Spring 2021

So, the next chapters in this saga are still to be written, but as with almost everyone in our profession, my shows have been postponed yet again – and this time we all seem to be trying to play safe and sure and pitching into 2022, to avoid the ongoing cycle of on again-off again. Mother Archer’s Cabaret for Dark Times is going to be postponed for the fourth time from October 27 and we’re now looking at 31st March, Keep checking Melbourne Recital Centre’s website for details. We might even try to sneak into Sydney as well. Robyn Archer: an Australian Songbook was due to open November 20 for Queensland Theatre but alongside border considerations, we were just running too short of being allowed to rehearse in person to assure the quality of performance we demand of ourselves. With every postponement the schedules of presents grows more complex and corwded, but we think we have alighted on 2022 June/July dates for the new show – so again, check QTC’s website for announcement and actual dates. Pheew.

As of November 5, I may be able to get together with accordionist George Butrumlis in his studio for the first time in three months to restart our working on the new material: there’s just so much you can achieve on zoom. And in the meantime I have two important ‘orations’ to research and write – both coming up next year, possibly in the first half, and I’ll post dates on the website as soon as they’re confirmed. I clicked and collected my 2022 Moleskin daily diary last week – it’s a beautiful ice-green colour – always a sure sign that the coming year is starting to look busy. The optimism that purchase engenders coincides with one of the most refreshing reads I’ve had amongst MANY books in lockdown. “Spring Cannot be Canceled” is an account by Martin Gayford of David Hockney’s choice during the pandemic to live in rural France, where he could paint Spring. The book offers great insight into the painter as well as beautiful reproductions of his work.

I also point you to the website of the Melbourne Accordion Orchestra (directed by George). If you go to ‘videos’ you can see an iphone fixed position recording of the gig we snuck in between lockdowns for the Melbourne Cabaret Festival. The orchestra is great, Cameron Goodall is on fire with his Randy Newman songs, and I make a surprise guest appearance. Enjoy.

Stay safe and well.

Robyn