Here’s Artweek – arts editor HELEN MUSA’s latest look at what’s on where this week around the Canberra arts scene.

New Canberra-made film Snatchers looks like a dark comedy about two men trying to sell a corpse’s organs, but beneath the absurdity is a sharp story of class divide and exploitation, say co-writers and directors Shelly Higgs and Craig Alexander. Opens at Limelight Cinemas Tuggeranong, December 11.

The National Library of Australia’s new Treasures Gallery exhibition will open on December 13 with plenty on display, including pages from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice from the First Folio, and a cedar bookcase carved by Dorothea Mackellar.

Radio playwrights Mike Weston and Jo Jones return with A Monster Christmas, a warm and whimsical seasonal tale for Tempo Theatre, airing with full radio drama flair on Christmas Day. Radio 1RPH, December 25.

Stage

• Echo Theatre’s outdoor A Midsummer Night’s Dream brings Shakespearean mischief to Aunty Louise Brown Park, inviting audiences to picnic under the stars as the comedy unfolds. Aunty Louise Brown Park, until December 15.
• The annual Emerging Choreographers Project sees young QL2 dance artists create their own original short dance works for a public season in the QL2 Dance A Block Theatre at Gorman Arts Centre, December 13-14.
• Child Players ACT presents The Grinch (Who Almost) Stole Christmas, a playful new show for young audiences, complete with meet-the-cast fun and supporting Ballet to Kokoda. Ralph Wilson Theatre, December 13.
• Music Theatre Projects and The Street have a work-in-progress showing of Hornig and the Gadget, a new musical by Stephen Lindsay, directed by Dianna Nixon, public viewing. Street Three, December 13.
• The Christmas Spectacular dazzles with Michael Boyd’s illusions, Prinnie Stevens’ soaring vocals and circus artistry, blending Yuletide glamour with showbiz sparkle. Canberra Theatre, December 22–23.

Concerts

• Horrorshow’s 2009 album Inside Story comes alive on the big screen in the multi-camera concert-film Inside Story Uncut. Horrorshow front man Nick Solo will be in conversation with the film’s director Samuel Bright after the screening at NFSA’s Arc Cinema, December 14.
• Luminescence Chamber Singers and the Luminescence Children’s Choir offer three evenings of Medieval hymns, classic carols and family favourites in Christmas Classics, alongside the spirited A Sunburnt Christmas. Wesley Uniting Church, December 12-14.
• Joel Rapaport is a rapper, guitarist and producer whose work bridges hip hop and jazz. He’ll appear with Bundjalung MC Mr Rhodes at Smiths Alternative, Civic, December 12.
• A festive family concert at Lanyon brings Steve Amosa and his talented children together with local performers, dance, choirs, food trucks and a sunset finale. Lanyon Homestead, December 13.
• The Canberra Mandolin Orchestra joins the Canberra Recorder Orchestra to present The Gift, featuring Vivaldi’s Lute Concerto arranged for mandolin and performed by young soloist Benji Moss. All Saints Church Ainslie, December 13.
• The Manning Clark Singers celebrate the rich history of vocal chamber music with Monteverdi, Mozart, Puccini, Leonard Cohen and community carols. Canberra Baptist Church, December 9.
• Pinchgut Opera’s Erin Helyard leads the Canberra Choral Society’s grand Handel Celebration, joined by soprano Myriam Arbouz, a 160-voice choir and full orchestra. Llewellyn Hall, December 13.
• Candlelight: Christmas Classics surrounds audiences with hundreds of candles as musicians perform beloved festive favourites in an immersive sound-and-light experience. James Fairfax Theatre, December 19-20.