Creative Tension: Recent Episodes
The Australian
From how the art auction world works, to looted antiquities landing in Oz museums and the bright lights of musical theatre, Creative Tension is The Australian’s weekly culture podcast from National Arts Writer Michaela Boland.
Kate Cherry, director and CEO of Australia's National Institute of the Dramatic Arts, walks us through the inner workings of the institute that produces the nation's biggest names of stage and screen
Michael Reid, veteran art dealer and former journalist with The Australian, discusses the factors that drive the commercial realities of art and artists.
Tim Olsen joins Creative Tension for a discussion about the dynamics of local galleries, local artists, and what it's like to be the son of a living artistic treasure.
Art Gallery of South Australia director Nick Mitzevich explains how Adelaide fits into the cultural tapestry of Australia today, how he'd like to expand its influence in the contemporary arts space, and his passion for Japanese art and design.
Vijay Kumar concludes his story of art sleuthing around the world, explaining how disgraced antiquities dealer Subhash Kapur was finally caught.
Indian born Vijay Kumar, the antiquity sleuth who matched a Hindu statue at a Sydney art gallery with one everybody thought was housed in a temple in Tamil Nadu, India, joins Creative Tension to discuss how he began chasing stolen pieces from around the world, and why he thinks Australia paid far too much for its ill-gotten artifacts.
The Australian's patron-in-residence, Stephen Brook, joins Creative Tension to discuss what shone and what bombed on Australia's stages in 2016.
Australia's National Trust is locked in a bitter battle on so many fronts with the NSW Government. National Trust NSW chair Clive Lucas explains his thoughts on how Sydney's history can be preserved without holding back the growth of the harbour city.
Martyn Cook, Director of Adelaide's David Roche Foundation, discuss the extraordinary life of the man behind one of Australia's most underrated art collections.
Art consultant David Hulme discusses the goings on in Australia's auction houses, and what his clients get out of acquiring various pieces.
The Australian's television critic explains how he keeps up with the deluge of new television series, as well as his thoughts on film, stage and the art of good direction
Liz Doran, award winning writer of Australian film and television shows like Please Like Me, joins Michaela Boland for a discussion on what it's like to make a living as a screenwriter down under.
The thirty year old interim artistic director of the STC discusses his rapid ascent through the ranks of Sydney's biggest theatre company, the memorable productions he has led, and the program for the year ahead.
Michaela Boland sits down with The Australian's Fashion Editor to discuss the world of fashion exhibitions
Sam Strong , artistic director of the Queensland Theatre Company explains how he defines good curation and leadership, and how he's trying to shift the way that Australia's companies view their place in a national cultural framework.
Art valuer David Hulme joins Michaela Boland to discuss the art that makes a splash on the secondary market, and the secrets David uses to win a bidding war.
The Australia's chief art critic, Christopher Allen, explains why embattled art schools need more support, how anyone can be taught to draw, and why Ai Weiwei is the most overrated artist in the world.
Lee Lewis from Sydney's Griffin Theatre Company discusses the group's recent success, working with Marta Dusseldorp, and how smaller companies are keeping the lights on during a period of funding constraint.
The Australian's food critic John Lethlean joins Michaela Boland to discuss the recent "couscous for comment" scandal, and his take on where food television is at today
The standards for TV dramas are higher than ever before, and funding is harder to find. So how are local series competing with the high profile output abroad?
Those looking for investment opportunities in Australian art are in for a hard few years ahead, according to Michaela Boland. Also covered in this week's episode: the lack of arts policies in the 2016 Federal Election, Cate Blanchette's Broadway debut, and the revival of mid-century American theatre.
Why is it so hard to crack down on the lucrative forged art market? Michael Bodey and Michaela Boland discuss the tricky world of fake art, Bjork's patchy Sydney performances and Spielberg's new Roal Dahl film in this week's episode of Creative Tension.
Vivid Sydney's here again, but it's a tourism event leaving little for Sydneysiders. Michael recalls his chat with the smaller-than-expected actress/director Jodie Foster. Music: El Cha Cha Man(Juanitos)
Watch out New York, there's a new player in the art scene. Michaela reflects on her recent trip to LA, where private museums are popping up everywhere. Music: El Cha Cha Man(Juanitos)
What were the highlights of a very long night at the Logies? Michaela and Michael discuss the highlights, along with why Melbourne's Whitely case is such a significant one for the arts sector. Music: El Cha Cha Man (Juanitos)
Has Australia's largest theatre company lost momentum in the wake of the departure of Cate Blanchett? Long-time subscriber Stephen Brook join Michael and Michaela to discuss the STC's recent productions. Music: El Cha Cha Man (Juanitos)
The NGV has just wrapped up its most successful ever exhibition, but was it all that good?
Has Sydney fallen behind its Australian competitors when it comes to hosting big arts festivals? Michaela Boland and Michael Bodey discuss this year's Sydney Biennale, as well as the latest (of many recent) productions of Swan Lake, Michael Moore's new film, and the Jungle Book.
Michaela Boland and Michael Bodey discuss Opera Australia's spectacular 2016 production on Sydney Harbour, Turandot, as well as the best kid's movies on offer during the Easter holidays.
As Australian galleries continue to grapple with the discovery of more ill-gotten artifacts from the third world, Michael Bodey and Michaela Boland discuss how these works found their way to Australia, and the problems in shutting down the global trade of illegal art.
The shift from public grants to private collectors is a significant, and lucrative shift for many artists. So how can performance artists sell their work to buyers with dark pockets? Michael Bodey and Michaela Boland discuss this and much more in this week's episode of Creative Tension.
Have financial pressures pushed artistic ambition out of the frame in Australia's largest festivals? In this week's episode of Creative Tension, Michael and Michaela discuss what they see as the demise of some once exciting institutions, as well as Michael's latest film experiences.
In this week's episode of Creative Tension, Michael and Michaela discuss the highs and lows of Adelaide's 2016 festival season.
In this week's episode of Creative Tension, Michael Bodey and Michaela Boland discuss how theatre works in inner city backyards, and the impact that department store strategies are having on art exhibitions.
Is Making a Murderer the best original programming that Netflix has produced? Maybe, but the rest of the offering is quite disappointing, according to Mr and Mrs Showbiz in this week's episode of Creative Tension.
Music: El Cha Cha Man by Juanitos.
Mr and Mrs Showbiz discuss everything worth watching, reading, and listening to this week. Music: El Cha Cha Man by Juanitos.