By Rama Gaind

The Ten Tenors, a versatile Australian musical ensemble, have created a sound that is uniquely their own – and they are returning to perform at the Canberra Theatre on Saturday, August 6, 2011.

It may have been five or six years in between engagements in the nation’s capital, but the powerful Ten will now bring audiences their latest offering, Double Platinum, a brand new show alongside a double album of the same name.

Over the past 16 years, the group has remained specially bonded even though some new members have come on-board. According to Dion Molinas, a long-standing member, what has kept them bonded is the “intellectual property we have over our show”.

“Everything is organic,” Dion explained in a telephone interview during a break from rehearsals in Queensland. “Each one of us has a hand in producing the show from designing the stage, choosing our own sets, choreography, stage lights … it’s all a collaborative effort.”

“However, there is a clear-cut leader and that’s Graham Foote, our musical director. He does the arrangements for the songs etc, has a strict schedule and takes our music very seriously, just as we all do.”

‘Australiana is endearing’

What are the most endearing qualities that they possess? The most “endearing, for me, is our Australiana,” Dion said.

“We take our music very seriously and on stage we strive to entertain,” he said. “We’re relaxed, but strive for excellence whether it’s singing a one-part or six-part harmony. Bohemian Rhapsody is an amazing song which has always been in the show and another signature song is Nessun Dorma which, for any tenor, is a swan song.”

The group comprises Keane Fletcher, Dion Molinas, Paul Gelsumini, Thomas David Birch, Graham Foote, Stewart Morris, Ben Stephens, Jared Newall, Jordan S. Pollard and Boyd Owen.

‘Bigger, bolder’ show

According to Graham Foote, “We’re throwing down the gauntlet with this show. It’ll be bolder, bigger and better than ever before”.

Dion Molinas elaborates. Whether the music is classical or contemporary, the strength of the songs in the show is amazing. “It took six months to finalise the set list,” Dion said. “We’re passionate about every song. From the tenderness of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, to the unbridled power of the Aerosmith’s number one hit stadium rock ballad, Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, to the world’s best-loved classical piece Nessun Dorma.”

“There’s no line between classical to contemporary, everything flows really well, flows smoothly.”

The best way to highlight the vocal magic of ‘The Ten’ is not a special repertoire, a medley or an individual song that does it justice. Instead, it’s their different backgrounds in classical and music theatre that is “one of our strengths”.

“We are all different sounding and it’s about the timbre of our voices,” Dion said. “It is all about the best blend, ensemble and individual voices.”

Double Platinum album

As a graduate of the Central Queensland of Conservatorium of Music, Dion, 35, is trained in both classical and contemporary voice with an impressive career which is focused predominantly on music theatre. He has starred in such hit musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, Hello Dolly, Little Shop of Horrors and Showboat (to name a few).

Dion said that Double Platinum was the 10^th studio album for the group and it was “really exciting to make and produce an album before going on tour”.

“Sincerely, it’s the best album we’ve done. When I see the journey from where we started, along the way, and now to this album – I think that it has all been so amazing.”

Don’t miss the one performance of this incredible vocal group at the Canberra Theatre on August 6.

They will begin their Australian concert tour in Hobart on August 4 and end it in Brisbane on September 2. They then head off for overseas engagements in November.

DETAILS

The Ten Tenors, live in Canberra, August 6, 2011.

Book tickets through the Canberra Theatre online or call the Box Office on (02) 6275 2700.

For more information visit: http://thetentenors.com/

or get the TTT national tour dates at: http://thetentenors.com/events/

By Rama Gaind

Swissôtel Sydney, located in the heart of the city’s CBD in Market Street, is part of a worldwide hotel chain where global specials are constant – and the patrons reap the rewards.

Take, for example, an opportunity to have a ‘Taste of Switzerland’ with a special annual Swiss Food Festival on July 29.

Unfortunately, I was unable to accept the invitation for what promises to be a fabulous evening to experience a truly authentic Swiss cuisine prepared with “passion and tradition”. However, those partaking of the festivities will have a night to remember.

Without doubt, chef Justin Zammit and the jpb Restaurant will excel in their endeavours at this deluxe five-star hotel.

Now you can take advantage of the Swiss National Day (August 1) promotions at Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts and learn more about their designer clutch with a Swiss touch that’s bound to look fabulous with any ensemble and an assortment of chocolate specialties.

Switzerland specials

Fly overseas and Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts offer more competitive holiday packages.

Venture further afield and you will enjoy the ultimate Geneva shopping experience with Swissôtel Métropole Geneva and get a guided tour of all the brand-name clothing and accessories at Bongénie.

Indulge in a Golfer’s Paradise package and let Swissôtel Le Plaza Basel get you out on the green this summer.

Special offers around the Swissôtel world

Singapore’s Grand Prix Season is more than just a Formula 1 night race. It is also 10 days of parties, race-themed events, music concerts, exhibitions and dining & shopping experiences.

Go to Singapore Formula 1 from September 23-25 and you can have rooms in pole position as you experience the roar and whine of the fastest cars on earth from your own balcony at Swissôtel The Stamford. The rooms are in pole position – located directly on Turn 9 of the track – for the best action of every race.

Book before July 31, 2011 and get early bird discounts at Swissôtel Merchant Court which is also at the heart of the racing action.

If you attend any of these festivals and performances in Asia, then you will find a Swissôtel hotel package to suit your needs.

Go to Bangkok to visit the 25^th Legendary Flower Show, a four-day event; be in Beijing for one of the world’s largest events at the ICT industry P&T/Expo Comm China 2011 in late September; the 7^th Kunshan International Beer Festival in August will bring the German ‘bierfest’ tradition to China with all the trimmings; attend a performance of Mamma Mia! in Chinese at the Shanghai Grand Theatre; and attend the biggest music event of the year, Summer Sonic Festival in Osaka in August.

Travel from North to South America and take in Chicago to see the air and water show in August or visit Lima and partake of the 100^th anniversary of Machu Picchu. The ruins of this Inca estate are both one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it’s an amazing place.

Visit Europe: Join Swissôtel Amsterdam in celebrating its 25th birthday with some special anniversary packages.

This year Berlin’s premier shopping boulevard, the Kurfürstendamm, celebrates its 125th anniversary with an exciting festival of music, food, light shows and special shopping opportunities until the end of October. Take advantage of Swissôtel’s special room package with the perfect location right on the Ku’damm.

Visit the outdoor kitchen at the Wine Festival in September which takes place right in front of Swissôtel Bremen. You can’t get closer than this as wine lovers celebrate all things vinicultural at the Bremer Weinfest. More than 20 local wineries and restauranteurs provide domestic and international food and wine, with music and street theatre rounding out the program.

‘Flamenco Hoy’ will be in Moscow on October 14, 2011 and Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy Moscow is perfectly located nearby for a special package with show tickets. The celebrated Spanish director Carlos Saura’s phenomenal show combines flamenco music, dance and song.

Discover ancient Turkey

Go back in time and visit archaeological sites. Ankara is not just the capital of Turkey, it also hosts a number of ancient sites dating back to Roman and Byzantine times. Visit the impressive Ankara Citadel, the Roman theatre, the Temple of Augustus and the Roman baths, while staying at the stylish Swissôtel Ankara.

One of the many reasons to visit Istanbul is the historic Sultanahmet district. Visit the ancient Roman Basilica Cistern, the Ottoman mosques and the Topkapi Palace, have a meal in the bistros of Beyoglu or cruise across the Bosphorus – the old city hosts many examples of the city’s ancient origins. Swissôtel The Bosphorus is the perfect place to stay with guest rooms that enjoy magnificent Bosphorus views.

Discover more history

In ancient times, the yachting destination Göcek was called Kalimche, the place where the legendary Icarus fell from the sky. You’ll find even more history nearby: such as in Dalyan, where you can see the magnificent royal tombs of Kaunos that have been carved into the cliffs. Stay at Swissôtel Göcek for a fascinating combination of Mediterranean waterfront paradise and ancient history

Izmir: Road to Ephesus: The ancient port of Ephesus was once the trade centre of the Mediterranean world and today it makes up the largest collection of Roman ruins in the Mediterranean. Swissôtel Grand Efes Izmir offers you a great package including a tour of this fascinating, preserved city as well as the stylish comfort of one of Turkey’s most elegant hotels.

Start your packing now as the wanderlust is most infectious!

DETAILS BOX

Swissôtel Sydney

68 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000

(02) 9238 8888 ‎

By Rama Gaind

Film: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin

Director: Zoya Akhtar

Director Zoya has been called the ‘hero’ of this film for pulling off a hard-hitting genre with genuineness and lavishness.

What’s more interesting is that it took a woman to come up with this authentic film about male bonding since 3 Idiots. It is believable because the narrative is not sugar coated. There are no lingering flashbacks on the past and no recriminations. None of the characters overshadow each other.

This is a ‘on the road’ film about Kabir (Deol) who wants to go with his two childhood friends on a trip with fellow bachelors before getting married to Natasha (Koehlin). Confused about his love-life, he is a commendable mediator between his friends.

Arjun (Roshan) is a financial trader who is a workaholic with a desire to retire at 40. His ‘Greek God’ looks do not detract from his acting ability.

Imran (Akhtar) wants to find his biological father on this trip and displays a stimulating talent for comedy.

Their pact is to participate in an adventure sport chosen by each one of them. They turn their hands to sky diving, deep-sea diving and running with the bulls. Thereby, they liberate themselves from the bonds that bind them to the world.

The three male leads are the actors, not heroes, who make their presence felt without larger-than-life action sequences, heroic existence or stylistic background musical score.

It’s their easy camaraderie that enables you to relate to the adventures as they unfold.

The soundtrack by Shankar/Ehsaan/Loy is not overwhelming.

Zoya (sister of Farhan) is perfectly at ease at the helm, introducing humour in the most trying of situations.

The three male actors play their parts well, while Kaif is surprisingly delightful and Koechlin is excellent as the possessive girlfriend.

This is a road film where the virgin Spanish backdrops are used to advantage – not as an attention-grabber.

An immense capacity for melodrama is replaced with subtle and light-hearted frames.

After all, we only have the one chance to live life to the fullest!

***

Film: Delhi Belly

Cast: Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunal Roy Kapoor, Poorna Jagannathan, Vijay Raaz

Director: Abhinay Deo

This is a perceptive, at times, pleasant study of young, educated, urban Indians.

Three friends sharing a dingy Delhi room land themselves in trouble when a parcel of smuggled diamonds is mistakenly exchanged with a stool sample.

Tashi (Khan), Arup (Das) and Nitin (Kapoor) are caught in the thick of it as the underworld don (Vijay Raaz) is the after the trio for his diamonds.

There’s lots of mayhem in the film with the soundtrack mostly playing in the backdrop, not interrupting the film’s flow in storyline.

Kapoor has the best lines in the best scenes and shines for his perfect timing, comical expressions and madcap characterisations.

As usual, Khan does not overshadow the other two male leads.

Delhi Belly is hilarious for those who don’t seek a sophisticated fare.

***

Film: Murder 2

Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Prashant Narayanan

Director: Mohit Suri

The sensationalism that surrounded the prequel, unfolds very early in the sequel.

Not designed as a crime thriller since the identity of the serial killer is revealed early in the film, Murder 2 does not centre on finding the murderer. The investigative drama is not the focus either.

Instead, emphasis is placed on characterisation of the psychopathic-sadistic killer who enjoys what he does. Narayanan switches his character shades effortlessly, making them plausible.

Arjun (Hashmi), who reprises his role, plays an ex-police officer who does odd jobs for gangsters and flesh traders. He’s perfect in the role of an angry man, having mastered playing this character for the Bhatt-family films.

Fernandez is suitably seductive, but her romance with Arjun lacks credibility.

Producer Mahesh Bhatt’s storyline draws some inspiration from the 2008 Korean film The Chaser with writer Shagufta Rafique adding her own particular brand of colour.

The Hashmi-Fernandez sensuality adds nothing to the plot, except bold, erotic scenes.

Murder 2 sees dark evil as the key component where necessity is the murder of invention.

By Rama Gaind

Bridesmaids: Causing havoc in this humourous film, Kristen Wilg plays an insecure bridesmaid to her best friend (Maya Rudolph) who to tries to get her life together.

This is an unexpected comedy that’s directed by Paul Feig.

It’s interesting to note that Wilg wrote the script with Annie Mumolo.

Mr Popper’s Penguins: This is a charming comedy that sees Jim Carrey inheriting six penguins.

An ideal distraction for little ones, this film sees Carrey working hard not to be upstaged by the computer-enhanced penguins who work their work through Manhattan and end up teaching the lead character some much-needed lessons.

Cars 2: Sure to delight the youngsters, but this is an average sequel in animation in the company of a talking tow truck.

Kung Fu Panda 2: Returning to fight a genocidal peacock, Po (Jack Black) is joined by his film star-voiced animal companions in an amusing, visually eye-catching 3D animation.

The Tree of Life: Tackling some big questions about life, God and the universe comes this portrayal of 1950s boyhood.

In the midst of this is the tender chronicle of an ordinary family in post-war Texas.

There is much entrancing imagery in Terrence Malick’s boyhood portrayal.

While Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain convincingly portray the grace and strain of a marriage, Hunter McCracken as their oldest son, Jack, takes us through a journey into the soul of a young man struggling with the unknown in his own life.

By Rama Gaind

No excuse is necessary to visit Melbourne: this is where you will find a smorgasboard of new international exhibitions and popular festivals, appealing theatre productions, along with plenty of retail bargains and sporting fixtures.

Add to this, a tour to discover why Melbourne is Australia’s coffee-drinking capital with Maria Paoli from Evolving Success and the two-day stay is jam-packed with activity.

There’s so much to see and do, but first things first: check-in to the chic Lyall Hotel and Spa in South Yarra. This is Melbourne’s only privately-owned and operated five-star hotel with a collection of one- and two-bedroom suites together with grand suites and the platinum suite that are complemented by tailor-made service in luxury boutique surroundings.

The welcoming ambience is appealing, but most unusual is the mini art gallery on each level with fireplace and oversized armchairs from where you can admire the original works.

Voted Australia’s ‘Leading Boutique Hotel’ by the World Travel Awards, the hotel has 40 suites of contemporary oriental design. All of them are spacious, resembling apartments rather than typical hotel rooms. Even the smallest (540 sq ft) deluxe one-bedroom suite includes a separate bedroom and living area (both with TVs) and an ensuite that has a marble bathroom with bath.

Being obsessed with getting a good night’s sleep, it was reassuring to know that the high quality mattress and non-allergenic pillows were in addition (or instead) of the pillows that dressed the bed. The choice was wide: feather and down, contour, anti-ageing and rubber core foam. Opting for the anti-ageing pillow, for obvious reasons, I had a comfortable, dreamless night’s sleep – but didn’t look any younger for it!

The Lyall’s lifestyle facilities include a restaurant and champagne bar, day spa and gymnasium. As a guest, you’ll get an opportunity to indulge in retail therapy with privilege shopping at a number of the finest shops will tempt you with goods and garments from Australia and around the world.

This is a fashionable address that’s tucked away from the busy main street, but you’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore world class stores and restaurants.

Whirlwind coffee trek

Now the time had come to find out just how important the cafe/coffee revolution is to a country’s economy.

Why is Melbourne addicted to coffee and when did the city’s love affair start with the bean? After taking a whirlwind walking tour weaving through the CBD streets, arcades and the rich café and coffee culture with Maria Paoli I realised the intensity of her passion. The tour introduced Melbourne’s elaborate coffee history, which began on Bourke Hill and challenged all participants to develop “cupping skills” inciting the craze of coffee in all.

Enthusiasts are escorted through Melbourne’s coffee history, while sampling some of the city’s best-extracted coffee. The Culture Crawl takes you through the city to visit original cafes and roasting houses, sampling blends and learning the art of a great roast, a perfect extraction, extending, texture and the art of cupping.

Part-history lesson and part-coffee appreciation class, the trek began at the landmark Pellegrini’s Bar in Bourke Street which was one of the first cafes to import a Gaggia machine in the 1950s, and the famous Florentines restaurant, home to the city’s first espresso machine in 1901.

While enjoying the macchiatone with the froth on top, Maria elaborates about Melbourne changing forever in 1954 when the first water-driven expresso machine was introduced. Known locally as the ‘Coffee Girl’, the extent of her knowledge is astounding, matched equally by her fervour. Maria knows everything there is to know about coffee and everyone associated with the industry. She is a veteran barista who now trains would-be world champions.

“The previous steam-driven machines produced coffee that was very bitter. The new

water-driven machines made a more flavoursome brew that lured people away from the traditional tearooms and sparked an explosion in coffee shops, altering the way people engaged with the city.”

Education continues

As the education continues, we visit the Specialty Coffee Sensory Lab at the entrance to David Jones which is more like a shrine to the coffee bean. Here we chat with a pierced, tattooed barista whose knowledge, insight and dexterity is amazing. This is where you learn that “there is chemistry and science in coffee”.

The cafes we visited are a mixed bag of surprises weaving down hidden laneways and old city buildings.

We went into Somerset Lane into Captain’s of Industry and along Little Bourke to BBB (the cafe with chairs on the roof) and Hardware Lane. We then move on to some other modern establishments and to Guava Bean the “smallest hole in the wall” in the city in the Causeway laneway.

As Maria puts it: “Coffee is synonymous with retail therapy and one cannot do without the other. Myer has cafes through out its Bourke Street outlet with one of Melbourne’s successful cafe Brunetti in its lingerie section”.

We mingle with other coffee trekkers and learn about baristas, roasters, participants in coffee and the cultural revolution in espresso, the best machines and the role of Australians in international and national championships.

It doesn’t take long to realise that Maria is fuelled on coffee – and it’s infectious!

The tour is a feast of tales and anecdotes taken from Melbourne’s coffee history together with tasting the deep-golden extraction across tongues to experience the full flavour.

It’s amazing to realise that the enthusiasm for coffee continues to grow and hover at levels between the inspiring and the ridiculous.

Cultural highlights

If you visit Melbourne now, you’ll also get a chance to see Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs that’s on at the Melbourne Museum; Love Never Dies

is the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera at the Regent Theatre; Rock of Ages is on at the Comedy Theatre; and National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne is showcasing art by early 20th century Vienna artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

Rama Gaind was a guest of the Lyall Hotel and Evolving Success.

DETAILS

The Lyall Hotel,

14 Murphy Street

South Yarra VIC 3141

Phone (03) 9868 8222

http://www.thelyall.com

Evolving Success

Maria Paoli’s historical coffee trek and coffee making classes are at www.evolvingsuccess.com.au

By Rama Gaind

Having realised a long-held dream to visit Phuket, it’s easy to see why Thailand as a holiday destination is amazing – constantly! The islands are stunning, there are an endless number of tourist attractions, the kingdom is steeped in culture, the local people are very friendly and the hospitality is faultless.

 Only an hour’s flight from the capital Bangkok, the spectacular seaside resorts of the far south beckoned – to the island of Phuket, characterised by breathtaking tropical coastal scenery, unspoilt beaches of powdery white sand and the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea – all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush green vegetation.

 Strong memories surfaced about Phuket’s famous Phang Nga Bay being the location for the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun and nearby Phi Phi Island the setting for the film The Beach.

Located on the southeastern tip of Phuket, Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa is one the island’s most renowned hotels. Fronted by a secluded beach and turquoise ocean and surrounded by green hills, the resort occupies a truly inspiring location.

It’s no wonder that the idyllic site, comfortable rooms and attentive service has attracted many celebrities including heads of state. Special guests have included the late Elizabeth Taylor, Bryan Adams, Oliver Stone, Norma Heyman, Geena Davis, Kristy Swanson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Pierce Brosnan and Leonardo Di Caprio. 

The Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa embodies tropical luxury in one of the world’s most desirable destinations. The hotel is built on a hill with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. The beach is secluded, protected from the westerly winds and is calm for swimming or water sports all year round.

The property’s architectural design blends superbly with the natural beauty of the cape and the bay. The hotel is self-contained, cosy and ideal for those who seek tranquillity and natural surroundings. Attracting families, individual tourists and corporate market, there are 201 well-appointed, sea-facing accommodation units with a large private balcony and a day bed.

 All rooms, pool villas and jacuzzi suites enjoy glorious views of the Andaman Sea. The rooms are arranged in a series of low-rise buildings and set within a mature coconut grove and lush tropical gardens.

 You have many options for relaxation: be active and hit the fitness centre and swimming pools, relax at the spa, there’s water sports or tone down the pace and sharpen your culinary skills and take Thai cooking classes, participate in fruit and vegetable carving demonstrations, learn the Thai language or take up batik painting.

Indulge your tastebuds by eating at one of the many restaurants and bars in the complex, but whatever you do, you must dine at Panwa House, a magnificent Sino-Portuguese style mansion facing the beach. Find the quaint way down to it – in a rail carriage – from the main hotel.

Panwa House sits in understated majesty, tucked away in a coconut grove that lines the beachfront. Be transported back in time by the beautifully restored period interior and exterior and a tiled patio.

This is the place to be for an unrivalled dining experience in Phuket. General manager of the Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa Marc Landgraf hosted our group to a tantalising selection of fine Thai cuisine as we dined outdoors on a starry, starry night with warm breezes and the sound of the sea gently breaking on the sandy shore – a mere stone’s throw away. You too will be transported back to the Siam of old!    

Panwa Princess

If swimming and snorkeling in your pleasure, then indulge yourself by going out for the day on the hotel’s luxury yacht – Panwa Princess – to Racha Island and Coral Island.

There’s ample opportunity to dive beneath the sea and ‘discover’ the amazing world of these quick gliders. Don’t be surprised by schools of tropical fish which surround you, eager for food scraps. Just soak up the atmosphere: be astonished by the clear emerald green waters (said to be caused by the presence of limestone) and try identifying the butterfly fish, parrot fish, long tongs, clams hiding under rocks, sea cucumbers and the list goes on.

On board the Panwa Princess, you are made to feel very special while having fun in the sun on the water – and partaking of a lavish ‘picnic’ lunch of chicken, fish, salad and fruits – accompanied by suitable refreshments. Somjit, ably assisted by other staff from the Cape Panwa Hotel, indulged our every whim! What a fabulous way to unwind while listening to some blast from the past – the nostalgic hits from such famous singers as the Beatles, Tom Jones, Manfred Mann and Dusty Springfield.

 Other highlights

One highlight should include a visit to Patong Beach and Bangla Road to be among the throngs of people, feel the pulsating music and shop till you drop for bargains at the myriad of stores. Seeing the Kangaroo Bar, AFL Bar and U2 Bar brought welcome memories of home.

 Another high point is dining at the Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine in a splendid, old Chinese colonial-style mansion set in sprawling grounds near the heart of the old quarter of Phuket. Fine dining set in opulent surroundings are the order of the night at the Blue Elephant which is one of a rare breed of restaurants where the décor is well and truly centre stage – and deservedly so.

The mansion, built in 1903, was at one time the governor’s residence. It has been lovingly renovated with Doric columns supporting white twin arches, a sweeping teak stairway and clever lighting throughout the mansion. The attention to detail extends right down to fabulous brass cutlery and hand-beaten plates. Memorable.

Rama Gaind was a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand with accommodation in Phuket hosted by Kasemkij Group.

DETAILS BOX

Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sydney, on (02) 9247 7549 or visit www.tourismthailand.org

Thai Airways International flies from Australia to Bangkok, connecting with Bangkok Airlines services on national routes. Check out www.thaiairways.com/

Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa, 27 Moo 8 Sakdidej Road, 83000 Phuket, Thailand. Find out more at www.capepanwa.com/

By Rama Gaind

Play: The Removalists

Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 37 Reed Street, Greenway, ACT

Performances: June 17, 8pm; June 18, 2pm & 8pm; June 19, 5pm;

June 23, 8pm; June 24, 5.30pm & 9pm;

June 25, 2pm & 8pm; June 26, 5pm

Tickets: Adults: $28, Conc: $25

Bookings: 6293 1443

Australian playwright David Williamson’s The Removalists captured audiences when it first premiered – and its message is just as relevant today – four decades later.

The play is bold and is about power: those who gain power, who lose it and those who abuse and misuse power. Power is, perhaps, the ultimate source of status.

The Removalists, which begins its Canberra season at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre on June 17 and continues until June 26, addresses violence, specifically domestic violence, and the abuse of power and authority.

A young policeman’s first day on duty becomes a violent and highly charged initiation into law enforcement. The play features Duncan Ragg as Kenny Carter and Sean Ladlow as Sergeant Dan Simmons.

This confident interpretation by Free Rain, highlights that Australian society was born in violence. Once a pattern of violence is accepted for any situation, it becomes acceptable in all circumstances.

The momentum of The Removalists hinges on several moments when any of the characters could stop the violence just by speaking out. But no one speaks.

In the face of moral passivity and inaction, the outcome becomes progressively inevitable.

Written in 1971, The Removalists was Williamson’s first large-scale success and premiered (directed in Sydney by John Bell for Nimrod) in the same month in Melbourne as the equally successful Don’s Party.

Apparently based on a story told to Williamson in a pub by an actual removalist; the men in the play explore their own sources of power through sexual intimidation and physical violence.

The tensions between the characters and their various manifestations of power along with a strong sense of realism create an extraordinarily confronting piece of theatre.

Williamson’s genius also enables The Removalists to be a very funny play, remarkable in its ability to comfortably blend the tense drama and lively comedy.

The Removalists is so well written it gets its issues and themes across to contemporary audiences with relevance and wit. Ideologies and attitudes may have changed, but The Removalists rings true, given that there are still pockets of entrenched misogyny, bent cops, abusive husbands and, moreover, no end of violent acts. There is an essential truth to the text that parallels modern social and power relationships.

It retains its edge, with ability to shock and, above all, there’s a delicious sense of humour.

The basic totalitarianism, the disagreement between the sexes that often passes for human relationships – are discoveries which audiences applauded in David Williamson.

The Removalists is rightly regarded as a key work in the study of Australian drama.

Bollywood film

Review by Rama Gaind

Ready

Cast: Salman Khan, Asin Thottumkal, Paresh Rawal, Arya Babbar, Mahesh Manjrekar

Director: Anees Bazmee

Salman Khan’s latest film Ready may not be a surprise runaway success like Dabangg in 2010, but it has all the trappings of being another trendsetter.

This is a film in which Salman doesn’t require any acting skills. He just plays himself with refined self-confidence. He not only gets the girl and reconciles hostile families, but along the way he single-handedly beats up the villains, bares his muscular chest and, yet again, concocts some amazing hip-swilling dance moves and the trademark Ray Ban manoeuvre.

This is Salman’s film as he gives free rein to his novel banter coupled with comedy, tomfoolery and mangled, preposterous and tacky dialogues with personalised flair.

Fancy-free hero

The romantic comedy, a remake of the 2008 Telugu film, tells the story of Prem (Khan) a happy, fancy-free sole heir to a vast empire owned by his father and uncles, who makes it his business to help young lovers in distress. Enjoying his single status, his bachelor days become numbered when he helps Sanjana (Asin) to escape from a forced marriage. Having just returned to India to live with her feuding uncles, she assists in foiling their plans to take over her large inheritance.

Ready revolves around how Prem unites their families and has a lot of fun singing and dancing in appealing locations in Thailand. He masterminds the entire charade as hilarious events unfold with everyone taking on various identities in order to fool the uncles.

The popular soundtrack numbers – Dhinka Chika and Character Dheela – are bright and catchy.

Larger than life

Director Anees Basmee uses a variety of absurd segments to provide some laughs, but fails to control certain unrelieved impropriety in the comedy.

Why does Anees make illogical films (No Problem, Thank You)? Guess it’s because they are a celebration, a way-out with the stress factor. It is therapeutic.

Ready (running for 142 minutes) does make you laugh intermittently, but only to a certain point.

This is not Bollywood at its most sublime. When stars of the calibre of Salman use self-centred humour, it’s bound to attract an emotional response from the audience.

Ready has a weak plot, a lacklustre script and the only logic in making this film is to maximise the box office attraction of the lead star.

Could there be some truth in what Salman says about his films? It was sheer coincidence that he was a part of three South Indian film remakes, Wanted, Bodyguard and Ready.

So why have the films been such big hits? “… It is because they depict exactly what the audience really wants to see – and that is a larger-than-life hero!”

You certainly won’t get bored watching this light-hearted ode to Salman Khan!

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Devised and directed by Stuart Maunder

Musical Supervisor: Guy Noble

Venue: Canberra Theatre Centre

Dates: Season ends June 5, 2011

Bookings: Call (02) 6275 2700; buy your tickets from the Canberra Theatre box office, Civic Square, London Circuit, or online at: www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Theatre Review

By Rama Gaind

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, which opened its Canberra season on June 1, was an engaging revue of both the classic and lesser known songs spanning the maestro’s 46-year career.

The master of musical theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webber, is prolific and intrepid. He has made a musical about cats, a rock opera about Jesus and a mysterious, disfigured musical genius in the phantom which also has a sequel titled Love Never Dies.

The show opened with the slow and dramatic ‘Love Changes Everything’ by Delia Hannah and Michael Cormick from Aspects of Love.

Performed over two hours by eight talented vocalists, one gem was ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ from Evita sung by Delia Hannah who performs a few of the poignant songs of the evening including ‘Memory’ from Cats, ‘Tell Me On A Sunday‘ from the musical with the same name and ‘With One Look’ from Sunset Boulevard.

Andrew Conaghan and Trisha Crowe had great stage presence while singing ‘All I Ask of You’ from The Phantom of the Opera.

Setting the tone for a fun evening was the lively song ‘Superstar’ from Jesus Christ Superstar.

The fabulous talents of Blake Bowden, Alinta Chidzey, Andrew Conaghan, Michael Cormick, Trisha Crowe, Delia Hannah, Kirsten Hobbs and Shaun Rennie,  were on display as the team rocked the stage and held the crowd’s attention. The show featured songs from such hits as Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Requiem, Sunset Boulevard, together with lesser known works like Woman in White and Whistle in the Wind.

The crowd also got a sneak preview with songs of Webber’s new musical Love Never Dies.

Spectacular visuals, with a big screen put in place behind all the actors, flash highlights of each performance.

This is one trip down memory lane that will have you toe-tapping and humming your way out of the theatre!

Andrew Lloyd Webber is the only theatrical composer to have been featured on the cover of Time magazine (1989); is the most successful British composer of musicals; and the only one to have had six hit musicals running simultaneously in London and three running simultaneously in New York.

With a wondrous array of successes under his belt, Lloyd Webber was knighted in 1992. His brilliance continues.

Rama Gaind, puts in a nutshell, the highlights of a remarkably memorable tour of Thailand.

Thailand is a treasured hotspot for tourists and Indian filmmakers alike. This number one location destination for Bollywood films, is now also the venue for shooting Hindi television commercials.

Amazing Thailand was the backdrop for PepsiCo’s mango drink, Slice, in which actress Katrina Kaif celebrates the thought of “Sabr Ka Phal Meetha Hota Hai” as the first chapter in Aamsutra.

Indian filmmakers are drawn to this kingdom for many reasons: exotic locales, sparking beaches, rich cultural heritage, attractive film production costs and incentives from the Thailand Film Office.

Some of the films shot in Thailand include the new Salman Khan film Ready directed by Anees Bazmee, Rascals starring Sanjay Dutt, director Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara with Hrithik Roshan, Nikhil Advani’s Chandni Chowk to China and Anthony D’Souza’s directorial debut Blue.

According to statistics from the Thailand Ministry of Tourism and Sports, tourists numbered 15,841,683 in 2010, an increase of 11.96 per cent compared with 2009.

Estimates are that more than 60,000 people of Indian origin (notably from Punjab, Gujarat and a small Tamil community) live mainly in the cities. I met some of them on my recent visit to Bangkok, Phuket, Khao Lak, Khao Sok and Koh Samui.

The capital Bangkok is a chic, urban city with a remarkable skyline and much-needed seclusion at the Cape House Serviced Apartments. Spiritual comfort was free-for-all at the Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha, while Bangkok’s ‘Little India’ flourishes at the Pahurat Market which is home to a thriving Indian community made up largely of Hindus and Sikhs who have been living there for generations.

The sojourn at Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa, in Phuket, was memorable especially dining under the stars at Panwa House (a splendid period mansion with a private beachfront), the lunch excursion to Racha and Coral Islands on the luxury Panwa Princess yacht and basking in the beauty of the Andaman Sea. Another highlight was partaking of some fine dining with royal Thai cuisine at the Blue Elephant Phuket which is housed in an architecturally stunning Chinpracha mansion.

Just 20 minutes north of Phuket’s international airport, Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga is an intimate retreat with its own stretch of Natai Beach. Founder and managing director of Aleenta Resorts Anchalika Kijkanakorn has to be commended for spearheading a campaign to rebuild damaged reef ecosystems in Phuket’s Phang Nga area.

Ideal for families

Venturing further south, Kantary Beach Hotel Villas & Suites Khao Lak is the perfect spot for family holidays. Swim and snorkel with a school of fish on a trip to Similan Islands and be mesmerised by breathtaking panoramic views.

Become captivated by the brilliance of nature when you stay at the Elephant Hills Main Camp at Khao Sok and participate in an exhilarating canoe safari down the Sok River and feed, scrub and wash an elephant – the largest land animal in south-east Asia.

Explore Cheow Larn Lake in the heart of Khao Sok National Park in a long tail boat as you head to the ‘Guilin’ of Thailand. Luxury floating tents at the Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp are the platform from where you can swim in the emerald waters, self-paddle your canoe through the klongs and channels or go on a wildlife night safari. Spectacular.

Now what better way is there to further delight yourself except by crossing the Gulf of Thailand on a ferry to Koh Samui and unwinding at the sparkling Hansar Samui overlooking Bophut Bay. This is a haven of exceptional proportions. While here, you have to pamper yourself at the Luxsa Spa.

Indulgence doesn’t come any better than this!

Rama Gaind was a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, with accommodation in Bangkok, Phuket and Khao Lak hosted by Kasemkij Group; in Koh Samui by Hansar Samui; and 3-Day Elephant Experience and Lake Safari hosted by Elephant Hills Luxury Tented Camp, Khao Sok.

DETAILS BOX

Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sydney, on (02) 9247 7549 or visit www.tourismthailand.org

Thai Airways International flies from Australia to Bangkok, connecting with Bangkok Airlines services on national routes. Check out www.thaiairways.com/

Accommodation websites are:

Cape House Serviced Apartments, Bangkok – www.capehouse.com/

Aleenta Resort & Spa Phuket-Phang Nga on Natai Beach – http://www.aleenta.com/

Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa, Phuket – www.capepanwa.com/

Kantary Beach Hotel Villas & Suites, Khao Lak – www.kantarycollection.com

Elephant Hills is Thailand’s first luxury tented camp – www.elephant-hills.com,

www.elephant-hills.com/rainforest_camp.php

Visit Hansar Samui website at www.hansarsamui.com/