In her latest Artsweek column, arts editor HELEN MUSA tells us how Canberra gets the glitz of Las Vegas and surrealism of contemporary Scandinavian cinema this week.

The Ultimate Vegas Show brings the glitz and spectacle of Las Vegas to Canberra in a high energy variety production hosted by PJ Lane, combining illusion, dance, circus artistry and show-stopping performances. Canberra Theatre, July 9.

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Sound of Australia, with recordings from 2016 and earlier eligible for inclusion. The annual program recognises Australia’s recorded sound heritage, from songs and speeches to podcasts, broadcasts and field recordings, with nominations closing on July 31 here.

ANU Meet the Author welcomes Joanne Wallis and Jack Corbett in conversation with Lachlan Strahan to discuss their new book Neighbours: Australia and the Pacific. Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, ANU, July 13.

The NFSA OWLS program screens Zhang Zemin’s cycling documentary Across the Plateau, followed by a discussion with Ronin Films’ Andrew Pike and Marilyn Sue Dooley. National Film and Sound Archive, July 12.

The Nordic Film Festival returns with a bold program of contemporary Scandinavian cinema. Palace Electric, July 9 – August 2.

Galleries

• Murrudha: Sovereign Walks, Track #14 showcases creative research exploring art, Country, language and music through works by First Nations and non-Indigenous artists associated with the long-running ANU project. ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, July 7 – August 7.
• The NAIDOC 2026 Deadly Art Exhibition, guest curated by fibre artist Jessika Simpson, celebrates 50 years of NAIDOC Week through a vibrant display of First Nations artworks. Q Exhibition Space, Queanbeyan, July 6-10.
• Belconnen Arts Centre opens five exhibitions celebrating First Nations culture, identity and connection to Country, featuring the Yawarj Mara Young Men’s Group, Alana Harris, Leilani Dewis, Corella & Crow and Richie Allan. Belconnen Arts Centre, July 10 – August 23.
• More Treasures from the Collection of Helen Maxwell showcases Australian and Indigenous artworks selected by the respected Canberra curator and former gallery director. Q Gallery, July 11-19. Collectors’ talk, July 19.

Concerts

• Musica Viva has violinist Leila Josefowicz joining  pianist John Novacek for The Fairy’s Kiss, featuring works by Debussy, Szymanowski and Stravinsky, together with the Australian premiere of Charlotte Bray’s Mriya. Snow Concert Hall, July 9.
• Apeiron Baroque performs a program of baroque music in the Braidwood concert series. Braidwood Uniting Church, July 12.
• The Merry Muse returns with traditional music featuring Hoskinstown Kitchen Jam, Paverty Bush Band and the Blackboard session. Canberra Irish Club, July 12.
• Fred Leone joins award-winning producer Plutonic Lab for a powerful collaboration ahead of the release of their debut album Fred Leone & Radio for Ghosts. Four Winds, Bermagui, July 12.
• German violin virtuoso Daniel Röhn performs Bach’s Partita No. 1 alongside Paganini’s dazzling Caprices in the Wesley Lunchtime Concert series. Wesley Uniting Church, July 15.

Stage

• Grace Wilson’s one woman play Gia Ophelia, directed by Canberra born theatre-maker Jo Bradley and starring Annie Stafford. Courtyard Studio, July 8-11.
• Everyman Theatre will host a community preview of its upcoming production of 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche. Everyman Theatre, July 9.
• Child Players ACT presents Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat, an energetic adaptation of the beloved children’s classic. Belconnen Community Theatre, July 10-18.
• K-Pop Icons combines holographic avatar stars with live dancers in an interactive celebration of K-pop, featuring hits by Blackpink, Rosé, BTS, K/DA, Katseye, Saja Boys and Huntr/X. Canberra Theatre, July 10.
• Spike the Echidna, starring Jenny Ellis with music by Mal Webb, is a children’s theatre show featuring puppets and a post-show workshop. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, July 15.
• Mockingbird Too presents Mike Bartlett’s Bull, directed by Céline Oudin. Mockingbird Studio, Belconnen Arts Centre, July 15-18.
• Budding Entertainment is inviting children and teenagers to enrol for Semester Two, with opportunities to perform in three productions written and directed by Kirsty Budding, Harry Potter Parody, Little Women and A Christmas Carol Goes Horribly, Terribly Wrong. Budding Entertainment, Semester Two.

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