I TELL YOU WHAT I THINK
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Newly crafted multi-millionaire Ariel (Tom Stokes) struck up a conversation with the exotic, mysterious, attractive Anna X (Becca Galvin) at a party in New York in 2016. From there, he couldn’t get enough of her. In short, he was smitten from the get go. Photos by Simon Fazio and Chris Parker In her early to mid twenties, Anna proved to be aloof, revealing little, if anything, at the best of times. That only made him hungry to learn more. She was Russian, fashionable and

It is a shocking tale of displacement (being wrenched away from family), discrimination, institutionalisation, foster homes and police intimidation. As a result, there is acting up, trouble making, drinking, smoking and getting in with the wrong crowd. Photos by Steven Mitchell Wright Then there is the opportunity to turn it all around, to create a lasting legacy and, with it, aid the Indigenous cause. This is the extraordinary true story of Taungurung Elder, activist an

The outrage I felt while watching events unfold here was palpable, just as it should be. Racism, hatred, misogyny, political dirty dealings – it is all there in giant technicolour, so to speak. At the centre of proceedings is a young actor still to make it, a man who would go on to become a giant of the screen. I speak of Sidney Poitier (Donné Ngabo), who would, in time, become the first African American to win the Best Actor Oscar (in 1964 for Lilies of the Field). Ph

As a highly successful recording artist and most engaging live performer, Guy Sebastian is quite the revelation. He comes across as a grounded nice guy – a loving family man and good friend – with a stunning vocal range that he seems to be able to produce at will. What a voice – what rich timbre and tone. What a stage presence. Photos by Alex Arcuri and Alex First I, like so many music fans, have watched him grow and mature since he first appeared on, and won, the inaugu

What do Ned Kelly and Squizzy Taylor have in common? The notorious bushranger and gangland figure were two of the infamous inmates of the Old Melbourne Gaol, where 133 were hanged for their crimes. It seems only fitting then that the latest highly charged murder trial, which steps back in time, takes place within its bluestone walls. The gaol doubles as the Old Bailey and the case is the Crown vs Leonard Vole. Photos by Prani West (front page photo by Nicky Neville-Jone

Bold, brazen and unapologetic comes this interrogation of sex and sex education from the perspective of three naïve Year 12 students. On the cusp of final exams, larger than life Anna (Louisa Cusumano) is writing erotic fiction and publishing it online. It concerns a charged lesbian relationship between a young woman and a monster (read into that vampire), who ravages her. Among those reading it are her besties, Immi (Mia Tuco) and Rheya (Miela Anich). Photos by Darren

Melodic, witty, satiric and joyfully absurd, dramatist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan collaborated on 14 comic operas between 1871 and 1896. Among the best known are H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado. Music from these, I am pleased to say, was prominent in Opera Australia’s glorious celebration. Gilbert and Sullivan pioneered and perfected the patter song, highlighted by highly rhythmic, tongue twisting, rapid-fire lyrics. That was on s

Tessa Ensler (Sheridan Harbridge) is a successful criminal defence barrister. She knows the tricks of the trade and defends her clients – many alleged sexual offenders – vehemently. She relishes the game … circling witnesses until she is ready to pounce, having lulled them into a false sense of security. She is good … very good. Those who know her, know how she operates and what is coming. Photos by Brett Boardman The witnesses are mere lambs to the slaughter. Tessa c

Almost a decade after it first appeared in Australia, Cirque du Soleil’s magnificent show KOOZA, an ode to traditional circus, returns with distinction. Cirque du Soleil has rewritten what is possible in the art form. KOOZA combines extraordinary artistry, phenomenal acrobatic performance, captivating clowning and theatrical excellence. Cirque remains cutting edge circus – the best of the best. I speak of the acts, the staging, the costumes, the make-up and the original