WWE, Water Carriers, Lawrence Leung, Mannequins and Fireworks This Weekend

It’s the end of the financial year. Woo! Sales, tax forms and the last days of senator Steve Fielding. Outside it’s crisp, sunny and foggy, the perfect weather for a walk. It’s also the return of TV’s best. This week Alan Ball’s cult soap opera pulp True Blood grinds up Season Four of its delicious TV junk food, taking us to fairyland and impatient fans with no legal way of purchasing the content will be acquiring it other ways and hosting parties. Better yet Breaking Bad is but weeks away. Melbourne the non-stop culture machine that she is keeps putting out with the Festival Of Lights and more including…

The Docklands
I know what you’re thinking – ugly over-priced apartments, shitty clubs and shitty, ugly over-priced restaurants. You’re thinking of the broken wheel, and wondering what ever happened to that state-of-the-art film studio that nobody ever uses (it’s still there). Melburnians love not going to the Docklands as much as we love fingerless gloves, mulled wine, Nick Cave and living in a suburb with a north or east in its name. Most of us are more likely to visit Sydney that the Docklands, especially in winter. So this July the City of Melbourne will be spending who knows how much money on fireworks every Friday at Docklands, and nobody will complain about this being a waste of ratepayers funds in a desperate attempt to get people to a sinking ship because nobody from Melbourne will be there to see them. Which is why you should consider going. It’s like being in a whole other city just five minutes from the CBD. There are a few statues, a body of water, a vast stark nothingness and a post apocalyptic vibe straight out of 28 Days Later that you usually have to go to Canberra for. Visit during the week, it’s more fun than breaking into a suburban golf course in the middle of the night.
What: Big bada boom!
When: Friday July 1, 7:00pm – 7:30pm (and subsequent Fridays)
Where: Waterfront City, Docklands

Deep End
The Water Carriers by Ian Wilding is a play that presents itself as a funny story about a sleazy 40-something karaoke club owner trying to fuck a vague, slightly weird, mid-20’s hair dresser he’s convinced to come home with him. It should come as little surprise that both characters are undressed to reveal they are much deeper than we imagined. The Water Carriers ends up not a comedy at all but a mediation on grief, loneliness and a notion that defies most feel good stories – that sometimes major life events don’t leave us any stronger, wiser or more fulfilled. Sounds miserable but it’s far from shallow and offers something increasingly rare in entertainment these days  – an opportunity for a catharsis and comfort in seeing life as it is rather than as we hope it might be.
What: Theatre
Where: MTC Lawler, 140 Southbank Blvd, Southbank
When: Season ends July 23
Bookings: (03) 8688 0800
Web: www.mtc.com.au/tickets/production.aspx?performanceNumber=3834

Lawrence Leung Wants A Jet Pack
Last show before Lawrence heads off to the UK.
What: Comedy
Where: Bella Union @ Trades Hall, Carlton
When: Friday July 1^st
Web: http://lawrenceleung.comedymanagement.com.au

WWE
American Style Professional Wrestling. Six bouts. Nuff said.
What: Wrestling
Where: Tennis Center
When: Saturday July 2nd
Tickets: $50-$350 – http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=WWEWORLD11

In The Realms of The Unreal
Unrecognised in his own life, Henry Darger was a reclusive janitor who created an amazing world for The Vivian Girls and illustrated it with incredible works of art. He is now considered one of modern history’s greatest self taught artists. This wonderful film by Academy Award winner Jessica Yu tells his story and brings to life many of his creations.
What: Documentary
Where: ACMI
When: June 30 – July 3, 7pm (5:30 Sunday)
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSzzirIP0No

Mannequin
Melbourne fashion in the 50’s and 60’s through the perspective of local acclaimed models.
What: Collection of Photography and Artefacts
Where: Como House, cnr Williams Rd & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra
When: 10am – 4pm until July 17
Web: www.comohouse.com.au/what_s_on
Tickets $9/$12 – www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=6976&embed=6976