Report of 2005
Date: 31-Dec-05
Author: Valley Artists
‘The Finnys'
Rehearsals for Valley Artists' latest production, ‘The Finnys' are well under way. This exciting new play, written by Peter McDonough is being directed by Janine Oliver and stars Alan Glover, Bob Philippe, Clare Di Natale, Cordelia Howell, Fiona Young, Graham Bennett, Ken Barnett, Malcolm Goudie, Neville Newman and Peter Williams.
Valley Artists has a history of supporting the talents of local authors and playwrights and ‘The Finnys'is no exception. But this time, it is very definitely "local", in that it embraces local contemporary concerns. It began as a project for a film several years ago and was then commissioned as a stage production early this year. The result is a very funny satire of environmental and social issues that involves small communities and big business in modern Australia.
For a good night of entertainment for the whole family, before Christmas, don't miss ‘The Finnys' at
Laguna Hall, opening night December 10, then 11,14,16,17 &18th Dec. (please check show times).
Tickets at Wollombi & Laguna shops, or book on 4998 3419
See you there.
Residents Get Blown Away By September Storm
Residents of Wollombi Valley have just experienced a storm that one witness reported as being ‘one of the most ferocious seen in the Valley in recent history'. The edge of the storm was seen approaching in early September, and it didn't slow in intensity until the eye of the storm had unleashed enough art to blow the Valleys residents and visitors away.
I'm referring to the amazing amount of artistic presentations that stormed the valley in September. What an amazing thing that we are all a part of! In September alone, Laguna School held its, yet again, successful Annual Arts Show. The following night was the ever - popular ‘Alan Glovers Comedy Night'. Then there was the Film Festival, and the night after that, the Kooris turned it on for us with their stories and dance at the Corroboree. There's been some fantastic bands on at Laguna Store, and Peter Williams' exhibition at the (rapidly emerging) Wollombi Cultural Centre was a real treat. Also there's the Theatresports' Workshops that have just concluded after running for two months. And then, just in case we were getting bored, let's put on a sponsors night.
Thanks to tireless and unemotional Valley Artists crew, 120 sponsors were wined and dined at ‘The Other Wine Makers Dinner'. Swirling local wines, sniffing out the politics of ‘Wine versus Sex' in the great debate, or swallowing the incredible depths of the myths of wine marketing, our sponsors were served up a treat. The food was delectable and the local wines sensational.
Wonderfully lively multi-performances (singing & acting) by Clare Di Natale, Alan Glover, John Campbell, and Jonathon Poynter, with great music from the band ‘Tired and Emotional', ensured a fantastic night for our sponsors.
I can only think that Bacchus was looking over us that evening. The kitchen at Laguna Community Hall was used for the very first time in a formal dinner situation. And used well it was! What a treat to finally have a kitchen that we can all easily work in. Everyone that worked on the show deserves a huge thank you, with special thanks to all those that worked in the kitchen. Those guys just did not stop!
And how good was the Wollombi Valley Short Film Festival? The artistic quality and variety in style of film that was submitted to the selection committee by local community members, is something that we can all be very proud of. Documentary's, Mocumentary's, Comedy and Drama, it was great, you shoulda been there. By closing date we had been sent 29 films from around Australia and abroad. The selection committee then had to cull down to 13 films in readiness for our judges. No mean feat.
They were difficult decisions. The quality was so good that the selection of local content on the basis of, ‘but we love them', just wasn't an option, we wanted the bar raised to a height that our local film makers would strive to jump over. There are always lessons to learn, and it was very encouraging to see those film makers that didn't gain selection, in the audience learning. I have a feeling we may have an even tougher time judging next year if the local vibe is anything to go by.
Valley Artists Gets SNAPPY...
Valley Artists recently became the recipient of a brand new S5600 digital stills camera generously donated by FUJIFILM Australia. This was made possible by local entertainment lover, Sue Player. Sue was able to demonstrate to her colleagues at Fuji that an asset such as a camera, would provide Valley Artists with photographic documentation for publicity and archival purposes.
And just in case that wasn't generous enough, Sue and her partner Jamie realised we would need additional accessories to get us off to a flying start. So they donated a 500-image picture card and a battery charger with batteries. The camera's already had a good work out, cast photos have been taken for ‘The Finnys' program, and heaps of great shots were taken at the ‘Theatresports' graduation recently held at Laguna Wine Bar.
Many thanks to Sue Player, Jamie Jamieson and FUJIFILM.
Who knows, in a hundred years we may be in the Historical Society!
Without a doubt the most successful and loved of Oscar Wilde's works is:
- The sparkling play about manners,
- The hilariously absurd satire,
- The brilliantly constructed plot,
- The rich dialogue,
- The celebrated characters,
- The comic perfection,
In fact the MASTERPIECE that is
"THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST'
Directed by Bob Philippe, "Earnest" will be playing at Laguna Community Hall
April next year.
Rehearsals will begin mid to late January 2006
Expressions of interest are invited. Please ring Bob on 4998 8278