Direct from Beijing, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Orchestra of China were absolutely incredible. There was no bad seat, no bad sound. The music seeped into every part of your soul.   The orchestra made their debut Australian tour, perform one concert only at Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 6 November 2012. The concert featured an orchestra of 90 insanely talented musicians. Conducted by the Artistic Director of Music from the center, Maestro Zuohuang Chen, the orchestra performed a plethora of incredible noise.   Stay tuned (pun intended) for the next time they come around - the sold out house to an utterly overwhelmed audience should surely bring them back for more!   Emily Eskell emilyeskell@gmail.com

This year marked the debut for the Cockatoo Island International Film Festival. Ah, what fun we had! Festival organisers Allannah Zitserman and Stavros Kazantzidis have been running a very successful film festival in Dungog (Hunter Valley) for the past 5 years and decided this year to branch out to this maginificent island on Sydney's harbour.   Past arts events I've attended on the island have seemed desolate and lonely but the enormous turn out for this festival (36 000 people) meant the island was anything but deserted. No doubt due to extrordinary events such as Paul Thomas Anderson coming to introduce his opening night film 'The Master', the international debut of the American comedy 'Family Weekender', David Michod talking about Animal Kingdom and plans for his next film 'The Rover'...   or even Matt Dreamy Eyes Corby singing at the Saturday night concert...   Unfortunately a bit of bad press put a grey cloud over the opening night of the festival, where thousands turned up for the opening night screening and, unfortunately, some missed out. Look, if you were going to have the best of bad problems, too many people supporting the event would have to take the cake, yeah?What the bad press also failed to mention was that those who missed out were drinking and chatting to Paul Thomas Anderson (the writer and director of the film). I don't know about you, but I'd much rather have been out there with him. Short trip to the DVD shop versus stimulating conversation with a critically acclaimed screenwriter? Ah, hello...   All in all, what a fantastic beginning to what I hope will continue to be a sensational event for many years to come; it's almost a shame the festival isn't on a couple of weeks later- like now, the weather is so beautiful! The festival itself included screenings of more than 80 feature films, concerts, talks, play readings, parties and even a yacht race. The sheer numbers the festival brought in is incredibly encouraging for an industry where nowadays so many people resort to illegal downloads and burnt discs.   A great addition to Sydney's cultural landscape. Looking forward to our second date.   Emily Eskell emilyeskell@gmail.com

After graduating from Metro Screen in 2009 however, Jo-Anne slipped on her the directorial boots and has not looked back since. She has written and directed various short films, documentaries, music videos and community projects. In 2011 Jo-Anne was awarded the First Breaks grant for her short film This Dog’s Life starring Martin Sacks (Blue Heelers, Underbelly), which is currently touring the national and international film festival circuit. She is also currently in post-production on her next short film, Booth, starring Danielle Cormack (Underbelly Razor) and is also busy penning her first feature film script.   Q: How long have you been making films -and why?   When I was growing up, I wanted to be a psychologist, but I dropped out of Uni and ran away to film school. Turns out film has taught me more about what it is to be human than a psych degree ever could have.   I have always been into arts, from painting to poetry to music, anything to switch my brain off and just be in a space alone with myself; a space that often comes about when I’m absorbed in writing a script, or creating a film. I guess I just keep on seeking to find that space.   But when did I know I wanted to be a filmmaker? I don’t think my conscious mind was awake to this decision until I was about 17, but my subconscious was on top of things early.   Ever since I balled my eyes out at the finale of Free Willy when I was what? 8 years old, I knew that I wanted to recreate that. I wanted to make something that made other people feel as much as I did that day, and I am still inspired to do so.   Q: What’s your aspirations for the future in film?   The future? Well, I want to make more films. I want to make films that people want to see. The kind that people go and see once and then go again and take a friend to see, and then go back the next week with that same friend as well as a friend of the friend. I want to tell stories on screen that people love to see.   Q: Describe the film and the story?   This Dog’s Life is about a young boxer who is forced to fight – and kill – for his father’s love.   Dean is a young boxer desperate for his Father’s love. His Father, who doubles as his coach, is a tyrant who will not tolerate failure. When Dean is forced to fight an opponent twice his size, his chances of success are slim.   His hopes of impressing his Father are further squashed when Dean’s greyhound fails to win at the track. With his shotgun at hand, Dean’s Father teaches his son why one must not fail and what happens to those who do.   Q: What was the inspiration for the story   This Dog’s Life is originally inspired by my best friend when I was growing up. From before he could walk, he was a star footballer in the making - his Dad’s making – to compensate for the career he never had.   But at age 16 he broke his arm and lost his scholarship to play footy. Shortly after that his dad left the family for another woman. Looking back, I guess the question at the core of This Dog’s Life is the question of who disappointed who in the end? Father or son?   Q: Tell us some details about where you shot it?     The film was shot in Western Sydney (where I grew up), including Richmond RaceCourse, Parramatta PCYC, a heritage property at Prospect and my own family and friend’s homes.   One of the biggest challenges of the film I suppose was working with kids and animals; all the things they warn against, right? This Dog’s Life starred 3 untrained and never-set-foot-on-a-film-set children and one animal shelterrescued grey hound.   For 8 weeks I slogged it out in the gym with Josh (our leading boy). He ran me ragged in the boxing ring (he is a boxer) and I ran him round in circles teaching him how to act (and I’m not an actor).   Coming to set was scary. I had no idea how he’d go with it. But both Josh, Tiahna, his little sister (both in real life and the film) and their co-star Jack, blew us all away with their skills, their courage to tackle the scenes and their super quick learning of our filmmaking jargon. By the second shoot day, Josh was hassling our camera boys about hitting their marks and Jack was calling the roll.   For the official trailer of This Dog’s Life click here   A full recap of the incredible 4 day festival is coming soon from us! Stay tuned!! - Emily

    The world premiere of American comedy, Family Weekend, will close the Cockatoo Island International Film Festival on the final night, Sunday 28 October.    Matthew Modine and Kristin Chenoweth play the parents of a rebellious 16-year-old daughter, an incredibly motivated uber-achiever who has grown increasingly frustrated with her parents’ lack of parental support and guidance. When her mother Samantha (a no-nonsense high powered business executive with no time for the family) and dad Duncan (a happy go-lucky artist who can’t be bothered to earn a paycheck) miss their daughter’s sporting event, Emily hits her breaking point. She enlists the help of her siblings to take her parents hostage, in order to teach the family to be ‘normal’.   “We are delighted to make our international premiere in Sydney by closing the Cockatoo Film Festival.  To have our film in the company of so many films and filmmakers whom we respect and admire is a truly humbling honor for all of us” Mr Saunders (CEO of Footprint Features).    The Festival opens with acclaimed award winning film, The Master, on Wednesday 24 October.   For more information on the festival, click here. Or to watch the YouTube trailer click here.       Emily Eskell emilyeskell@gmail.com

    The Russian National Ballet Theatre commences a tour of full-length classical performances of Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty in over 25 cities across Australia.   Evgeny Amosov (the Artistic Director of The Russian National Ballet Theatre) has directed these nationally touring pieces of brilliance - so if it wasn't guaranteed before, I absolutely promise you an evening of jaw dropping physical magic.   Everybody knows the Russian's are the masters of this dance form. To see more than 50 experts at their absolute finest, you better get in quickly - only 4 shows in Sydney!     To get your tickets now, click here.     The Russian National Ballet Where: State Theatre, 49 Market St Sydney When: 14th - 16th October (3pm, 7.30pm)     Emily Eskell emilyeskell@gmail.com

    "Rather than aim for Cuban museum theatre of a tokenistic, Australian version of the play, our challenge is to create a work that feels like its own, sealed universe."  James Dalton, Director   The Criminals follows the lives of three siblings, trapped in the attic of their house by their oppressive (and obviously psychotic) parents. To pass the time, everyday they play a 'game' in which they plot and rehearse the murder of their parents.   Scary? Honest? A game? ...Or practise?   This show marks James Dalton's directorial debut in Sydney, so with the excitement (and impending pressure) of that news, along with the mega mix of creatives on board for the project; including Dylan Tonkin, Emma Kingsbury and Johnathan Hindsmarsh and exceptional actors: Emily Morrison, David Valencia and Rosana Easton. The Criminals makes for a really entrancing piece of art, let alone theatre. So get yourself down to the Old 505, this production will do far from disappoint.     The Criminals   When: 4 - 21 October Where: Old 505 Theatre, 505/ 342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills (basically opposite Central Station - super easy to get to. It's also a really awesome building, so go exploring.)    

    Round up round up! Cockatoo Island International Film Festival starts on the 24th October!   Premiering some of most highly anticipated films of the year, transport yourself from the mess of circular quay to the golden gates of Cockatoo Island, settle in for one of the beautiful outdoor screenings and enjoy a good film, with a gorgeous view and killer ambiance to match.   Documentaries, indie films, Aussie classics and kids flicks - this festival really has it all. Stemming from the industrious and successful Dungog Film Festival, the organisers have made the genius decision to move it to one of the most fascinating and beautiful secluded islands this side of the nation.   Daily Sydney will be covering the festival, so stay tuned and get yourself along! Tickets are selling fast so go go go! Absolutely not to be missed. Don't be that person.   COCKATOO ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL When: 24th - 28th October Where: Cockatoo Island. For the duration of the festival, special ferries will be running direct to the island, getting you there at the perfect time that's right for you. Every 15-20 minutes. Good idea to pre- purchase your ferry tickets online.   Emily Eskell Emilyeskell@gmail.com

    Sydney, you are a flirt.   What a gorgeous night to spend at the Opera House, surrounded by incredible views and beautiful people. It's always fun to be in a room full of people who have spent the majority of their day getting prepared for an event. Slightly ridiculous, but never ceasing to entertain.   This year's Helpmann Awards was somewhat overshadowed by the big industry dispute hot on the radar concerning the termination of an agreement which limits the employment of foreign artists, initiated by the organisation 'Live Performance Australia.' Winning the award for best male actor, Paul Capsis highlighted the fear for artists:   "It's very hard for Australians to make it here, to have a life, to work here," he said, "It's already difficult, so to compete with the world makes it ridiculous."   Hosted by Simon Burke with performances from Cirque Du Soleil, A Chorus Line, Eddy Perfect and Lisa McCune (among others) the black cloud slowly moved and, for the most part, the evening was a huge success for all involved.   Paul Capsis took this year's best male actor award in the Griffin Theatre production Angela's Kitchen.   Cate Blanchett was named best female actor for her role in the Sydney Theatre Company's play Gross Und Klein (Big And Small). Robin Nevin walked away with best supporting for Summer of the Seventeenth Doll.   Opera Australia's spectacular open-air performance of La Traviata cleaned up somewhat, being widely recognised at the ceremony. These included awarding Emma Matthews as best female performer in an opera and Brian Thomson with the best scenic design award for the show.   Kylie Minogue's 2011 Aphrodite tour won best Australian contemporary concert. Much to my surprise, the groans of annoyance were audible for this one..     emilyeskell@gmail.com    

  * * * * Time Out Sydney * * * * Sunday Telegraph * * * * The Sun Herald * * * * The Brag **** Daily Sydney   Another victory for the Tamarama Rock Surfers showcasing the most recent play by the incomparably talented Toby Schmitz.    Yes, it's admittedly somewhat of an 'in' joke for those in the industry: actors, writers, directors and so on. Once again, addressing the timeless question of what it is we 'artists' do, why we do it and (most humorously of all) how we justify it.   Beautifully directed by the artistic director of TRS, Leland Kean and starring Caroline Brazier, Andrew McFarlane, Tom Stokes and Wendy Strehlow.   Hurry! Ends THIS WEEK!     I Want to Sleep with Tom Stoppard   When: Now - 22nd September, 8pm Where: The Bondi Pavillion, just up from the promenade from Bondi Beach.  

  It was like one of the most beautiful dreams you've ever had, but you pay money for it. Needless to say, it will be the best money you've spent in a while, I promise.   Back in the big top at the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park, there was not a moment of this performance that wasn't absolute magic.   Based around a world of insects fascinated by a gigantic egg, you're immediately transported through time and space. From the team of bendy girls to the trampoline ninjas, this show was a piece of art.   You'd be shooting yourself in the foot if you didn't see it. Seriously... It's absolutely gorgeous.   CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: OVO When: Now - November 25th Where: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park Sydney   Emily Eskell emilyeskell@gmail.com

    A love triangle with a twist, The Sea Project is currently running at Griffin Theatre. The atmosphere here is getting warmer every time I go. The crowd often beautifully vomits out into the lane way, whilst everyone tries to squish up to the yellow line that your forbidden from taking your wine past.   Incredibly beautifully directed by Paige Rattray (watch this space- she's in rehearsals at the moment for The Lieutenant of Inishmore at NIDA) and stunningly performed by a strong ensemble of actors (Travis Cardona, Justin Cotta, Meredith Penman, Iain Sinclair). Expertly complimenting each other than any group of actors i've seen in sometime now. Special mention to Iain SInclair: welcome back to the stage, we've missed not seeing you up there.   The set is creatively generous, simple and sophisticated. All the music is performed live at the end of the stage by Tom Hogan and occasional supporting vocals by Meredith Penman throughout the dialogue.   Runs for 85mins, no interval. Starts at 7pm. Perfect pre- dinner entertainment.   Get yourself along!   THE SEA PROJECT When: Now - September 29th Where: Griffin Theatre, Darlinghurst (train to Kings Cross stations- see website for more details by clocking on the above link)  

It's a matter of time for any underground sport, and that time is now for Roller Derby. Allphones Arena host Roller Derby stadium spectacular in November, setting up the first 'banked track' to be seen in Australia for over 30 years. Luminaries of the sport from New York and LA will battle it out in exhibition matches, while expert commentary with NFL-style instant big-screen replay will elucidate the many technicalities of Pro-Roller Derby for newbies. "LA Derby Dolls superstars Bombshell Betty, Stefcon 1 and Laguna Beyatch will lace up their skates and take on the likes of New York Gotham Girls’ Suzy Hotrod, Fisti Cuffs and Bonnie Thunders in six arena show, starting at Sydney’s Allphones Arena on 22 November. " This is a 'Pro-Tour' version of the matches played by local teams in the Sydney Roller Derby League, who regularly battle in flat-ground Roller Derby bouts at venues across Sydney. WHAT: Roller Derby Extreme WHEN: November 22 WHERE: Allphones Arena HOW MUCH: Tix from $44