THROUGHOUT the world, June 16 is celebrated in pubs, bars, theatres and concert halls as “Bloomsday” – one day in 1904 in the

life of Leopold Bloom, “hero” of James Joyce’s novel “Ulysses”. Canberra has at least two such celebrations. The first features local theatre luminaries at Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Civic, 3pm-6pm, on Saturday, June 16, tickets at the door. In the second, the Friends of Ireland and ANU personalities will read, sing and play at the “Bloomsday Dinner”, 6.30pm, June 16, Canberra Irish Club. Bookings to 6288 5088.

THE Loboc Children’s Choir, from the Philippines will help celebrate the 120th Anniversary of Philippine Independence with a performance at Wesley Uniting Church, 20 National Circuit, Forrest, 12.40pm-1.20pm, Wednesday, June 13. Donations appreciated, but no bookings required.

“FIRST Seen: New Works-In-Progress” is the Street Theatre’s way of turning ideas or undeveloped scripts into stageable work. Next up in the 2018 series will be “Sherpas” by Tom Davis. It’s a satire that follows an Australian senior Foreign Affairs official who drinks too much, has a breakdown, sings and tries to destroy the foundations of the global economic order. At The Street, 3pm, Saturday, June 16. Bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

PLEASED at having made the Top 10 in “Hollywood Reporter’s” list of the world’s best drama schools, Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art is throwing its doors open on Suturday, June 16, for a rare peek into the school that trains some of Australia’s greatest actors, directors, writers, designers, screen and stage technicians. Entry is free but registrations essential to nida.edu.au/courses/open-day

DIANNA Nixon’s Wild Voices Music Theatre has a script in development; “Camelia” is written and composed by Ian Batterham with music arrangements by Daniel Brinsmead, Patrick Baker and Leonard Weiss. Set in post-World War II Egypt, it’s a musical play based on the true story of an affair between King Farouk and an actress/singer. There’s a crowdfunding campaign to help the project get to the stage at australianculturalfund.org.au

LOCAL painter, sculptor, ceramicist and printmaker Margaret Dimoff is hosting a sale and party to celebrate her Deakin gallery’s fifth anniversary on Sunday, June 24, from 10am. The art space was purpose-built in the 1980s as the Solander Gallery. Margaret was offered it for up to six months in 2013 and, after five years, is still there. Margaret says everyone’s welcome to drop in for a drink and meet the artist and discuss her work.