General News
26 October, 2022
Dinner and a show
A CONCEPT which has helped people connect across the globe has found its way to the sprawling scenery of Keayang Maar Vineyard in Dixie.
A CONCEPT which has helped people connect across the globe has found its way to the sprawling scenery of Keayang Maar Vineyard in Dixie.
‘Dining Room Tales’ has been performed around the world as a social art practice centred on food, diversity and community-building.
The concept was launched more than a decade ago by Lismore-based artist Xan Coleman.
“Dining Room Tales is a performing arts concept designed to get people from different communities together at the table to enjoy each other’s company, motivated by interesting and artistic content,” he said.
“The idea is we spend time with each other, eat food and get to know accomplished, acclaimed artists while breaking bread.
“It is an opportunity to remind ourselves it is okay to just be human with each other, and enjoy meal.
“Each of the works has a different artist as the host, and we build and create something based on our lives and artistic practice.”
Mr Coleman said he saw the simple act of sharing a meal as a bond building experience across a diverse array of cultures, and wanted to celebrate the connection through the structure of the oft-informal dinner event.
“Every culture around the world has a concept of breaking bread with each other,” he said.
“It’s a kind of ritual on some level, with some cultural differences, but where food brings us together.”
Shanghai-born musician and chef Wang Zheng-Ting joined Mr Coleman to perform ‘Phoenix’ last Saturday.
He performed with a range of ancient Chinese instruments including the Sheng, which dates back more than 3500 years.
“Chinese people love the mythology of the Phoenix because in our tradition it brings luck to human beings,” Mr Zheng-Ting said.
“My grandmother told me if she could see a Phoenix, she would be happy forever.
“Writing music to depict the Phoenix, I evoked the imagination of the Phoenix spreading its wings and flying the sky.
“People want to see the Phoenix because they want to be happy, so I wanted to bring this piece to Australia because I want to bring luck and happiness.”
Chinese-Brazilian-Australian performer David Chong will premiere his act ‘Acrobat’ at this weekend’s Dining Room Tales.
‘Acrobat’ is a personal tale of high-wire dance across continents, with live music based on the sounds of Brazil and the aromas ofthe world.
Dining Room Tales will return to Dixie’s Keayang Maar Vineyard this Saturday, October 29 from 6pm.
Bookings are essential at www.trybooking.com/CCQNB.
To learn more visit www.diningroomtales.com.