Parodic reframing of Chekhov classic
Nadia Tass' production of US playwright Annie Baker's adaptation is sprinkled with contemporary phrases and almost parodic Russianness.
Stage
Remorseless, haunting dramatic vision
The stream of strong feministwork continues with Animal – a remorseless, haunting dramatic vision developed in response to violence against women.
Camp comedy embraces sheer silliness and some raw truths
Bad taste rules supreme in a show that slaughters every sacred cow in sight.
Theatre
Remorseless, haunting dramatic vision
The stream of strong feministwork continues with Animal – a remorseless, haunting dramatic vision developed in response to violence against women.
Up in smoke
Next week the musical satire will hit Melbourne for the first time in a two-week run at Chapel Off Chapel.
A dated play, The Shadow Box performs admirably thanks to creative staging
The Shadow Box's genteel approach to death has been surpassed by tougher fare, but a strong cast and crew elevate a dated work.
Dance
Protests against injustice danced into view
NAISDA celebrates its 40th anniversary with a virtuoso display of Indigenous dance.
Carriageworks' visitor numbers outstrip rival major arts institutions
Carriageworks receives more visitors, and at a fraction of the cost, than the major cultural institutions as it reveals 2017 artistic program.
Oscillating dance work keeps audience in suspended state of anticipation
Actions can affect us long after they seem to be resolved: this is the true metaphor in Tremor, in which dancers perform on an oscillating platform.
Musicals
Cyndi Lauper on what goes wrong for so many parents
Cyndi Lauper may have learned the secret to sons but says she's a terrible parent.
Phoenix Players' Spring Awakening at ANU Arts Centre has a forceful young cast
The Canberra premiere of this musical benefits from excellent performances by both its older and younger cast members.
Songs the main attraction in Springfield tribute
Based on the life of Dusty Springfield, this jukebox musical has its share of flaws and triumphs.
Opera
The race problem in Porgy and Bess
Singers have long been troubled by the depiction of African-American people in Porgy and Bess.
The Ring goes full cycle: War, wabbits and warrior princesses
From Bugs Bunny to Apocalypse Now, Wagner's opera has become a pop culture classic.
Sumi Jo brings good weather with her for Voices (Not) In the Forest
International opera star Sumi Jo has arrived in Canberra for recently moved - but not renamed - Voices in the Forest.
Comedy
Absurd flights of fancy and musical interludes make for impressive comedy
Bill Bailey is one of the few modern comedians who avoids vulgarity or going dark for shock value (though there's the occasional brief bit of black humour).
Bill Bailey lets fly on 'monstrous blight' of censorship
The English stand-up comedian knows how it feels to be torn down by the tabloids, but it hasn't quite stopped him speaking his mind.
Jerry Seinfeld to tour Australia almost 20 years on
The master of observational comedy will perform Down Under for the first time in almost 20 years next August. But don't expect any cracks at Melbourne's expense.