Performance4a

Here’s a chance to get a photo or video in front of millions of eyeballs.  As part of the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, CNN is seeking submissions from viewers for photos or videos that best represent Asia Pacific cultural diversity.  The selected images will feature on CNN’s ad campaign in print, online and TV.  Find out more at Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

Playwright Noëlle Janaczewska’s radio play Dark Paradise aired on ABC Radio National on Thur 13 Aug at 7pm.  DARK PARADISE is the story of Jō Takasuka, who grew Australia’s first commercial rice crop in 1914/15—as told by a benshi or silent film narrator.  His family faces not only a harsh physical environment, but also a hostile political climate.  The cast of this fictionalised account includes Kuni Hashimoto, Linda Cropper, Asako Izawa.  DARK PARADISE was also available online until Sept 6.

Jade Alexander, Li-Leng Au, Jonathan Chan and Lia Reutens starred in a new production of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes.  Based on a true story about how a young girl pursues her dreams, despite falling ill after the bombing of nearby Hiroshima, this has become a stage classic.  Performed on an astonishing over-sized origami set, with highly theatrical staging, evocative Japanese music and even a little magic, the production unfolds before your eyes.  Toured extensively until September. 

Equity has called on the ABC to re-examine its casting guidelines to ensure the broadcaster’s additional funding, announced in May’s Federal Budget, will be used for programs that reflect the cultural diversity of the Australian community. Download the letter sent to ABC head of television Kim Dalton: http://www.alliance.org.au/documents/abc_casting.pdf