ADV 31mar12

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31mar12

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arts

Blend of Aboriginal culture

Stories: DAMITA LAMONT
HE links between history, visual and performing arts are superbly showcased in the multi-layered theatre production Namatjira. The story of renowned watercolour landscape artist Albert Namatjira and the struggles he faced as one of the first Aborigines to be granted Australian citizenship is told. Creative producer Sophia Marinos said the use of multiple platforms was the best way for Big hART to tell this true story. We are an arts and social change company and work across various art forms to engage people in various ways, she said. Every element of Namatjira adds more depth to the story and affords the audience a well-rounded experience. Actors Trevor Jamieson and Derik Lynch are joined by the grandchildren and descendants of Albert Namatjira in the performance. It is important to have the family there, it is not our story to tell, Ms Marinos said. The grandchildren are drawing with chalk throughout the performance to depict the landscapes in the story. Namatjira is held at the

Albert Namatjiras grand children Ivy Pareroultja, Gloria Pannka, Kevin Namatjira and Elton Wirri at a watercolour class.
Burnie Arts and Function Centre and a watercolour exhibition is held downstairs at the Burnie Regional Art Gallery featuring the works of the Albert Namatjira descendants and of those he had taught. He spearheaded a whole art movement so the works in his gallery are a legacy to that, Ms Marinos said. The exhibition allows audiences to gain further insight into this legacy. Namatjira is set to provide audiences with an evening of entertainment, education and a wellrounded theatre experience. People will have a great time, the show is insightful and fun

Derik Lynch in Namatjira (above) and Trevor Jamieson (right) during a performance.
combining song, dance and history about our country, Ms Marinos said. I Namatjirawill be performed at the Burnie Arts and Function Centre on April 4 at 8pm. They are also offering a cocktail reception and viewing of the exhibition prior to the performance. This will be held downstairs at the Burnie Regional Art Gallery from 6pm. Call the BAFC for tickets to either on 6430 5850. The exhibition will be running until April 22 and can also be viewed during gallery opening hours.

Mural fest a totally new experience for many artists and spectators
THE opportunity for a fascinating creative experience draws artists from across Australia and overseas to the Tasmazia International Mural Fest. Instead of putting together a mural in the privacy of their own homes, the nine artists go through the whole process in public for all to see over the course of one week. It is a totally new experience for the artists, instead of painting from their workshop at home they are out among other artists and can learn new techniques, Tasmazia International Mural Fest Chairman Don Thwaites said. Spectators can enjoy a personalised experience too; gaining insight in to the many ways mural art is created and putting a face to a name with their On Monday learn more about the nine artists through the exhibition held at the town hall showcasing a selection of their works. Meet the artists in person on Tuesday at a special evening where each will talk about their experiences as an artist. Another highlight is the poetry reading held on Wednesday night where entrants create and recite two lines around wild and free next years mural fest theme. The aim is to create a poem that is the inspiration for next years mural fest, Mr Thwaites said. I For further information about these Tazmazia International Mural Fest events and to find out about others visit http:/ /www.muralfest.com.au/

DIARY
Today: Water colour artist Suzanne Hennesseys workshop for beginner and intermediate artists from 10am until 3pm. The workshop is $35 and includes all materials. Bookings call 6430 5885. I Dance Marinara performance, DECC. Tickets from Tasdance on 6331 6644. Upcoming: ArtsCape social day tomorrow, enjoy a free piece of cake, find out whats coming in the next months and have your say in what you would like to see or do. Bring a joke, some music, a funny hat or anything else that takes your fancy. From 2.30pm, Jackson St, Wynyard. Currently: Fired Up, unique ceramics by 11 clay artists, at Studio 2-eleven, Mount St, Upper Burnie. Open 10am until 3pm, finishes tomorrow. I Namatjira: The Next Generation, Burnie Regional Art Gallery until April 22. I Springtime Garden, textured paintings by Suzanne Hennessy, Rialto Gallery Restaurant until next Saturday. I Recent Acquisitions Australian Prints, BRAG until April 22. I Throw All The Paint On It That You Can by Deborah Conroy at Ghost Rock Vineyard, 11am until 5pm Wednesday-Sunday until Wednesday. I Details of events can be sent to damital@theadvocate. com.au or call 6440 7394. www.theadvocate.com.au

Artist Christian Griffiths, of New South Wales, with his painting Connectivity, which won the International Mural Fest Judges Choice Award last year.
favourite artists. However it doesnt stop there; Mural Fest provides a well-rounded art experience that engages spectators on multiple levels. Throughout the week from Sunday April 8-14, there are a range of associated activities to take part in.

38 - The Advocate,

Saturday, March 31, 2012