SmartArts

This week's podcast includes Fleur Kilpatrick's fortnightly theatre review 'Shoot The Messenger', as well as performers Matt Kelly and Richard Higgins giving you the low down on the new family oriented production of 'The Listies Ruined Xmas', which has a Richard Watts stamp of approval.

Also on the show is Angela Conquet on the return of the annual celebration of freedom and movement that is Dance Massive.

Enjoy!

This week sees another outstanding bunch of artists and performers and general creative minds in to the studio with Richard, as we gear up for the holiday season.

Firstly we have the multi-talented performer Josh Piterman whose latest role is in the musical theatre production known as 'The Last Five Years', running at 45Downstairs in December - sure to provoke some introspective thought for many young couples out there.

Secondly, a gripping interview about the struggles of free-thinking and sometimes dangerously expressive artists, with Pussy Riot's Maria Alyokhina and founder of the Belarus Free Theatre Company Natalia Kaliada. The pair are in Melbourne running their theatre production 'Burning Doors' at the Arts Centre.

And finally on a cheerier note to to round out the episode, Richard speaks with Melbourne artist Marcia Ferguson about the upcoming MoreArt Public Art Show in the City of Moreland.

Richard's first guest is the curator at the jaw-droppingly beautiful TarraWarra Museum of Art, one Julie Ewington, who came in to the studio to discuss, among other things, a new exhibition of metalwork sculpture by renowned Australian artist Bronwyn Oliver.

Secondly we have Mr Brett Sheehy on the upcoming 2017 theatrical season at MTC (it's a cracker) and last but certainly not least Richard is joined by a trio of guests including, in no particular order, Lisa Sullivan (curator at Geelong Gallery), Tully Moore (seasoned visual artist) and Chris Bond (also a seasoned visual artist). The subject matter at hand is the current exhibition at Geelong Gallery, 'Tricking the eyecontemporary trompe loeil' - a delightful journey in to optical illusions and visual play.

Richard's first guest this week is the Senior Curator of Contemporary Art at the NGV, Simon Maidment, who will be providing insight in to the David Hockney exhibition entitled 'Current'. Current runs at NGV until March 2017.

Following that interview Richard is joined by none other than the legendary 'Uncle' Jack Charles, who has been offering the publican eye-opening window in to his intrepid history of crim-turned-creative with the highly acclaimed theatre tour of 'Jack Charles v The Crown'.

Last but not least Richard hosts Melbourne-based interdisciplinary performance artist Ashley Dyer, to discuss his latest provocative endeavour in 'Tremors'.

In the world of Melbourne theatre Richard talks to director Daniel Clarke about his new production 'Rust and Bone' running at La Mama, as well as theatre makers Rachel Dyson-McGregor and Mike McEvoy who's creation, entitled 'STRIVE', will be showing at the Richmond Theatrette on Church St.

In the purely visual realm Richard speaks with German artist Vera Moller (whose work is being displayed as part of the exhibition 'Human/Animal/Artist: Art Inspired by Animals' at McClelland Sculpture Park) and the park's director John Cunningham.

In this week's episode of Smart Arts, Richard chats with Wesley Enoch about his role in Sydney Festival 2017, as well as Rachel Healy who is the co-director of the Adelaide Festival 2017.

Also in the studio is the artistic director of the Poppy Seed Theatre Festival Phil Hayden, along with directors/creators Danny Delahunty and Anna Rodway whose plays 'Blessed' and 'Ladycake' respectively will be performed as part of the festival.

Guests include Melinda Martin, Michael Kluge, Alice Bishop, Ben Schuman and Gareth Hart

Guests include Susan Cooper, Jess Thom, Alexandre Hamel, Kathy Heyward and Oliver Cloke

This week's guests include Michael Vale, Brian Lipsom, Steven Armstrong & Kate Ben-Tovim

This weeks guests include Patricia Cornelius & Candy Bowers, choreographer Lucy Guerin, andFringe artists Kyle Davey & Stephanie Osztreicher.