Arts, arts and more arts…. it’s HELEN MUSA’s weekly “Arts in the City” column.

ILLUSIONIST Michael Boyd’s spectacular show “Mystique” is coming to town with “The Scorpion”. At a cost of more than $50,000, they’re saying it’s his “most deadly contraption”. Canberra Theatre, September 27.

GOOD news that the image of Muswellbrook’s “Big Blue Heeler”, which Australia Post has used in its “Big Things” numismatic covers, is by Canberra photographer and art critic Brian Rope.

THE 27th Japanese Film Festival will canvas a broad range of cinematic delicacies from historical dramas to modern tales. The opening night film “We’re Broke, My Lord!” is a comedy around an unexpected inheritance. Palace Electric, October 11-15.

THE National Capital Orchestra continues its 40th anniversary celebrations with an epic program, conducted by Louis Sharpe, called “Hope Struggle Victory”. Albert Hall, September 24.

“MR Burns, A Post-Electric Play” in which a troupe of players wander the land in a post-apocalyptic society, will be the final production of the National University Theatre Society’s season this year. ANU Kambri, September 27-30.

THE Band of the Royal Military College Duntroon will perform “Masterworks for Winds” under the baton of Major Matthew O’Keeffe. Supporting the band will be students from the ANU School of Music. Llewellyn Hall, September 30, entry via gold-coin donation. 

AN intimate ensemble of six Australian Chamber Orchestra musicians will perform “Postcards from Italy”. Llewellyn Hall, September 26.