The USU celebrated a busy and successful year at its Annual Dinner held last Friday at the Refectory in the Holme Building. The black-tie event was attended by students, staff and alumni who have spent 2011 working tirelessly for the Union. Several University figures also attended, including Vice-Chancellor Dr Michael Spence and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (education), Derrick Armstrong.
For the second year, the USU awarded some of the most outstanding members who made significant contributions towards the Union in the past year. The Union Blues award recipients were announced at the dinner after several dozen nominations were received. The 2011 Union Blues recipients were: Anshu De Silva Wijeyeratne, Bridie Connell, Cameron Creigh, Luke Liang, and Marina Lauer. Former USU President and Vice- President Patrick Bateman and Courtney Tight also received Union Blues – demonstrating admirable continued dedication to the USU.
The USU also awards an Honorary Life Membership to an alumnus or friend of the Union, who display tremendous commitment towards helping the USU achieve its goals. In 2011, John Blount was announced as an Honorary Life member for active involvement in various Alumni organisations. Mr Blount was a USU President in the early 70s and spent much of his career in the Australian diplomatic service, working In Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Denmark and Holland. Previous Honorary Life Members include radio and television personality Adam Spencer and accomplished neuroscientist and journalist, Dr Robin Fitzsimmons.
The USU’s debating team was honoured for another success-filled campaign in 2011. Veteran USU debater, Tim Mooney won the prestigious Chancellor’s Award for Most Outstanding Debater of the Year. The best of the USU’s Clubs and Societies were also announced during the night. The Speleological Society was declared Best Club with less than 100 members, while music-lovers Beat the System took out the big prize – announced Best Club with more than 100 members.
The Annual Dinner also featured a guest-speech by television star and former USU member, Juila Zemiro. The lively RockWiz host recounted tales of her days at the University of Sydney in the early 90s, where she exhibited her passion for acting and comedy on the stage in the USU’s Cellar Theatre and became a regular in Theatresports.
Humanitarianism is the act of kindness, ethical responsibility or aid to another human being or animal. It is a concept that implies that each human being has a responisibility to care in an ethical way for other living beings.
Humanitarian week is run by the USU to help raise this awareness though a five-day festival that encompasses all the humanitarian and social justice related clubs on campus. Run by Kristy Samal and Cathy Tran this year there are a variety of events that attempt to get everyone on campus engaged and inspired around Humanitarian clubs and activities. Most of all, to have fun in the process!
A couple of exciting examples is the special Tuesday Talks on Sex Trafficking at 1pm in Manning Bar. Wednesday will see JFR plaza transformed into the Global Poverty Project in a bid to understand poverty and the ways we can make a difference to world poverty. On Thursday you can exchange your clothes in Isabel Fidler from 12-2. And don'’t forget the Wrap Up party in Hermann'’s Bar on the Friday evening.
Take the chance to learn a bit more about the world around you and to engage in these clubs that are passionate about Social Justice. Humanitarian Week helps bringing the world to you in a fun and inspiring festival that will last so much longer than the week.
There’s no business like show business, and there’s no student show quite like a USU Revue. With the annual Revue season upon us, I thought it would be a great opportunity to talk through the Revue process before taking a tour of each show.
The online Oxford Dictionary defines Revue as ‘a light theatrical entertainment consisting of a series of short sketches, songs, and dances, typically dealing satirically with topical issues’. That seemed appropriately adequate, until I spoke to Ian ‘Pharaoh’ Ferrington the 2011 co-director of the Commerce Revue who put it much more deftly as ‘all the funny things 30 people wished they’d slipped into conversation over a whole year, combined with some absurd shit and the cast of hairspray on whatever recreational drugs the cast of rent didn’t finish’.
Since the 1930s Sydney University has played host to some of the most elaborate and infamous Revues Australia, nay, the world has seen. In fact, the 2007 Women’s Revue ended up touring the UK, whilst the 2006 Arts Revue headed to Melbourne. In a reality closer to home the USU Revue program has played host to the young upstarts that are now the Chaser, Project 52, Susan Boyle and the Axis of Awesome.*
On a personal note, whilst the Commerce Revue wasn’t my first taste of the USU it was my first real meal. ‘Nightmare on Wall Street’ played the York Theatre for three exceptionally successful nights and the friends I made in that show I now count as some of my closest. But, it was ‘Industryous Basterds’ that really opened my eyes to the wonder of the USU. Stepping late into the role of Co-Producer I was thrown into organising (alongside some very competent colleagues) a $20,000 show that taught me more lessons than any academic endeavour I’ve undertaken. Apart from the hassle of organising a stage, lighting, sound, props, costumes, a cast, apparel, ticketing, marketing and an after-party I was exposed to the intense challenges of working in a heavily time-constrained, demanding and stressful yet rewarding environment. The USU shouldered me genuine responsibility and gave me the opportunity for self-development and growth that was eye opening to say the least. Some say putting on a Revue is like parenting a really ugly red-headed child, ‘even if it looks like Ronald McDonald at 6 months old you love it just the same’. Needless to say I was an exceptionally proud parent.
So then, how is it done? Well Revues typically receive a significant grant from the USU. These grants of up to $8000 are often supplemented by faculty or external sponsorship and ticket sales to cover the hefty costs of a stage, costuming, lighting, props and a memorable after-party. Some Revues are content with just making ends meet but, some of the bigger players use their Revue as a charity fundraiser. The 2010 Medical Revue ‘Cadavatar’ raised over $43,000 for Cure Cancer Australia Foundation and the Milk Crate Theatre. The man hours that go into Revues are often unimaginable. A lot of effort goes into making your show thought-provoking, topical, funny and most of all entertaining.
But at the end of the day, Revues are about more than just entertainment and budget balancing. Alistair Oakes the 2011 co-producer of the Law Revue commented ‘as with many people involved in Revues, they have been a defining part of my university experience. Revues ... allow students to be students: light-hearted, vocal and pushing the boundaries in ways which you normally can’t get away with.’ Jo Twartz, USU Revue veteran reflects on her involvement and concludes that throughout the Revue process ‘you’ll find out you have the capability to do things you never knew you could. Revues are a great environment to just have a go, and when you try, you succeed!’
Revues drag you out of your comfort zone and throw you on stage being burned by lights and the glares of the community, your peers and your family. Whilst it may sound traumatic the truth is there is a huge safety net spread out below you and you always make it to the other side more confident, aware and proud of what you have achieved.
So, without further adieu:
Welcome monsieur sit yourself down, the twenty-eleven Revues are in town!
Medicine – Beauty and Deceased – 10/8-13/8, 7:30pm @ the Seymour Centre
Going by last year’s standards ‘Beauty and Deceased’ should be a killer (oh, come on, why can’t I have some fun too!) Med Revue buys into the storyline approach of a Revue, which can lose an audience if it isn’t done well. But, these are the gals and guys who undertake undisputedly the most challenging degree a University can offer. They also managed to raise $43,000 last year for charity. They can do anything (including operate on you!). This Revue is always well-polished, which to be frank is a little worrying. I’d prefer if these guys were less funny and spent more time learning how to solve your future illnesses.
Arts – How We Learnt to Love Again – 17/8-19/8, 7pm @ the Seymour Centre
Where to even begin! This Revue has had a tumultuous history. They used to be small, but now they are big. They are always hilarious particularly if you have a wacky sense of humour. They’re not renowned for their commentary on current affairs but they have the ability to make the most mundane ridiculously funny. They’re Arts! Unlike their Med counterparts these students definitely have the time to polish their show and are a very talented bunch.
Law – The Socially Awkward Network – 17/8-20/8, 8pm @ the Seymour Centre
It frustrates me how good these guys are. Law students believe they’re more intelligent, knowledgeable, attractive and funnier than you. The sad thing is that even if they’re not as naturally gifted they’ll work harder to make sure they are better. The worst part about the Law Revue is that they are naturally gifted. The Law Revue is an efficient humour making, dance choreographing, song-singing machine. They may lose a little innovation along the way but they are by self-acclamation the best Revue.
Education and Social Work – GladiATAR – 18/8-20/8, 7:30pm @ the Seymour Centre
When you watch this Revue remember that the creepy looking guy with the beard who made an inappropriate sex joke will one day teach your 7 year old son. These guys had their opening last year and did a great job. Their cell block tango was l’maze. They are bound to be even better this year.
Architecture - Nineteen Eighty Floor - 25/8-26/8, 27/8, 7:30pm, 2pm @ the Seymour Centre
Firstly, their title is a reference to an infamous novel by George Doorwell. Secondly, they build amazing sets. This Revue is always ‘solid’.
Engineering – James Blonde: The Man with the Golden Ale – 25/8-27/8, Manning Bar
Rumours exist that they reside at Manning because the Seymour Centre wouldn’t let them back. Needless to say the show is outrageous. Their title has for as long as I can remember been a reference to alcohol. Take from that what you will.
Science – NASAblanca – 25/8-27/8, 7pm @ the Seymour Centre
Who would’ve thought science students were funny. Their show last year was superb. To top it all off, they are lovely, diligent, sweet, friendly science kids. Their cast is big and fun and their title is about space! Apparently they were approached to star in a reality Glee TV show**. This Revue is a must see it is always wonderful!
Commerce – The Economy of Errors - 1/8 – 2/9, 7:30pm @ the Seymour Centre
Unequivocally the best Revue! In their fourth year the Commerce Revue cleverly blends absurd humour with witty and satirical commentary on the events of the world to produce an outstanding show. Flying in the face of popular belief, the Commerce Revue is made up of a mismatch of (exceptionally attractive) students from all faculties. Last year saw them start with The Lion King, elegantly and beautifully weave in nudity before ending the show with a dramatically powerful Boy Band medley (a special shout-out to the NSync guy, who was hoooootttt!). By acclaim this year it is expected to be even better. Commerce Revue’s direction team is dashing, their producers wonderful and their choreographer is heaps cute! This is a must see!
Queer – The Queen – 31/8-3/9, 8pm @ the Seymour Centre
I cried when I didn’t get to see this show last year. They premiered to adoring audiences and it wasn’t just their parents. By all accounts they were cutting-edge, outlandish, ground-breaking and hilarious. And squaring that final nail into the coffin this year it will feature Board Directors Dave and Ben.
Book your tickets at the Access Desk, Manning House or by calling 9563 6000.
Oh by God, with all this Revue talk... why, why, well! I got chills, they’re multiplyin’ and I’m losin’ control, the Revues they’re supplyin’ and they’re electrifying.
Rhys Pogonoski
Board Director
* To the best of my knowledge Susan Boyle did not star or even appear in a USU Revue.
** This one is actually true.
One week of university down and twelve to go. And what a great week it was with Re-O Day 2011, by far the best mid-year orientation week ever run by the union! If you didn't get a chance to sign up to the Clubs and Societies of your choice then make sure to have a look through the list at USU online.
For all of you that partied the first week away, we have good news, and for all of you who had a docile week learning about their unit of study outlines, we have even better news… this thursday is Snowball!
Being one of the social highlights of the year, it's a great opportunity to party on before you get into some serious study.
Snowball is one of our champion parties that takes over Manning with a range of awesome acts that party through the night, 8pm to 2am. It is a big deal of a party, more than 1000 people attend every year with tickets selling out well before thursday!
Line Up
This years extensive lineup includes both domestic and international acts. For a brief look at what you're going to hear:
Jinja Safari -they draw from "afropop rhythms, (and) tumbling island guitar" to create african-inspired "dreamy folk pop, with a melodic richness comparable to acts like Sufjan Stevens, Animal Collective and Sigur Ros.
Naysayer & Gilsun - Naysayer and Gilsun deliver an eye full of everything from nostalgic pop culture references, interwebz memes, psychedelic visuals and cult scenes. They mix and merge them to draw links between electronic beats, party music and hypermedia.
Mitzi - Mitzi comply with a classic pop sensibility. Entwined by a backdrop of moving disco beats, syncopated guitar and capturing bass grooves lies the Mitzi sound, smooth, laidback vocals and a vintage analog warmth.
Rufus - RÜFÜS combine a love for electronica and indie to create a sound that makes you want to hear them live in a dark club, sharing sweat molecules with the person swaying along beside you. A combination of live instruments and electronic production bring on comparisons of Cut Copy and Midnight Juggernauts but it’s their own unique sound that makes you stand up and take notice.
Tom Loud - Head West of Springsteen and bear due South of Leonard Cohen till you're so close to Lucinda Williams that you're not allowed to date and you have found Tom Loud. Drinking and dancing tunes of true love and bloody murder.
Beat The System: Beat The System is a USU brainchild. It is a club and society that provides the opportunities to perform from the best of Sydney's sprawling music scene.
Beat The System will have their own stage in manning featuring up-and-coming local acts including Super Florence Jam, Rockets, The Walking Who, and Conics. Meanwhile, Will Styles and MC Haley Boa, Gabriel Clouston, Nic Scali, Slow Blow DJ’s and George Reed will be spinning on the disco and Dubstep stage.
Ticket Purchase
Make sure to get in early for these ticks because Snowball is always sold out by the night. It will be the greatest opportunity to dance your way out of the winter chills before uni gets going so make sure you're there! You can get your tickets at the ACCESS Desk on level 1 of Manning (just off Manning Rd) or online here.
