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The Guardian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Spare Room review – Judy Davis is electric in thrilling adaptation of Helen Garner novel
There's real magic in the moment after the house lights go down and the stage lights go up before a play begins. There's a concert of rustled movement that slows and stops as we find our silence and attention and tune in together. In The Spare Room, Belvoir's new adaptation of Helen Garner's 2008 novel, that small ritual becomes electric. Helen – played by the indomitable Judy Davis – watches us prepare to watch her, waiting us out until we settle in. She finds the first perfect moment of silence, nods, says 'Right,' and the play begins. This keen noticing is key to Garner's writing, and the backbone of this stage adaptation. The novel, a slim and spare wonder of prose, charts the three weeks our protagonist Helen plays host to her friend Nicola, visiting Melbourne for an intensive 'alternative treatment' she believes will cure her cancer. At every step, Helen is there to witness, take notes, and try to make sense of this new, death-tinged world. As Nicola (Elizabeth Alexander, serene and softer-edged) clings to her faith in her increasingly dubious treatment and refuses to acknowledge her terminal diagnosis, Helen's ferocious love and deep-welled fury are our guides through this story of care, conflict, and the intimacy of dying. Close relationship studies are often at the heart of contemporary theatre, so it's no surprise that Garner's novel has found its way to the stage (and in more ways than one: last year, Monstrous Theatre held its second developmental workshop of an opera based on the book). Director and adapter Eamon Flack has built his career, in part, on adaptation, notably finding contemporary heartbeats in Ibsen and Chekhov. As Belvoir's artistic director, he has curated a run of theatrical seasons that dive deep into ideas of family, intimacy and belonging. The Spare Room is squarely in his sweet spot, and, with Davis as his co-conspirator, the production is a live wire: thrilling, swift, full of sparks. Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning On stage, the play belongs to Davis, our direct-address narrator. She flicks a wrist, points a finger, and cellist Anthea Cottee, sitting onstage with her instrument poised and ready, begins to play. Steve Francis's score is a ticking clock, a rush of feeling and a call-and-response exchange with Davis who prowls, stalks and makes and re-makes Nicola's bed, fetching fresh sheets, water, lemonade, anything that might bring comfort. The best moments keep Garner's prose intact, little jewels of observation and ruthless honesty, and Flack carves the play out of Helen's emotional momentum: building frustration, swells of grief, and charged moments of conflict. While Nicola floats above her own experience, Helen stays grounded, on a stubborn quest to have Nicola realise that the pain and anger she refuses to acknowledge in herself have been deferred to – and are choking – Helen and anyone else in her orbit. Mel Page's set leaves plenty of room for Helen to roam and pace and think aloud. There is a reverent corner set aside for the spare room, where Nicola's bed is thoughtfully lit (by Paul Jackson, who also gentles Helen's sharper edges and suffuses the more combative scenes between Helen and Nicola with love). The set also serves as the centre of the world, transforming as needed. With the tug of a clinical curtain, Helen's home becomes the dubious Theodore Institute with its ozone tents and vitamin C infusions, a doctor's office, and a hospital. Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion While the play undoubtedly and captivatingly belongs to Davis, there is lovely work from the ensemble, most notably Emma Diaz as Nicola's niece Iris and others, a seamless fit in this quick-paced production. Hannah Waterman brings a grounded presence playing characters that are allies to Helen's rational side: a no-nonsense doctor and a sister. Alan Dukes plays a variety of health professionals, both charlatans and legitimate – but is most delightful as a stage magician who brings the joy of artistic curiosity to Helen and Nicola during a rare night out together. There are a few bumps, ones common to new work. Davis's Helen is electric, the revving engine that gives power to the piece and to Garner's prose, but Nicola occasionally feels more catalyst than character, and some scenes are not yet fully calibrated – on the night I attended (reviews were rescheduled due to cast illness), you could feel the growing pains of a production still discovering itself: stumbled lines, tentative pauses. Alexander feels on the verge of blossoming. But this play has a strong foundation and good bones and Davis's fully present performance. It will sharpen as the season runs, and it is already lovely; it so frankly shares the character's darkest and lightest thoughts that it makes you feel less alone in yours. The Spare Room is at Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney, until 13 July
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Mellon Foundation Throws $15 Million Lifeline To Humanities Councils
The Mellon Foundation announced on Tuesday that it would provide $15 million in emergency funding to the nation's humanities councils to help partially offest the impact of recent federal funding cuts. The funding will be given to all 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils across the United States. The one-time infusion of support comes about a month after the National Endowment for the Humanities, which has provided $65 million to the councils in annual support, constituting the lion's share of their operating money, canceled that funding for the Federation of State Humanities Councils, leaving many of its members in danger of financial ruin. Of the total $15 million commitment, $2.8 million will be given as 'challenge grants 'of up to $50,000 for each council. Those funds are intended to encourage local funders and individual donors to make donations that will be matched, thus doubling the support for the work of the councils, a list of which can be found here. Each of the councils will also receive $200,000 for operational support, according to the New York Times. The nation's humanities councils were established by Congress in 1971 as nonpartisan, 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Across the states, they support museums, historic presevation, literacy programs, book fairs, and a variety of other cultural and community programs. 'The places where American communities come together to read, learn, and engage with the humanities' vast and varied forms of knowledge and creativity are often those supported by these Councils,' said Elizabeth Alexander, president of the Mellon Foundation, in the foundation's announcement. She said the viability of organizations like museums, libraries, historical societies was at stake in every single state along with other cultural activities that are 'a fundamental part of American civic life.' Alexander acknowledged that Mellon's grantmaking would not be able to make up for all of the cuts, but added "we stand side by side with the 56 Humanities Councils across the United States and remain deeply committed to the work they lead on behalf of us all.' In its statement, the Mellon Foundation said, "without immediate intervention, many state councils face steep reductions—or even closure." Phoebe Stein, president of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, agreed.'This is more than a grant—it's a lifeline for communities across the country who rely on their humanities councils' programs and grants to fill critical needs and enrich their lives. Mellon's support allows us to not only preserve this vital network—it helps ensure that everyday Americans can thrive through lifelong learning, connection, and understanding of one another.' Stein claimed that 41% of state councils are "in dire need" of funding, according to NPR. "Some are looking at how they can retain staff. Others are thinking about repurposing programming," she said. The councils play an important role for local economies. According to Mellon, by partnering with local organizations, 'they generate significant economic activity—leveraging $2 in private investment for every $1 of federal support' by attracting tourism and stimulating local business. When NEH canceled most of its existing grants and dismissed the majority of its staff earlier in April, it said the agency would be directing its allocations to support President Trump's agenda. As part of that repurposing of funds, it has announced it would provide $17 million for the National Garden of American Heroes, a Trump priority that will feature sculptures of American heroes as a celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
New York Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Mellon Foundation Announces $15 Million for Humanities Councils
The Mellon Foundation on Tuesday announced $15 million in emergency funding for state humanities councils across the country, throwing what advocates say is a crucial lifeline after the cancellation of federal support had left some in danger of collapse. The new funding, which will support humanities councils in all 50 states and six jurisdictions, comes a month after the National Endowment for the Humanities abruptly cut off federal funding for the councils, as well as most of its existing grants. The endowment, which had a budget of $207 million last fiscal year, is the nation's largest public funder of the humanities, providing crucial support to museums, historical sites, cultural festivals and community projects. The $15 million from the Mellon Foundation will offset only a portion of the $65 million the state councils were set to receive this year from the humanities endowment, as appropriated by Congress. But Elizabeth Alexander, the foundation's president, said it would help preserve humanities programs, particularly in rural states without a robust base of private philanthropy. 'The projects that fall under the rubric of the humanities are of an extraordinary range,' she said. 'It would be terrible if countless people across the country lost access to all the things that help us understand what it is to be human, in history and in a contemporary community.' The money from the Mellon Foundation, the nation's largest funder of arts and humanities projects overall, with an annual grant-making budget of about $550 million, is a one-time infusion. Every council will get $200,000 in immediate operational support. Most of the remainder will come in the form of $50,000 challenge grants, which must be matched by other sources. When the humanities endowment canceled virtually all of its existing grants earlier this month, after a review by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, it told recipients that it was redirecting its funding toward 'the President's priorities.' Last week, the agency announced it was committing $17 million to support the National Garden of American Heroes, a patriotic sculpture park that President Trump first called for during his first term. (Another $17 million will come from the National Endowment of the Arts.) The agency also laid off nearly two thirds of its staff of about 180. And it announced a new grant program, 'Celebrate America!,' which will provide up to $6.25 million in grants for projects timed to the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. For the humanities councils, the end of federal funding is an existential threat. Phoebe Stein, the president of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, which will administer the Mellon Foundation funding, said that 40 percent of councils had reported having less than six months of reserve funds. 'This is an absolute lifeline to restabilize the councils,' Stein said. They 'are really looking at this as a moment to take a breath as they find long-term solutions.' While humanities councils may have a low profile, they support book festivals, literary events, local history projects and historical sites. They are also drivers of local economies, including tourism; according to the federation, every $1 of federal support results in $2 in private investment. The Mellon Foundation, whose assets totaled about $7.9 billion at the end of 2023, has taken emergency action before. In 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic threatened the survival of many cultural organizations, it increased its annual grant making, to $500 million from about $300 million. In June of that year, it also announced a 'major strategic evolution' that would prioritize social justice. Alexander, a poet and literary scholar who has led the foundation since 2018, said that recent cuts across the federal government, not just at the humanities endowment, had inflicted devastating impacts on many of its grant recipients. The foundation was considering other emergency aid, she said, but it could not replace all lost federal support. 'Philanthropy itself is not able to plug all of those holes,' Alexander said. 'For the humanities in particular, we thought this was someplace we had a responsibility to do what we could.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Letters to the Editor: As ERs struggle to accommodate dementia patients, their loved ones bear the brunt
To the editor: I read this article with sadness and anger ('As dementia rates increase, experts warn hospital ERs aren't ready,' April 20). Last month, my husband died after an eight-year struggle with dementia. Following a bad fall at home, he was transported unconscious to our local hospital emergency room where he spent three days. During that time, I was told repeatedly by hospital administrators that dementia patients didn't belong in the ER. I was also told that he couldn't be cared for in a regular hospital bed, despite the fact that he had not regained consciousness. His insurance company authorized a stay in a skilled nursing facility. The problem was that there wasn't a single bed available in skilled nursing in Ventura County. Let that sink in. It was finally suggested that I move my husband to a memory care facility with a care level that could accommodate him with hospice support. With no other option, I wrote a check to this facility for almost $14,000. My husband died 16 days later without ever regaining consciousness. The medical system in this country is broken. As your article states, it is more profitable for hospitals to reserve beds for patients who will bring higher payments from insurance companies. Dementia patients are low on the list. Californians who have long-term insurance may be in for a rude awakening as to the percentage of care in assisted living that will actually be covered. Consider my story a cautionary tale. Elizabeth Alexander, Ojai .. To the editor: This is a topic that seems to get pushed to the side too often. I cared for my mom, who had sundowners dementia, in her home until she passed away. I got so ill myself with vertigo from all the stress of it and couldn't work anymore. The lack of money and programs to support families going through similar ordeals is a story in itself. Bringing their stories to the light is a great start. Angela Ghilarducci, Las Vegas This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
22-04-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Letters to the Editor: As ERs struggle to accommodate dementia patients, their loved ones bear the brunt
To the editor: I read this article with sadness and anger ('As dementia rates increase, experts warn hospital ERs aren't ready,' April 20). Last month, my husband died after an eight-year struggle with dementia. Following a bad fall at home, he was transported unconscious to our local hospital emergency room where he spent three days. During that time, I was told repeatedly by hospital administrators that dementia patients didn't belong in the ER. I was also told that he couldn't be cared for in a regular hospital bed, despite the fact that he had not regained consciousness. His insurance company authorized a stay in a skilled nursing facility. The problem was that there wasn't a single bed available in skilled nursing in Ventura County. Let that sink in. It was finally suggested that I move my husband to a memory care facility with a care level that could accommodate him with hospice support. With no other option, I wrote a check to this facility for almost $14,000. My husband died 16 days later without ever regaining consciousness. The medical system in this country is broken. As your article states, it is more profitable for hospitals to reserve beds for patients who will bring higher payments from insurance companies. Dementia patients are low on the list. Californians who have long-term insurance may be in for a rude awakening as to the percentage of care in assisted living that will actually be covered. Consider my story a cautionary tale. Elizabeth Alexander, Ojai .. To the editor: This is a topic that seems to get pushed to the side too often. I cared for my mom, who had sundowners dementia, in her home until she passed away. I got so ill myself with vertigo from all the stress of it and couldn't work anymore. The lack of money and programs to support families going through similar ordeals is a story in itself. Bringing their stories to the light is a great start. Angela Ghilarducci, Las Vegas
