Volume One - Pages 77 to 108 - Canberra 100

Image: Where’s my vote? 2009 (detail) By Penny Byrne . Photograph Jeremy Dillon.
Prime Time
22 MAY – 1 JUNE
Australia’s Prime Ministers are a fascinating bunch. We’ve had Mandarin and Latin
speakers, spiritualists, atheists, republicans, monarchists, graziers and bodgies. They’ve
given us an array of eyebrows, hairdos, pipes and spectacles, and between them they’ve
had the unenviable task of leading our country through 11 turbulent decades.
It is the drama and humour of our 27 Prime Ministers, and their times, that is at the heart
of Prime Time, a new, original musical theatrical production.
Performed by a cast of thousands, made up of Shortis and Simpson, two extra actors and
a community choir, Prime Time is a series of Prime Ministerial portraits in song, written
by John Shortis. With dramaturgy by celebrated playwright John Romeril, and direction
by Catherine Langman, Prime Time brings together cabaret, comedy, drama, community
involvement, and archival sound and images.
It tells an epic tale of public and private lives, of a nation adapting and responding to
dramatic and fast-changing events, of the human urge to gain power—a populace that
pulls the electoral strings and feels the effects of the consequences. It’s a story with
direct ties to the creation of Canberra, its national role as Australia’s capital, and to the
themes being celebrated in the year of its centenary.
Funny, moving, informative, entertaining; Prime Ministers at their best and worst.
Prime Time was seed-funded by the Centenary of Canberra and the Museum of
Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
WWW.THEQ.NET.AU
Art of Influence
FROM MAY
In 2013, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House explores the Art
of Influence, a theme that teases out the relationship between artists and democracy.
Including artworks in a variety of media, and presented throughout one of Australia’s
most iconic buildings, Art of Influence takes visitors on a provocative journey into the
past, present and future of Australia’s democracy.
A primary focus of Art of Influence is the notion of Canberra as a centre of national
debate and discussion. At its core, Art of Influence features significant Australian
artworks that position the artist as activist, influencing and influenced by the
changing nature of Australia’s democracy in a challenging, and at times troubled
relationship. These artworks are the starting point for visitors to explore notions of art
and democracy in Australia.
Art of Influence is not simply a conversation about the nature of art, it encourages
visitors to investigate art as a vehicle for ideas.
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE
WWW.MOADOPH.GOV.AU
CANBERRA100.COM.AU 95