Performing arts
Why the MTC boss is taking on contemporary opera’s most talked-about production
At first, Missy Mazzoli was wary about turning a harrowing film by Lars von Trier into an opera – but it presented an opportunity that could not be missed.
- by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen
Latest
Charming, awkward: This pop star’s joy is infectious
Girl In Red made her Australian debut in 2023 – and this year returns to play a venue seven times the size.
- by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, Tony Way and Sonia Nair
★★★★★
Sydney live reviews
Eloquent and beguiling: Operatic Hamlet is a triumph
Our critics deliver verdicts on the latest shows around town.
- by Millie Muroi, Cassie Tongue, Shamim Razavi, Harriet Cunningham and John Shand
Two powerful performances in this Streetcar make it a bare-knuckle fight
In this MTC production Nikki Shiels plays a Blanche DuBois who isn’t mad – her Blanche is quite fun, witty, and as likely to self-deprecate as self-dramatise.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Barney Zwartz
‘What I was put on this Earth to do’: One-handed pianist to perform with MSO
British concert pianist Nicholas McCarthy is a champion of left-hand alone repertoire – and next year will be performing with the MSO.
- by Elizabeth Flux
These music festivals defied the trend and sold out. What’s the trick?
Defying the gloomy trend of cancellations, Strawberry Fields, Mundi Mundi Bash and Harbourlife have all sold out. Is there a pattern here for festivals to emulate?
- by Karl Quinn
The plan to turn Sydney and Melbourne into the ‘West End of the Asia Pacific’
The live entertainment industry wants tax breaks to prevent Australian shows being lured overseas.
- by Andrew Taylor
From Tamworth to Washington: How Black Elvis’ grandson conquered the stage
The Tony, Grammy, Olivier and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Hamilton returns to Sydney later this month, with refreshed cast.
- by Helen Pitt
Lady Macbeth deserves a better fate. Does this play offer that chance?
Horrors both supernatural and human abound in this creative and provocative re-working of The Scottish Play.
- by Cameron Woodhead, Barney Zwartz, Andrew Fuhrmann, Vyshnavee Wijekumar, Michael Dwyer, Jessica Nicholas and Tony Way
A musical Little Women brings Jo’s lurid imagination to life
Our critics deliver their verdict on the latest shows around town.
- by Joyce Morgan, Daniel Herborn, Bernard Zuel, Chantal Nguyen and Harriet Cunningham
Rebel Wilson’s latest film withdrawn as actor lashes producers
Wilson has accused the producers of her directorial debut film of “viciousness”.
- by Helen Pitt