fortyfivedownstairs Announces Upcoming Events And Shows

A momentous month at fortyfivedownstairs and a very special announcement, The Burlesque Hour Loves Melbourne will be opening with Rhonda Burchmore!

Theatre: Café Scheherazade
A fortyfivedownstairs production

Café Scheherazade sold out!

There has been unprecedented interest in, and response to our production of Café Scheherazade. In 2006 playwright Thérèse Radic adapted Arnold Zable's much loved novel of the same name, and five years later, fortyfivedownstairs has brought her work to the public. The collaboration between Thérèse and director Bagryana Popov began over a year ago, and has resulted in a production which has entranced audiences since the opening a week ago.

Unfortunately, the nature of a small (unfunded) venue like this has made it impossible for us to extend the season, much as we wish we could.

So apologies to those who have been disappointed, we will be looking at the possibility of a return season, so please let us know if you would be interested in early notice of a return of Café Scheherazade.

Write to us at info@fortyfivedownstairs.com and you will be the first to hear.

Dates: Mon 7 March- Sun 3 April
Times: Tue -Sat 8pm, Sunday 5pm, 4pm matinees Sat 19 March and 2 April
Tickets: Full $45, Group 10+/ Seniors $40, Conc $37.50
Theatre: I Take Your Hand in Mine
Presented by Australian Classical Theatre

We have a number of daytime performed readings of I Take Your Hand in Mine. Written by Carol Rocamora, it is based on the entrancing love letters between Chekov and his wife, the actress Olga Knipper.

This is a beautiful insight into Chekov's life, as he lived in Yalta while Olga performed the roles he wrote for her, in Moscow. This is a wonderful revelation of their life and their relationship.

Featuring Anastasia Malinoff and Paul English/Stewart Morritt.

Dates and Times: Mon 21 March at 1pm & 6:30pm and Fri 25 March at 2pm

Tickets: Full $22, Conc $18
call 03 9662 9966.
Gallery: Victorian Indigenous Art Awards 2011
Saturday 12 March to Saturday 2 April

Last Friday well over 100 invited guests attended the announcement of significant prizes as part of the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards 2011, an annual art award program developed by Arts Victoria. It was a joyful night, with four major prizes, and three high commended awards being announced. Opera singer, Deborah Cheetham was a splendid master of ceremonies, and the major award was presented by the Hon. Jeanette Powell MP, Victorian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Winner of the $25,000 Deadly Art Award was Ben McKeown, who was understandably delighted with his success. Other awarded artists included Dawn Mongta who was Highly Commended for the Deadly Art Award with Dawnie's Personal Belongings, Megan Cadd with Nan's Dress, highly commended CAL Victorian Indigenous Art Award for Works on Paper and Naretha Williams whose digital projection, Shifter won the Koorie Heritage Trust Acquisition Award. Kamahi-Djordon King's large scale print, Attack of the 50 Foot Black Gin and Paola Balla's delicate installation, A Little Birdy Told Me, both won $5000 awards sponsored by the Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) Cultural Fund.

Artists from all over Victoria, many of whom have not shown work in Melbourne previously, entered the award. Twenty-five finalists were selected from a wide field by a panel of eminent judges, and the resulting exhibition is full of contemporary interest and variety. All works are available for sale.

Artist Talks will be held on Saturday 19 March and Saturday 26 March from 2-4pm. Artists will talk about their work with the 2011 curator, Nicholas Boseley. Please feel free to come and join in the conversation. Nicholas, who has been in residence at fortyfivedownstairs since October, is also at the gallery during the week for those who would like more information about the current scene.

Vote online for your favourite work at www.arts.vic.gov.au. Voting for the 2011 Arts Victoria People's Choice Award closes at 5pm on Sunday 27 March.
For one night only at fortyfivedownstairs

Music: Atticus
A string quartet for the 21st century

The debut performance of Atticus a new music performance group whose players come from some of Melbourne's leading music ensembles.

This string quartet is dedicated to the highest quality performance of the finest new music from around the world. Their debut features pieces from the past two decades, as well as premiere performances of work by Shaun Rigney and Liza Lim.

Date and time: Monday 28 March 7:30pm
Tickets: Full $15 Concession $10
call 03 9662 9966.

Performance: Bugger the Polar Bears, This is Serious
Rod Quantock

A fundraising performance for the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project. The man who keeps our consciences alive, while making us laugh, Rod Quantock is one of Australia's most brilliant, and unpredictable satirists, and we are delighted to welcome him at fortyfivedownstairs.

Date and time: Monday 4 April 7:30pm
Tickets: $30

Special fortyfivedownstairs announcement!

Burlesque: The Burlesque Hour Loves Melbourne

Rhonda Burchmore will be with Finucane and Smith for 4 shows only on the 16 and 17 June! Get in quick, dont miss the leggiest dame in the business! Book here or call 9662 9966.

Bookings for all fortyfivedownstairs shows: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com tel 9662 9966

Since 2002 fortyfivedownstairs, a not-for-profit organisation, has offered an evocative urban space and a personalised service to an eclectic mix of artists for theatre, visual arts, forum, music and dance .