Betrayal captures lighter moments but avoids the seams of emotional sadism
Mark Kilmurry's clean, clear production is not as uncomfortable an experience as it could be.
Stage
The Rabble's Cain and Abel tackles violence against women in Biblical tale
In training its sights on the Bible's foundational myth of violence, The Rabble makes central something the Old Testament gives very short shrift: women.
Cast seduces in updated and revealing production of Cosi Fan Tutte
Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte is not only about seduction – it is seduction. The audience is lured towards an unconvincing and troubling ending by music of such beauty and sensuousness that those who have developed an addiction to opera will be completely disarmed.
Theatre
Stage set for new Canberra theatre in next decade
A new 2000-seat theatre would benefit Canberra in many ways, as long as it's done right.
The Rabble's Cain and Abel tackles violence against women in Biblical tale
In training its sights on the Bible's foundational myth of violence, The Rabble makes central something the Old Testament gives very short shrift: women.
Gently amusing and insightful look at human experience
This is the kind of cross-generational collaboration that shows why groups like Canberra Youth Theatre and GOLD need to exist.
Dance
Tales of kinship and culture in the latest Bangarra production
Bangarra Dance Theatre's triple bill presents three very different works.
Old traditions combine to create something new
Classical Indian dance and Japanese drumming are combined in this new show.
Cut The Sky's dystopian vision of climate refugees an elegant Indigenous parable
Broome company Marrugeku Theatre's show refashions motifs from Indigenous mythology and culture into contemporary parable with an environmental focus.
Musicals
Fine cast in dramatic musical on sensitive subject
The Pulitzer Prize-winning show is given an impressive production in its Canberra premiere.
Strong songs boost ambitions of unsinkable stage show Titanic: The Musical
This chamber version of the mammoth musical that foundered on Broadway is still a massive undertaking. Were the acting and staging as strong as the singing, it would be a brilliant show.
Faithful homage to one of Hollywood's greatest musicals
We'll never know what Jonathan Church would have cooked up had he felt able to serve three years at the helm of the Sydney Theatre Company. Singin' in the Rain suggests, we've probably missed out on a lot of fun.
Opera
Cast seduces in updated and revealing production of Cosi Fan Tutte
Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte is not only about seduction – it is seduction. The audience is lured towards an unconvincing and troubling ending by music of such beauty and sensuousness that those who have developed an addiction to opera will be completely disarmed.
French tenor Roberto Alagna can't live without singing
For Roberto Alagna, one of the great contemporary tenors, singing is a "state of soul".
Opera weighs cuts to the classics
After several decades in which the trend has been towards longer, uncut operas, some impresarios and directors think it is time for the pendulum to swing back.
Comedy
Billy Crystal gives his top 5 life lessons
As Billy Crystal departed the US for his Australian tour just days ago, Hillary Clinton appears to be nudging ahead in the polls.
Funny, hairy and smart
Aunty Donna, a group of mostly hairy, funny men, do stupid, smart and clever comedy
Zoe Coombs Marr brings Dave back in award-winning show Trigger Warning
What to do when every time you open your mouth, you offend someone? What way forward is there for a stand-up comic whose act is a showcase of everything you don't ever want to see in comedy again?