John McRae Photography & Studio

I have been on assignment at Screen Australia recently, shooting some vibrant, young creatives for various promotional initiatives.

Ryan O’Connell, writer and story editor (Will & Grace) has teamed up with Anna Dokoza, Australian director, the star of The Big Bang Theory and Netflix to create a new comedy, Special. Click here for more info

Pitcher Perfect – Screen Australia announced the finalists of the first ever “Pitcher Perfect” competition which was held at VidCon in Melbourne.

I shot some of the creatives who’s job it was to pitch their concepts to a panel of judges, for a duration of 5mins. It was their job to convince the panel to choose their concept as the recipient of the $30,000 on offer to the winners.

The winning pitch was “Return to Sender”, pitched by Amy and Pearl, two of the finalists that I photographed.

Crime queens Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh, who were bitter rivals during the 1920s when their gangs fought it out on the streets of East Sydney in the “razor gang wars”, are a fascinating pair of protagonists for a musical currently showing at the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point.

From the 1920s until the 1930s, two vice queens, Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine, ruled the Darlinghurst underworld. Their rivalry was infamous, leading to a litany of violent crimes enacted by their razor gangs as each struggled to gain dominance in a world of sly grog, narcotics and prostitution.

In 2019, Kate Leigh’s former sly grog shop is about to reopen as a trendy coffee spot. The shop is being gutted for renovation, but there are still ghosts in the walls who aren’t done settling old scores.

Razorhurst explores what it means to be a woman in a man’s world, forced into a life of crime by circumstance. At turns crass and hilarious, Razorhurst is a “compelling meditation on the explosive cocktail of gender, class, and power underlying an infamous period in the history of crime” (Newark Star-Ledger).

Book & Lyrics by Kate Mulley, Music by Andy Peterson

Presented by Hayes Theatre Co

Director Benita de Wit
Musical Director Lucy Bermingham

Starring Amelia Cormack & Debora Krizak

RAZORHURST
Was Commissioned by and received its World Premiere at
Luna Stage, West Orange, New Jersey
Cheryl Katz, Artistic Director

TICKETS*
Previews: Full $60 | Concession $55
Mon – Thurs: Full $65 | Concession $60
Sat Matinee: Full $65 | Concession $60
Fri & Sat Evening: Full $70 | Concession $65
Wed Matinee: Full $60 | Concession $55 | Fab Four Offer $45

Razorhurst is part of the 2011 Postcode offer. Residents of 2011 can obtain half price tickets 30 minutes prior to performances Mon-Thurs with proof of address. Subject to availability.

BOOK NOW BY CLICKING HERE

A brand new Australian production of the much-loved rock musical HAIR will come alive in the Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House from 3 – 6 October as part of a national tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the show’s Australian premiere.

Leading the cast in this new production of HAIR is award-winning TV and theatre star Hugh Sheridan (Packed to the Rafters) in the role of Berger and powerhouse vocalist Paulini as Dionne. Sheridan’s one man show, Newly Discovered, sold out Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2009 and, in 2012, he starred alongside Geoffrey Rush and Magda Szubanski in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

I recently captured some promotional images of both Paulini and Hugh at the Sydney Opera House.

Paulini is one of 10 Australian female solo artists to have a #1 album in the ARIA Charts and her critically acclaimed performance as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard (2017) has cemented her as one of Australia’s most exciting rising stars.

With book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragini, and music by Galt McDermott, HAIR will be produced by David M. Hawkins and directed by Declan Greene. The show brings together a talented local creative team with Set Design by Michael-Scott Mitchell, Choreography by Amy Campbell, Musical Direction by Glenn Moorhouse and Costume Design by James Browne.

HAIR plays at the Sydney Opera House from 3 – 6 October 2019. For more information, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

HAIR also plays His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth (22 August – 1 September); Geelong Performing Arts Centre (4 – 8 September); The Art House, Wyong (19 – 21 September); Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong (25 – 29 September); and Home of the Arts, Gold Coast (11 & 12 October). For more information, visit: www.hairthemusical.com.au for details.

I think this production will be fabulous and can’t wait to hear that rousing score….this is a must see. So Book and get yourself a ticket!

Construction has begun on a world-class performing arts centre and multi-use entertainment space in Rooty Hill. It is deemed the biggest cultural development to hit Western Sydney. The centre is set to become an icon for the West, with construction due for completion in late 2019.

The project has been designed by Cox Architecture and is currently under the construction expertise of Hansen Yuncken.

Hansen Yuncken commissioned me to capture some mid-construction images of the work in progress.

The complex which houses the Sydney Coliseum Theatre will offer some impressive facilities:

• Multi-modes theatre capable of hosting musical, dramatic theatre, live music and more.
• Nine metre Proscenium Arch offering the latest in front and back of house technical capabilities.
• World’s best practise technology including full immersive sound and acoustic design
• the latest in state of the art theatre technology and sustainable LED lighting
• 80 line fly system (important for international standard productions)
• Orchestra pit for 30
• Excellent sight-lines
• Rehearsal room and production office with stage access
• Comfortable and spacious production amenities including 11 dressing rooms
• Adjacent 4&1/2 star Novotel Hotel offering 164 rooms

The two leading ladies of Australian theatre and cabaret are at it again. Firstly, it was ABBA-SOLUTELY FABULOUS. You may remember……

It is always a pleasure to work with these talented woman of the entertainment world. There’s no stopping Rhonda and Lara’s comic wit and sense of good fun which they freely share with all. They have a new show called “Partners in Crime” and they will be touring nationally.

Doing the photography has given me a glimpse of what’s in store and I can tell you it will be hysterical. Thanks to talents of James Carroll for the design work on the poster.

Go to: www.rhondaburchmore.com to see the venues and dates and BOOK IN quickly for a fabulous night out.

How exciting….I been selected as a semi-finalist in the Head On Photo Awards 2019.

The image will be projected on screen with other semi-finalist’s images at the Paddington Town Hall between 4 May – 19 May, 2019.

Artist Statement:

As part of my investigation into stereotypes and identity I photographed Jaden, a young Aboriginal man of the Wiradjuri Nation, dressed in middle eastern clothing.  With Jaden’s consent, I then draped him in an Aboriginal flag as a symbol of how he identifies.  Afterwards when I showed this photograph to a group of white middle class Australians, I asked them if they thought this was a portrait of an Arab man.  Most thought it was.  I replied, “He’s not an Arab but can you tell me how he identifies?  There’s an obvious clue, it’s draped over his head”.  I am left puzzled that most people still don’t see it.

I made a trip down to Victoria over the Easter break. My family hail from the dry, flat region of the Wimmera Mallee and I joined my sister and brother on a small farm at the foot of the Grampian mountain range, near the village of Dadswells Bridge.

Here a few images from the trip……

This is my sister looking relaxed and happy. The weather was great during the day. The mornings were brisk and sharp, softened by the warmth of an open fire

The end of the day was a moment where everyone would come together, relax, sit around and chat.

The farm was nestled at the foot of the Grampians. This was the view from the creek that ran beside the property. It was really hard to deal with as you can imagine.

I went to the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Williamstown in Melbourne……..

I recently photographed the completed refurbishment of several facilities at Macquarie University. An entire fit-out was executed in the buildings of the International College, including testing rooms at the English Language College.

It was a thrill to photograph this project. Prime Constructions meticulously implemented the designs of Marc Oberhauser of Gardner Wetherill and Associates, the architect.

If only design was this good when I was at University all those years ago…..

On Sunday I woke up to the sad news that Ron Austin had passed away on the weekend at the age of 90.

Ron was a gay rights activist and a member of the legendary 78’ers. He played a major role in the beginnings of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which took place in 1978 after his famous words, “Why don’t we have a street party?” The rest is history.

I had the pleasure of working with this humble, joyous man in 2012. Ron was one of the portrait models I photographed in a celebratory mood as part of the 2012 Mardi Gras promotional campaign.

RIP Ron Austin

I recently spent a very busy and rewarding day at the ACON headquarters near Sydney’s Central Station, taking proud and confident portraits of some of the members of our trans and gender diverse community in an informal, temporary studio on the third floor. The single portraits and group shots of Riri, Brielle, Te, Andrew, Peta, Sage, Emily, Farren and more than 30 other models are being published as part of an important document and campaign aimed at improving health issues for this particular group of our fellow human beings.

It is an uplifting and joyful experience to be able to photograph a group of socially-aware, ground-breaking people from such diverse backgrounds. The open-hearted, positive campaign initiated by ACON is so powerful that several of the models decided they would allow themselves to be professionally photographed for the very first time. I am very proud to be part of this process.

The new health strategy released by ACON aims to address key health issues and barriers experienced by trans and gender diverse (TGD) people. It was launched in April at Parliament House. The landmark “Blueprint for Improving the Health & Wellbeing of the Trans & Gender Diverse Community in NSW” provides a detailed overview of the health issues facing TGD people, and outlines key priority action areas that need to be addressed and implemented to ensure their health and wellbeing. To view the blueprint go to: acon.org.au

Two of my portraits have been included in the show “photo + illuminate + paint” at the Zed Gallery in Glebe, an artist run space that mixes visuals with music. The exhibition will run through April with my portrait of Obed (from my “Spot the Arab” series) and a work called “One Nation”, addressing the bizarre nature of politics today.

Artist Statement:  Obed Karwhin is a sportsman who hopes to become the first full-blooded African rugby league star to play professionally in Australia. Training with the Redcliffe Dolphins, it’s a far cry from the horrors of civil war and escaping as a refugee to Guinea.

This work is part of my series entitled, “Spot the Arab” an ongoing series investigating contemporary concepts of stigma and discrimination in our society.  I created a portrait of Obed dressed in Middle Eastern clothing and asked him if he identified as Arab or not. The challenge for the viewer is to decide for themselves how Obed has responded to the question.

One Eyed Man Production’s latest conquest is Monty Python’s “Spamalot” (book and lyrics by Eric Idle, Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle) at the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point. I worked on a series of new production shots in Sydney.

It was an absolutely a fun gig to shoot and it kept me on my toes the entire performance, with actors entering and exiting from all directions.

I was given the opportunity to be part of the audience to see the show on opening night a few days later. I loved every minute of the silliness and antics on stage.

Spamalot is now showing at the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point. Book tickets!

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT

Book & lyrics by Eric Idle, Music by John du Prez and Eric Idle

A new musical lovingly ripped off from the Motion Picture
Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Presented by One Eyed Man Productions in association with Hayes Theatre

Director Richard Carroll
Choreographer Cameron Mitchell
Musical Supervisor Conrad Hamill
Designer Emma Vine
Lighting Designer Katie Sfetkidis
Associate Producer Michelle Guthrie
Production Manager Carl McKinnon
Stage Manager Gayda de Mesa
Assistant Stage Manager Bronte MacInnes

Cast includes Marty Alix, Blake Appelqvist, Cramer Cain, Rob Johnson, Josie Lane, Aaron Tsindos, Bishanyia Vincent and Jane Watt

From the lunatics who brought you Calamity Jane

Click here to book ticket for Spamalot

I made new portraits of Obed Karwhin and his brother, Samuel. Obed is a sportsman who hopes to become the first full-blooded African rugby league star to play professionally in Australia. I wish him all the best in his sporting career.

I also worked with Leigh Pritchard on shots for his modelling portfolio.

The end of the year was a busy time for MaisonNets, a rapidly expanding company which manages short term rental stays on the east coast of Australia.

Here is a small selection of some of the interiors of their beautiful homes in Neutral Bay, Potts Point, Cromer, Leichhardt and Surry Hills.

The well known personal jeweller, Adrian Dickens has produced his annual catalogue and once again I had the pleasure of working with him on the 2019 edition.

If you would like more information on Circa AD and Adrian Dickens’ designs, click on the link below:

Circa AD Jewels

I have recently completed new portrait sittings for my ongoing series, “Spot the Arab”, during my travel in Malta, Italy and Australia. Further exhibitions on this theme are underway.

Click for more information on “Spot the Arab”

From the series, “Spot the Arab”, 2018. Davide, Malta; Rose, Gozo; David, Malta; Bhavna, Sydney; David, Malta; and Bhavna II, Sydney.

Hansen Yuncken, the largest privately owned construction company in Australia, is progressively up-dating its corporate head shots. The feel for these portraits is relaxed and at ease with a clean and fresh look. I kept the backgrounds as neutral as possible and slightly out-of-focus.