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I recently reviewed a stunning production of 'Holding The Man' by Tim Conigrave at the State Theatre SA and submitted the below review which has apparently upset some poor disaffected 'nobody' who found offence with the language.
This ignoramus who goes by the TWIT name @noplain and is a self appointed critic of the Arts, even has a blog here blerg
Funnily enough, the poor soul had the audacity to attack my knowledge of the play when she herself stated the play is over 22 years (it is over 15 years in fact sweetie!)
That she decided to complain to the Editor of the website I review for was not only offensive to myself, but a 'no-no' in terms of reviewer etiquette.
Furthermore, @nobrain decided to draw on her 'powerbase' of 3 other arts writers to launch a personal attack on my review, knowing that I was 'the controversial guy from the 'Go Back' series. Your involvement in this is duly noted and you surely must expect that it will come back to bite you.
Indeed, what low level has arts writing come to when a small person such as that bullies a review site to change the language to suit her own warped sense of morality.
The 'offensive' terms I used in my review were terms coined by the gay community themselves and included 'fag-hag' and 'hustler'. I guess poor jane hasn't yet come to terms with herself enough to understand that freedom of expression is a right of all, not just hers.
Please read the below and feel free to email me with moral outrage or praise for the review!
REVIEWHolding The Man
Theatre is one of those things that needs to be engaging, entertaining, and not only tell a story to the viewer, but should take them on an emotional journey. Rosalba Clemente’s production of Tim Conigrave’s ‘Holding The Man’ does all this and more in a production that will make you laugh, cry and hopefully examine your prejudices. From the moment the play begins you identify with the characters and easily forget that you are in fact watching a play, for it is actually an autobiographical portrayal of Tim Conigrave and John Caleo’s short but significant lives told through Conigrave’s memoirs over 15 years.
Discussing homosexuality, HIV/AIDS and other forbidden fruit is often touchy and usually handled in a politically correctly manner, but Tommy Murphy’s adaption of Conigrave’s book examines these issues and more with such dignity and honesty that one can’t help but sense the agony and cruelty of life.
The first part of this play is energetic and superbly acted by an ensemble cast that nailed every nuance and emotion. With a well thought out set by Morag Cook that consists of large shelf like structures that hold items of significance throughout the performance and supported by sensible lighting (Mark Shelton) and suspenseful composition (Stuart Day), the whole story is reinforced and further adds to the sensory aspects of this impressive work that calls a spade a spade.
Luke Clayson as NIDA graduate Tim does a magnificent job as the principal storyteller, sharing his heart and soul on his journey as a young gay man. His interactions with John played by Nic English are both tender and beautiful throughout, succeeding on all levels to depict two souls in love. English as the Physiotherapist lover John Caleo is the softer personality of the two, seducing the audience with his gentleness and charm. Both actors transcend performance and devote themselves to their respective roles with such commitment that they become Tim Conigrave and John Caleo re-incarnate.
The supporting cast members are equally as brilliant and are the perfect blend to add some much needed comedy in the First Act. The clever use of stereotypes and in jokes aimed at the acting industry provided many laughs throughout.
Catherine Fitzgerald as Mary-Gert was hilarious as a leather clad gay-bar hustler and a young guy in one of the funniest scenes in the play involving Tim’s adolescent ‘Circle jerk’ buddies but she quickly reverts back to a caring Mum and provides emotional safety for the boys. Playing opposite her Geoff Revell does equally as good playing numerous roles including a gay hippy student movement leader and a harsh but vulnerable father, unable to come to terms with his son’s sexuality yet agonised by the death of John.
Ellen Steele plays Juliet with a sense of futility and pathetique not uncommon to the run of the mill fag hag, clutching at the slim chance that Tim may grow out of his homosexuality and into her.
Some of the more hearty laughs in Act 1 came from the antics of Nick Pelomis, who played Kevin and a panto dame to die for. He too successfully switches from light to shade instantaneously in a myriad of roles that highlight the skill level of this outstanding ensemble cast.
The play takes a 180 degree turn in Act 2, abandoning the light hearted for some very dark moments following the couple’s HIV diagnosis and the ways in which they try to come to terms with the inevitable. This is a snapshot of the life of two people very much in love and who have been faced with their own mortality and doubts as each ask the question of who infected who. That they are gay becomes irrelevant as we feel every hurt, disappointment and sorrow that they feel during the final days of their lives together. The tragic finale though expected, is still emotionally upsetting for even the hardest of hearts. Nobody deserves to die like that, and we see how this wretched disease can ravage even the strongest of bodies.
The stigma of HIV/AIDS may never completely go away, but such honest heartbreaking theatre like Holding The Man brings a sense of dignity to the issue.
But this wasn’t a play just about AIDS and sexuality, it was a love story in true comedy/tragedy style that involved real people and is told through their eyes. It was also a story of consequences and how the Australia that was dealt with this issue.
Go see this while you have the chance, as exceptional theatre like Holding The Man will touch you on an emotional level, leaving you almost speechless!
VDC gate
On Monday the 18th of March I was lucky enough to be invited to visit 3 Iraqi men detained in Villawood Detention Centre whilst accompanying the Iraqi hosts we stayed with during the filming of 'Go Back'. News crews from around the globe have been able to enter war zones and even Guantanamo Bay, but have been denied access into our taxpayer funded detention centres. How is this acceptable? Whilst I maintain many of my views on immigration and asylum seekers, it must be pointed out that the veil of secrecy on detention needs to be lifted. Given that I don't belong to any media outlet I am happy to share my recollections of that few hours spent at the VDC. It has been almost 5 months since the visit, and my diary notes from the documentary are minimal, but I will do my best to walk you through the visit as best as I can.
After we walk the lengthy driveway to the Reception we enter the Visitor's Office which resembles a grubby bus station waiting area. Metal lockers line the walls, rows of chairs and pamphlets sit on a bench much resembling your typical government building waiting area. One could be mistaken for being in a Centrelink office or something similar.
The guards are friendly enough and we wait a short time in line with other decidedly foreign visitors. Our Iraqi friends bring bags of gifts in the form of food and soft drinks to share with their detainee friends which are casually searched by the Guards. We are asked to remove our belts, phones, wallets and anything that may be dangerous and are given a key to secure them in the lockers.
We go through a metal detector much like an airport and are told to wait just near the door through to the actual detention area. I feel a little nervous, wondering what lies ahead.
The guard opens the entry door and we proceed to a cyclone fenced gate which is opened by another guard. So far, none of the guards seem intimidating and are certainly not armed. There are no burly thug looking Officers to be seen anywhere, which is a relief.
In the outdoors area on the way to the Visitors Common Room are several gazebos designed to offer privacy and they are spaced reasonably well apart. I see no razor wire although there is a double fence clearly designed to minimize escape attempts.
Having served in the Army, I almost feel that I am in a Barracks and not a detention facility. I had visited people in prison years before and Villawood did not have that same ominous feeling that jails tend to have.
I see groups of different ethnicities sitting at tables in the gazebos and on benches scattered throughout the outdoor area. They seem relatively relaxed and no guards are looming over them although the gate guard mans his post throughout .
We reach the Visitor room which has maybe 30 people which include detainees and guests. People speak softly and openly, an Asian group are enjoying a bucket of KFC and soft drink, 2 young Middle Eastern men sit on in a corner on the floor and are engaged in a gloomy looking discussion. Another Asian group eat Soup Noodles whilst talking to their loved one who is detained. The room itself is of reasonable size and surprisingly quite modern. A huge plasma TV sits in the middle of the room and is playing news of the Christmas Island Riots (more on that later!) Modern couches are at either end and there are tables and chairs which we sit at.A disinterested Guard sits behing a desk, much like any other reception area. The door between the visiting room is locked but I can see the accomodation building through the the windows. 2 African men casually chat outside a room and others are walking around quite casually.
We meet our hosts who are 'M', 'R' and 'H'- all Iraqi boat people who have been in detention longer than a year.I am introduced to the men and sit down with 'H' while Adam Hartup & Gleny Rae speak with the other men via translation from our Iraqi hosts.
H tells me that he has been in detention for more than a year and once held a TPV which allowed him to work, own a car and gave him freedom. He left Australia to visit his family and upon his return by boat was re interred in detention and had to go through the claims process again. There are only a couple of years difference between us, but he looks much older. His demeanour is that of a tired and beaten man. I feel for him and we talk openly about his case and his family. We share quips about our children and our lives in general. He tells me the food is OK and that they are given 50 credits (equivalent to $50) per week for things like cigarettes, phone cards etc. They are allowed an hour of internet use daily and although I understand they are prohibited in detention, he has a cell phone that he uses to call the outside world. 'H' is a nice man and we exchange email addresses, vowing to keep in touch. I have since found out that he has now been granted a visa and is in the community. Good on him.
We chat with the men several hours and during the discussion one of the men notices the News report on Christmas Island & indicates that it will occur there quite soon. I feel uncomfortable about this and politely point out that it may affect their processing. 'H' agrees and changes the subject.During our time there people were free to move around in or out of the visit room.
I had forgotten that I was at a detention centre until it was time to leave. We said our goodbyes and head back to the gate guard who lets us out back into the Reception area. During the 5 minute walk back down to the front gate my mind is spinning about what had just occurred. The waiting film crew immediately ask for our reactions and I decide to hold out and process a little longer whilst Adam & Gleny speak on camera.
My impression of Villawood is not one of a Gulag nor a concentration camp although I believe that the length of time people spend there is what is having psychological effects on them. Yes they lack the freedom to be in the wider community, but they are safe, fed, housed, clothed and have access to health care which is better than many Australians doing it tough. It is a lot better than any UN camp, Jordanian slum, Malaysian refugee dwelling or homeless squat here in our own country.
My thoughts are that whilst we should have mandatory detention to conduct character health & security checks particularly for undocumented arrivals, it should definitely be limited to no more than say 6 months with one appeal process then immediate action whether that be release or deportation. I don't condone the method in which these people have come here whether by boat or overstaying etc, but I also don't think we need to drag the process out. Immigration detention should have no chance of permanence, ever!
Tuesday June 28th- the day after 'The Response' Show has aired. Overall it summarised each of us whether you liked where we stood or not and was a fitting way to bring our public journey to a close. If you expected some kind of analysis of the show and further thoughts on the refugee issue then I'm afraid you are about to be disappointed.
To reiterate- I genuinely feel for the world's refugees, but as a man with young kids I just can't condone getting on a boat, thats all. No big deal. Why judge so harshly?
The dogmatics of our individual stances should take back seat to the fact that we are ALL humans with compassion, empathy, intelligence, curiosity and were brave enough to accept this challenge where many others would not dare. That we were so overwhelmingly critiqued by so many people is in itself a success, That it got people talking about the issue even more so.
We were just 6 Australians who held different views on a very complex issue and were given an opportunity to get out of our comfort zones and see first hand the human suffering caused by our own kind. For it not to touch any of us is impossible, for those to suggest otherwise implausible.
We were asked to share our views knowing that our countrymen would judge them, and that they did. BUT, that showed that people were THINKING, which is never a bad thing right?
Our opinions were out there and were reflective of our own selves. Some of you agreed, some disagreed, most were intelligent responses whilst of course some responses were downright moronic. Thats Ok, we are all people and have a brain, thoughts views and experiences that shape the people we become. Guess what? Thats how humanity is!
Regarding this issue, we weren't experts sent out to solve the world's refugee problems, we are just like you! Uninformed, biased, naive, bigotted maybe- but- Don't hate the player, hate the game!
The only way we can change problems of this nature is to think about it practically and politically. This is a bigger problem than 6 ordinary people thrown into a reality TV show can solve. Don't blame us for what we believe, blame those who make the decisions that influence our nations future. Get angry, but just don't hurt anyone!
Without sounding like an Oscar speech I want to say thank you and wish the very best to those other amazing people who shared this amazing experience with all its highs, lows, tears, laughs and special moments that will no doubt stay with us forever.
Raye Colbey, Raquel Moore, Adam Hartup, Roderick Schneider, Gleny Rae- thank you all for taking part in this once in a lifetime experience. I unashamedly applaud your courage, boldness and balls to have shared this with me. Whilst our views, fashion sense, toilet habits, vocabulary, views ( ) perspectives, thinking and life experiences were all different we managed to survive what can only be described as a fantastic voyage through having respect for each other. I only hope that our example of being different yet able to rationally debate sensitive topics can serve as an example to the rest of our countrymen that it can be done that way. Those who attacked people on the show through Social Networking please take notice!
Those who weren't in the limelight but also shared the journey every step of the way way were Ivan O 'Mahoney, Rick McPhee, Rachel Hardie, Ronan Sharkey, Stephen Craig, Nicola Daley and many others at different points- these equally brave folk were the unsung heroes in all this. Thanks guys and gals!
Many people now wonder what is next in terms of what is the next thing we as individuals can do to share in the burden of the world's refugee problems. First, i would suggest thinking locally. If you have a heart for refugees then get out and talk to them. Often they have little or no contact with people outside their own community, so it may take a little tweaking but keep at it if you want to engage them.
If you feel you want to do something but aren't comfortable (or shy) to venture out then maybe fundraising for a refugee affiliated charity may be a way for you to contribute.
Here's what my lovely wife and I have initiated after going through this experience and being touched by the people encountered whilst filming 'Go Back'. So touched by the Chin Burmese we stayed with in K.L, we decided to invite a bunch of friends and family over for what we called 'Refugee Night'.
They were told that they'd need to be prepared to make a donation that they could afford, and that we would feed them. Food was minimal, a bowl of steamed rice and a small amount of curry. Only water and one coffee/tea after dinner was allowed, and NO alcohol or snacks. Oh, and we ate on the floor just like we did at many of those places in the doco.The purpose was to let people feel hunger and take away some comforts, something we rarely do but refugees experience regularly.
We showed a short slide show of the trip and them a 7 minute video on Burma and then sat down talking about this issue in a calm, rational way.It was great to see people who I've known for ages talking about this- I hadn't seen it before! As you can imagine the debate went both ways but everyone respected each other's views. It was a great night and something we will keep doing on a monthly basis. And yes, we raised some cash to send to Malaysia to bless the people we stayed with along with toys and other gifts. You could donate it to a refugee related organisation such as Medicins Sans Frontier, Oxfam, World Vision, there are many. Maybe even sponsor a child- it's up to you. The purpose of the evening is obvious- it raises funds, ignites discussion and is a communal thing. I hope to spread the word so that this can be done nationally each month. If you have any suggestions please pass them on, or if you tried this please share your experiences.
Ok, so the show's over (almost) and the reaction has been quite intense. Understandably, given that the topic of refugees and asylum seekers is one of the most divisive issues we as Australian's face it is little wonder that it has raised some voices.
I agreed to participate so that I could challenge my views and get a first hand look at the facts.
Prior to beginning, I had always been a supporter of refugees on the humanitarian program and believe we could accept many more. Taking the trip reinforced that stance and I was touched particularly by the Chin's in Kuala Lumpur. Now, being a guy and an ex soldier showing emotion is not an easy thing to do but I can assure you that there were times that I needed a 'few moments' to gather myself particularly when we were saying goodbyes. After leaving the Chins apartment, Wasmi's mother and nephew, and at the hospitals in Jordan I can honestly say that I was so choked up I couldn't speak on camera. Perhaps that is why my 'emotions' weren't shown on the program.
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In response to the above story about the young Iranian woman, and the plight of 'asylum seekers' in general, I'd like to present a few facts that quite frankly aren't being addressed
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The topic of boat people has been a political and media hot button over the past few years, and has been used as a political football to distract from other failures by our current government among other things. Opinions on this topic range from complete ignorance to total indignation but one thing that can be guaranteed, we will be hearing a lot more about this before the 'problem' is resolved.
Now, I have held some fairly strong views about those who arrive by boat, believing that a majority are nothing more than economic migrants who abuse loopholes in the UNHCR system, and Australia's pathetic current migration policies whilst genuine refugees who have sat in UN camps worldwide are deserving of compassion and help are far more deserving of resettlement.
To set the record straight, I am neither racist, bigoted, hateful nor biased but in openly expressing my thoughts on this topic, yet I have been accused of all of the above because it upsets the hard left feel good supporter, who rather than offer a substantial argument resort to personal attacks and insults to project their point. I am of European/Anglo/Indian/Mid Eastern descent, and am married to a Taiwanese lady whom I have 2 gorgeous boys to. My friendship base is an eclectic mix of races, colours, ideologies, religions and persuasions. Please don't label me as racist, bigoted etc. To say 'NO' to someone doesn't mean that at all
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I'm reading with absolute dismay that Julian Assange, an Australian Citizen, has been witch hunted for telling the truth.
Government Agencies, clearly not wanting information to be shared with the very public they are elected to serve, have been on the hunt to have Assange jailed. But for what?
Since when does the truth become a product of the government who have the 'almighty power' to silence the vox pop
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For fans of Radio Birdman, here's an interview I recently did with the amazing Deniz Tek who was the principal songwriter & guitarist with Birdman and many other bands.
It was a phone interview and I have attached the links to the edited audio version on YouTube. I've added pics to make it more interesting
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In times of economic downturn, or to put it plainly when things are tough, it’s easy to forget the old adage of it being ‘better to give than to receive’. When we feel we have nothing to give, we purposely withhold our money, food, possessions, and goodwill in case we need it for a rainy day. Actually, society in general seems to be lacking in the charity department these days. Sometimes it is easy to feel that we live in a selfish world of non-giving and general fiscal conservatism. It’s a safe strategy in terms of conserving one’s resources, but does little else. It is a sad way to approach things and does little to demonstrate the essence of humanity and compassion.
It is in these times of lack, I found out, that the giving of one’s self and one’s resources offer true rewards and riches greater than anything material, which is the satisfaction of one’s soul.
A dear friend who works for a charity organization supporting the deaf recently asked if my wife and I could volunteer for two days to help on a major fundraising event for the ‘Deaf Can Do’ charity called the ‘Can Do Caper
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Imagine a world where nobody had AIDS, graffiti and violence are almost non- existent, kids respected their elders, and the cost of living was affordable. It sounds somewhat idealistic doesn’t it? Well, that’s how life was when I was a child. I recall fondly the time I spent growing up in the Barossa Valley during the 1970’s in a small town called Kapunda. Life was a lot simpler back then. Recently I took a day trip to reminisce about my early years in a place where everybody knew each other by name, and who genuinely looked out for each other. As I drove around with my family, the flood of memories arising made me remember fondly how things used to be.
We left our homes unlocked in case the neighbours dropped in for a cuppa. The keys stayed in the ignition of the car, because nobody stole cars in our small town. A day trip from Kapunda to Adelaide was something that was planned well in advance, and it was a big deal to go to town for a shopping journey. The old EH Holden was fuelled up at the local ‘servo’ by the young school leaver who even cleaned the front windscreen, and petrol was less than twenty cents per litre. Wages were around $120 per week or $2.85 per hour. We all thought our Dad’s were rich when they pulled out the weekly wages from light brown pay packets inscribed by hand with Gross, Nett and Tax amounts. We loved payday, because it meant we were given pocket money if we had been good.
I’d get two dollars each fortnight, which fed my two cousins and myself on minimum chips (30 cents), a loaf of bread to make chip sanga’s (30 cents) and a bottle of coke (25 cents) from the iconic Rawady’s Deli which was run by a migrant family who understood exceptional service, and who knew everybody by name. With the change we gorged ourselves on a large bag of mixed lollies and sometimes a pack of fake cigarettes once called ‘Fags.’ (Political correctness forced the manufacturer of these treats to change the name to ‘Fads’ later) A grand total of one dollar for a kings feast, and enough change to do it all again the week after. My cousins reciprocated once they received their pocket money, and that was our ritual each week. We left home after school to go play at either the playground or the duck pond, where we fed ducks stale bread and caught yabbies and frogs. The pond was not deep, but I almost drowned after being knocked from an inner tube I was floating on. Thankfully, a local aboriginal man pulled me from the water thus saving my life. God Bless you, Mr Carter
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Comment by Darren Hassan
on Go Back The Response
Piece of mind
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Sorry for not responding sooner. I only check into this blog when I feel like writing. Great that you have a balanced reasonable view on the issue, after all it is only one element of who we are as people and as you said there will always be opposition. Appreciate your thoughts!
Cheers,
Darren