Meredith Fuller talks with Ray Mooney, author of ’The Ethics of Evil: Stories of H Division’ (2016)

Now Available on Amazon

This visceral non-fiction book explores the true story of H Division, the punishment division within Pentridge Prison, Melbourne, that operated from 1958-1994, which was responsible for cultivating criminals who committed horrific crimes upon their release. “Some may have gone in as eighteen year olds, but the extreme brutality they were subjected to turned out potential monsters.”
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TAPE by Stephen Belber

Directed by Jennifer Sarah Dean

Review by Meredith Fuller

The Court House Hotel 27 April to 7 May

‘Play Dead Theatre’ presents a fascinating psychological drama about love, hate, and honesty between old friends. We witness the memory of an event from the past as three friends relentlessly pursue their version of an event that has haunted them for different reasons....

In this Australian Musical ‘CrossxRoads’ we follow the life journeys of several friends after they graduate, travel, find and lose love, careers, relationships, and learn their true natures.
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It has been suggested by psychotherapists that men hate women because they gave birth to them and men can never forgive them for being able to have that power over them; to be able to do the one thing they can never do – give them life. Men often have dreams of vaginas with teeth, or steel traps that mangle, highlighting their contemptuous terror and unconscious intention to destroy any possibility of surrender and respect. In this play, the director explores the complex themes of physical and emotional abuse, gendered violence, power, authority, and violent crime against women whilst examining what family and safety can mean to people. The story can be likened to a dialogue about the Anita Cobby crime, and what ails our society of male siblings who refuse to honour, respect and take self responsibility in relationships with the Other. The non linear vignettes in this family of doting mother, brothers and girlfriends who welcome back the return of the eldest brother a...

I have gone to every Simply Red concert in Melbourne for 30 years. His last ‘Farewell Tour’ was magnificent; I am delighted that he has done a John Farham. The mood in St Kilda was celebratory, as cafes blasted his albums. Chaotic hoards fanned out from eateries towards the flapper era concert hall, and quickly flipped shut into sedate single lines at each door entry to the Palais. The brilliant Hucknall appeals to all ages and stages of “Life” – eighteen to eighty years olds shared a camaraderie when dancing and singing and cheering. This was a stripped back concert; low key staging, a sole casual costume, and down to earth renditions. There was little banter or set changes, and he guaged the audience desire for as many songs as possible. Ballads formed the main part of the concert and then Hucknall launched into joyous cavorting around the stage for ‘Fairground’ – one of my dance favourites. However, I must confess, I love every song and every album. Simply Red is uniq...