Lot's Wife Edition 2 2016

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CULTURE What a tragedy would loom upon Melbourne if the theatre turns to ash... another loss of culture in the name of predictable, safe, savvy corporate enterprise. century, the premises would gain a whole series of names and identities. In 1973, as the world went through a cultural revolution, the musical Hair was performed and the cinema was again renamed ‘The Palace’. In 1987, the Palace flourished in a golden age when the site was converted into a nightclub, opened then by Molly Meldrum. It was, for twenty years, a successful music venue. So, is it only bricks and mortar then? This is the opinion of Jinshan Investments, who in 2012 purchased the premises for $11.2 million, with grand plans of turning the theatre into a 30-storey, 5-star hotel. However, these dreams were short lived as the now former planning Minister Matthey Guy denied the plans over an eighteen month battle. Jinshan conceded to build a seven-storey hotel. After the plans were announced to the public, the National Trust and Melbourne City council, along with ‘Save the Palace’, began rallying to prevent the building’s destruction. Jinshan began work on the theatre. The Imperial French inspired ceilings were plastered over, the amphitheatre slowly dismantled and the beautiful roman-inspired marble staircase jack-hammered, its remains found on a garbage tip out the front of the worksite. A mutilation indeed. In their ruthless conduct, the corporate giant has ignored the wishes of the public, the historical significance of the site, and the overall integrity of the premises. Now Jinshan argues the Palace has no heritage value and thus can be demolished. However, the National Trust and Melbourne City Council rightly claim that the building is something far greater than a material object, only valued by aesthetic qualities. They argue the Palace’s worth lies in its historical and social significance. Is this enough? Every building carries meaning: a past, present and future. The Palace is one that should withstand the years. Every stage show, theatrical triumph and flop, films, spilt drinks, missing props, dancing, and – above all, every person entertained and performer in their element. What a tragedy would loom upon Melbourne if the theatre turns to ash, like the Pram Factory and Eastern Arcade; another loss of culture in the name of predictable, safe, savvy corporate enterprise. To date, the ‘Save the Palace’ Facebook page has over 37,000 likes supporting the theatre’s existence. Evidently, the public want the building to remain. If Jinshan is successful, their plan is to leave only the face of the Palace mounted upon the entrance of the hotel. A shadow of its former, glorious self. In May 2015, the initial VCAT hearing occurred. However, a judgement was not made as Helen Gibson, a member of the Tribunal, owned a National Trust membership. The case was re-heard with a different panel, in the interest of justice and avoiding potential bias. Thus, the trial was pushed back another six months to the final week of February with the Palace crumbling, unloved, dejected and silent after so many years of life. Both sides have spoken. A decision should be handed down over the next few weeks. So, what happens if Jinshan loses? If the Palace remains, gutted of its interior, what will the premises’ future be? There is no use if the ‘For Sale’ sign is erected on a part-demolished building site. However, there are prospective buyers – thus, options to secure the theatre’s safe journey through the next century. The State Government could purchase the premises, as they did in the 1970s with a fifty precent share in the Regent Theatre, as premier Dick Hamer made a heroic move to save the theatre. However, the State Government, in 2013, declared they would not purchase the site. So, another alternative: the British based, Mint Group, who successfully guided Camden Palace Theatre in London through a 2004 re-opening as a live music venue named KOKO, have expressed interest in buying the Palace and performing a similar renovation. Thus, if Melbourne City Council and National Trust are victorious from the secondary hearing, there is a potential resurrection for the Palace. From the darkness, may rise a new beginning, one to inspire the next generation of performers. Indeed, the damage caused by Jinshan investments could be repaired by a minute restoration argued by heritage expert, Anna Foley at the hearing. Therefore, if VCAT rules in favour of the Melbourne City Council, and National trust, there is a bright future for the Palace. Now, all we can do is wait. Have faith in the justice system, that the people’s voices will be heard. Or else, should Jinshan succeed, and demolish the heart of the Palace, the premises will become merely another commercial building, its uniqueness lost, the final theatre on Bourke St all but ash, resulting in the death of an icon. 46 | Lot’s <strong>Wife</strong>
CULTURE April gig guide by Layla Homewood Illustration by Karla Engdahl Like all other Melbournians, you're probably beginning to suffer from what can only be described as "post summer gig depression". The main cause perhaps boils down to attending too many cheap concerts in quick succession, only to be now left with too much study and work to even find out when your favourite band is playing next. But good news, children! We've found a cure for such a terrible illness. In order to revitalise your thirst for live music and ease that sadness, we've complied a quick list of cheap and free gigs in Melbourne for April. So, while we cannot help with the completion of mid semester assignments, we can at least help you in forgetting that they exist by having a sick time at the following events: Saskwatch Price: $17 | When: 8/4 | Where: The Corner Hotel This Melbourne band is back, with a massive tour for their third album Sorry I Let it Come Between Us, and this is a gig that you won't want to miss. You can bet that Saskwatch will bring a chill crowd with prime dance moves and vibes to match their relaxed, soul sounds. With dirt cheap tickets for this local band, you'd be mad to not snag one up quickly. Modern Baseball Price: $33 | When: 9/4 and 10/4 Where: The Rev and The Corner Hotel This is a slightly steeper price, but for this band all the way from America, you can bet that they'll give it their all. We all remember their release of Your Graduation in 2014 which dominated Triple J radio for a solid four consecutive months, and to see this live, along with the rest of their pop-punk tunes would be one hell of an experience. Ensure you wear comfortable shoes though, and prepare yourself for a bit of a mosh. Gang of Youths Price: $46 | When: 21/4 | Where: 170 Russell After their first show sold out well before they were due to play, Gang of Youths have graciously announced another Melbourne show. I know this isn't exactly considered a cheap concert to go to (we're all uni students here, trust me, I understand how many goon sacks 46 dollars can get you), but Gang of Youths just keep getting bigger and better, and before you know it, that $46 ticket will just get more expensive as their fan base continues to grow. A Secret Place Price: FREE | When: now until 30/6 Where: Unknown Fancy a trip to a 1950s New York club, complete with an array of cocktails and live jazz music? Screw that $2000 plane ticket. Grab whatever shrapnel you can find under the couch cushions, load up your myki card with it, and hop on the train to Bourke Street instead. You're only told the exact location of this exclusive joint when your booking is confirmed, and if you're on the guest list you can skip the entry fee. Only open to the public on Thursday nights this underground jazz club is a perfect way to spend an evening in style after a day full of mind melting lectures. The Night Cat Price: FREE | When: Fridays-Sundays Where: Fitzroy If music that you tend to hear on your way to uni day in and day out isn't what you want to actively seek on your weekends, maybe the Latin salsa and hip-hop at The Night Cat is what you need. Who's playing when varies from night to night, so you'll have to be sure to check what you're in for on the night you decide to go. But no matter who's on the stage, you'll be sure to have one hell of a boogie to some incredible, fresh beats. Lot’s <strong>Wife</strong> | 47
Page 1 and 2: LOT’S WIFE — EDITION TWO —
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS Lot’s Wife is entirely w
Page 5 and 6: LISA HEALY Hello! Welcome to editio
Page 7 and 8: STUDENT Rising out of Chaos by Kate
Page 9 and 10: STUDENT It’s as easy as ABC by Na
Page 11 and 12: STUDENT Being a student is like a g
Page 13 and 14: STUDENT Beware the night (exams) by
Page 15 and 16: STUDENT F.O.I. - not for you and I
Page 17: OFFICE BEARER REPORTS QUEER Well lo
Page 20 and 21: SOCIETY It is simple for government
Page 22 and 23: SOCIETY A leg to stand on: your myk
Page 24 and 25: 24 | Lot’s Wife
Page 26 and 27: OPINION Behind bars: failures of th
Page 28: Wot’s Life with Daria & Quinn “
Page 31: TEAR ME OUT! Mid Semester Break End
Page 36 and 37: On the shoulders of giants INTERVIE
Page 38 and 39: Components and competition: Apple
Page 40 and 41: SCIENCE We put the fun in funerals
Page 42 and 43: CULTURE
Page 44 and 45: CULTURE “Everyone should feel saf
Page 48 and 49: CULTURE Autumn Adventures by Meliss
Page 50 and 51: CULTURE
Page 52 and 53: CULTURE by Clarissa Kwee Illustrati
Page 54 and 55: CREATIVE Illustration by Karla Engd
Page 56 and 57: POETRY Beware: the choice is yours
Page 58 and 59: FICTION Impossible diplomacy by Jus

Lot's Wife Edition 2 2016

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