Maxim Boon

I'm a writer, critic, editor, digital producer and art director with more than five-years experience specialising in the culture, arts and lifestyle sectors. Formerly the Group Senior Editor and National Culture Editor at Street Press Australia’s The Music and the Online Editor of Limelight Magazine, I am currently the Cheif Classical Music Critic for The Age. I'm also a regular freelance contributor to major titles including The Guardian, Time Out Australia, Sydney Morning Herald, Broadsheet, Australian Book Review, Arts Hub, Dumbo Feather and Daily Review.

I'm a lover of all things art, expression and creativity, a city mouse who adores exploring the urban sprawl, a seasoned traveller with an excess of wanderlust, a fitness fan who takes too many Insta-selfies, and puppy parent to Paddington the moodle.

You can find my writings published online at:

www.themusic.com.au
www.theage.com.au
www.theguardian.com/au
www.dailyreview.com.au
www.artshub.com.au
www.limelightmagazine.com.au
www.audreyjournal.com.au
www.neighbourhoodpaper.com
www.dnamagazine.com.au
www.dumbofeather.com

Journalist | Editor | Critic | Art Director
Culture | Arts & Entertainment | Lifestyle

Example Interviews

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The Age • 3rd July 2019

Superstar pianist's sunny disposition belies artistic struggle

Maxim Boon meets China's most famous musical son ahead of his latest Australian tour.

Broadsheet Melbourne • 15th May 2019

How the smash hit Harry Potter play raised the bar for Australian theatre forever

Maxim Boon learns just what it took to bring the world’s most successful production to Melbourne.

Sydney Morning Herald • 30th April 2019

The fight for Indigenous composers to be heard in Australia

Maxim Boon discusses the issue of Indigenous representation in classical music with Dr Chirstopher Sainsbury.

Sydney Morning Herald • 11th April 2019

Why the classical world is fascinated by young talent

Aged just nine, pianist Isabella Lu is the youngest person to headline at the Sydney Opera House. But she is by no means alone as a musical prodigy, Maxim Boon writes.

The Music • 6th March 2019

Michelle Wolf: comedian in sheep's clothing

The American stand-up assassin tells Maxim Boon that her now infamous turn at the 2018 White House Correspondents' Dinner went exactly according to plan.

Sydney Morning Herald • 5th March 2019

Salome is a heady brew that still continues to shock

Ahead of Opera Australia's revival of Strauss' infamous opera, Maxim Boon meets American soprano Lise Lindstrom, who's made title role her own.

Time Out Melbourne • 31st January 2019

This hit American comedy is shaking up our ideas about history and racism

Maxim Boon meets the dramatic duo behind the boldly political theatre hit, 'Underground Railroad Game'.

The Music • 24th January 2019

The second time's the charm for comedian Sarah Millican

Today, she's one of the biggest names in comedy. But it wasn't always so. Maxim Boon learns why the Geordie comic is a firm believer in second chances.

The Music • 28th December 2018

Practical magic: how Harry Potter's wizarding world was conjured on stage

'Harry Potter And The Cursed Child' Scenic Supervisor Brett Banakis reveals the (magic) tricks of his trade to Maxim Boon.

The Music • 28th December 2018

Home truths: Sydney Festival builds on the foundations of belonging

This year's Sydney Festival is a celebration of the city, the place we all call home. But it's also offering a chance to reflect on the meaning of belonging, the things that drive us apart and those that bring us back together, writes Maxim Boon.

The Music • 26th November 2018

Along came poly: Louis Theroux discovers 'Love Without Limits' in latest documentary

A "sensual eating workshop" might well be British documentarian's most uncomfortable experience to date. He tells Maxim Boon about exploring the romantic trend of polyamory in his latest film.

Time Out Melbourne • 12th November 2018

Making the impossible a reality: Escher X nendo at NGV

The unlikely pairing of the Dutch master of optical illusions and a maverick Japanese design studio will turn the gallery experience upside-down in this huge summer blockbuster, writes Maxim Boon.

The Music • 8th November 2018

Comedian Fortune Feimster: from Deep South redneck to unlikely gay icon

Maxim Boon catches up with the American comedian, actor and writer ahead of her latest venture Down Under.

The Music • 24th October 2018

On the B of the Bang: Die Roten Punkte's Otto and Astrid tell their life story through song and circus

The art-rock iconoclasts have come a long way since their tragic childhood, orphaned by a train (or was it a Lion?) Maxim Boon meets the duo as they prepare to share their explosive life story, with a little help from Circus Oz.

The Music • 13th September 2018

Don't cry for Argen-Tina Arena. She's taking on 'Evita' on her own terms

The Aussie pop icon is taking on one of the biggest female roles in musical theatre. She tells Maxim Boon how she's making the character of Eva Peron entirely her own.

The Age • 5th September 2018

Opera singer Emma Matthews explores ageing as an artist in 'The Space Between'

A new staged song-cycle, by Steve Vizard and Paul Grabowsky, wrestles with the innate agism faced by many women in opera, writes Maxim Boon.

The Music • 7th May 2018

Lea DeLaria: "I demand your respect but I couldn't give a fuck about your acceptance."

Orange Is The New Black's 'Big Boo’ tells Maxim Boon about staying true to herself now she's part of the mainstream.

The Music • 5th May 2018

Laurie Anderson: of love, loss, Lou And Lola

Maxim Boon looks back on the career and legacy of the great American performance artist and musical visionary Laurie Anderson.

The Age • 17th April 2018

Unsuk Chin's journey from rags to musical riches

The celebrated Korean composer shares the challenges of her upbringing and how she overcame them with Maxim Boon.

The Music • 3rd April 2018

Jazz-funk prodigy Jacob Collier is marching to the beat of his own drum

The multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter may be barely into his 20s, but he's already making waves as one of the most talented musicians of his generation, writes Maxim Boon.

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Time Out Melbourne • 3rd March 2019

Legend Award, 2019 Time Out Bar Awards: Tash Conte

All hail the mother of Pearl, who helped make Melbourne’s bar scene a world beater.

TodayTix Insider • 4th March 2019

Five Melbourne shows every cinephile should see

With storytelling transported from the screen to the stage, these film-to-theatre adaptations offer a new perspective on cinematic classics through the lens of live performance.

TodayTix Insider • 13th February 2019

Four onstage romances to put you in the mood for Valentine’s Day

Romances of every variety are gracing stages citywide, so if you’re looking for that lovin’ feeling, we suggest you check out these four shows.

Soundescapes • 8th February 2019

Then, Now & Next: The evolution of the best place to hear (Part II)

Maxim Boon on the spirit of community, as part of Melbourne Recital Centre's 10 years of great music celebration.

Soundescapes • 7th February 2019

Then, Now & Next: The evolution of the best place to hear (Part I)

Maxim Boon explores space, place and legacy as part of Melbourne Recital Centre's 10 years of great music.

TodayTix Insider • 4th February 2019

The ultimate guide to Shakespeare Under the Stars

If it's your first time catching The Australian Shakespeare Company’s latest Under The Stars season, we've put together these top tips for making the most of the experience, with a little help from the Bard himself.

TodayTix Insider • 3rd January 2019

5 fun facts about Harry Potter’s new home Down Under

The West End and Broadway smash hit, “Harry Potter And The Cursed Child,” will be conjuring a world of witchcraft and wizardry on the stage of the Princess Theatre.

TodayTix Insider • 3rd January 2019

How to get your Melbourne culture fix for cheap (or free)

If you think the arts are just for those with deep pockets, Melbourne begs to differ. The city has plenty of ways you can be an avid culture vulture without breaking the bank – if you know where to look. And it just so happens, we do.

TodayTix Insider • 3rd January 2019

The 10 best Melbourne CBD bars to get a pre-show drink

Catching a show in the heart of Melbourne can be thirsty work, so it’s never a bad idea to enjoy a tipple or two before curtain up.

Soundescapes • 3rd January 2019

Back to the future with violinist Satu Vänskä

Maxim Boon interviews the Finnish violinist as she charts new frontiers in the classical tradition.

Soundescapes • 23rd September 2018

Ode to a ‘what-if?’

Maxim Boon talks to John Bell and Simon Tedeschi about their shared love of John Keats and Franz Schubert.

The Music • 28th June 2018

Don't blame it on the moonshine: meet the Melbourne distiller leading a revival

Maxim Boon meets the Andrew Fitzgerald, the man behind one of the best brands on the market, Melbourne Moonshine.

The Music • 30th November 2017

The brew crew: a top shelf line-up of craft beers heads to Brewers Feast

Good news, craft beer lovers! Brewers Feast is back in town with an incredible line-up of summer suds and boutique eats to tickle Melbourne's taste buds.

Malthouse Theatre Blog • 8th August 2017

The elephant in the room: searching for the true Joseph Merrick

Maxim Boon speaks to actor Daniel Monks about separating the Elephant Man myth from Merrick's reality.

The Music • 8th June 2017

It's gin o'clock: the best Aussie-made bottles to enjoy this World Gin Day

in lovers of the world, rejoice! World Gin Day is upon us again, on Saturday 10 June, and if Melbourne knows anything, it's how to make the most of a mutha luvin' gin!

The Music • 14th December 2016

The Tipple app brings the humble Bottle-O into the 21st century

Tipple is the exciting new addition to the food industry's tech revolution. We take a closer look at the rapidly growing digital bottle-o.

The Music • 26th October 2016

Discover speakeasy chic at The Mill House

With one of the largest ranges of Moonshine on offer anywhere in Melbourne, this is the place to party like its Prohibition.

The Music • 25th October 2016

Melbourne goes mad for Mexican at Collingwood's Hotel Jesus

The men behind Mamasita have launched their second Mexican venture and it's taking the dining experience to new levels of authenticity.

The Music • 2nd December 2018

Print native content: Christmas Spirits

A commercial collaboration with Absolute Vodka, Cointreau and Kahlua.

The Music • 2nd July 2018

Print native content: Baby got back(packs)

A style collaboration with Crumpler.

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Example Reviews

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The Age • 7th January 2019

Peninsula Summer Music Festival 2019

"For those prepared to make the journey, there are rich rewards to be found."

Australian Book Review • 4th December 2018

Bottomless (Fortyfivedownstairs)

"From this little thing a big thing should grow."

Time Out • 16th November 2018

Twelfth Night (Melbourne Theatre Company)

"A solid gold feel-good show."

The Music • 17th October 2018

A Quiet Evening Of Dance (The Forsythe Company, MIAF)

"Quietly (in the evening) it proves just how much dance can reveal about the extraordinary possibilities of human thought and form."

The Music • 18th September 2018

Spartacus (Australian Ballet)

"Etched with almost superhuman assurance, effortless and yet breathtaking."

Time Out Melbourne • 1st June 2018

Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School Of Magic and Magic

Hufflepuffs finally get their time in the spotlight in this hit Off-Broadway comedy.

The Music • 4th February 2018

Book Of Mormon

"This eye-watering, side-splitting, face-achingly brilliant musical is thoroughly deserving of every rave review."

Time Out Sydney • 22nd January 2018

Barber Shop Chronicles (National Theatre, Sydney Festival)

In this National Theatre hit, British Nigerian playwright Inua Ellams sets up shop in one of the key sites of community for London's African diaspora.

Time Out • 24th September 2017

Black Rider: The Casting Of Magic Bullets (Malthouse, Victorian Opera)

Malthouse and Victorian Opera team up to create a new production of Tom Waits' and William S. Burroughs' musical fable from 1990

The Guardian • 15th August 2016

Laughter and Tears (Victorian Opera)

"A remarkably successful synergy between Victorian Opera and Circus Oz toes the line between sincerity and silliness – and yes, elicits both laughter and tears."

Daily Review • 4th August 2016

Edward II (Malthouse Theatre)

"A complex and emotionally merciless study of love, in all its toxic forms."

Limelight Magazine • 11th March 2016

Nelken (Tanz Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Adelaide Festival)

This 1982 masterpiece is an unequivocal demonstration of the visionary dancemaker’s enduring power.

Example Lifestyle and Culture Content

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The Music • 1st December 2018

What a wonderful world: why 2018 wasn't all bad

Take heart: 2018 wasn’t all bad. Maxim Boon offers a few uplifting reasons why it was a glass-half-full kinda 12-months.

The Music • 8th May 2018

Amateur hour: how I danced my way to a better social life

Making friends as an adult can be damn near impossible. But thanks to a cult dance club, Maxim Boon has cracked the code of making mates as a grownup.

Dumbo Featjer • 6th August 2016

How to make friends in adulthood

Making meaningful connections as an adult in the 21st-century may be difficult, but it isn’t impossible. And we need it.

DNA Magazine • 1st May 2015

Gone virile: the top tips behind the best beards

There’s no end to the beard trend, but what to do if your facial growth is more girly fluff than grizzly fur? Maxim Boon uncovers the secrets of the scruff.

Example Comment, News and Opinion

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The Music • 2nd August 2018

How should the media engage with "click-hate" in a golden age for infamy?

In a highly competitive 24/7 news cycle, tapping public outrage has become a powerful tool for attracting readers. But has this made the media too easily manipulated by those in search of infamy?

The Music • 1st November 2017

How Taylor Mac restored my faith

For 24 life-changing hours during this year's Melbourne Festival, Taylor Mac took me to church. And it could not have come at a more urgent moment.

The Music • 17th August 2017

Drowning not waving: Australia's secret addiction epidemic

Australia is gripped by a secret epidemic of high-functioning addiction, with millions estimated to be suffering some form of habit across the country.

The Music • 4th July 2017

Addicted to schadenfreude: why the love of hate is a dangerous thing

Current affairs have become a bountiful buffet of delicious outrage. But can something that feels so right actually be doing our society wrong?

The Music • 19th June 2017

Generation why? "Microgenerations" and the other social labels we need to ditch

Maxim Boon asks if we really need more reasons to divide our society in a time where we're already more divided than ever?

The Music • 17th June 2017

With her beheaded Trump stunt, Kathy Griffin made a mistake. But it’s not the one you think

The American comic said she was sorry for posting an offensive picture, but should she have apologised?

The Guardian • 27th October 2016

Opera in Australia is out-of-touch and untenable. To survive, it needs to be reinvented

The national opera review is a damning indictment of the artistic planning at the heart of an industry that needs to change its tune. Maxim Boon takes a deep dive into the review's findings.

The Guardian • 4th June 2016

Singing us to sleep: why Australian opera needs to take more risks

Australian opera, at the largest scale, is increasingly complicit in its own stagnation – and it’s the opera makers of tomorrow who will lose the most, writes Maxim Boon.