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Sydney Modern

Dear Editor,

Sydney Modern is a building better suited to wedding receptions than to art (ABR, April 2023). Even its much vaunted Yiribana gallery of Aboriginal art fails. Traditional Aboriginal art is best displayed in natural light, which the new gallery does not do. Much of the overall display is not of museum standard – that is a polite description for its ‘art’ on view. The building itself does not suit its position.

Neal Morrisey (online comment)

Eleanor Catton

Dear Editor,

In his review of Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton (ABR, April 2023), Michael Winkler leaves out the fact that this book is wonderfully readable, full of brilliantly observed characters, and, above all, tremendously witty. I devoured it over a few days. (I do admit to skipping over some of the character’s ideological posturing, but it was necessary to the story and its wit.)

Desley Deacon (online comment)

Plibersek’s ‘demotion’

Dear Editor,

Why does Patrick Mullins consider an appointment as minister for the environment a ‘demotion’ in his review of Margaret Simons’s biography of Tanya Plibersek (ABR, April 2023)? After the prime minister, it is the most existentially important portfolio.

John Carmody (online comment)

Tightly held shires

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to Shannon Burns’s review of Who Cares? by Eve Vincent (ABR, April 2023). In my local shire in Central Victoria, on any night one in five houses are unused. The rental crisis in many parts is a wealth crisis. The well-heeled wield their assumed right to unfettered affluence as a cudgel with which to beat senseless the less fortunate. Meanwhile, Australian intellectuals mutter into their teacups and otherwise remain mute.

Patrick Hockey (online comment)

Tyrannous sound

Dear Editor,

Thank you, Debi Hamilton, for ‘The Tyranny of Sound’ (ABR, April 2023). It raises such important questions for public discussion. Brava!

Sarah Day (online comment)

Between the lines

Dear Editor,

Thank you, Lee Christofis, for your review of Don Quixote (ABR Arts, March 2023). As a dancer in the original production and film, and not yet having seen this current production, I am thrilled to read your review. I believe I have read between the lines in a couple of your comments. But I so appreciate your colourful and critical appraisal, clearly written by someone who liked this production, and who knows his dance and music.

We have just farewelled a music director who was fiercely independent, who helped take the Australian Ballet on big journeys, but was not always popular with artists and audiences. I hope the new one can maintain independence while breaching that gap between his own artistic integrity, directors’ wishes, and dancers’ needs.

Graeme Hudson (online comment)

New subscriber

Dear Editor,

I was not mistaken in subscribing to ABR. Such absorbing and interesting articles.

Simon Browne (online comment)