The Planner

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday May 12, 2007

Compiled by Alice Wasley; Bruce Elder for Excursion

GOING, GOING ...

WORKING

Swiss artist Beat Zoderer, who reworks everyday objects to create sculpture (pictured is Supramat), collaborates with Sydney artist A.D.S. Donaldson to create an exhibition "at the intersection of painting and sculpture". Sat, 11am-6pm, thirtyseven? - Contemporary Fine Art Gallery, 11/2 Danks Street, Waterloo, 9698 4499 or thirtyseven-degrees.com.

ARCHIBALD PRIZE

Sunday is your last chance to see the 2007 Archibald Prize exhibition, including the winning portrait by John Beard of fellow artist Janet Laurence. Sat and Sun, 10am-5pm, Art Gallery of NSW, The Domain, city, $8 or $22 for a family ticket, 9225 1744 or artgallery.nsw.gov.au.

ANNA IN THE TROPICS

Winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the play is set in Tampa, Florida in 1929. Juan Julian has been employed to read to cigar rollers as they work and his choice of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina stirs up the workers and changes their lives. Finishes Sunday. Sat, 8.15pm; Sun, 5.15pm; 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, $29, 9699 3444 or belvoir.com.au.

SELF-ESTEEM

See the last performance of Brendan Cowell's black comedy. A newly elected Australian government wants better profit margins out of Australians so it has created CHAD, a cloned twentysomething male, to enter homes and fulfil its objectives. Sat, 2.15 and 8.15pm, Wharf 2, Sydney Theatre Company, $15-$34, 9250 1777 or sydneytheatre.com.au.

Diary

GLEEWARTS EXPRESS

Gleebooks is celebrating the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final book in J.K. Rowling's series, with a steam train ride to a mystery destination. Includes book, breakfast and elevenses. July 21, departs from Central Station, $135, 0422 272 521 or gleebooks.com.au.

EXIT THE KING

See Eugene Ionesco's absurdist comedy starring Geoffrey Rush as a dying king fighting against his decline as his kingdom crumbles. Directed by Neil Armfield. From June 9, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, $52, 9699 3444 or belvoir.com.au.

SYDNEY WRITERS' FESTIVAL

Political authors, Gwynne Dyer, Andrew Bacevich, Eliot Weinberger and Alison Broinowski come together for The Situation in Iraq, a discussion about the consequences of withdrawal or staying on. June 1, Sydney Town Hall, $20, 9250 1988, swf.org.au.

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

Opera Australia's new production of Rossini's classic (pictured is performer Cameron Mannix) is set in a 1930s health spa that is a haven for the rich and famous. The head stylist and notorious matchmaker Figaro sets his sights on bringing together the salon owner's young ward, Rosina,

and a young nobleman. From June 26, Sydney Opera House, $89 to $228, 9318 8200 or opera-australia.org.au.FREEMOTHER'S DAY PICNIC

There will be a complimentary beauty treatment, manicure or massage for mums as well as entertainment from Dorothy

the Dinosaur and Nick Hardcastle and appearances by some of the Sydney Swans. Proceeds go to the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation. Sun, 11am-3pm, Showring, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, mothersdaypicnic.com.au.

OUTSIDE

Inspired by the environment and "moments in time", Andrew Taylor's paintings (pictured) involve many layers of glazes and paint that is scraped off and reapplied. Sat, 11am-5pm, Tim Olsen Gallery, 76 Paddington Street, Paddington, 9360 9854, timolsengallery.com.

MCA STAFF SHOW

Twenty-five artists who work for Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art have contributed a work that responds to the theme Correspondence, which is also the exhibition's title. Sat and Sun, 10am-4pm, ATVP Contemporary Art, 565 King Street, Newtown, 9519 2340 or atthevanishingpoint.com.au.

HERZOG/KIEFER

Even Dwarfs Started Small was directed by Werner Herzog, a contemporary of the artist Anselm Kiefer, and is part of the series Landscapes of the Mind: The films of Werner Herzog. Held in conjunction with Anselm Kiefer: recent work, which opens on May 19. Sun, 2pm, Domain Theatre, Art Gallery of NSW, city, 9225 1744 or artgallery.nsw.gov.au.

Out of town

THE MESSIAH

See a play within a play as two incompetent, over-ambitious amateur actors and a confused opera singer attempt to produce a theatrical version of the nativity. Sat, 2pm; Sun, 5pm, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong, $45, 4226 3366 or merrigong.com.au.

MAX DUPAIN

Mount Pleasant Estate is showing rarely seen photographs taken by Max Dupain of winemaker Maurice O'Shea, Mount Pleasant winery and its 1950 harvest. Sat and Sun, 10.30am-4pm, Mount Pleasant Estate, Rosehill Room, 401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin, free, 4998 7505 or mountpleasantwines.com.au.

WOODFORD ACADEMY

Veiled Elegance: a Century of Weddings is an exhibition of wedding clothes from the 19th to early 20th century. Among the pieces that have been sourced from Charlotte Smith's Darnell Collection are a silk, brown plaid, hoop wedding dress worn by an American Quaker woman

in 1860. Sat and Sun, 10am-4pm, Woodford Academy, 91 Great Western Highway, Woodford, $5, 4758 8584 or

nsw.nationaltrust.org.au.

QUILT SHOW

See intricate work by the Arcadian Quilters and a display of heirloom pieces. Quilts in various sizes will be hung from the rafters and there will be quilters on hand to answer any questions. Sat-Sun, 9.30am-4.30pm, The Glasshouse, Swane's Nursery, 490 Galston Road, Dural, $5, 9651 1322.

LEARN

ARCHITECTURE WALK

View 15 of Sydney's most important buildings, such as the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, with an Australian Architecture Association guide. Sat, 10.20am for 10.30 departure, meet in front of fountain, Australia Square, Pitt Street, city, $20, members free, architecture.org.au.

YOGA WORKSHOP

Find out how to use yoga to fight depression and stress with tips on meditation, breathing techniques and more. Bookings essential. Sat, 1.30-5pm, Yoga in Daily Life, first floor, 117 Anzac Parade, Kensington, $35, 0408 630 417 or yogaindailylife.org.au.

ERYLDENE HISTORIC HOUSE

Celebrate Mother's Day with tea in the garden and a teapot exhibition. On Saturday there will be a talk by Dr Kimberley Webber: Tea Parties and Tea Party Etiquette from our recent past. On Sunday Elaine Lawson will talk about Tea for Ten Thousand: Fascinating Teapot Stories. Bookings for tea are essential. Sat and Sun, 10am-4pm; talk 2pm, Eryldene Historic House, 17 McIntosh Street, Gordon, entry $7, tea, $16, 9498 2271 or eryldene.org.au.

ASK THE EXPERTS

Have your antiques appraised by experts from the Antique and Art Dealers' Association and curators from the Historic Houses Trust. There will also be live music, food and games for the children. Sun, 10am-6pm, Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road, Vaucluse, $10, includes two appraisals, under-16s free, 8239 2244 or www.hht.net.au/experts.

Etcetera

CLIFTON SCHOOL OF ARTS

Arthur Bearsby was known as "the painting postmaster of Clifton" before his death in 1986. He painted rural, urban and marine landscapes while running regional general stores and post offices. Sat and Sun, 10am-4.30pm, Clifton School of Arts, 338 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Clifton, free, 4268 0489 or nio.net.au/thirroul/cliftonsoa.

ABC EXHIBITION

Choir of Hard Knocks: Photographs by Chris Beck is the companion exhibition to the ABC TV series about a group of disadvantaged people who form a choir under the direction of conductor Jonathon Welch. Sat and Sun, 9am-5pm, foyer, ABC, 700 Harris Street, Ultimo, free.

MOUNT ANNAN

Mother's Day in the Garden has performances from the cover band 80's Flashback, rides, face painting, native animals from Taronga's Zoomobile and a free gardening magazine for the first 300 mums to visit the on-site Garden Shop. Sun, 10am-4pm, Mount Annan Botanic Garden, Mount Annan Drive, Mount Annan, $4.40, or $8.80 for a family ticket, 4634 7935 or rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au.

SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL

Catch more than 30 features and short films from Spain. Summer Rain (pictured) is about young men coming of age in Malaga in the 1970s. Sat, from 12.15pm; Sun, from 11.30am, Palace Academy,3 Oxford Street, Paddington, and Palace Norton Street, 99 Norton Street, Leichhardt, $15, 1300 306 776 or spanishfilmfestival.com.

Performance

THE BASEMENT

Hear classics such as Layla, Tears In Heaven and Cocaine at Slowhand, a tribute to Eric Clapton. There are performances by Steve Balbi, Nicky Kurta, Bernie Segedin, Rex Goh and more. Sat, 9pm, The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay, $25, dinner and show tickets available, 9251 2797 or thebasement.com.au.

SHADOWLANDS

William Nicholson's play focuses on the passionate relationship between British author C.S. Lewis and the American poet Joy Gresham. Sat, 8pm; Sun, 4.30pm, Genesian Theatre, 420 Kent Street, city, $22, 1300 306 776 or mca-tix.com.

CABARET

Katrina Retallick (pictured) will perform Impossible Blonde: Snapshots of Blonde Divas Over the Decades. They range from Marlene Dietrich to Marilyn Monroe. Sat, 8pm, Statement Cabaret Lounge, under the State Theatre, 49 Market Street, city, $30, 136 100, ticketmaster.com.au.

MARK WATSON

I'm Worried That I'm Starting to Hate Almost Everyone in the World was inspired by the British stand-up comic's experience of being mugged last year by a 13-year-old. Sat, 7.30pm; Sun, 7pm, The Studio, Sydney Opera House, $30, 9250 7111 or sydneyoperahouse.com.

Midweek

KATIE NOONAN

Hear the angelic voice of the singer (pictured) from the Brisbane band george as she tries out material for her solo album. Wed, 8.30pm, The Vanguard, 42 King Street, Newtown, $22, 9557 7992 or thevanguard.com.au.

WORLD PRESS PHOTO

Get an after-hours look at the World Press Photo exhibition with the winner Spencer Platt speaking about his work. There is music by DJ Leigh Wood. Bookings essential. Thurs, two sessions 5-7pm or 7.15-9pm, State Library of NSW Galleries, Mitchell Wing, Macquarie Street, city, free, 9273 1770 or atmitchell.com.

POWERHOUSE MUSEUM

Conservator Suzanne Chee will talk on A Close Look at Conservation, sharing some of the secrets of her profession. She was responsible for many of the costumes featured in the Inspired! Design across time exhibition. Free with museum entry. Wed, 12.30-1.30pm, Target Theatre, Level 3; exhibition, daily, 10am to 5pm, Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, $10/$5 or $25 for family ticket, 9217 0111 or powerhousemuseum.com.

BREAST CANCER

See an exhibition by photographers, including Simon Upton and Bronwyn Kidd, who have collaborated with Flamingo Sands' swimwear designer Nicky Rowsell, on a "hot in the city" calendar. Proceeds from the sale of the prints and calendars will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Thurs, 10am-4pm, Cecil Street Studios,

10 Cecil Street, Paddington, www.flamingosands.com.

Kids

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS

Grab a picnic rug and a jumper for the last gasp of the outdoor cinema season and see Ice Age 2: The Meltdown. There will be games, a barbecue and hot drinks for sale. Sat, 6pm, games from 5pm, Cooper Street Reserve, Engadine, free, 0414 193 602 or sutherland.nsw.gov.au.

ALADDIN'S TALES

Kids can participate in a performance with Scheherazade the storyteller, Abenazer the magician, Abu Kassim the stingy chemist, the Genie of the Lamp and Aladdin himself. For three- to 10- year-olds. Sat, 1pm, Marian Street Theatre, 2 Marian Street, Killara, $19/$15 or $55 for a family ticket, 1300 306 776 or mca-tix.com.

TODDLERS' PROMS

The Carnival of the Animals is performed by the Symphonic Wind Orchestra. Children are encouraged to clap, dance, sing and march along to the music. For two- to seven-year-olds. Sun, 9.30am, 10.30am and 11.30am, Ultimo Community Centre, corner Bulwara Road and William Henry Street, Ultimo, $10, 1300 306 776 or mca-tix.com.

MANLY WEST CARNIVAL

See the Manly West Super Group with Kevin Borich, Mal Green and Dave Warner of Dave Warner's From The Suburbs plus Irish dancing, tap dancing, Luna Park entertainers, sideshow games, market stalls, a silent auction, chocolate wheel and show bags. Sat, 10am-5pm, Manly West Primary School, entrances in Griffiths, Hill and Boyle Streets, Balgowlah, free, $25 for all-day rides armband, manlywestcarnival.com.

Excursion

NOWRA

It Is "dangerous at night", it is a "navy town" (whatever that means) and it is the town you pass through on your way to the far South Coast. Nowra is one of those towns that seems to unfairly attract bad press. Meanwhile, there are its delightful parks, walks along the banks of the Shoalhaven River and interesting history.

Near the bridge over the Shoalhaven River, in Graham Street, is the Harry Sawkins Park, where the manicured lawns, benches and shady retreats, all enhanced by gaggles of ducks and seabirds, offer a delightful picnic setting. So, too, is Marriott Park (on the Princes Highway), which has barbecues, a lake with ducks, a children's play area and, nearby, the historic Werninck Craft Cottage and the Shoalhaven Historical Society and Nowra Museum, open on Saturdays and Sundays 1-4pm. One of the best places to eat is the River Deli at 84 Kinghorne Street.

About 5 kilometres out of town, turn right onto BTU Road (it stands for British Torpedo Unit) and you'll see a sign to Nowra Hill Lookout. An easy 500-metre stroll on Commodores Walk and you enjoy views of the Shoalhaven Valley. Drive a bit further and, before the gates of the HMAS Albatross naval base, there is a sign to Fleet Air Arm Museum (4424 1920). Previously named Australia's Museum of Flight, it is a huge hangar with an extensive collection of naval aircraft and aviation memorabilia.

Bruce Elder

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