Here’s arts editor HELEN MUSA’s weekly glance at local hilarity—also known as Arts in the City.
Noah Szto, a Melbourne comedian with a medical degree that he probably bought from a cereal box, is showcasing his new musical comedy, “Med School.” Spoiler Alert: it’s about the many ways to mess up doctoring while attempting to save lives. Definitely not a crash course in anatomy, but more of a fumble down medical school’s rabbit hole. Catch it at The Street Theatre on September 6, and may the force be with your immune system.
Kirsty Webeck, ACT-scholar turned comedic act, is making a return with her show “Everything I Need to Say About Sea Creatures” on September 5. Questions remain: Did she leave anything unsaid about crustaceans? Who knew the ocean had enough material for a full stand-up routine?
Starting with a twist, “Hidden Canberra” by Shortis and Simpson is their love letter to the weird and wonderful quirks of our capital region. Apparently, they’ve been observing since moving here in 1996, which is quite the commitment. Expect an insider’s guide to Canberra’s charming oddities at Smith’s Alternative on September 6. Bring your magnifying glass!
In other news, Barrina South, the CityNews art reviewer, has a poetry collection, “Makarra,” up for a Prime Minister’s Literary Award. Yes, the awards at the National Library on September 29. You might want to Google ‘Makarra’ to avoid looking clueless while sipping your free wine.
Margaret Hadfield is reviving the art scene with the “Canberra Art Fair 2025,” conceived in response to vanishing galleries. If you thought exhibitions were going extinct like dinosaurs, think again. Running from September 5-7 at Fitzroy Pavilion, it’s a one-stop shop to support local artists and possibly snag a masterpiece for your bathroom.
And in completely unrelated news, the new patrons of the Canberra International Music Festival are none other than Governor-General Sam Mostyn and music-loving Nobel laureate Prof. Brian Schmidt. What does this mean? We all benefit from knowing the dude who got the Nobel peace prize is into jazz.
Also, be prepared for “Sincere Apologies,” a show exploring the intricacies of saying “sorry” when everything has gone utterly south. This participatory performance by Alternative Facts company at Tuggeranong Arts Centre on September 6 should give you a masterclass in dodging accountability while awkwardly attempting to mend emotional fences.
Lastly, Belco Arts is proud to announce public artworks for the new Gungahlin Community Centre. Richard Briggs will breathe life into the welcome statement art, while Belinda Smith and Ruth Della will create a courtyard installation that may or may not intimidate any interlopers. No pressure, ladies.
In “Shimmying with the Schumanns,” soprano Sarahlouise Owens and pianist Natalia Tkachenko will explore the musical magic of Robert and Clara Schumann with songs that may have you tapping your feet or contemplating an existential crisis. Catch this at Wesley Music Centre on September 6, and try not to get lost in those soulful melodies.
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Thanks,
Ian Meikle, editor
