia" 
Frank Walker - "Maralinga: The chilling expose of our secret nuclear shame and betrayal of our troops and country"
Christobel Mattingley (tbc) - "Maralinga's Long Shadow, Yvonne's Story"

Part of the Black Mist Burnt Country Public Program

 

New Works from the Neil McLeod Gift Collection

Aboriginal art from Arnhem Land and the Kimberley

It is with great excitement that we present a number of large scale works from Neil McLeod Gift Collection in the Foyer Gallery, including many previously unseen.  These works were gifted to the Collection in 2001, however as they were unstretched they were unable to be displayed until now.

 

Karise Eden

Born to Fight Tour

Karise Eden is back. One of world’s most distinctive singers and arguably Australia’s best soul & blues voice, Karise Eden hits the road early 2019 to showcase her brand new album Born To Fight. She will perform songs from her latest release as well as the soul classics that she is known and loved for. At just 26 years of age, Karise Eden has achieved so much – her debut album was the biggest selling album for a local artist in 2012 and broke ARIA Chart records, her follow up 2014 album ‘Things I’ve Done’ achieved Gold sales status and she’s just released her third album, ‘Born To Fight’.

In 2018 Karise is the fittest she’s ever been, and she is reaping the rewards! 
She says, “Since working out and developing on my core strength, my high notes are stronger and my lower register is thicker and richer.”  Fans are in for a treat!

Karise Eden’s voice is best experienced in a live setting – for an unforgettable show, don’t miss Karise Eden live in concert.

www.kariseeden.com.au

 

 

 

I Want to Know What Love Is

Joyous. Sexy. Heartbreaking.

Take a dizzying ride through love’s collision course.
Based on 800 anonymous love stories submitted by you, your friends and your exes, I Want To Know What Love Is throws a spotlight on long-buried memories, bedroom fantasies, crushes and conquests as secret confessions are transformed into magnificent declarations centre stage. This is for everyone who’s ever loved. Anyone who’s ever hurt. This is for you. This engaging production comes to Burrinja following sold-out seasons in Brisbane and at Festivals. 

 

Underground

Nancy Wake: Special Agent. Saboteur. Resistance Commander. Australian. Human.

Experience the Underground reimagined through the eyes of the woman herself; the determination, the jocularity, the personal cost.
Nancy Wake doesn't want another layer of gold paint added to the legend of The White Mouse. What happened in France in 1944 changed her forever but this time no one is messing with her story. She tells it her way. She evaded capture by the Gestapo, and was the only female special agent to survive the war. Was the price she paid too high? Part of the Small Gems program, “Underground” is a new work which unfolds as a hallucinatory journey through Nancy Wake’s life. Become embroiled in her story as it is revealed with humour and pathos. 

 

Lady be Good

The Songs of Ella Fitzgerald.

Travel through time as Nina Ferro pays tribute to the great Queen of Jazz!
Lady Be Good is a joyous, swinging tribute to the First Lady of Song and the legends of The Great American Songbook she most loved to interpret, performed by one of the brightest stars of the international jazz scene, Nina Ferro. Her powerful, evocative voice, stunning vocal range and extraordinary stage presence have earned her an enviable reputation at home and around the world. Joined on stage by a jiving band, songs include How High The Moon, The Lady is a Tramp, Blue Skies, Love For Sale, & Someone to Watch Over Me.   

 

Big Tops and Tiny Tots

Interactive theatre for small humans.

Big Tops & Tiny Tots is a circus adventure for 3 to 6 year olds. Walking the tightrope between circus and magic, Big Tops & Tiny Tots is a non-stop whirlwind of plate-spinning, hula hooping and uni-cycling fun! In a screen-time world, Big Tops & Tiny Tots introduces kids to performance that talks back, is constantly engaging, and inspires kids to get out and give it a try. After 45 minutes of endless giggling, they’ll be somersaulting out the door with excitement, ready to set off on their very own circus adventure.
 

 

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Grab a mate, grab a date… grab a ticket to the Roadshow!

Looking for a laugh? The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is coming to town. Forget I-Spy, spotto and stale servo snacks, this road trip is jam-packed with a crew of fantastically funny comedians, specially selected to bring the fun of the Festival to towns and cities nationwide. With a line-up of artists sure to tickle anyone’s funny bone, the Roadshow has something for everyone.

 

NEON

The world-famous Circus Oz comes to the Hills!

A Circus Oz cabaret celebrating the gloriously gaudy, glammed up ‘80s.*
This is an unapologetic, funny, and downright dirty dancing cabaret where circus meets comedy and song in an unforgivably big shoulder pads night out. NEON delivers stunning acrobatic and aerial acts, breathtaking feats of circus, with a smattering of Flashdance choreography in some rather uncomfortable gym wear. *Warning: May contain hazardous levels of hair gel 

Swansong

One Man’s Life Of Grit, Terror And Heartache.

Do not miss this achingly brilliant, ovation worthy theatre show.
Abused and isolated, Occi struggles to avoid his ghosts and tortured memories of mental institutions. He is violent and vulnerable, soaked in alcohol and yearning, seeking redemption. Our challenge is to perceive Occi as more than a thug – as he and his mother fight for survival in a tough garrison town on the edge of a cruel and unforgiving world. Directed by [Melbourne Fringe co-founder] Greg Carroll, Swansong is an acclaimed production, and roller-coaster ride transporting its audiences into the life of an enraged ‘Occi’ played by Andre De Vanny (‘Best Actor’, 2015 Green Room Awards). 

 

Duet Presents The Celtic Tenors

Irish Song Book Tour 2019

When you put together three brilliant Tenor voices with natural Irish charm, singing spine-tingling Classical, Folk, Irish, Gaelic and Pop favourites in stacked three-part harmonies, then mix them up with quick witted banter, you have THE CELTIC TENORS.

The Celtic Tenors perform The Irish Songbook on their Australian tour with such classics as Finnegan’s Wake, In The Gloaming, Song For Ireland, Danny Boy, The Dutchman, Caledonia, You Raise Me Up and many more favourites.

The charismatic, globe-trotting trio are the most successful classical crossover artists ever to have come out of Ireland. With just two Victorian shows, one at Burrinja.

““…stacked in tight three-part harmony, they become one magnificent flawless instrument.” Jon Jackson - Classic Melbourne

Running time 110 minutes | plus 20 minute interval

More info

 

 

L'amante Anglaise (The Lovers of Viorne)

Captivating True Crime Drama not to be missed.

Classic psychological thriller from one of France’s most renowned authors; Marguerite Duras

A brutal murder is committed in a small town in France. The dismembered corpse is dropped from a railway viaduct onto passing trains below… All except the head. Based upon an actual event, L’amante Anglaise is a beautifully poignant and emotionally powerful portrait of lost passion. This modern classic psychological thriller from celebrated French author, Marguerite Duras, takes you right inside the heart and mind of the perpetrator. A fascinating and compelling true crime story. Pierre (Rob Meldrum) and Claire Lannes (Jillian Murray -2015 Green Room winner, Best Female Performer, Independent Theatre) are ordinary human beings leading everyday lives until catastrophe occurs. Over the course of the drama, they effortlessly reveal the beauty and brutality of their inner selves, and create a painstaking portrait of lost passion. Performed exquisitely and directed by Laurence Strangio, L’Amante Anglaise is a rare and unmissable work of theatre. 

 

Lior and Paul Grabowsky

Revel in two of Australia’s most acclaimed musicians and composers performing together on Burrinja’s stage!

A collaboration of two of Australia’s most respected artists. Singer/songwriter Lior shot to the public’s attention following his 2005 debut album Autumn Flow, which became one of the most successful independent releases in Australian history. His collaboration with composer Nigel Westlake, won best classical album at the 2014 ARIA awards. Paul Grabowsky is an acclaimed composer, pianist and polymath who has received numerous awards in his illustrious 40 year career. Together they will be reinventing some of Lior’s most cherished songs as well as bringing their own individual voices to this special show.

 

 

My Sight Their Sight

Perception is more than just seeing.

Be captivated and challenged by this playfully provocative exploration of the senses.
How would you adapt without sight - blindfolded? Would you rise to the challenge or trip over your own feet? Three highly trained interdisciplinary performing artists work to explore how the human body can move and interact when sight is compromised. A quirky and atmospheric interpretation of the relationship between being sighted and not sighted -exploring shifts in power, poignant moments and pure physicality. My Sight Their Sight engages with the audience to show us how movement, dance, and circus can transcend something that most of us take for granted – SIGHT. Join creator Abbie Madden, Director of the company Blindful, for an insightful Q&A after the performance.

 

 

Babar the Elephant and Mozart Melodies

Whitehorse Orchestra Children's Concert

A deep dive into the world of the Orchestra for inquisitive youngsters!

Don’t miss this entertaining and popular introduction to the Orchestra, complete with a full orchestra on stage, music, songs, story line, narrators, characters in costume and wonderful video imagery. The Orchestra will be performing The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant (L'Histoire de Babar, le petit éléphant) by Francis Poulenc (1940). The story of Babar the Elephant has been a much-loved children’s favourite for almost 100 years now, from the original French books and A.A. Milne’s English versions; to animations, feature films and major concert works. Babar is one of the most recognized children's characters in the world, with publications in over 17 languages. Come and explore the musical world of Babar with the Whitehorse Orchestra.

 

 

A Taste of Tamworth

Featuring Carter & Carter and more amazing country acts to be announced

GiddyUPwey!

The Taste Of Tamworth show is a unique concert experience that brings a tasty sample of Australia’s biggest festival, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, right into your own backyard. Four multi- award winning acts, led by Golden Guitar winners Carter & Carter, team up to bring you the excitement and entertainment of a festival which has produced artists like Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, Keith Urban and many more. Each act performs a set of their own hits, before teaming up for a fun filled finale. Four award winning acts together in one big show – A Taste Of Tamworth you’ll never forget.

 

I Hope It's Not Raining in London

Gripping. Challenging. Confronting. Enlivening.

Delve into fresh, new theatre devised by the award-winning youth company ‘Bearfoot’.

"Two people trapped in a room. One is almost finished but the other is not yet ready. The other will be ready, but just not yet." I Hope it’s Not Raining in London is a contemporary, hybrid- experimental work in its exploration of our perceived realities and the effects of trauma. A sophisticated short play that places two strangers together in a mysterious room. Neither of them has knowledge of where they currently exist and how they got there- and the newest to arrive has no memories whatsoever.

 

 

The Sapphires

The most intimate telling of this now much-loved story yet.

The Sapphires is a funny, heart-warming tale inspired by the true story of Tony Brigg’s mother – the incredible journey of four Yorta Yorta Women, who sing Motown hits against the backdrop of personal change and massive social upheaval. It is an energetic, fun and engaging play that affirms life and the realisation of dreams. The Sapphires is one of Australia’s best-loved stories. This multiple award- winning musical play, that inspired the film, is lighting up the stages of the Memo & Burrinja for Culture Tracks 2019.

 

 

 

Picasso and His Dog

A captivating story for the whole family – sure to delight audiences of all ages.

For anyone who’s ever patted a dog or been moved by an artwork.
Picasso and His Dog is inspired by the true life story of Pablo Picasso and his sausage dog Lump. This delightful show celebrates the animals with whom we share our lives while exploring what it is to be creative and to create. Created by Lemony S Puppet Theatre, this work is an inventive mix of live art-making on-stage, puppetry and magic realism. Picasso and His Dog is about how the animals in our lives can inspire us to be excellent humans (and artists).

 

 

FoRT

A show for cubby creators and den dwellers!

Rollicking fun with spectacular acrobatics, clowning and poetic visuals, celebrating imagination and adventure.
Have you ever built a… FoRT? … The wonderful crew at Asking for Trouble delve into the art of play and the creation of worlds from everyday objects. Two strange characters appear hunting for whispers of adventure. A couch, table, cushions, sheets and broomsticks transform into rockets, trampolines, cliffs and tents - places to explore. Images appear and disappear. FoRT is full of ridiculous clowning, spectacular acrobatics, poetic visual imagery and celebrates the kind of creative genius that has been known to turn lounge rooms into volcanoes, trees into castles and cardboard boxes into racing cars.

 

 

My Brilliant Divorce

My Brilliant Divorce by Geraldine Aron is the radiantly witty and warm personal account of Angela. Dumped by her husband for a younger model, we follow her achingly funny story as she fumbles through the days and the dating scene, rediscovering herself and hoping to find the love of her life! A smash hit for Dawn French on the West End, Mandi Lodge will star in HIT’s 2019 Australian production of this irresistibly funny “stand up tragedy!” 

 

39 Forever

An enthralling comedy about ageing in an image obsessed world

Satire with sting and songs with cringe… it must be Fringe Fun Follies time!
Do you still feel like you’re 25 even though your birthdate stubbornly insists you’re not? Are you enquiring about Botox ‘for a friend’? This hilarious cabaret from Amity Dry (author of the musical ‘Mother, Wife and the Complicated Life’) was a sell-out success at last year’s Adelaide Fringe and is sure to be a great girls night out. From her childhood home perm to the eve of her 40th birthday Amity explores the pressure women face to maintain the beauty ideal and how social media, Botox and the Kardashians have forever altered the quest for eternal youth. She pokes fun at her '80s childhood and '90s teen exploits, and questions whether 40 is the new 30 or just something you say to make you feel better.

 

 

Sherlock Holmes and a Woman's Wit

Grip the edge of your seat as Lux Radio Theatre brings these wonderful ‘whodunit’ stories to life.

Before television, the entertainment highlight of the week was the Sunday night radio play. The Lux Radio Theatre recreates those days with distinguished actors playing multiple roles, creating the live sound effects and the vintage soap commercials. Let your imagination run free as you watch two intriguing Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle. Paul David Goddard leads the cast as Sherlock Holmes and the woman he admires is played by Lucy Gransbury.

 

 

 

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Connect with your community and support arts in the Hills with your $40, and we will give you:

• One FREE theatre ticket each year to a Burrinja show *
  
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By becoming a Burrinja Member you will be supporting local arts and culture as well as the many local projects that Burrinja manages, supports and enable - building community through arts.

* Available for Burrinja season shows only excludes venue hire 'No Free Tickets' shows

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