Here’s HELEN MUSA’s latest Artsweek column, a guide to what’s on where and when around Canberra. 

ANU Meet the Author welcomes Patricia A O’Brien in conversation with Frank Bongiorno discussing her book Errol Flynn, The True Story of Australia’s Hollywood Icon. ANU Cinema, April 1.

The inaugural Dante Oration sees Simona Martorana explore Dante Alighieri’s legacy and his relationship with classical poetry and The Divine Comedy. Italian Cultural Centre, Forrest, March 26.

The QPRC and Bendigo Bank Art Awards return with a $25,000 prize pool, inviting artists aged 16 and over from the Queanbeyan Palerang region to submit work, entries open here  March 30-April 30.

Buzz Bar offers a relaxed Friday night of music, drinks and community atmosphere, with live act What She’s Having adding to the evening. The Hive, Queanbeyan, March 27.

The Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival promises a lively day of food, music and diverse cultural performance in an outdoor setting. Queanbeyan Town Park, March 28.

Stage

• Kate Flaherty and Bell Shakespeare present an engaging illustrated lecture examining the enduring relevance of Julius Caesar, soon coming to Canberra. The National Library, March 26.
• The Alphabet of Awesome Science delivers a theatrical adventure through science and language with Professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge. Canberra Theatre Centre, March 26-27.
• Meg Washington brings her genre-defying blend of jazz, pop, folk and musical theatre to the stage. The Playhouse, March 26.
• The Jury Experience marks World Theatre Day with an interactive theatrical event exploring ethical dilemmas in a digital age. Manning Clark Hall, ANU, March 27.
• Canberra Rep’s Logues finals present a program of short plays including Madam Brenda Would Be Furious as part of this popular playwriting competition; Canberra Rep Theatre, Acton, March 27-29.
• Khaled Khalafalla brings observational comedy in his It’ll Be Funnier Tomorrow tour. Street Theatre, March 28.
• My Cousin Vlad returns with Total Spin Out, delivering bold comedy. Street Theatre, March 28.
• Nikki Nouveau channels the spirit of Édith Piaf in No Regrets: The Edith Piaf Story. Belconnen Arts Centre, March 28.
• Autumn Days presents an Artsound series of short dramatic monologues and performances in a garden setting. Manuka Arts Centre Gardens, March 29.

Concerts

• Claire Edwardes joins Sunny Kim and Canberra Symphony Orchestra percussionists for a performance blending K-pop influences with contemporary Australian sounds. National Museum of Australia, March 26.
• Daniel Champagne showcases virtuosic guitar and vocals. Street Theatre, March 26–27.
• Marcela Fiorillo performs a piano recital tracing five centuries of Spanish music. Wesley Music Centre, March 27.
• The Ginninderra Wind Orchestra presents Our Favourite Things, a free concert. Lyneham High School Performing Arts Centre, March 28.
• Blamey Street Big Band Live features Ian McLean and vocalist Leisa Keen in an evening of jazz standards. Lanyon Vikings Club, March 28.
• Ilya Gringolts joins the Australian Chamber Orchestra for The Devil’s Violin, featuring Tartini’s virtuosic Devil’s Trill Sonata. Llewellyn Hall, March 28.
• Canberra Men’s Choir celebrates its 40th anniversary with a free male voice workshop, March 28. Register by calling 0414 543443 or emailing president@canberramenschoir.org.au
• The Canberra Mandolin Orchestra presents Dancing Feet ’26, an afternoon of bush and social dancing. Ainslie Arts Centre, March 29.
• The Canberra Choral Society presents Our Stories, combining CCS choir with soprano Rachel Mink and baritone Alasdair Stretch, a string quartet and piano. James Fairfax Theatre National Gallery, March 29.
• The National Capital Orchestra opens its season with a program featuring Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns and Natalie Williams. Snow Concert Hall, March 29.
• Super Rats perform a rich program of Romanian traditional music. Smith’s Alternative, March 29.
• Art Song Canberra presents Romance Sublime! with soprano Lorina Gore and pianist Anthony Smith. Wesley Music Centre, March 29.
• Ukrainian-born, Sydney-based organist, Alexandra Sidorenko will perform Against Evil Towards Hope, opening the Music for Holy Week series with an organ recital. Wesley Music Centre, March 29.
• Wesley Lunchtime Concert series has alumni of the ANU School of Music, Alexina Hawkins (viola) and Justin Bullock (double bass), back from Berlin and Brisbane for the revival of a duo collaboration first heard in 2006. Wesley Music Centre, April 1. 

Galleries

• The Weather and What Is by Olive Burgess, at Platform, Manuka, March 27-April 26.
• Anthony Chico presents a solo exhibition showcasing recent works at Q Gallery, Ainslie, March 27-April 16.
• Kyrie Eleison is an exhibition of icons by Serbian-born Michael Galovic. Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture Barton, until April 14. Viewable by calling Sarah on 6272 6201.
• Artist Lee Crisp presents a series of huge watercolours created after lockdown. East Hotel Kingston, March 26-April 14.
• Belco Arts has: Jennifer Adams’ paintings; Between What Remains by Hilary Wardhaugh and David Manley; Sarah Murray’s abstract works; Annie Lok’s Chasing Alice; Jeanette Muirhead’s Witness; and Fiona Heard’s Inhabiting Change. Belconnen Arts Centre. March 27-May 17.
• An artist talk by emerging Taiwanese-Australian artist Ruth Ju-Shih Li, will be held at Grainger Gallery, Fyshwick, March 29.