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Alex First

Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.

Red, White & Brass

The small, feel-good movie, Red, White & Brass was inspired by events surrounding Tongan locals in New Zealand at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Like most Tongans in New Zealand, Maka (John-Paul Foliaki) is mighty excited that the Rugby World Cup is about to arrive on his doorstep. Ticket sales are soon to open for…

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Is God Is (MTC) – theatre review

Revenge is the cornerstone of Is God Is, an incendiary play that explodes onto the MTC stage. What a hard life twins Anaia (Henrietta Enyonam Amevor) and Racine (Masego Pitso) have had in America’s south. It is a legacy of an ugly incident sparked by their father (Kevin Copeland) who tried to burn to death their mother…

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You Hurt My Feelings – movie review

Nicole Holofcener’s comedic drama You Hurt My Feelings asks whether it’s okay to lie if you’re trying to protect a loved one. Beth (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Don (Tobias Menzies) are a ridiculously loved-up middle-aged couple. Beth is the author of a moderately successful memoir, struggling to find a publisher for her first novel. She also…

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Lightscape (Royal Botanic Gardens) – exhibition review

Following its success last winter, a new, gorgeous exhibition of colour and creativity returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens this year. The after dark experience that is Lightscape features a stunning array of large-scale, colour-changing, illuminated sculptures. All but two are fresh designs. Back to captivate anew is last year’s piece de resistance, Winter Cathedral, and the…

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Jurassic Creatures (opposite Southland Shopping Centre) – theatre and exhibition review

The Jurassic Park/Jurassic World movie franchise has grossed more than $6 billion globally. Let’s face it, dinosaurs are big business and long before their film adaptation they held not just scientific, but public fascination. Now, in time for the school holidays, family friendly Jurassic Creatures has come to Cheltenham (opposite Southland Shopping Centre). We’re talking about more…

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