Maxine both performs in plays and write plays and shortstories
Obtained the LTCL and ATCL Diplomas (Licentuate and Associate Certiciates - London) in acting, qualifying with honours.
WRITING
Won the "Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award."
- 2 of her screenplays were short listed in the New Directions/MNet competition from overy 600 entries. From that her screenplay, 'DANCING WITH DESTINY' was chosen as one of 9 finalists.
- 'DANCING WITH DESTINY' was again chosen in the Leeds University FIlm Initiative as one of finalists.
Her full length play, 'MERGING LIVES" won the 'Best New Playwright Award' and the lead actor won 'Best Actor Award' at the AMFEST, South Africa.
She co-wrote (with Di Kuchar) and performed in "CHOCOLATE, CHANGE, AND SKIM FLAT WHITE - A QUAZI MUSICAL IN THE KEY OF OY FLAT!" which enjoyed great success in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Reviews from audiences:-
"what a delight your play/musical is. I and the rest of the audience had such a fine time. The many and varied concepts were so skilfully created and performed that they struck chords, mostly of laughter but also empathy - there are so many indivual scenes and sketches that stay with one - much truth in the homour."
"these talented actors served us a smorgesboard of entertainment which was at times, provocative, sensitvie, cathartic, humourous and very clever."
"You wrote a deliciously, delightful play, demonstrating chutzpah and just so much understanding of the modern Yiddishe women (of a certain age) in her various modes. The acting was brilliant, as was the timing."
Her full length play, "HOLES IN THEIR SOLES" was selected for a public read at the Ensemble Theatre.
ACTING:
She has performed in 'MORNING SACRIFICE' playing the headmistress, Miss Woods. A reviewer wrote ".... Appel-Cohen is captivating in her monologues about the school and its role, accurately portraying the power of a headmistress speaking without becoming dictoral."
She performed in 'Anastasia' playing the Grand Duchess. The reviewer wrote "... but the bravado part was that of Maxine Appel (Cohen) who captures the role and essence of the character with much thought and sensitivity."
She wrote and performed "THE INFLUENCE OF JEWISH ARTISTS ON BROADWAY AND IN FILM" accompanied on piano by Shirley Politzer OAM. This was first performed at Limmud Oz and following the success of the piece they have performed in many different venues in Sydney.
Reviews from audiences:
"This was amazing - I didn't know what to expect when I went to see it. So much information in such a short time and told with so much chutzpah - loved every moment.!"
"Such a treat. I didn't realise how infulential Jews have been in all these popular musicals ... so brilliantly told by Maxine Appel-Cohen accompanied by Shirlely Politzer OAM"
"I sang all the way home - loved it, loved it.!"
Maxine has performed in the following plays:
"From Door to Door" - M Bloom
"The Seagull" - Hurrah Hurrah productions
"Lend me a Tenor" - Canned Laugter Productions
"Mornings at Seven," "OY!", "The Dining Room," "Plaza Suite," - The B'nai Brith Players.
"Over the Moon and Far Away" - Theatre on Chester.
"The Trojan Women" - Johannesburg Tech.
"Anastasia"
Currently working on the new Australian Musical, True Blue with Jye Bryant and Don Battae.