Sunday, April 5, 2009

About Eva Sifis

Eva Sifis has been involved with the disability arts scene since 2003 and has worked with companies in Melbourne such as Club Wild and the City Of Port Philip. Originating from Adelaide, her work has been extensive over the years with most of the companies there. In 2006/2007, Eva held an assistant facilitator role with Arts Access SA and was responsible for aspects of the Highbeam Festival in 2007. Since then her career focus has changed. This year’s Come Out Youth Arts Festival in SA has programmed a series of integrated circus skills workshops Eva has produced.
Her professional work as a dancer, entertainer and manager has spanned continents. The memorable moments are many and she wouldn’t change them for the world.

Impressions of AOD

Impressions of Art Of Difference Festival

Having been involved in the disability arts scene both here and in Adelaide since 2003, my experience of this festival was positive to be sure. I felt catered for and welcomed no matter my creed or design.

The venues were appropriate and sympathetic in plan. In other words; you could watch the performances comfortably where ever you were positioned, interpret them no matter your chosen manner of sensory perception and most of all, you were able to enjoy the full impact of accomplished and talented entertainers without hindrance.

At times in my viewing past at disability arts festivals, I have found myself cringing at self-deprecating comedy. Because of this I have tended to shy away from watching ‘the funny stuff’. This time, however, I was impressed by the sheer professionalism and wit displayed by the comedians, both the Australian and the international. I laughed along with everyone else without hesitation.

The symposiums, while lengthy at times, held me spellbound. Especially the ‘round – table discussion’ format of the forum hosted by renowned television presenter . I do wish there was more allowance for ‘question time’ especially on this particular occasion as the audience was just busting to become part of the discussion, to ask their questions and to put their ‘two bits’ in.

And so, together with all those others I spoke to regarding the quality of this festival and the performances therein, I congratulate Gasworks on a job well done.

D-Lite Art of D's Variety

D-Lite Art Of D’s Variety Showdown - Northcote Town Hall 15 March 2009

This was a veritable cornucopia of comedic artists, each with their own unique translation of the wry side of life. Every artist’s character was immediately evident and shone strongly without a hint of disguise as they entered the stage.
Tom Shakespeare‘s presence was strong as he spoke about his take on friends and Facebook. He ended his eloquent presentation with the beautiful image of the ‘fruit salad of your dreams’.
Mazer came on with her usual cheery charisma. Her dog entered the fray of her banter as she assured us all he, in fact, was not the act. She spoke about her identity and being blind in a light-hearted manner that left us all with a smile on our faces.
Sandy Jeffs was a force to be reckoned with as she described how she is an ‘interpreter’s nightmare’. Her take on climate change, the social milieu and her poems read about witnessing and craziness lent a view in on the ‘far side of madness’. Her publication – ‘Poems From The Madhouse’ is out now!
Christine Bruno’s entertaining skit centred around her (very obviously unworn) pair of Jimmy Choo’s. A ‘Bruno Faceplant’ is her unintended but much rehearsed move that can be imagined. I dearly hope she will find her ideal man and experience all that will come with him… you had to be there!
Liz Carr drew all into her circle and availed us with her much desired airport security check and pat down. The teaming of the words ‘Rohypnol’ and ‘Rose’ are ones I will not forget in hurry either.
I absolutely loved the ‘Deaf Can Dance’ wonderfully choreographed bop hopping in silence. A fellow dancer, the hush accompanying the moves was at first a shock however I found myself questioning the need of that which has been ever-present in my career. Their synchronicity and the unheard but tangible feel of the beat within me was a joy to experience. I can’t help but say this was personally my favourite segment of the night. I could be a little biased though, just a little!

On the whole, this night left me with a huge smile on my face and a few internal wonderings I certainly did not expect to be posed with. I know those I spoke with felt the same way. I was very impressed with the obvious professionalism of all the acts. The showdown was entertaining in the extreme. 10 out of 10.