This was a magnificent, powerful production at the Ensemble with this year’s third year students.
This production brought lines of Shakespeare to life with wonderfully creative interpretations using gesture and many exaggerated movements of character. I noticed in the programme that the director (and performer of Hamlet) Mark Kilmurry has published “A Hamlet Diary” (Currency Press) in which he explains the process that lay behind this particular production. I repeatedly find this play moving and relevant to modern experience. Its poetry is also breathtaking and doesn’t cease to stir my emotions. One of the wonderful features of this production is that it brings so much meaning to lines of text that often stay stuck on the page. I am not sure however whether the largely elderly audience would have appreciated the at times savagely explicit sexual motifs. Shakespeare would, I am sure, have loved this aspect of the production. I was also stoked by the extent to which the play followed a Shakesperian dramatic approach in its interaction with the audience -especially in the Grave Digger’s scene. Actors invading the audience space and making demands of those sitting close to the stage is the way I remember seeing Shakespeare performed at the Globe Theatre in London- yes I was alive in 1605!
Here are some shots of the afficionadoes who attended the performance. Here are Jen and Janine reviving themeselves between acts…. it was a hectic performance!
For me one of the most powerful components of the play was the dramatic realization of the Ghost (played by the same actor who played the usurping King- his brother). The impact that this scene had on Hamlet was astonishing. It made all the more mysterious the reasons why Hamlet was unable to revenge his father sooner than he did.
And here are Danielle and Sonya- so glad she made it!
I coudn’t snapshot everyone … sorry… but here are a few other live pre-Hamlet shots…..
Jordan and Steve
Jen and Gabbrielle
The Shakespearean Trio
BTW: there is a fabulous John Coburn painting in the foyer… don’t miss it.
And check out this John Coburn site before you go- the painting will then mean a whole lot more to you:
http://www.evabreuerartdealer.com.au/coburn.html
Michael Griffith: Home Page- Literature and Life Summer 2023 
John Coburn painting
Michael
I wholeheartedly agree with you – the John Coburn painting is fabulous. There is a huge vibrant wool tapestry of his in the foyer at National Muutual Building at 44 Market Street (corner of York Street), in the city. It’s worth a visit.
It must be thirty years since I attended to Ensemble and I’ll look out for it when I gget back.
Tani
Re: John Coburn painting
Pleased to hear your response to the Coburn… he is an amazing artist… and Ross Keating tells me about the artistic history in your own family… did you know that Francis Webb had quite a connection with Norman Lindsay and his gang….
MG
Re: John Coburn painting
Pleased to hear your response to the Coburn… he is an amazing artist… and Ross Keating tells me about the artistic history in your own family… did you know that Francis Webb had quite a connection with Norman Lindsay and his gang….
MG
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, while it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing!
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Bye, Tani
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Hi Tania- I have actually written a book which deals with this relationship. The book is “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb”. You will find it in the Willoughby Library and elsewhere. Lindsay and Webb had a stormy relationship although Lindsay was very supportive of Webb’s work and illustrated some of his books for him (Leichhardt in Theatre – being one).
Cheers
Michael
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for sharing your deep secret: “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb.” I’ll get up to Chatswood again and get it out when things quieten down. Sounds intriguing.
I’ll also spend time with my angophorra brother nearby!
Bye, Tani
PS We could with a Spell Check on the email site.
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb – edited
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, with it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing! Hope you get to see it!
John Coburn was a teacher at East Sydney Tech when I was a young art student (in the years 1959 – 1966), although never taught by him, I only had a ‘nodding’ acquaintance. He was a neat, slim and quiet (that’s how I remember him in those days).
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Please give my regards to Ross Keating when you next see him, we all thoroughly enjoyed his lectures. Ross was, Like yourself, Michael, so very inspiring. We at Mission Australia and St Vincent’s at Yurong Street have been blessed. Thank you.
Bye, Tani
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Hi Tania- I have actually written a book which deals with this relationship. The book is “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb”. You will find it in the Willoughby Library and elsewhere. Lindsay and Webb had a stormy relationship although Lindsay was very supportive of Webb’s work and illustrated some of his books for him (Leichhardt in Theatre – being one).
Cheers
Michael
John Coburn painting
Michael
I wholeheartedly agree with you – the John Coburn painting is fabulous. There is a huge vibrant wool tapestry of his in the foyer at National Muutual Building at 44 Market Street (corner of York Street), in the city. It’s worth a visit.
It must be thirty years since I attended to Ensemble and I’ll look out for it when I gget back.
Tani
Re: John Coburn painting
Pleased to hear your response to the Coburn… he is an amazing artist… and Ross Keating tells me about the artistic history in your own family… did you know that Francis Webb had quite a connection with Norman Lindsay and his gang….
MG
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, while it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing!
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Bye, Tani
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Hi Tania- I have actually written a book which deals with this relationship. The book is “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb”. You will find it in the Willoughby Library and elsewhere. Lindsay and Webb had a stormy relationship although Lindsay was very supportive of Webb’s work and illustrated some of his books for him (Leichhardt in Theatre – being one).
Cheers
Michael
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for sharing your deep secret: “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb.” I’ll get up to Chatswood again and get it out when things quieten down. Sounds intriguing.
I’ll also spend time with my angophorra brother nearby!
Bye, Tani
PS We could with a Spell Check on the email site.
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb – edited
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, with it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing! Hope you get to see it!
John Coburn was a teacher at East Sydney Tech when I was a young art student (in the years 1959 – 1966), although never taught by him, I only had a ‘nodding’ acquaintance. He was a neat, slim and quiet (that’s how I remember him in those days).
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Please give my regards to Ross Keating when you next see him, we all thoroughly enjoyed his lectures. Ross was, Like yourself, Michael, so very inspiring. We at Mission Australia and St Vincent’s at Yurong Street have been blessed. Thank you.
Bye, Tani
John Coburn painting
Michael
I wholeheartedly agree with you – the John Coburn painting is fabulous. There is a huge vibrant wool tapestry of his in the foyer at National Muutual Building at 44 Market Street (corner of York Street), in the city. It’s worth a visit.
It must be thirty years since I attended to Ensemble and I’ll look out for it when I gget back.
Tani
Re: John Coburn painting
Pleased to hear your response to the Coburn… he is an amazing artist… and Ross Keating tells me about the artistic history in your own family… did you know that Francis Webb had quite a connection with Norman Lindsay and his gang….
MG
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, while it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing!
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Bye, Tani
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Hi Tania- I have actually written a book which deals with this relationship. The book is “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb”. You will find it in the Willoughby Library and elsewhere. Lindsay and Webb had a stormy relationship although Lindsay was very supportive of Webb’s work and illustrated some of his books for him (Leichhardt in Theatre – being one).
Cheers
Michael
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for sharing your deep secret: “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb.” I’ll get up to Chatswood again and get it out when things quieten down. Sounds intriguing.
I’ll also spend time with my angophorra brother nearby!
Bye, Tani
PS We could with a Spell Check on the email site.
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb – edited
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, with it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing! Hope you get to see it!
John Coburn was a teacher at East Sydney Tech when I was a young art student (in the years 1959 – 1966), although never taught by him, I only had a ‘nodding’ acquaintance. He was a neat, slim and quiet (that’s how I remember him in those days).
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Please give my regards to Ross Keating when you next see him, we all thoroughly enjoyed his lectures. Ross was, Like yourself, Michael, so very inspiring. We at Mission Australia and St Vincent’s at Yurong Street have been blessed. Thank you.
Bye, Tani
John Coburn painting
Michael
I wholeheartedly agree with you – the John Coburn painting is fabulous. There is a huge vibrant wool tapestry of his in the foyer at National Muutual Building at 44 Market Street (corner of York Street), in the city. It’s worth a visit.
It must be thirty years since I attended to Ensemble and I’ll look out for it when I gget back.
Tani
Re: John Coburn painting
Pleased to hear your response to the Coburn… he is an amazing artist… and Ross Keating tells me about the artistic history in your own family… did you know that Francis Webb had quite a connection with Norman Lindsay and his gang….
MG
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, while it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing!
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Bye, Tani
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Hi Tania- I have actually written a book which deals with this relationship. The book is “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb”. You will find it in the Willoughby Library and elsewhere. Lindsay and Webb had a stormy relationship although Lindsay was very supportive of Webb’s work and illustrated some of his books for him (Leichhardt in Theatre – being one).
Cheers
Michael
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for sharing your deep secret: “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb.” I’ll get up to Chatswood again and get it out when things quieten down. Sounds intriguing.
I’ll also spend time with my angophorra brother nearby!
Bye, Tani
PS We could with a Spell Check on the email site.
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb – edited
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, with it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing! Hope you get to see it!
John Coburn was a teacher at East Sydney Tech when I was a young art student (in the years 1959 – 1966), although never taught by him, I only had a ‘nodding’ acquaintance. He was a neat, slim and quiet (that’s how I remember him in those days).
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Please give my regards to Ross Keating when you next see him, we all thoroughly enjoyed his lectures. Ross was, Like yourself, Michael, so very inspiring. We at Mission Australia and St Vincent’s at Yurong Street have been blessed. Thank you.
Bye, Tani
John Coburn painting
Michael
I wholeheartedly agree with you – the John Coburn painting is fabulous. There is a huge vibrant wool tapestry of his in the foyer at National Muutual Building at 44 Market Street (corner of York Street), in the city. It’s worth a visit.
It must be thirty years since I attended to Ensemble and I’ll look out for it when I gget back.
Tani
John Coburn painting
Michael
I wholeheartedly agree with you – the John Coburn painting is fabulous. There is a huge vibrant wool tapestry of his in the foyer at National Muutual Building at 44 Market Street (corner of York Street), in the city. It’s worth a visit.
It must be thirty years since I attended to Ensemble and I’ll look out for it when I gget back.
Tani
Re: John Coburn painting
Pleased to hear your response to the Coburn… he is an amazing artist… and Ross Keating tells me about the artistic history in your own family… did you know that Francis Webb had quite a connection with Norman Lindsay and his gang….
MG
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, while it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing!
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Bye, Tani
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Hi Tania- I have actually written a book which deals with this relationship. The book is “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb”. You will find it in the Willoughby Library and elsewhere. Lindsay and Webb had a stormy relationship although Lindsay was very supportive of Webb’s work and illustrated some of his books for him (Leichhardt in Theatre – being one).
Cheers
Michael
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for sharing your deep secret: “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb.” I’ll get up to Chatswood again and get it out when things quieten down. Sounds intriguing.
I’ll also spend time with my angophorra brother nearby!
Bye, Tani
PS We could with a Spell Check on the email site.
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb – edited
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, with it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing! Hope you get to see it!
John Coburn was a teacher at East Sydney Tech when I was a young art student (in the years 1959 – 1966), although never taught by him, I only had a ‘nodding’ acquaintance. He was a neat, slim and quiet (that’s how I remember him in those days).
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Please give my regards to Ross Keating when you next see him, we all thoroughly enjoyed his lectures. Ross was, Like yourself, Michael, so very inspiring. We at Mission Australia and St Vincent’s at Yurong Street have been blessed. Thank you.
Bye, Tani
Re: John Coburn painting
Pleased to hear your response to the Coburn… he is an amazing artist… and Ross Keating tells me about the artistic history in your own family… did you know that Francis Webb had quite a connection with Norman Lindsay and his gang….
MG
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, while it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing!
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Bye, Tani
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb – edited
Michael
Thank you for your reply re John Coburn. I worked in the National Mutual Building for nearly ten years and used to see it every day in the huge and spacious foyer. Stunning is the word for it.
Now there is another one in the foyer of the Telestra building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets (opposite the oblisque and Hyde Park). Unfortunately Telestra have placed large advertisements on most of their glass windows, however the Coburn is on the wall behind the reception area. A vibrant tapestry with great impact and exubriant spirit, with it’s rich browns and reds leaping and dancing! Hope you get to see it!
John Coburn was a teacher at East Sydney Tech when I was a young art student (in the years 1959 – 1966), although never taught by him, I only had a ‘nodding’ acquaintance. He was a neat, slim and quiet (that’s how I remember him in those days).
Hope you get to see it.
PS: When I master transferring images I will send you some.
I do not know the connection with Norman Lindsay and associates and Francis Webb. Pray tell!
Please give my regards to Ross Keating when you next see him, we all thoroughly enjoyed his lectures. Ross was, Like yourself, Michael, so very inspiring. We at Mission Australia and St Vincent’s at Yurong Street have been blessed. Thank you.
Bye, Tani
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Hi Tania- I have actually written a book which deals with this relationship. The book is “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb”. You will find it in the Willoughby Library and elsewhere. Lindsay and Webb had a stormy relationship although Lindsay was very supportive of Webb’s work and illustrated some of his books for him (Leichhardt in Theatre – being one).
Cheers
Michael
Re: Another John Coburn painting! and Francis Webb
Michael
Thank you for sharing your deep secret: “God’s Fool: the Life and Poetry of Francis Webb.” I’ll get up to Chatswood again and get it out when things quieten down. Sounds intriguing.
I’ll also spend time with my angophorra brother nearby!
Bye, Tani
PS We could with a Spell Check on the email site.