Here’s HELEN MUSA’s latest Artsweek column.

Laura Johnston: That’s… Brave (Bucket List Edition) is a sharp  comedy show from a Canberra-raised performer who narrowly missed law school and instead forged a path through glass blowing to stand-up comedy. After  runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, she records her first full stand-up special in a dream venue. The Playhouse, January 30.

The 31st CAT Awards Presentation Gala celebrates excellence in theatre with separate sessions for school and youth awards and open categories, bringing the community together to honour outstanding work on stage. The Q, Queanbeyan, January 31.

ANU Meet the Author brings together Michelle Grattan, John Halligan and John Hawkins in conversation with Frank Bongiorno, discussing the first Albanese government and the challenges of governing in an era of disruption and division. Cinema ANU, February 3.

Geoff’s Poetry at Smith’s features David Brooks poet (Katoomba, NSW) and Deborah Dawkings (ACT Smith’s Alternative, February 2.

Stage

• A Hundred Words for Snow by Tatty Hennessey is a poignant coming-of-age story following 15-year-old Rory, who sets out on a journey to the North Pole with her father’s ashes after his sudden death. Belco Arts, January 28

Music

• Canberra Men’s Choir New Members Night marks the beginning of a celebratory year as the choir turns 40. New singers are welcomed to discover a long-standing community tradition of song. Harmonie German Club, February 2.
• Salut! Baroque opens the year with Concord of Sweet Sounds, a program inspired by Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, weaving courtly dances with operatic laments in a richly expressive performance. Wesley Church, January 30.
• The 17th SoundOut Music Festival places deep listening at the heart of experimental music and art. Featuring more than 26 artists from Australia and Europe, the three-day program delivers over 17 hours of boundary-pushing performances that challenge how we hear and experience sound. ANU Drill Hall Gallery, January 30-February 1.
• Geoff’s Jazz at Smith’s presents a must-see night with legendary saxophonist Dale Barlow leading a quartet with Andrew Dickeson, plus special guests Hugh Barrett and Jacob Graham. Smith’s Alternative, February 4.
• Luminescence Children’s Choir enrolments are now open for young people who love to sing. No prior musical training is required, just enthusiasm, curiosity, and a passion for music-making. Luminescence Chamber Singers, luminescence.org.au

Galleries

• Concrete Captions: Texting Rights by Kirsty Collins opens Platform’s 2026 exhibition program, exploring how texting and social media empower Deaf and disability culture while challenging outdated assumptions about communication and access. Platform, January 29
• Canberra Contemporary Curator + Program Manager Opportunity invites applications to shape exhibitions and special projects while supporting artists and collaborative partnerships. Canberra Contemporary, applications by February 20, here