THE Australia Cuba Friendship Society ACT is throwing one of its famous Cuban extravaganza nights in St James Church’s Hall, Curtin, from 6.30pm on Saturday, September 27.  DJ Mateo will host an evening of live Cuban music with Latin dances, Cuban beer and rum, wines from South America, Latin American food and pastries and soft drinks. Proceeds will go towards a healthcare centre in Cuba. No bookings.

CANBERRA REP’s next show will be Peter Shaffer’s ever-intriguing  play “Equus”, with barb barnett in her first directorial role there. Ian Croker, who previously played the psychiatrist Dysart, is designing the set and now plays the father, Frank Strang, while Ben Hardy, well-known as a child actor in the past, now plays the disturbed son, Alan Strang. Theatre 3, September 26-October 11, bookings to 6257 1950 or canberrarep.org.au

THE Gospel Folk Choir will perform at the next free concert at the High Court, 1pm, on Sunday, September 21. The choir, led by Brian Triglone, gives concerts and performs at public events such as citizenship ceremonies and Floriade.

ART Song Canberra’s next concert will be by noted soprano Merlyn Quaife, with baritone Erwin Belakowitsch and Stephen Delaney on piano. They will perform “La Dolce Vita – Hugo Wolf’s Italian Songbook” in the Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, on Sunday, September 21. Tickets only at the door.

JUDITH Peterson’s “Couples Don’t Talk” is five plays each with a different slant on relationships. Domenic Mico directs and as well as an original song by Frank and Judith Peterson there’s some Frank Zappia (not  Zappa) music. Part of ticket sales will go to Menslink. At Smiths Alternative, Civic, September 26-27 and October 3-4, bookings to trybooking.com/96483

OPERA Australia’s artistic director Lyndon Terracini has put the cat among the pigeons by announcing a production of Cole Porter’s musical “Anything Goes” for 2015, using non-opera principals. We know of at least two Canberrans who have withdrawn their subscription in protest!