Tuesday 22nd July, 2008 Tonight i caught three Brisbane Fringe shows at Metro Arts, all different, and all, in their own way, most worthwhile. Waiting for Merlot, with The Gooney Girls, de BASE Productions. Liz Skitch and Bridget Boyle raucously entertained everyone including the director's 3 year old son ("this is funny Mum!" was heard throughout the theatre and appreciated by everyone). Both Liz and Bridget have remarkable comic timing, and kept us all laughing even when we wondered what we were laughing about. And even though it is silly humour, one can still find social meaning underneath the giggles. Worth a peak. The Asparagus Project and The Wedding Dress Project were next on my list. an exploration into the constructs of work and love. Manda Boyd, Kimberley Holander, Robyn Shenfield and Sarah Winter were the Brisbane based devisors, aided by artist Robert Millett. I found the Asparagus project to be meditative and thought provoking, exploring the humble life of an asparagus spear that takes three years to grow and three seconds to eat (did i get that right?)...the ritual elements made it impactful and watchable. The Wedding Dress project seemed less successful, though fun to watch. Whereas the Asparagus Project had me contemplating the speed and consumption of our modern life, the Wedding Dress Project did not seem to develop my understanding of the social/political/historical discourses that sit around the ritual of marriage. There was an imbalance somehow. Perhaps this was a limitation of the space: if the audience could have moved around rather than sitting, we may have been able to connect more to the stories. Robert Millett's use of projected image onto the veiled woman was quirky yet thought provoking. If you are interested in multiple ways of performance, put this one on your list. The last show I saw was The Speech Givers, by PACT Contemporary Theatre for Young People. Initially i thought it to be textbook exercises, albeit strong ones. However as the piece developed the diverse personalities of the actors emerged, revealing a palpable energy and commitment to their tasks. It was a brave and energetic piece of performance and should be seen. Wednesday 23rd July: the performances begin at 12.30pm so get down there and enjoy the energy.

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Wednesday, 23 July 2008 06:59 AM
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This week Brisbane Fringe Festival started with a bang with some very strong shows. The Lady of the House of Love is Sandro Colarelli and David Fenton's creation (and a nameless keyboard player who was remarkable...make sure you get your name on the official program next time!) based on an Angela Carter's dark fairytale. I loved the design: a carved screen that dominated centre stage...it reminded me of the simplicity of the set of Kosky's Tell Tale Heart at Melbourne Festival last year...Colarelli is a consummate story teller and it was a joy to witness the unfolding. Fenton's preciseness, detail and clarity moved the story into a surreal intense world that kept the audience enthralled. I loved watching the little things: the angle of the foot, the movement of the eye. This production is sure to be repeated at other festivals so if you can grab it next time round. Villanus, by Vlad Mijic and Rhys Auteri, was a strong exploration into the construction of the individual: who am I? Mijic begins by outlining a shadow image of himself as he sits under the table and it is symbolic of his search for meaning. The stage is a mess, with cameras, boxes, masking tape...yet out of this confusion comes a powerful story that asks the big questions. Last month Metro Arts held a Creative Development festival, and one thing that sat with me was the sometimes apparent lack of interest in the 'big ideas'. After witnessing Mijic and Auteri's work I am thinking that big ideas are not dead in the theatre. Thank you for this strong work. And Louisa Robertson, Fi MacDonald, Jillian McKeague and your team: what a terrific festival you are giving us. I have to commend you on your programming...excellent shows and extremely well organized. The shows continue till Sunday 3rd August, and are programmed all day...well worth a visit to town, or grab a show after work. Tonight the theatre opens at 6pm with Waiting for Merlot. And there is always great wine and conversation downstairs at Verve if you need to fill in time. On Wednesday and Thursday there are day time shows scheduled from 12.30pm onwards, so you could catch three or four. They only last an hour. What better way to spend your lunch hour!!!!!!

Filed under: theatre, theater | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Monday, 21 July 2008 10:32 PM
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hello everyone, finally... here are the dates for acting classes. due to limited space (creative development festival at Metro Arts in June...lots to see!!!!!) i have put our classes back till July 13. there is a problem with space sunday morning of the 20th July, but we will work out something. Please note that 3rd August morning session is two hours, and four hours on Sunday 10th August (again due to space availability). There are two classes: those who have worked with me before will be in the afternoon. those who have not worked with me before will be in the morning. Sunday 13TH JULY Basement: 10-1pm ; 2-5pm; Sunday 20TH JULY: NEED TO FIND MORNING SPACE: 10-1pm; Studio 4.2: 2pm – 5.00pm Sunday 27TH JULY: Studio 4.2: 10-1pm; 2-5pm; Sunday 3RD AUGUST Whitlam Space: 9-11am; Studio 4.2: 2 – 5pm Sunday 10th AUGUST Warehouse: 9-1; 2-5PM many thanks, margi

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Monday, 26 May 2008 1:04 PM
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Hello everyone, In June there is a wonderful Creative Development Festival at Metro Arts and i would strongly recommend you all applying to participate in one of the three master classes. These classes are 3-5 days long. Access Metro Arts website and register interest. We will be starting our five week stint late June, and i am thinking we will meet on Sunday mornings. Can everyone get back to me and let me know how that is for them? We will breakfast together, have check in, and then work till about 1pm. The second class will begin 2.30pm with afternoon tea and check in. The ritual of eating and sharing food before we begin is a way of establishing relationship, which is the first step to ensemble playing. Margi

Filed under: acting coaching |acting, actor training |coaching and resilience |theatre, theater | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Saturday, 3 May 2008 01:33 AM
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HELLO just to let you know that the problem on my website www.4change.com.au has been solved. It may take Google a few days to review my site to remove the warning. Thanks for your patience!!!!! Margi

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Friday, 25 April 2008 10:17 AM
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HI EVERYONE FOR SOME REASON THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY WEBSITE 4CHANGE.COM.AU; PLEASE USE THIS SITE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT UPCOMING ACTING TRAINING WORKSHOPS UNTIL GOOGLE HAS TIME TO FIX THE PROBLEM. APOLOGIES!!!!!!!!!!!! MARGI

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Tuesday, 22 April 2008 09:19 AM
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Acting training is an interesting beast: how to create a training that brings out the uniqueness of the individual? it almost seems paradoxical. After many years of research, and experimenting, i have developed an approach that appeals to me, and could appeal to you: we use multi modal art forms to access the imagination; we use impulse training (yet another paradox) to access the body’s potential, and we use visualization, relaxation methods and human potential exercises to enrich the actor’s journey. If any of this interests you, contact me for a chat on +61 410 515 637. My classes are small: 8 students and under. That way i can get to know you, and help you work to your potential. They are held at Metro Arts, 109 Edward Street Brisbane, and are three hours in length in five week blocks, with weekly email follow up and one on one interviews. Cost: $325.00 i am wanting to begin in June, 2008. Margi 4change@iinet.net.au

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Thursday, 3 April 2008 01:14 AM
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Coaching and therapeutic sessions are available at the following times. If you could send an email and an sms regarding your preferred appointment, it would be appreciated: 0410 515 637; 4change@iinet.net.au The available times are: Tuesdays 2pm; 3pm; 4pm; Wednesdays 2pm; 3pm; 4pm; Thursdays: 2pm; 3pm; 4pm;5pm;6pm.7pm. If lunchtimes are preferable, i can accommodate you on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Location: 109 Edward Street Brisbane 4000 First floor at 4change studios. Parking is not easy: i always park at Museum Car Park at Cultural Centre across the river, however for an hour time slot (the session usually goes for 50 minutes) you are more likely to get a park on the street. There is also a free bus from QUT Kelvin Grove to Gardens Point campus for students, just around the corner from Metro Arts. Many thanks, Margi Brown Ash

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Saturday, 23 February 2008 01:27 AM
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Hello, after a break due to theatre making, Margi is returning to the studio to re commence therapeutic sessions with artists and those who wish to live a more artful life. Margi focuses primarily on transitional phases in people’s lives. Her area of interest lies in narrative therapy approaches to creative living. She uses art making; creative conversations and dramatherapy as a way of exploring the terrain, and discovering new territory. Please contact the studio on 0410 515 637 or email Margi on 4change@iinet.net.au to organize an appointment. Fees remain the same as last year: full fee: $100.00; concession: (for non working artists; Metro Residents; students) $65.00. Please note there is a cancellation fee of $40.00 if made within 30 hours of the appointment. Thanks, Margi

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Friday, 22 February 2008 08:05 AM
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Images: Brisbane Powerhouse, the nest etc. (too big to load!!) From the nest, the talented ensemble behind the multi-award winning The Great Expectation: Or, The Knowing of Mary Poppins comes the unmissable... A Mouthful of Pins Lost somewhere between truth and illusion, a singer meets two very different women. Will they assist her in her journey, as she seeks what she has buried, or will they serve only to bury her deeper into the abyss of discontent and melancholy? Integrating image, poetry, music, movement and narrative, A Mouthful of Pins exists in the landscape of then and now, of what was and what could be. At its very core the work considers the impact of choice, circumstance and character in the construction of sadness. Drawing on the long history that connects artists with the 'romance' of melancholia, A Mouthful of Pins travels the road from sadness to depression and back again. It asks whether it is indeed possible to overdose on happiness, and examines whether or not there is a 'right' dosage of sadness required to live well in this world. A Mouthful of Pins is a collage that weaves together both original and sourced material from a diverse range of writers. Originally entitled Melancholia, and written by Leah Mercer (winner of the 2006 Silver Matilda Award for Best Director for The Knowing of Mary Poppins) for a production at The Looking Glass Theatre in New York City in 2003, this new, and renamed, version of the work is directed by Margi Brown Ash. In February 2008, A Mouthful of Pins will enjoy a season at the Brisbane Powerhouse, as part of the Is Theatre package. Don’t miss this exciting new production; a true showcase of some of the best artistic talent Brisbane has to offer. Featuring: Leah Mercer, Scotia Monkivitch and Margi Brown Ash (winner of the 2006 Gold Matilda Award for Best Performer for The Knowing of Mary Poppins) . Praise for The Great Expectation: Or, The Knowing of Mary Poppins “….Mercer’s work manages to captivate her audience and reel them into a world of magical whimsy that celebrates the richness of imagination. This enchanting accomplished work is hands down the best local production of 2005 to date.” (Dan Evans Scene) Season Matinee Preview Price Venue Bookings Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 February 8pm Saturday 16 February 2pm Wednesday 13 February 6:30pm $31 / $26 (conc) (Preview & Matinee: $20 / $18) Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse 07 3358 8600 or boxoffice@brisbanepowerhouse.org For further information, photographs, bios and interviews please contact: Kate Young e. ozekitkat@hotmail.com p. 0401 186 696

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Saturday, 15 December 2007 04:24 AM
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