The second week of September this year Karen and I were particularly lucky to be busy attending events for me to review. That Monday night we were in the Brisbane CBD at the Myer Centre for a preview screening of the hilarious Good Boys, Tuesday night we were at QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus to attend Truthmachine playing at the Theatre Republic as part of BrisFest 2019.
We closed out the week Thursday night back at the Theatre Republic to see Since Ali Died by Omar Musa. All of this was on assignment for the amazing Scenestr team. I’m in third year of working for them and I feel very blessed continuing to do this work while I’ve been busy with my full time job.
Also performing as part of the Brisbane Festival was Strut & Fret with their show Blanc de Blanc and comedian Sam Simmons who I was lucky to interview for Scenestr.
Since Ali Dead is for the most part a one-man show from rapper and spoken word poet Omar Musa, son of Malaysian immigrants who grew up in Queanbeyan. A brown Muslim boy who found something to be inspired by and comfortingly familiar in the proud iconic figure of sports and culture.
Afterwards there was a Q&A with Omar who talked about finding the right balance in his work between light and dark, friendly and provocative, funny and heartbreaking.
For me, he got it right and you can read more of my thoughts here http://scenestr.com.au/arts/since-ali-died-review-brisbane-festival-2019-20190913
Karen and I took in our surroundings afterwards at the Theatre Republic which had many different interesting displays which I enjoyed. I grabbed a toasted sandwich at the local bar they had set up and walked up the stairs into an eating area that sat on top of construction scaffolding while local musicians sang beautifully. I’m quite taken how simply spaces can be transformed and little moments can satisfy in big ways.
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Back to the Drawing Board Productions 
That looks like an unusual space, and very suitable for the show.
From your review, I can see that you enjoyed it. It is not something I would think of going to see, but you made me think that I might actually like it. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
They set up the Theatre Republic every year for the fest. I had lectures in that complex and it home to the La Boite Theatre company. We have the VC’s drink there at the end of every year as well. I liked the set-up and like to think it is provided the work was provided creative industries students although I haven’t looked into it. I took photos of the written pieces that really spoke to me. I’m curious Pete would you ever duck up the to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and check out something in London these days?
No mate, I rarely travel for entertainment. I went to the Fringe once though. (Long time ago, early 80s) I couldn’t get tickets for the ‘good’ shows, and what I did get to see was rather lame, or weird. London is a mission. Hotel costs, train or coach travel, and the price of tickets. I did consider going down to watch ‘Fleabag’ on stage, but it was sold out in minutes.
Fair enough Pete, I certainly feel lucky to enjoy so many cultural events in my city.
Looks like you had a fun evening. The review was well written, but I’m not much interested in seeing it.
Thank you Cindy and one of my shorter reviews too. 🙂