TENNESSEE Williams’ famous play, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, directed by Anne Somes, launches the Canberra REP’s 2021 season. A late summer sizzler set in rural Mississippi, the play was made even more famous by the 1958 film starring Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor as the disturbed Brick and his frustrated wife, Maggie the Cat. REP’s done it before – they know a good script when they see it. Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton, February 18 (preview) to March 6. Email manager@canberrarep.org.au or 6257 1950.

CANBERRA Symphony Orchestra’s 2021 season kicks off on Valentine’s Day with “Chamber Classics: Forgotten Romance”, the first in a new concert series celebrating classical favourites and showcasing its musicians in intimate settings. A highlight will be Clara Schumann’s “Romance for Violin and Piano”. Albert Hall, 2pm and 4.30pm, Sunday, February 14, book here or call 6262 6772.

THE Jewish International Film Festival returns this year with 51 films from 19 countries. The opening night film “Incitement” reveals the forces which incited Yigal Amir to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, while “The Last Vermeer”, starring Guy Pearce, sees an army officer tasked with investigating the paintings that fell into Nazi possession. Bob Dylan’s son Jesse Dylan directs “Soros”, about controversial billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros. Dendy, February 17-March 24, book here. 

ADHOC Baroque singers are going back in history to perform “Il Divino Claudio”, music by Monteverdi and his contemporaries Leonarda, Cesti and Quinciani at St Paul’s Manuka, 2pm, February 14, book here.  

ADELAIDE’S Angela Valamanesh, famous for her drawings, ceramic objects and watercolours informed by scientific, historical and philosophical ideas, has a touring exhibition called “About Being Here”, an exploration into the interconnectedness of life on earth – between human, animal and plant beings. ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Cnr Ellery Cres and Liversidge St, Acton, until March 12.

WESLEY Music Centre Lunchtime Concert series resumes with Axel Ruge on double bass, and Hilda Visser Scott on harpsichord and piano performing works by Knut Guettler, Giselher Klebe, Louis de Caix d’Hervelois, Reinhold Glière and Giovanni Bottesini. Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest, Wednesday, February 17, 12.40-1.20pm. Book here or 6232 7248.