Arts
Opinion
Opinion
Why I won’t go to the NGV’s perplexing and problematic Pharaoh blockbuster
When Indigenous artefacts are being returned, and there is global recognition of the sanctity of the dead. Why do we make an exception for Egyptian rulers?
- by Alan Attwood
Latest
Their housing estate was demolished. Here’s what happened to the final residents
Things Will Be Different tells the story of two of the final residents to vacate their homes ahead of a controversial public housing estate demolition.
- by Cher Tan
The 13 must-see events at this year’s Melbourne Writers Festival
With the Melbourne Writers Festival kicking off today, here are some of the events that should not be missed.
- by Jason Steger
Exclusive
Pop music
ABBA close to landing Flemington as venue for spectacular virtual concert
Spectacular 3D virtual concert ABBA Voyage is close to signing a deal to call Melbourne home. But are our major events safe in a tough budget environment?
- by Stephen Brook
Calling all Janiacs: Austen’s love of music has inspired a modern concert
Melburnians brought out their boas for Harry Styles then sequins for Taylor Swift. For a Jane Austen musical tribute, the dress code is: favourite character.
- by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen
The top 12 books you should read in May
This month brings lyrics from Kazuo Ishiguro, a Miles Franklin winner’s latest novel, the return of Miranda July, a surprise sequel from Colm Toibin and spacey stories from Ceridwen Dovey.
- by Jason Steger
Updated
MICF
‘Focus is a delicate thing’: Arj Barker defends decision to boot mum with baby from show
The popular comedian asked the mother and baby to leave his Saturday night Comedy Festival show, saying it was for people aged over 15 only and the baby was “disrupting” his performance.
- by Elizabeth Flux
A smile so hideous it inspired the Joker: The Grinning Man comes to Melbourne
Eight years after becoming a huge cult hit in the West End, the musical The Grinning Man is heading Down Under.
- by Will Cox
Everyone feared this festival would implode, but there’s Alice Cooper waving a boa constrictor on stage
Despite the rough lead-up and dropping half of its acts, Pandemonium music festival didn’t live up to its name – and was ultimately a pretty good time.
- by Will Cox
Sarah Keyworth takes top gong at Melbourne comedy festival awards
English comedian Sarah Keyworth has reigned supreme at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, winning the Most Outstanding Show award on Saturday.
- by Tyson Wray
The best heckles, riskiest jokes and most tender moments from this year’s comedy festival
After a huge month packed with shows, our team of reviewers has come together to pick out the best (and strangest) moments from this year’s comedy festival.
- by Guy Webster, Hannah Francis, John Bailey, Lefa Singleton Norton, Mikey Cahill, Sonia Nair, Tyson Wray and Vyshnavee Wijekumar