Circus, songs and painting are the themes of HELEN MUSA’s Arts in the City column this week.

Afrique en Cirque, billed as perfect for all ages, draws on the West African Nyamakala tradition of circus. It is a blend of acrobatics, music and choreography – think daring acrobats, skilled musicians and authentic choreography, all to the rhythm of the djembes (drums) of Guinea. Canberra Theatre, March 1-2. 

Visions of desert landscapes carpeted in flowers is the inspiration for Superbloom, The Song Company’s musical exploration of aridity and lushness. Works include Rebecca Saunders’ Soliloquy, Katherine Balch’s Forgetting, Jane Sheldon’s Flowermuscle, Michael Whiticker’s As Water Bears Salt and Hildegard von Bingen’s O Nobilissima Viriditas. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, March 3.

Deborah Conway’s memoir, Songs from the Book of Life, comes to life in a musical story of rebellion and love. Performed by longtime partners Conway and Willy Zygier, the show traverses their four-decade-long careers. The Playhouse, February 29.

Meandering around the Murray is Canberra painter Val Johnson’s tribute to the mighty river, the result of time spent painting and following the Murray and its surrounds at Mildura and later from Tintaldra to Corowa. Strathnairn Homestead Gallery, February 28-March 24 .

Musica Viva’s Long Lost Loves (and Grey Suede Gloves) is a fully-staged evening of songs over the piano and stars pianist Michael Curtain and mezzo soprano Anna Dowsley. It looks at Pulitzer prize-winning composer William Bolcom and Arnold Weinstein’s Cabaret Songs. The Playhouse, March 1.