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Robot Dog (MTC) – theatre review

It is Melbourne 2042 and artificial intelligence has evolved. Melanie Chan Wing Lam (Jing-Xuan Chan) has died (it appears to be suicide), leaving behind an empathetic robot therapy dog (also voiced by Chan). Wing Lam neatly packed all her belongings into large plastic storage bags, while her home shrine, where incense is burning, remains chock-a-block…

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Toruk: The First Flight (Cirque du Soleil) – theatre review

An incomparable spectacle, Toruk is unlike any Cirque tent show. Several awe-inspiring highlights punctuate the two acts of this production inspired by James Cameron’s cinematic masterpiece Avatar. The staging, projections and lighting are particularly wondrous. Rivers run, waters fall, lava flows and the large stage area frequently appears to come to life. It begins with a mound becoming…

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The Insult – movie review

Designed to provoke (but ultimately to reflect) The Insult is a powerful film with politics at its core. In present-day Beirut, Tony Hanna (Adel Karam) is a passionate member of the Christian Party. He’s a motor mechanic who employs a number of workers. His wife, Shirine (Rita Hayek), is expecting their first child. Opposite their…

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Ideal Home – movie review

Ideal Home showcases the talents of Steve Coogan (The Trip to Spain) and Paul Rudd (Ant-Man). While bawdy, it proves to be a sometimes surprisingly touching comedic-drama. Colourful celebrity chef Erasmus (Coogan) and his partner Paul (Rudd) have a happy and rather self-indulgent life together. They live in a glorious home in Santa Fe. Erasmus…

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