Fun! Laughter! Excitement!
Wai-Con has a host of attractions, from performances to premiere screenings, to cultural exhibitions and the latest Japanese fashions. There’s something for everyone!
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
John Robertson’s Dragon Punch Turbo Edition!
(Saturday 6:30pm; Riverside Theatre)
Winner of “Best of the Festival” in Perth 2011 and as seen at the Glasgow Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe and Brisbane Supanova, your cosplay host John Robertson brings you what he does best: an hour of surreal high- octane anime, gaming, sci- fi stand-up comedy.
Come on by the main theatre and see a human cartoon tell his favourite stories, dish the dirt on anime voice actors and bring you the mesmerising completely true story about a kid’s entertainer at a barbecue and the time he didn’t quite punch a dude. Including unseen sections from his acclaimed other shows, “Blood & Charm” and “Don’t Swallow”,
this is a one- time- only night of fun exclusively for Wai-Con.
Warning: Ukulele included. John might just make up show as goes along. Reserves the right to mock Twilight and call Val Kilmer a very naughty word.
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
Kimono Demonstration
(Sat 10:30am – Riverside Theatre)
When thinking of Japanese culture, it’s hard not to see the image of a graceful lady dressed in the traditional clothing, the beautiful kimono. But did you know how much work goes into putting one on, or the various types of kimono that exist? Watch as these wonderful ladies show and display the proper way to wear the kimono and tie the sash, as well as presenting different types of kimono.
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
Anti-Social Yakisoba
(Sat 10:00am – Riverside Theatre)
Anti-Social Yakisoba (http://www.facebook.com/AntiSocialYakisoba/) is a band hailing from Perth that covers mostly (but not only) anime related songs. We also like eating sweet things and making inappropriate jokes at each other. If you like anime songs – don’t miss our performance!!!
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
Bonsai Society
Cultural Exhibition Room (all hours)
Bonsai is the art of growing in a clay tray (bon) a culti vated plant (sai). Natural beauty is sought by nurturing, shaping, wiring and clipping as the plant grows therefore it is “a living art”. Although mostly under a metre in height, the aim is to illustrate grandeur of the towering trees in nature.
Originating in China, the art of bonsai was then taken to Japan where it was developed and more formally structured. Most people think of Pines, Conifers, Junipers and Maples as bonsai but many species, even Australian natives such as Ficus, Melaleucas, Casuarinas, Leptospernum can be used. Other popular varieties here in Perth are Olive, Bougainvillea, Chinese elm, Liquidamber. Monthly evening meetings are held with demonstrations, education sessions, workshops and an extensive library. Beginner’s education courses, annual shows and Sunday workshops are also held. For information view www.bonsaisocietywa.com.
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
Sogetsu Ikebana
Cultural Exhibition Room (all hours)
Of all Japan’s traditional arts, perhaps the most famed and actively practiced today is :Ikebana”, the art of flower arranging. It is more than simply putting flowers in a container. It is a disciplined art form steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature.
What distinguishes Ikebana from other floral arrangements is its asymmetrical form and the use of empty space as an essential feature of the composition. A sense of harmony among the materials, the container and the setting is also crucial. There are numerous schools of Ikebana, each following a particular set of rules and arranging techniques.
Sogetsu School is a modern school and was founded by Sofu Teshigahara in 1927. “Anytime, anywhere, anyone” and with any kind of materials, Sogetsu ikebana is enjoyed throughout the world. From a small arrangement on a dinner table to a large work in a public space, Sogetsu ikebana is still evolving with the motto, “Always new, always beautiful.” Today under the direction of the fourth Iemoto Akane Teshigahara, 49 Branches throughout Japan and about 120 Branches and Study Groups overseas conduct unique community based activities along with the Headquarters in Akasaka, Tokyo.
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
Professor Layton & The Eternal Diva
(Saturday 5pm; Riverside Theatre)
Rated: PG
The Professor receives a letter from his old student, the famous opera diva Janice Quatlane who will soon perform at the legendary Crown Petone Opera House. She sends Layton two tickets and invites him to attend as her special guest. Meanwhile, a rash of disappearances hits London. Two young school girls are the latest victims and the Professor suspects it’s related to the strange things that are happening at the theatre. As Layton’s assistant Remi stays behind to investigate the case of the missing girls, Layton and Luke travel to the Opera House to solve their toughest puzzle yet, the mystery of Eternal Life!
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
Deadman Wonderland
(Sunday 3:30pm; Riverside Theatre)
Rated: MA15
As Ganta Igarashi and his classmates plan for a class trip to Deadman Wonderland, a privately owned prison that also serves as an amusement park, A mysterious red man appears, killing his entire class and thrusting a red stone into Ganta’s chest. Being the only survivor out of the entire class, Ganta is charged with mass murder and, due to the overwhelming, and doctored, evidence against him and no way to prove his innocence, he is sentenced to death and sent to Deadman Wonderland’s prison.
For more anime throughout Wai-Con, check out our Screenings Page.
