Thursday 2 October
Soirée Poésie, Poetry Reading
Let the poetry readings of famous French Authors whose outstanding literature spans from the Middle Ages until the start of the twentieth century, transport you to another world.
The poems will be read by Corinne and Maxime.
Marek Baterowicz who holds a PhD in Romance Languages, will present the evening. He has published work in Polish, French and English. He won the Italian Circe Sabadia Prize for Poetry in 1985. He has also published many books of poetry, and translations into Polish of Romance literature.
Complimentary glass of wine.
AF Gallery, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. All welcome. No access to building after 7pm

Thursday 9 October
Lecture: The Fifth Republic at 50
The Fifth Republic was born in 1958, in the midst of the bloody and divisive Algerian War, with the return to power of de Gaulle. The lecture will focus on the establishment of the Fifth Republic, the legacy of the Fifth Republic's founder, the heritage of colonialism, and the evolution of the constitution and political structures in France over the past 5 decades. How is the Fifth Republic faring at the age of 50?
Presented by Robert Aldrich, Professor of European History and Chair of the Department of History at the University of Sydney.
AF Gallery 6.30-8pm All welcome!

Thursday 16 October
Debate: The Fifth Republic at 50 
-  In 1958, the 'first couple' of France were Charles and Yvonne de Gaulle; 50 years later, Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni. One can hardly imagine a bigger difference in presentation, personality and the personification of politics. How has the political class changed in the last 50 years?
- One of General de Gaulle's ambitions was to reestablish and maintain French 'grandeur' in world affairs. How much 'grandeur' does France has in culture, politics, economics and diplomacy 50 years later?
- In the 1950s, Paris was the capital of the nouveau roman and the nouvelle vague in cinema. Is Paris still a cultural and intellectual capital?
- The constitution of 1958 was made sur mesure for de Gaulle and his supporters. Does France now need a Sixth Republic?
The debate will be conducted by Liz Rechniewski (Senior Lecturer in French Studies, University of Sydney); Denise Fisher (Former Australian Consul- General, Nouméa); Aaron Ridgway (Journalist, Canberra Times); Matthew Graves (Lecturer, Université de Provence); Matthew Krasovitsky (Student, University of Sydney; former student, Sciences Po, Paris); Caitlin Tobin (Student, University of Sydney; former student, Sciences Po, Paris) and the moderator will be Robert Aldrich (Professor of European History, University of Sydney).
AF Gallery 6.30-8pm All welcome!
No access to the building after 7pm

Wednesday 15 October
Sculpture by the Sea “Sphères” by Sophie Hoppe
Born in Marseilles, Sophie is an architect fascinated by the creative energy of the sea and the transcendance of light. Sphere is a kinetic installation of an abstract nature portraying an invisible constraint in a space of freedom. While generated by the sea motion, the behaviour of the metallic ball is shaped by the spherical envelope, causing it to perform a repetitive dance. Sophie will be presenting her project, from concept, construction to installation. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the artist and discuss her fascinating project before seeing it on the Coastal Walk.
AF Gallery 6.30pm-8pm
Sculpture by the Sea: 16 October - 2 November Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk

Friday 17 October
Wine Appreciation Course
Welcome to Wine Education with a Flair, by Stephane Pois Remember four words: Fun, Friends, Love, Passion. During the night we will try 3 Whites and 3 Reds from different areas of Australia.
What colour is the wine? How do we taste? How do we drink wine? How to match wines and food?How do we smell? What are faults in wines? We will talk about the structure of a wine, balance, acidity, tannin...
Most importantly, we will share our comments.
Members $45, Non-members $50. Limited seats, booking essential by 15 Oct 08
6.30pm - 8.30pm AF Café. No access to building after 7pm

Monday 27 & Friday 31 October 2008
Ateliers Jeux de Mots- High School Students
Come and challenge your minds in French at the Ateliers Jeux de Mots. This 2-hour workshop consists of captivating activities & games based on French words - learn how to create charades, play French boggle, test and improve your vocabulary in French with non-stop games!
Years 9 & 10: 10.00am - 12.00pm; Years 11 & 12: 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Fees: $17.00/student for member schools $19.00/student for NM schools
For more information or for registration forms, please contact Tricia Coroneos: (02) 9292 5712 or triciac@afsydney.com.au

Thursday 30 October
La découverte du Québec à travers ses auteurs
Enjoy a unique presentation (in French) & discussion around a collection of marvellous books kindly donated to the Alliance Française de Sydney by the Ministry of International Relations of the Government of Quebec to mark the 400th anniversary of Quebec in 2008 and promote La Francophonie in Australia.
The evening will commence with a short presentation by Mr Max Walkley, Honorary Associate at the University of Sydney.
The book launch will be led by Diane Yanire, President of the Quebec Oz Club in Sydney.
AF Gallery, 6pm – 7.30pm. All welcome! No access to building after 7pm

Sunday 9 November
Alliance Française Brunch & special viewing of Monet & the Impressionists
9am Special viewing of Monet and the Impressionists
10am Coffee and Pastries
10.30 A talk in French, on art dealing and the fascinating history of the family business, given by M. René Gimpel
11.30 Tea and Coffee
12pm Recreation of an important and poetic lecture, "Claude Monet ou le monde renversé" (1968) by Michel Butor.
Delivered in French and fully illustrated.

Centenary Auditorium, lower level 1.
$55 full, $45 Alliance Française & Art Gallery Society members
Book directly with: Art Gallery Society of NSW, ph: (02) 9225 1878
www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/member/programs/events
NB. Please book early as seating is limited to ninety guests only