Ready to cross over to the dark side? Then After Dark at the Justice & Police Museum is the place to be. Guided by guest speakers, artists and performers, you’ll immerse yourself in Sydney’s depraved world of crime, social alienation, indecency and the occasional miscarriage of justice.
Running 5-8pm most Fridays from May 6 to June 24, 2022, this after-hours series promises a unique way to kick off your weekend down at Circular Quay. Bookings are essential, so check out the event details below and grab your tickets while you can.
Sly Grog: Razor Gangs
When: May 6 & Jun 10
With alcohol sales heavily regulated in the early 20th century, Sydney’s gangsters made a fortune by unlawfully selling liquor, known then as ‘sly grog’. Opt for the May 6 session and you’ll be guided on a journey back in time to the 1920s and 30s by Larry Writer, journalist and author of Razor. Learn about the dark history of these bandits as Writer details the history of sly groggers and razor gangs through these periods.
If you attend the June 10 event, historian and raconteur Max Burns-McRuvie will bring to life the sensational stories behind the bordellos and 'bruisers' of Sydney in the 1920s and ‘30s. Tickets are $30 each and include a cocktail on arrival, museum entry and access to all the entertainment.
Femme Fatale
When: May 13 & Jun 17
You know what they say: well-behaved women rarely make history. Sexy, sinful and deliciously dangerous – it’s time to delve into the facade of the ‘femme fatale’. On May 13, you’ll be spellbound by the story of Rosaleen Norton, a Kings Cross artist and occultist who was the centre of a major 1950s scandal. Settle in for a screening of the documentary The Witch of Kings Cross, followed by a live Q&A with its award-winning writer and director, Sonia Bible. Hosted by writer and broadcaster Sunil Badami, this eye-opening discussion will explore themes of obscenity, witchcraft and identity.
Alternatively, come on 17 June to escape your everyday life with a night exploring the subject of female criminality, identity and glamour. Complete with vibrant performances, floor talks and self-guided museum tours, it’s a night you won’t soon forget.
(Un)Censored: Sex & Obscenity
When: Fri May 27
Consider this your official NSFW warning... Australia has traditionally been a heavily censored society with the powers that be deciding for us what’s acceptable in culture and the arts. Attend on May 27 to hear delightfully obscene tales and songs once considered too risqué for our impressionable ears. Head to the bar, grab a drink and marvel at what was once considered 'smut'.
Outsiders
When: Fri Jun 3
Ever wondered about Sydney’s most notorious misfits? Gain a sneak peek into their world on June 3 as author Dr Rachel Franks shines a light on Sydney’s ultimate odd man out, public hangman Robert ‘Nosey Bob’ Howard. The session will also be followed by a live Q&A between Dr Franks and host Sunil Badami. The evening’s floor talk will detail the story of Louisa Collins – the infamous murderess known for poisoning her two husbands – who was executed by Nosey Bob himself. Plus, if you’re keen to discover your destiny, the event’s featured fortune-tellers and tarot card-readers will lend a helping hand.
Drag
When: Fri Jun 24
After Dark at the Justice & Police Museum will conclude on the 44th anniversary of Sydney’s first-ever Mardi Gras. Surrounded by fierce queens and drag-inspired life drawings, you’ll step back in time even further to the 1940s, when burlesque performer Lea Sonia was the name on everyone’s lips. Enjoy lively performances as you peruse the museum’s image exhibitions and learn about the stories of iconic drag queens through the years.