Strapless by Deborah Davis

From Ivanhoe Library. 

A great book about one of the most iconic paintings, Madame X, by my favourite John Singer Sargent. 

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Perfect Days - a film

I went to Palace Balwyn cinema this morning.  A lovely cinema. It was almost empty. 

A great film. It's a meditation on life. The film tells a lot about the complexity of our life without saying almost anything, leaving it to the views' imaginations. 

The only thing I found odd was when he hugged his sister when they met after many years. I don't think a Japanese in that generation does that. 

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At the Foot of the Cherry Tree by Alli Parker

An incredible story. 

I used to have a client who had the same experience as Cherry Parker, unfortunately she passed away a couple of years ago. 

I do hope the author will write the sequel describing how they lived here in Melbourne after they came here. 

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"Love Song" by Brighton Theayre Company

My favourite theatre company with solid performances. 

I thought the story line is a bit weak with regards to "the infectious effect of love and the redemptive power of hope".

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The heartbreak choir by Melbourne Theatre Company

It's been raining all day long. I "rented" this production online. 

A great story with solid performers who can definitely sing so well, particularly Emily Milledge. 

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Painting trip to the Grampians

Just came back from a four day trip. 

A fantastic stay at Book lover's corner" Airbnb in Hamilton. 

A great takeaway dinner from Thai Town restaurant. 

Dunkeld, Portland, Port Fairy.... Beautiful. 

This painting is probably the best work. The link is here. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1tixHzv_-c/?igsh=bDBiZTQ5OXNwbzI3

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Bloody Christmas

The best gift one can give. 

This morning at Lifeblood Bundoora Donor Centre, Melbourne. 

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"Miss Saigon" at Her Majesty's Theatre

Putting aside the controversial nature of the story, particularly the depiction of Vietnamese women, this is one of the best musical productions I've seen recently. The sheer scale of it baffles me considering the small space in the theatre. 

What an amazing talent these actors show on stage. 

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"Ladies in Black" by Heidelberg Theatre Company

A wonderful musical performed brilliantly by all the cast in this lovely venue. 

The story, music and costumes... 

Rafaela Cleeve Gerkins, Maree Barnett, Matt Biscombe, to name a few. What a talent!!

One of the best musical I've seen recently. No wonder it's sold out. 

I'm looking forward to their 2024 productions. 

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"Art" by The 1812 Thetre

A well known play by Yasmina Reza, and I was looking forward to this. 

However, I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped. Maybe because it's so familiar, but also there was this hissing noise during the play not sure what it was. Hearing aid? Very annoying. 

The venue was half empty. It tells something I guess. 

It's really a shame, this is one of my favourite theatre companies.  

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Clarice Beckett in Cheltenham Memorial Cemetery

Finally I visited her grave. 

It's really a heart wrenching experience, personally. What an artist she was! Endless inspiration. She was a fighter despite her seemingly gentle personality. She never gave up. 

Rest in peace. 

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"Here I belong" by Brighton Theatre Company

A very poignant play by Matt Hartley, performed brilliantly by all the cast at this charming venue. 

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"My sister Jill" by Melbourne Theatre Company

A very touching production by superb casts. The subject matter is rather dark , but there's a sliver of hope at the end. 

It's really a shame that the venue was half empty. 

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"Phantom Call" by the 1812 Theatre

This charming theatre in Upper Ferntree Gully usually offers the quality productions. 

All cast were superb. However, the play itself was very shallow and idiotic, I thought. 

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"Summer of the seventeenth doll" at Union Theatre

It's a gorgeous theatre at University of Melbourne. 

Great cast. However, the play itself was very dark, character developments weren't deep enough, I thought. 

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