Saturday, October 16, 2010

BIG NIGHT OUT - KARNAK PLAYHOUSE

We had a night out to see Dianne Cilento portray Peggy Guggenstein a multi-millionaire art collector who helped launch the career of many artists from 1930 (including Picasso). She purchased their work when they were unknown and struggling to survive. She conscientiously bought a painting, a sculpture, or another work of art every day. Her collection became famous and on her death was purchased by the Guggenstein Museum in New York. Her home complete with her unique collection is now a museum on the Grand Canal in Venice.

The Karnak Playhouse is located in an isolated area of a North Queensland rainforest and is difficult to find, especially at night. The entrance stairs lead to an Art Gallery Cafe. The open air theatre slopes down from the back of the cafe to the stage below.

It was an unique experience and we felt fortunate to be in the area at the right time,


Karnak Playhouse entrance

Stained glass window in the art gallery

Art Gallery / Cafe

Relaxing after dinner, waiting for the play to start

View of the playhouse theatre

MISSION BEACH


Due to their "endangered species" classification signs similar to this appear in all areas inhabited by Cassowaries in tropical north Queensland

Walking through the rainforest near Mission Beach


Tropical fruit stall at the Mission Beach Market

Tropical fruit purchased - clockwise from top left
Black Sapote (chocolate pudding fruit), Rollinia (lemon custard apple), Young Coconut, Jak Fruit, Green Sugar Bananas, Brazilian Cherries (very tart) Red Banana

Red Star Apple