Fortyfivedownstairs Presents A STRANGER IN TOWN Beginning Tonight

The Melbourne FestiVal May have ended, but fortyfivedownstairs doesn't stop. Previewing tonight and opening Thursday 27 October A Stranger in Town, the newest original Australian musical, based on a true story.

Fortyfivedownstairs will be hosting the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards 2012 in March next year. Artists who are qualified to enter are urgently reminded that entries will close on Wednesday 2 November. To enter please fill in the form at http://www.indigenousartawards.com.au/ and for any further enquiries please see the website or call Hannah at 9662 9966.

Essential Theatre presents A Stranger in Town.

It's one of those great stories of coincidence, romance and poignancy that we always love - Sophie Lampel visited her aunt in London and was given six tape recordings made in Canada by the grandfather she never met, Otto Lampel. He had left Czechoslovakia to escape the Nazis, was dropped behind enemy lines by the British, and after the war lived in Canada, where he became something of a radio star. There is a mystery behind his story, and Sophie was inspired to fill in the gaps with this original musical, which also uses some of Otto's songs and poetry.

The rehearsals promise one of those enchanting small musicals that suit the theatre space so well; music which is melodic and moving, with magical lighting by Richard Vabre. The cast includes Sophie Lampel and Amanda LaBonte, with Drew Tingwell as Otto.

Performances are Thur 27 October - Sun 13 November, Preview 26 Oct and Tue to Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm. Tickets are Full-$35, Concession-$28, Preview-$22/ $15. Book online at www.fortyfivedownstairs.com or call 03 9662 9966.

The Large Gallery is Anita Mertzlin's SKIN Deep Until Sat 29 October.

Anita Mertzlin's still life exhibition is much more than a collection of stationary objects, beautifully painted. SKIN Deep has a surrealistic edge, helped by Mertzlin's fascination with her daughter's taxidermy collection - mostly birds, but also including a charming small brown rat. A raven perches on a top hat, grasping a red rose in its beak, an owl contemplates us seriously, while a small African love bird perches precariously on a hat that could be destined for the Spring races. But of course, these are not works painted purely for amusement - there is a more enigmatic message there, of the beauty that enriches our lives, and reminds us of the transience of everything.

The Small Gallery is Georgia Thorpe's Sol Until Sat 29 October.

Sol is also a celebration, in this case of light in a series of unique woodblock prints on gorgeous Japanese mulberry paper. Drenched in the gorgeous colours associated with life in the sun, Sol is a welcome harbinger of the warmth we hoped had already arrived in Melbourne. Georgia Thorpe has been inspired by the sun as the provider of light and life, and her work brings a joyful intensity of colour, not unlike a brilliant garden seen through a rain drenched window.

Coming up at fortyfivedownstairs:

The Small and Large Galleries Gavin Brown and William Eicholtz's Gratuitous Garland: A Botanical Metaphor from Wed 2 November - Sat 12 November.

A flamboyant exhibition of the work of these two unique artists, who have defied popular fashion, and created a fashion of their own, challenging accepted tastes and gathering a huge following of dedicated fans. Despite a friendship of almost 30 years, since they first met at Melbourne's "gender bending" nightclubs, this is the first time they have exhibited together. This is going to be a colourful and extravagant event from serious artists who are also ready to enjoy themselves. A

A Performance of Bach Suites at the Australian National Academy of Music.

Australian National Academy of Music presents Bach Suites. A designer, a dancer and a choreographer, together with ANAM's cellists explore the movement and light that are evoked by selected movements. From the wonderful Bach Suites for Solo Cello 1 - 6 (selected movements).

The creative team includes Howard Penny, Helen Herbertson, Michelle Heaven, John Salisbury, Ben Cobham and Bluebottle, with cellists of the Academy.

Performances are Wed 16 November - Sat 19 November and Wed to Sat 8pm, early performance 6pm Fri and 5pm Sat. Tickets are Full-$50, Senior-$35, Concession-$25

Book online at www.fortyfivedownstairs.com call 03 9662 9966.

fortyfivedownstairs invites exhibition proposals for 2012. Applications are invited from artists and curators for the large gallery space for the following dates: 17 January - 4 February 2012 (reduced rates), 3 April - 21 April 2012 (reduced rates) and 24 April - 5 May 2012.

Please contact the curator Martina at 9662 9966 or visit www.fortyfivedownstairs.com for further details.

Bookings for all fortyfivedownstairs shows: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com, tel 9662 9966.

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Since 2002 fortyfivedownstairs, a not-for-profit organisation, has offered an evocative urban space and a personalised service to an eclectic mix of artists for theatre, visual arts, forum, music and dance .

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