A tale for our times - and live streamed to boot

From Brexit to Trump and Putin to populism, the best productions can give audiences a prism through which to view a disturbing world.

A unique journey into the mind

A process that lasted more than a decade has paid off for Michael Mulcahy.

Ugly opera stoush blows Carmen preparations out of the water

Opera Australia thought all they had to worry about with Friday's opening night of Carmen on Sydney harbour was the bleak weather forecast that threatens the production.

Cheeky chanteuse breaks hearts and wins minds

It was love at first sight – or sound, at least – when Australian multi-instrumentalist David Lewis first encountered French chanteuse Belle du Berry singing with her group La Belle Equipe.

Blinded by the lights: no shortage of bright ideas at Vivid

Sydney Queer Irish bring out the rainbow for Sydney's Mardi Gras

Just as Fairfax photographer Wolter Peeters was wondering how to make the best of a rather damp photo shoot in the Domain this week, the rain cleared and a rainbow obligingly appeared above the SQI dancers rehearsing for their big night.

The ghost of Debussy lives in my lounge

Most warm evenings you can find Peter Phillips and his partner sitting on their verandah enjoying a glass of wine as they listen to Maurice Ravel or, perhaps, Claude Debussy play the magnificent grand piano in their lounge.

Between two worlds

In 1973 the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy, was invited to tour China.

Pick of the Sydney Festival

Director Wesley Enoch's first Sydney Festival program has something for everyone. Just like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get as you thumb through the thick festival guide.