Performing arts
Latest reviews
Arts
A grim truth is spun into a compelling and scathing new story
This wrap of shows around Melbourne includes Jason Donovan in The Rocky Horror Show, Samuel Beckett’s Worstward Ho, Vidya Rajan’s Crocodiles and more.
- by Cher Tan, Karl Quinn, Sonia Nair, Tyson Wray, Cameron Woodhead, Tony Way and Jessica Nicholas
Latest
Rising star Budjerah shows that he has talent well beyond his years
A wrap of the week’s live reviews, including Budjerah, Hiatus Kaiyote and The Necks for Vivid Live, Matt Corby and Scenes from the Climate Era at Belvoir.
- by Millie Muroi, Angus Thomson, John Shand and Joyce Morgan
Opinion
Spectrum
Opera? It’s really just Home and Away with music
The best way to disguise the banality of the plot is to sing it in a language no one understands.
- by Anson Cameron
Blackballed for speaking out, this musician is finally telling her story
Deena Lynch, better known by her stage name Jaguar Jonze, has spoken out about abuse in the music industry since 2020. But her activism has come at a cost.
- by Hannah Story
Exclusive
Arts
How ‘death dating’ brought director Wesley Enoch back to writing plays
The theatre director and writer will write his first play in 10 years as STC’s new Patrick White Fellow, as he continues to advocate for the Yes vote in the Voice referendum.
- by Hannah Story
Korean American artist Yaeji harnesses the raw power of rage at Vivid
A wrap of the best live shows from the weekend, including Jose Gonzalez, Yaeji, Birdz and Fred Leone, Mamma Mia! The Musical and STC’s Do Not Go Gentle.
- by Shamim Razavi, John Shand, Joyce Morgan, Em Meller and Michael Ruffles
The mysterious allure of the Nutbush and why the dance is uniquely Australian
Forming a line to groove to Tina Turner’s iconic song is a favourite at weddings and Christmas parties, but the origins of this Australian invention are largely unknown.
- by Mary Ward
Becoming a target changed how this playwright thought about art
Playwright David Finnigan used to think art could teach people about climate science and make an impact. Now, he’s not interested in changing anyone’s mind.
- by Hannah Story
Expect serpents, ships, oxen and elephants in this opera superhero story
A wrap of the week’s reviews, including Pinchgut Opera’s Giustino, new Australian musical Driftwood and Shelley Lasica’s performance-exhibition at AGNSW.
- by Sue Williams, Harriet Cunningham and Peter McCallum
Latest reviews
Arts
Moth is the intense story of teenage misfits divided by a betrayal
This wrap of shows includes Moth at Theatre Works, a performance by Mallrat at the Forum, an eclectic collaboration, and a remarkable cabaret show by Paul Capsis.
- by Cameron Woodhead, Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen and Tony Way
How this director is bringing a queer lens to rarely staged opera
Pinchgut Opera’s new production of Giovanni Legrenzi’s Giustino is like Lord of the Rings - but with sea monsters and a battle with a bear.
- by Steve Dow