THEATRE FEATURE
As you can see a lot of my recent theatre work has been done at Sydney's Cafe Basilica. This is one of the most interesting restaurants in Sydney which is quickly gaining a larger profile for its many innovative productions - not to mention its excellent food !
Voted `BEST ALL-IN-ONE ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX' by City Hub Magazine in August 1997 (above Sydney's multi million dollar Star Casino !) Cafe Basilica is a new and unique venture in the worlds of both dining and art. It is the home not only of theatre productions, but also of workshops and exhibitions of art by both new and established artists. Downstairs is a small restaurant delivering reasonably priced gourmet food courtesy of chef Simon Ainscough, who rotates the menu on a regular basis to ensure variety and appropriateness to the season (some recent choices include Niccolo Machiavelli's Ravioli, Foucault's Filo, and Robert Burns' Beef - with lots of red, red wine!). You are greeted by head waiter and part owner Gabe Zahra, who may suggest you take advantage of the Basilica's special dinner and show deal. Diners are entertained by the art on the walls (highlighting the work of one or more local artists, and changing every 2-3 months) as well as the talents of local musicians in the evening. During the weekdays, xperimental productions and workshops take place, including the weekly meetings of PARNASSUS' DEN, a workshop group for playwrights, radio writers and screen writers of any age, experience, or ability in which plays are given a moved reading and appraised by an audience of other playwrights, theatre practitioners and interested others.
Upstairs, is what is regularly described in terms such as `Sydney's Most Intimate Venue !'. While small, Theatre Basilica has played host to acclaimed plays such as Peter Carmody's`MY LIFE AS A JOKE', `AM I YOUR DREAM ?' `SHE CALLED ME HONEY BUNNY', `LOVE BITES' and `OFF BROADWAY BARD'.
Cafe Basilica has become virtually the only venue for young and up-and-coming theatre practitioners. As City Hub Magazine says, `Hats off to owner/manager Gabriel Zahra for his admirable support of independent theatre.'
CAFE BASILICA is located at 101 Cleveland St, Chippendale, Sydney AUSTRALIA.
Phone : 9319 - 1222.
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