Hello wish you could be here...norfolk island has to be the most beautiful country in the world, so green, crisp, fecund...i have spent the last ten days writing my exegesis: how to bring collaborative therapy constructs into the rehearsal room, to empower the ensemble. it's been a wonderfully rich time...formatting is a bummer, but hey, not much to grumble about. i will be back in Brisbane on Wednesday, so any of you who want a consultation, please make sure you ring, sms or email me. +61 410 515 637 or 4change@iinet.net.au I will be filming for the rest of this week, but the studio will be up and running next week. Back to the hot chocolate and formatting, cheers, margi

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Monday, 18 August 2008 02:42 AM
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hi, sorry about the hacker. i have cleaned the site www.4change.com.au, however it takes a few days for google to clear the "this site may harm your computer" notice. anyway i always cut and paste information onto this blog so that we keep informed. the acting classes have a 'pause' till 24th August, 2008. So for those who were sick this weekend, have a few weeks off, and we will meet on 24th at Metro Arts. Margi

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Wednesday, 6 August 2008 01:27 AM
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We had a forum with Lyndon Terracini the CEO of Major Brisbane Festivals, and the artistic director of Brisbane Festival, on Monday night. Many local and national artists gathered to have their say: what they liked, and didn’t like about the festival. It was a positive gathering, not too many complaints at all, just a request for an open space where visiting artists could visit local artists. Perhaps Verve downstairs at Metro Arts could be a good fringe venue for the next festival?????: on site and full of energy. What is happening at the Under Radar (i so want to call it the fringe, but i think they want us to call it ‘under the radar’ and a good name it is): i saw several shows Saturday and Sunday, including Bin Cement Flower and Leaves by the Red Paper Performance Company, A Prisoner’s Dilemma, Szentpaly and Regrets, I’ve got a Few. Bin Cement Flower and Leaves (directed by Genevieve Trace and Kate McKeague with performers Giemma Contini, Dan Last, Nathan Stoneham and Jacinta Yelland with Robert Miller AV and Tomm Browning Sound Design) was a beautifully packaged performance piece that was well thought through… even though I am still thinking about what it actually was saying (that’s probably good, seeing it is three days later!!!!)… it was authentic in that the actors were committed; the directors were interested in the audience having an experience that challenged their senses. I would have liked to see a deaf actor in the cast: i struggle with ‘appropriation’ sometimes.. I don’t think i necessarily gained a greater understanding of aspergers or autism but i did feel nurtured and cared for. I commend the company for their spirit, their attention to detail and their passion for their artform. A Prisoner’s Dilemma by Bohemian Productions (with Michael Bailey, David Finnigan, Jack Lloyd and David Shaw) was a beauty on many levels: it was interactive, in that the audience actually helped move the story forward. The performers kept us engaged: i loved the sax! I left satisfied that i had witnessed a committed and intelligent performance that started a dialogue inside my head: How loyal are we? What is honesty? What is trust? This is what theatre should do…if we can be so didactic as to use the word ’should’… Szentpaly by Mrs Freeman’s Dry Cleaning (where do we find these names!!!!) was, in a word, powerful… another word brave…another word (or two) awkwardly, beautifully messily and endearing…not the subject matter, but the actors themselves. i witnessed actors (Brendan Bacon, Patric Flynn, Emily Goddard and Kristian Pirotta) and director (Bryan Davidson Blue) taking huge risks, knowing that the material would offend some. The passion that the actors had was commendable…I think this is the most powerful thing i have seen in under the radar….not the most likeable, but the commitment from the actors (particularly one) was memorable. Congratulations. Finally, Legs on the Wall’s Regrets I’ve got a Few, with Debora Batton…Debora is a delightfully watchable performer, years of performing ensures that. She shares her story with us simply and clearly, bringing the audience into her world that is full of injuries and humour. i think the simplicity of the story and the easy relationship she quickly formed with her audience (not an easy thing to do, but she was seamless in the execution) made this a fun half hour of viewing. We are now into our final week of Under the Radar, and there are still some great shows to catch…check out the web… google Under the Radar Brisbane…see you there…

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Tuesday, 29 July 2008 00:45 AM
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Yesterday i saw a gem of a show. Once Under a Sky, by Cursing the Sea (in the fringe program i see Freya Sant, Kate Sherman are the performers and Michael Piggot is writer/director but after seeing the show, i bet they all wrote it!). The show was exquisite: the two actors embodied the third space, that place in the imagination where they were transforming before our eyes and as a consequence so was I. Everything unfolded: even dressing to go out into the world was a relevation: climbing on each other’s backs to reach ridiculous heights; creating the sea in a tiny pool of spit; absurdism (echoes of Waiting for Godot) entered the equation but in such a delicately delicious way that as I laughed i cried. These two young actors balanced not only their bodies, but their spirit, beckoning us to enter their transformative world of existential longing. It was a piece of work that will linger in my mind for a long time. Michael Piggot’s direction was faultless, encouraging the actors to risk continually; to laugh with the audience; to bring joy into the room.

Filed under: None | Posted by Margi Brown Ash at Thursday, 24 July 2008 11:02 PM
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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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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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