Kate Grenville's gorgeously adapted novel, 'The Secret River' was the first commission Cate Blanchette and Andrew Upton created when they started at the Sydney Theatre Company. Now – after all those years- it's finally come into full fruition opening the Sydney Theatre scene for 2013 with a knock out show. Not to mention, one of the biggest shows STC has even put on (including the size of the cast and scale of the set).   The unmatchable Neil Armfield directed the show. I honestly can't think of anyone who could have told this difficult story with more dignity, humanness and depth. Armfield consistently brings so much light and magic to the stage. It's ever so pleasant to be reminded sometimes why it is we go to the theatre: for magic, for entertainment, but most of all for storytelling. Armfield is undoubtedly one of the wizards of his field.   “The play brings up a lot of hurt. We all know the history, what comes next. The hurt comes from the knowledge that the actions portrayed at the end of the play (although so very long ago) have had a huge domino effect, even to this day.” (Excerpt from the letter composed by Ursula Yovich (Dhirrumbin/ Dulla Djin) to Armfield on accepting her role in The Secret River)   It is obvious this play means a lot not only to the actors who get the (somewhat) luxury of going through the (somewhat) therapeutic reconciliation each night, but how much it means to each and every person in the cast and crew. The sense of duty, care, love and obligation to tell this story with heavy hearts and minds will never go unnoticed.   What a beautiful story. And what an incredible way to express it to the world. Highly recommended. Click here for more DS news on the show.     The Secret River When: Now - February Where: The Sydney Theatre Company, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay How much: $50- $100      Click here for tickets:  http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/what's-on/productions/2013/the-secret-river.aspx    

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

    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

    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)  

  For the first time ever the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Orchestra will visit Australia.  This world-class orchestra will perform one concert only at Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 6 November 2012. There are over 90 musicians in this orchestra, making their way to Australia for the first time ever... A unique opportunity for Sydney audiences to experience something brilliant and acclaimedly exquisite.   NCPA Orchestra of China  Venue:                 Sydney Opera House Concert Hall   Date:                     Tuesday 6 November 2012 at 8pm   Tickets:                 from $39.  Discounts for groups of 8 or more   Bookings:            sydneyoperahouse.com or 02 9250 7777    Enquiries:            02 9186 1588 or events@ausfeng.com.au   Emily Eskell emilyeskell@gmail.com

Three stalwarts of Australia's low-brow art scene (their words) have bandied together for a group exhibition at The Tate in Glebe showing a range of handpicked works from 24 new, upcoming and unsung heroes of contemporary art. Beastman, Numskull and Marty Routledge are all common names to see smacked across street posters and arty Facebook events promising free beer, so you can be assured they'll have programmed something fairly spectacular for this group show. WHAT: The Hours group exhibition WHERE: The Tate, 365 Glebe Point Road, Glebe WHEN: Friday September 7th - Sunday September 9th HOW MUCH: Free Featuring works by: Beastman, Ben Frost, Bennett, Ears, Edward Woodley, Ghostpatrol, Jae Copp, Joel Birch, Jumbo, Kyle Hughes-Odgers, Kyle Montgomery, Man Man, Mark Alsweiler, Max Berry, Miso, Numskull, Phibs, Roach, Sean Morris, Slug, Thomas Jackson, Trent Whitehead, Twoone and Vans the Omega. The Hours on Facebook Feature image: Phibs via artygraffarti.wordpress.com

Young man finds band, young man starts record label, young man has party at GoodGod to celebrate. Joel is such a young man and he invites you to attend the inaugural night of his baby record label Farland. It's a fairly stonking lineup, Pluto Jones, Melbourne DIY synthstar HARTS and Van She Tech on the unos et duos. WHAT: Farland Records Launch night WHERE: Goodgod Small Club, Liverpool St, Sydney CBD WHEN: Thursday, 8th August 2011 HOW MUCH: 10 bucks (bargain!) from here

Culturally specific film festivals are all the rage in Sydney at the moment - Koreans, Germans and Canadians have all had a poke. But this September Latin America has its time to shine with the 7th Latin American Film Festival, taking place at Dendy Circular Quay and across Sydney. Opening night kicks off with live music and traditional food plus a screening of MIA, a drama following the story of a transvestite living in the slums of Buenos Aires. Uplifting stuff. On the rest of the program - critically ill people visit the shamans of the Amazon, a teenage love story exposes the murderous tactics of the Colombian military and a there's even a special screening of Cuba's first ever zombie film. WHAT: The 7th Sydney Latin American Film Festival WHEN: 6th to 16th September 2012 WHERE: Across Sydney Dendy Opera Quays - Shop 92 East Circular Quay, Sydney Addison Road Centre – 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville Mu–Meson Archives – Corner Parramatta Rd and Trafalgar St, Annandale Bankstown Arts Centre - 5 Olympic Parade, Bankstown HOW MUCH: Tickets and session information available from www.sydneylatinofilmfestival.org/2012/

  This new Griffin independent show is a total winner. ‘Porn Cake’ written by Vanessa Bates and directed by Shannon Murphy captures the intimacies and ashamed truths of relationships that the internet and social media have irreversibly transformed.   It talks about love, ignorance, consumption, arrogance: 'Cake is the new porn. Infidelity is the new cake. Google is the new infidelity. Love is the new Google. Confusion is the new love. Hope is the new confusion'.' This is legitimately one of the best shows I’ve seen in far too long. If you’re looking for a good night out, get yourself to it. Immediately.   ...As if you needed more encouragement, Gelato Messina is across the road… You haven’t lived until you’ve tried this ice cream: it's the perfect post show sugar hit. Particularly after you've been watching four people shoveling cake into their mouths for an hour and a half.   PORN CAKE   WHEN: June 20-July 14. Monday-Saturday, 7pm. Saturday, July 14, 2pm and 7pm. SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod Street, Kings Cross. WHERE: Griffin Theatre, 9361 3817, $23-$30; short walk from Kings Cross train station and buses on William Street. Taxis to the door.  

  Hold up your fairtrade coffee beans all you Sydney siders ready for social change: the Australian Human Rights Arts and Film Festival is coming!   Though it's mainly based in Melbourne, there are exciting film screenings and art exhibitions travelling to Sydney. Patrons such as Margaret Pomeranz, Isabel Lucas and Warwick Thornton are on board; it really looks like it's going to be an awesome festival.   Now in it's fifth year, HRAFF opens a shared space for artists, human rights organisations and the Australian public can band together with the love and passion they have to further social and cultural change.   Stay tuned for more updates, Daily Sydney will be covering this amazing initiative for y'all. Jump on the bandwagon and stay tuned for giveaways coming soon.   Human Rights Arts and Film Festival When: 29 May - 1 June Where: All around Sydney city- check updates for more details closer to the date More info: http://hraff.org.au/festival-info/about/   Emily Eskell emilyeskell@gmail.com