Arts in the city
By Jorian Gardner

AS predicted months ago by this column, Tropfest, the massive annual short-film festival screened simultaneously around the country will be back at Stage 88 next year, despite the National Capital Authority’s foreshadowing its possible demise due to Federal Government Budget cuts. Next year the festival will be held on February 22 and has sponsorship support from TransACT, Independent Property Group and the ANU.

THE 2008 Swedish Film Festival will play in Canberra Dendy Civic from September 4 to 7. The opening night film features Michael Nykvist and Anastolos Soulos in the acclaimed “Suddenly”. Swedish ambassador Karin Ehnbpm Plamquist will open the event.

THE master of theatrical fantasy and illusion Philippe Genty brings “Lands End”, his latest and largest production to tour Australia, to the Canberra Theatre on August 20 to 23. He conceived and directed the show with long-time collaborator (and wife) Mary Underwood. It features a cast of seven multi-skilled performers (including Australian Simon Rann). 

“PLAYGROUND 2008: Young Playwright’s Competition” is open to young ACT writers 25 years and under. It ran for the first time in 2007 and was a huge success. It aims to support young Canberra writers with an opportunity to have work performed professionally in their home town.  Winners also receive professional dramaturgy on their script and a $500 cash prize each. Entry forms and guidelines can be downloaded from http://www.cytc.net.

TICKETS have now gone on sale for Canberra Philo’s version of “Annie”. Doubtless it will do well, but I can’t help harking back to a column a year ago where I expressed concern at their ticket prices.  This show, at $45 (plus the booking fee) for an adult is pretty steep. This is amateur theatre, performed at the Erindale Theatre.