Briefs

* There's no shortage of new writing in November. In fact, Melbourne is so lousy with readings of new plays that there is absolutely no excuse not to encounter at least one. Some are, however, happening in the teeth of bureaucratic resistance. Last week the fledgling writers theatre, MKA Richmond, was bizarrely thrown out of its new home in Richmond after only two days of operation. According to John Bailey, the council's action followed complaints from a couple of residents about "increased foot traffic" in the area. This must be some sort of record of bureaucratic efficiency: if only local councils moved as quickly on broken swings or pavements...

John has the full press release on Capital Idea, so I won't reproduce it; suffice to say that the company is undaunted, if justifiably outraged, and will continue its planned program of readings at a different venue at the QV complex in the CBD. Their ambitious Open Season of 25 Playwrights from around the world will continue right through November into December. The program looks well worth checking out, and includes work from Van Badham, Ben Ellis, Declan Greene and Chris Summers among many others. Details on the MKA Richmond site.

* Meanwhile, the second round of the MTC's Cybec Readings will be held later this month. The readings, curated by Aidan Fennessy, are the result of six months' artistic development, during which three playwrights were matched with three directors to write a new script. Michele Lee's Roundabout, directed by Sarah McCusker, will be read on November 18; David Mence's The Gully, directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, on November 19; and Natasha Jacobs's If I Can Dream, directed by Petra Kalive, on November 20.) All at 7pm in the Lawler Studio, MTC Theatre. More details on the MTC website.

* Artists should also check out the recently announced Climate Commissions, announced recently at the Malthouse. They consist of three major commissions for artistic projects that seek to grapple with the implications of transition to a carbon-free future, and range from the big (a $30,000 European/Australian collaboration between scientists and artists) to the small (commissions for works to take place in a person's home). Details on the Tipping Point website.