The Thousands

As part of the current exhibition Reality Check – Watching Sylvania Waters, we have had the pleasure or rediscovering the enigma that is Noeline Donaher. "There’s no regrets, no tears goodbye. I don’t want you back, we only cry". A translation of Edith Piaf’s classic, Donaher’s soft porn, synth beats remix is indicative of the faux sophistication and romanticism of cult Australian TV series Sylvania Waters, and its projection of Sydney to a global audience.**The video clip opens as a white stretch limo (identical to the one I took to my year 12 formal that same year) pulls up to a red carpet leading to a grand standing blond-brick suburban ‘castle’. Our siren Noeline clambers out in a swath of electric blue taffeta (another formal flashback!) and wannabe Lady Diana sapphires and diamond, framed by a crème caramel blow-wave. 1993 was all class you see. The clip features her pet kangaroo called Butch, random oiled up lifesavers and a string section in front of the Harbour Bridge. Go Australia!

With the Madonna-esque positive affirmation "JUST BE YOURSELF" stamped across the final frames, it’s a nice reminder that ultimately we can just be and that 1993 was a long time ago.