John Shand Posts

February 14, 2020 / Concert Reviews - Archive

Concert Hall, January 25 9/10 You left Bunggul feeling both insignificant and elated, having been afforded a glimpse of a culture almost as old as time. We – that is, most Australians – have spent over 200 years ignoring that culture (when we haven’t been trashing it). Perhaps more of…

February 9, 2020 / Concert Reviews - Archive

City Recital Hall, January 24 9/10 Some song-writers wrap themselves in cloaks, whether of enigma or inanity, and some bare their souls. Then there’s Archie Roach. His recent autobiography and eponymous album, Tell Me Why, showed how inseparable are his life and his songs, and when he bares his soul…

February 8, 2020 / Theatre Reviews - Archive

Hayes Theatre, January 22 2.5/10 Why do people sing in musicals? Since the art-form began to achieve some sophistication with Show Boat (1927), the answer, beyond pure entertainment, has lain with plot and, primarily, character. When expressing inner thoughts, for instance, a character can sing lines that would sound lame…