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[title]In case you were wondering, Chatswood Culture Bites is a new council initiative bringing together an exciting array of arts and cultural activities in the heart of the North Shore. With a rich mix of music, theatre, interactive arts installations and children’s shows on the program, Culture Bites is turning Chatswood into the most vibrant place to be this July. Here are our top picks that you just can’t miss.
Award-winning actor Jillian Murray brings Joan Didion's acclaimed memoir to life in this unmissable solo performance. The Pulitzer Prize-winning The Year of Magical Thinking follows Didion's life after the sudden loss of her husband and the coinciding illness of her daughter. This is a deeply moving insight into Didion’s grief and her journey to find acceptance, and it’s infused with sage wisdom, poetic insights and moments of unrivalled eloquence. A must-see for anybody who loves a compelling drama. Catch it at the Zenith Theatre on July 14.
FoRT is a delightful theatre performance guaranteed to pique the imagination of little ones – and their parents, too. The lively show follows two mysterious heroes who embark on a curious adventure transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary things via circus, physical theatre and the power of creativity. You'll witness fabulous acrobatics and inspiring imagery that demonstrates the limitless bounds of the imagination. This highly entertaining production is definitely one for the whole family to enjoy together. You can see it at the Zenith Theatre on July 12 for two performances.
This July, the dynamic ensemble that is Phoenix Collective will present two works: Different Trains and Traditional Folk. The first is a string quartet piece inspired by Holocaust history. Jewish composer Steve Reich wrote it after reflecting on his time spent riding trains between New York and Los Angeles during WWII, and realising how different the experience would’ve been had he lived in Europe. Reich’s composition weaves recorded speech (including interviews with Holocaust survivors) into the work, and is accompanied by a bespoke video. Following this, Traditional Folk will transport you to a landscape of forests and flowing streams via a divine selection of Nordic folk music. This special Sunday session will take place on July 31 at the Zenith Theatre.
There's a Sea in My Bedroom returns after a sell-out run at the Sydney Opera House in 2019. Based on the beloved children's book by Margaret Wild, this theatrical performance brings to life the story of a young boy who must conquer his fear of the sea by using his imagination. The magical world of children's fantasy is galvanised with a specially commissioned classical music score by Paul Stanhope, performed live by a string quartet of ACO musicians. It's an endearing and timeless story that captures the imagination of children and adults alike. It’s all happening at the Civic Pavilion on July 26 and 27.
For more information on all the highlights of Chatswood Culture Bites’ July program, head to the website.