Crowds guaranteed to cackle as acting students dazzle in debut production

Bachelor of Acting students received glowing praise from the playwright behind their rendition of Moliere's Tartuffe.

To the praise of renowned Australian playwright Justin Fleming, Griffith University’s third year Bachelor of Acting students are bringing a spectacle of wit, deception and comedic brilliance to the stage in their rendition of Moliere’s ‘Tartuffe.’

Playwright Justin Fleming joined rehearsals with Director Todd McDonald.

Directed by Todd McDonald, the playful and timeless tale of religious hypocrisy and blind piety premiers this Saturday 23 March 2024 at the historic Queensland Multicultural Centre below Brisbane’s story bridge.

Playwright Justin Fleming, who adapted Moliere’s satirical script, personally flew up from Sydney to review the production.

“What delighted me was not only the talent evident in the room, but the merging of Molière’s time and our time – the then and the now,” he said.

“This can only be achieved if the players deliver the narrative by landing both the idea and the rhyme.

“What I was watching was joyous energy pulsing through each scene, which under Todd MacDonald’s meticulous direction, creates riveting entertainment.”

Bachelor of Acting Program Director Jacqui Somerville said having an award-winning playwright travel from Sydney to Brisbane to see the students show demonstrates how their work is already being observed by the industry.

“The students are not studying drama or theatre, they’re studying to be actors in the theatre and in film, and third year is outward-facing focused as they become part of that industry,” she said.

Students bring a modern twist to the classic characters in Tartuffe.

“We’ve already got students out there working for major Australian companies such as Bell Shakespeare, and in television series.

“I’m gladly and gradually ticking off the list of hopes I have for my students after they graduate.”

Third year acting student Michael Probets said Griffith’s acting course has directly impacted his life, pushing him to places he never thought he could go.

“I have learnt so much, not just about acting, but about trying to be the best version of myself too,” he said.

“As I’m nearing the end, I’m looking forward to going out in the professional industry feeling confident in the abilities and tools that this course has given me.”

Mr Probets is playing the shared lead role of Tartuffe, describing the production as “animated”, “playful” and “raunchy.”

“Although Tartuffe is nearly 400 years old, what people need to understand is that behind the facade of the typical comedy of manners conventions sits a piece that confronts universal, key humanistic elements such as love, passion, greed, power, family and faith,” he said.

Mr Probets said the student cast felt extremely lucky to have the writer in the room with them over a period of 48 hours.

“It is very rare for older or established plays to have this chance, and so we definitely took the initiative to ask Justin as many questions as we could.”

Jacqui Somerville said the students have really leant into the comedy and heightened truth in the play.

Glowing remarks from prolific playwright Justin Fleming also attest to the cast’s comedic calibre ahead of their opening night.

“Laughter in the theatre is one of society’s healthiest indications that our sense of judgment is intact,” he said.

“When this judgment and this laughter can traverse four centuries of humanity, sustained by a robust collaboration between universities and theatres, we see clearly what we value: integrity, not hypocrisy; love, not tyranny; the blessing, not the curse; and spiritual beauty, not deceptive piety.

“The students got this, grabbed it, and ran with it.

“Molière would be as proud as I am.”

The Queensland Conservatorium’s Tartuffe runs from Saturday 23 March – 27 March. Secure your seats here.

Lighting the way to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region

Sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific involves challenges distinct to the region and Griffith University has released a comprehensive report providing new insights and actionable pathways for economic prosperity.

The Griffith Asia Pacific Strategic Outlook 2024 (GAPSO) report analyses challenges and presents opportunities for economic potential in the region which is projected to contribute to 60 per cent of global GDP growth in 2024.

Due to its diverse economies, cultures and landscapes, the Asia-Pacific region faces a range of challenges unlike any other sector, and is affected by shifting geopolitical risks, climate change and a complex web of interconnected issues.

Griffith Asia Institute (GAI) Director Professor Christoph Nedopil.

Griffith Asia Institute (GAI) Director Professor Christoph Nedopil said 24 researchers collaborated closely with regional institutions such as Asia Development Bank Institute (ADBI), National University of Singapore (NUS) and Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) to produce the collection of policy briefs.

“Challenges such as climate change, democratic resilience and equitable development are pressing issues for policy makers, leaders and businesses who must prepare for sustainable development and prosperity in the region,” Professor Nedopil said.

“Practical recommendations include suggestions such as expansion of sports and culture diplomacy which would build familiarity of different cultures to a broad overseas audience and build trust in and outside of the region.

“Though trust in China varies in the region, the country is poised to become economically and politically more powerful in the years to come.

“The report suggests greater insight and understanding of its motivations will be core to strategic development.

“Trust between nations and within nations has deteriorated over the past decade and it is crucial to expand discussion and cooperation.

“There is huge potential for countries in the region to cooperate and focus scarce resources on shared issues such as climate protection and economic development to generate positive development.”

Four core recommended actions to accelerate Asia-Pacific leadership in sustainable development include:

  • CREATE INCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITES
    • Expand green economy through technology and finance
    • Use digitalisation for inclusive development and technological leapfrogging
    • Foster fair, open and sustainable trade creating opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) and multinational enterprises (MNE).
  • IDENTIFY AND FOCUS ON SHARED ISSUES
    • Climate change and biodiversity loss
    • Peaceful co-existence
    • Democratic resilience
    • Food security
  • EXPAND CHINA KNOWLEDGE
    • Ensure knowledge on China is up-to-date
    • Strengthen research collaboration with Chinese partners
    • Strengthen research collaboration with non-Chinese partners on China to share experiences
  • BUILD TRUST
    • Build trust foundations through spaces of respectful discussions and interaction, such as through universities, culture and sport
    • Build joint knowledge foundations by fostering research collaborations
Griffith Asia Institute Deputy Director Associate Professor Gloria Ge.

GAI Deputy Director and report co-editor Associate Professor Gloria Ge said Australia is an essential economy within Asia Pacific, and among the richest.

“Australia has strong cultural, economic, and security ties to traditional Western powers and is in a unique position to be the pillar of trust, consensus and democracy in the region,” Associate Professor Ge said.

“With significant influence in the region and globally, Australia can foster joint research through our world leading universities, in areas of shared interest such as climate, food, biodiversity and democratic resilience.

“Though Australia’s economy currently undermines global green growth targets, as well as its credibility as a partner for Pacific islands fighting against rising sea levels from climate change, the GAPSO report provides recommendations for Australia to harness significant opportunities in green growth.”

Griffith Asia Institute and the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) invite you to join a panel discussion exploring avenues for sustainable development throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Event details:

In person: 5:30 pm, 9 April 2024 at Holding Redlich, Level 1, 300 Queen Street, Brisbane, 4000
Queensland, Australia

Online: 6 pm, 9 April 2024

Cost:  $10 non-members/ $5 student non-members

Register for the panel event here.

Griffith University welcomes QSAC announcement

Students starting at Griffith in 2017 will arrive in tandem with the trimester structure.
Griffith Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans.
Griffith Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans

Griffith University has welcomed the State Government’s announcement that upgrades of the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) will be investigated for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Griffith Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said upgrading the QSAC facility would have a lasting legacy for Brisbane, and Griffith was happy to support in any way it can.

“Brisbane has benefitted vastly from the facility since it opened in time for the Commonwealth Games in 1982,” Professor Evans said.

“It has been home to major sporting fixtures and teams and as a venue for international musical acts such as Madonna and Billy Joel.

“The uses for QSAC will only grow as we approach the Olympics and well after they are finished.

“Additionally, improved transport connections to the area will benefit many thousands of people living in Brisbane’s southern suburbs.”

Professor Evans said adopting this proposal would see the strengthening of a partnership between Brisbane 2032 and Griffith University, the leading tertiary institution in Australia for elite sport performance.

Griffith is home to Griffith Sports College, a dedicated support unit that works with elite athletes to successfully meet their educational goals and their sporting obligations.

“We are committed to working with the Games organisers to utilise facilities at our campuses and to provide expertise from our academics,” she said.

Alternative tidal wetlands in plain sight overlooked Blue Carbon superstars

Blue Carbon projects are expanding globally; however, demand for credits outweighs the available credits for purchase.  

Currently, only three types of wetlands are considered Blue Carbon ecosystems: mangroves, saltmarsh and seagrass.  

However, other tidal wetlands also comply with the characteristics of what is considered Blue Carbon, such as tidal freshwater wetlands, transitional forests and brackish marshes. 

In a new study, scientists from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Vietnam, the US and Mexico have highlighted the increasing opportunities for Blue Carbon projects for the conservation, restoration and improved management of highly threatened wetlands.  

Led by Griffith University’s Dr Fernanda Adame Vivanco, from the Australian Rivers Institute, the team compiled information on the biophysical characteristics of various tidal wetlands and their managing potential, and concluded that all wetlands below the highest astronomical tide, directly or indirectly influenced by tides, should be classified as blue carbon ecosystems. 

“By recognising and prioritising their protection and restoration, we can unlock myriad benefits, including biodiversity conservation,” she said. 

“Our research provides compelling evidence that tidal wetlands, beyond mangroves, saltmarshes, and seagrass, exhibit characteristics aligned with Blue Carbon. 

“These ecosystems store significant amounts of carbon dioxide in their soils and aboveground biomass, while emitting low levels of greenhouse gases.” 

Blue carbon projects, centred around the management of mangroves, saltmarshes, and seagrass, have garnered attention for their ability to enhance carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

Coastal wetlands in particular have emerged as critical players in the fight against climate change, offering promising opportunities to mitigate atmospheric greenhouse gases.  

“By managing these ecosystems strategically, we can make significant strides towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” Dr Adame said. 

“By incorporating all tidal wetlands into blue carbon initiatives, we can maximize their potential as carbon sinks and fortify our efforts in combating climate change.  

“This inclusive approach not only safeguards our environment but also offers opportunities for sustainable development and conservation.” 

The paper ‘All tidal wetlands are blue carbon ecosystems’ has been published in BioScience. 

Taring Padi x CAIA Puppet Making Workshop

Recently, several Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (CAIA) students from Queensland College of Art and Design (QCAD) participated in a cardboard puppet making workshop with four members of Taring Padi, Bayu, Bebe, Fitri and Vera.

We began with a discussion, learning about some of the history of why Taring Padi make these puppets. Getting the attention of people who see these brightly coloured puppets and may want to find out more about what they mean or are protesting, to make it look like there are more people gathering for the protest and is some cases to use for protection if there were violent clashes with the authorities. Then, as a group, we started to discuss some of the issues that are faced here in Australia for First Nations Peoples and in Indonesia. Once everyone had an idea of what issue they wanted to make a puppet about, we discussed what the puppet might look like. We were given chalk to start sketching our ideas out and then started painting.

It was a really successful day with lots of puppets being made and they were placed outside near the collaborative banner between Taring Padi and proppaNOW for the opening of the exhibition Taring Padi: Tanah Tumpah Darah. I look forward to using the skills and techniques learnt in this workshop to support any future protests I attend.

Blog post by AEL Summer Scholarship student Sarah Zalewski. Images courtesy of Taring Padi and CAIA. Photography by Sarah Zalewski.

Taring Padi: Tanah Tumpah Darah is on at Griffith University Art Museum from 25 February to 25 May 2024. More information can be found here.

Health outcomes for Long COVID are comparable with ME/CFS

People with Long COVID in Australia have poor health outcomes that are comparable with another emerging disease known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), new Griffith University research has discovered.

PhD student Breanna Weigel

PhD student Breanna Weigel from Griffith’s National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) will be presenting the findings in Singapore this month at the International Public Health Conference.

Ms Weigel said the study found people with Long COVID have the same health outcomes as ME/CFS over a 12-month period.

“Quality of life and disability scores were significantly poorer for both Long COVID and ME/CFS when compared with healthy people,” she said.

“However, there were no differences between ME/CFS and Long COVID groups which indicates considerable reductions in functional capacity and health and well-being among people living with these illnesses.”

The research found only a few differences in more than 25 different symptoms between Long COVID and ME/CFS participants.

Importantly, both ME/CFS and Long COVID groups had comparable prevalence with the severity of their illness.

Both groups over time had the same symptom presentation of significantly impaired cognition, mobility, bodily pain, and post-exertional malaise (PEM) which means symptoms get worse after physical or mental activity.

PEM is very disabling and causes changes in symptoms and a further reduction in ability to do everyday activities.

Director of the NCNED, Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, said: “This research highlighted the continued impact of Long COVID on peoples’ lives, which is especially poignant as today we recognise International Long COVID Awareness Day.”

“The research forms one of many Long COVID investigations and clinical trials being undertaken at the national centre where it is hoped these findings will provide pathways for those with Long COVID.

“We are uniquely positioned nationally as we are the only centre to undertake scientific laboratory and MRI research in Long COVID and ME/CFS in tandem, and monitor the health and economic impact of the patients.

“At the national centre we also undertake clinical trials and contribute to best practice guidelines such as the recently published guidelines in the British Medical Journal for ME.”

Dr Natalie Eaton-Fitch, who was an undergraduate student at Griffith University and is now an emerging researcher at the NCNED said: “Researchers are very fortunate to have wonderful opportunities at all stages of their careers and to know research can make a real-world difference for people.”

Ms Weigel’s work builds upon the Issues Brief she did in collaboration with the Deeble Institute that reported how patient experiences can guide the development of Long COVID health policy.

Rope entanglement behind low breeding in right whales

New findings show the severe impact of fishing gear entanglements and ship strikes on the species survival of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, with every injury or entanglement impacting population recovery.

The study, led by Macquarie University marine science doctoral candidate Joshua Reed in collaboration with scientists at Ursinus College and Griffith University, was published in Proceedings B of the Royal Society.

Modelling of whale distribution data shows when female right whales get tangled up in ropes from lobster and crab pots, or struck by ships during their migration, they are less likely to calve, potentially leading to extinction for this species.

With only 360 North Atlantic right whales still alive, this is the world’s most endangered whale species, and its population has rapidly declined over the past decade.

“Poor calving is one of the main factors behind the decline of North Atlantic right whales, and until now, the reason for these whales’ failure to calve wasn’t clear,” Mr Reed said.

“This study makes it clear that all types of entanglement in fishing gear impact females’ ability to calve, helping address one of the big outstanding questions for saving North Atlantic right whales.”

Known as ‘the urban whale’ because they live in the waters off the heavily populated east coast of the USA and Canada, these whales pass millions of fishing ropes and hundreds of ships and boats on their migration each year.

Whales struck by ships or entangled in nets often survive, and their injuries from entanglement in fishing gear are classified as ‘minor, ‘moderate’ or ‘severe.’

The researchers analysed 40 years of data on 199 female right whales together with known fishing-gear entanglements rated by severity, to calculate the impact of these encounters on whale reproduction.

Co-author Dr Peter Corkeron from Griffith University’s Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security said the research delivered an important message: all entanglements mattered.

“Weak rope is a technology now used to try to reduce the severity of entanglements, but it doesn’t change whether whales will get entangled,” he said.

“This paper indicates rope technology won’t solve the problem of female right whales’ poor calving. We need to get all rope out of the water, urgently, for this species to start to recover.”

“This study makes clear using value-laden terms like “minor”, “moderate” and “severe” to describe the relative severity of scars from entanglements is inappropriate,” said co-author Honorary Professor Rob Harcourt, from Macquarie University’s School of Marine Science.

“These lead to an unconscious assumption that “minor” injuries aren’t important, when in fact they are.”

The research showed pre-breeding age female whales surviving entanglements classed as ‘minor’ were the least likely to transition to breeding, and whales born post-2000 were 38 per cent less likely to breed than those born earlier.

Co-author Assistant Professor Leslie New, a statistical ecologist from Ursinus College, Pennsylvania USA, said the study’s methodology showed the power of these modelling tools to inform conservation.

“Applying a standard technique in a new way, to a well-studied species, allows us to come up with a better understanding of how human impacts – in this instance, fishing entanglements – affect these female whales survival and reproduction,” she said.

The findings show management actions toward recovery of the North Atlantic right whale must address both lethal and sub-lethal impacts of entanglements, regardless of severity classification, Mr Reed said.