Much of the world now knows about the awful Queensland flood disaster which took so many lives and properties this week. Other cities and towns throughout the state have been dealing with floods caused by deluge, swollen creeks and rivers. This week it was the turn of Ipswich, and of the state capital, Brisbane as their rivers rose and burst their banks. ‘Burst’ is a dramatic word, ‘gradual creep’ better describes the slow, inexorable rise of torrential brown water into the city and its streets, homes and businesses. It’s not the first time the state’s capital has been flooded. This image was taken during the floods of 1893. Another great flood happened in 1974. 2011 is probably the worst so far.

As I write, the immediate danger from rising floodwaters has passed and the Brisbane River has gradually slowed what has been a frighteningly fast surge out into Moreton Bay.  The weather pattern has changed to blue skies and sunshine, and Brisbane, as with all flood-affected towns in the state, is in full clean-up mode. It’s been a terrible, exhausting time, one that has taxed everyone to some degree; it will go on for months, maybe years. State Premier Anna Bligh has likened this time to one of ‘post-war recovery’ proportions. Federal, state and local governments are coming together to assist in the recovery.

Our theatres and arts company premises have not escaped either. Shows have been cancelled, foyers and orchestra pits and studios are inundated with water and mud, and equipment has been damaged or destroyed. Hearts are broken, but heads are unbowed.

With typical generosity the wider community are pitching in and volunteering, as always happens when the going is bad. The big cleanup has begun. The arts community are also mobilising to get things back to normal. 23rd Productions Artistic Director Kathryn Fray is coordinating Brisbane artists and creatives to help out with entertainment in the Evacuation Centres in the state, while Harvest Rain Theatre Company under Tim O’Connor are calling for people to register for the Brisbane Arts Community big cleanup crew.

Dear friends, you do the heart good.

Follow @23rdProductions and @harvest_rain on Twitter

Related articles

• Brisbane battles flood devastation as death toll rises – CNN International (news.google.com)
• Rebuilding Queensland Business After Flood Damage – Small Business Guide (prweb.com)
• ‘Post-war’ effort needed to rebuild Queensland – ABC Online (news.google.com)
• The Australian Floods: a photo gallery (boingboing.net)
• Australia floods recede to reveal extent of damage (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

It’s a week when most of the state is powering down to relax with friends and family. As I write, the sun is out, the birds and the cicadas are singing, and it’s stopped raining.

There’s not a great deal happening in the theatre world. Shake and Stir continue their December workshops, this week for Primary schoolers. Fractal’s promenade production of Under Milk Wood continues at the Old Museum Building, but only until Christmas Eve. Most other companies have closed their doors for a break, or will do so on Friday.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of Greenroom’s readers and contributors for their interest and support during 2010, the first full year of operations of this site. For my part, it’s been a labour of love, and I’ve very much enjoyed my interaction with Queensland’s wonderful theatre community during a year of change, growth and great expectations for the future.

Thanks to all those who submitted themselves to interviews, and to Dave Burton and Nick Backstrom (in exile) and Lucas Stibbard who cheerfully responded – and wonderfully well – to my requests for guest reviews and commentary from time to time. Zane Trow and Paul Osuch also posted about their own labours of love here, and it was good to hear other voices at work.

Greenroom attempts to provide a curatorial service for professional theatre in the state, and a forum for any and all who have something to say. Because there should be more public commentary on theatre and the arts in general in Australia, we plan on continuing our approach into 2011 by canvassing informed opinions and shouting them out here. Thanks also to those who take the time to comment so thoughtfully on posts. Most bloggers love getting feedback; we’re no exception.

Our big project right now is the inaugural Groundling Awards. If you haven’t already nominated your favourites for the 2010 season, please do so before they close at midnight on February 1.

In the meantime, Greenroom is taking a seasonal break until Monday January 10. If things work out right, your favourite posts for 2010 should start appearing here auto-magically during the break, and with notice in Twitter.

Have a marvellously merry and safe Christmas and New Year’s.

Warmest wishes

Kate

PS. Forgive the gently falling snowflakes on the page – a theatrical and seasonal geeky conceit that has absolutely nothing to do with Queensland, I know. I just couldn’t resist. If there’d been a falling rain plug-in, I’d have used that instead – or maybe not!

Related articles

• The 2010 Groundling Awards: time to nominate (actorsgreenroom.net)

Check company websites for details on showtimes, costs etc.

Does this week look suspiciously empty of theatre events to you? Hardly surprising, really as it’s the holiday season. Most companies are dark till next year, although the school holiday workshop season is about to take OFF and some companies are in rehearsal right now ready for the January burst of shows.

Opening:

Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas Dir Brenna Lee-Cooney for Fractal Theatre at the Old Museum Building, Brisbane.
Note, this is a promenade performance. If you need a seat, let them know when you book. From Tuesday this week on selected days until Christmas Eve.

Workshops:

Shake and Stir kick off this week with their December Secondary Workshops – Grades 8-12 – all week long, with a showcase on Friday. You may be lucky if you haven’t yet booked Call 07 3358 6025

Ongoing:

Have you nominated for the Groundlings yet? What a nice Christmas present that would be for your favourite Queensland company, group or individual artist. Click the big green button up there on the right and do it! Voting starts in February.