Tuesday 23 June 2009

Performing Arts - the wharves (2)


Although it looks like the radio interviewer is the aggressor here, photos can conceal the truth! This is Bob Ellis, a crumped, shuffle of a man, with a rapier wit and a froth of sarcasm second to none. He is a legend in left-wing political and social causes and one of our better writers and raconteurs.


Poking into the harbour within the shadow of our "coat-hanger", the wharves are a classic throwback that every city deserves. They are quaint, they are illogical and they are a joy.


Each May, this arts precinct resounds with the blather of words and opinions of readers and writers during the Sydney Writers' Festival. The Main Stage, Heritage Pier 2/3 was no different: witty words, bolshie blokes, and what we know here in Australia as "stirring-the-possum".

14 comments:

brattcat said...

I'm not exactly certain what "stirring-the-possum" means but I suspect you are one cracker-jack possum stirrer yourself, Julie.

Lois said...

You certainly have a way with words Julie and of course your photography is always stunning!

Jim said...

Great words and pictures.

Ann said...

Fake snow, I used that particular shot 1) because most of the others of skaters were out of focus and 2) I think its hilarious that he's wearing a T shirt and earmuffs.

I ran in to Bob Ellis a few times when he was doing some work for Bob Carr. He really does look like an unmade bed. A very clever unmade bed.

Fiona said...

I think his general unkempt-ness is refreshing. I love the massive space in pier 2/3, sadly didn't go to any sessions there this year.

Shaun said...

I love the way both that photographs can reveal and conceal the truth... just depends on that exact moment!

Joan Elizabeth said...

Ellis ... ugh.

Joan Elizabeth said...

How's that for stirring the possum?

Sally said...

Would just love to go to Writers Festival events! Living vicariously through your entries

Julie said...

... *guffaw* ... indeed, however, I have picked the Ellis-attitude earlier. I saw this delightful doco where Ellis and Les Murray took a road-trip in an old car: you have to love the bloke after that!

Think I might do my own road-trip by train through the new Epping link on Sunday. Wish me luck with the station-nazis ...

B SQUARED said...

Never heard that expression before.

Sally said...

Would love to have heard Marr & Crabb, but unfortunately I was overnight in Canberra that night! grrrrrrrr!!!
Agree I think Turnbull's a goner, esp after latest developments on ABC tonight....and it's Libs spilling beans now. Can't work out if it's Abbott or Hockey sinking him, or Costello dropping a smelly one as he exits, or even Costello waiting to be recalled!
Curioser and curioser.
Think I'll go and snuggle up with Jane Austen. Time to re-read Sense and Sensibility I think.

Unknown said...

Each shot its own style, but all are wonderful and make this a fantastic post!

Julie, a CDP blogger is missing! Please visit my page. Thank you.

AB said...

I like the metal construction on the wharf in the shot middle right. It makes for a great photo.