Here’s the latest Artsweek column by arts editor HELEN MUSA

The circus troupe behind Trash Test Dummies returns with Splash Test Dummies, a playful family show featuring synchronised swimming on unicycles, giant beach balls, pool noodles and a huge bubble machine. The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, July 2-5.

Questacon’s new science-art exhibition, Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures, explores how advances in quantum research could reshape everyday life through a spectacular 15-metre-wide video wall created by Canberra artist Paul Summerfield. Questacon, from July 2.

Andrew Dodd and Matthew Ricketson will discuss their new book Getting Murdoched, an examination of the power and influence of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, in conversation with Mark Kenny. Cinema, ANU, July 2.

Although the SoundOut music festival will not return next year, organisers have released Hubbub Live at SoundOut 2025, a new live recording available through the SoundOut Bandcamp site.

Judith Nangala Crispin will be in conversation with author/rapper Omar Musa at the launch of The Vape Lord of Queanbeyan (Penguin Random House Australia), The Q, Queanbeyan, July 8.

Stage

• The Strangeways Cabaret, created by Merrigong Theatre Company’s permanent ensemble of neurodiverse actors and musicians, blends original songs exploring online dating, loneliness and contemporary life. The B, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, July 3-4.
• Canberra Youth Theatre and JB Theatre Co present Grace Wilson’s one-woman play Gia Ophelia for a limited Canberra season. Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, July 8-11.
• Middle Raged – A Musical Meltdown, the comedy musical from former Canberrans Queenie van de Zandt and Tiffany Noack, features an all-star cast and an all-female band under the direction of Priscilla Jackman. Playhouse, July 8-11.

Concerts

• Country music favourite Beccy Cole, winner of 11 Golden Guitars, brings her latest show Through The Haze, featuring songs from her newest album. Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan, July 3.
• Canberra Choral Society and the National Capital Orchestra unite under conductor Louis Sharpe for performances of Francis Poulenc’s Gloria and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. Llewellyn Hall, July 4.
• Folk and blues musician Archer joins forces with a 28-piece brass ensemble for Archer and The Open Sky Big Brass Band as part of the Smith’s@Belco series. Belconnen Arts Centre, July 4.
• With NAIDOC Week approaching, Wiradjuri rocker Jerikye performs classic 1950s and ’60s rock’n’roll alongside original songs, backed by local band The Crawdads. The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, July 6.

Galleries

• The National Museum’s winter blockbuster Antarctica invites visitors on an immersive journey into the frozen continent through an exhibition designed as a stage for adventure. National Museum of Australia, until October 11.
• M16 Artspace opens three exhibitions. Keziah Craven’s Embodied Trauma, Anna Bonshek’s Friends, and Eliott June O’Dowd’s Guide to Surreal Urbias. M16 Artspace, July 2-26.
• ANCA presents Everyday. Reverence, bringing together works by Kasumi Ejiri, Michele England, Michele Grimston, Pinal Manair, Monika McInerney, Henry Shawcross and Heidi Smith in an exhibition. ANCA Gallery, July 3-26.
• Rusten House Art Centre launches two new exhibitions, the group show Mother and Child: See, Listen, Share, Reflect, featuring Lia Kemmis, Ezekiel Kemmis, Jodie Munday and Samuel Jones, alongside Frank Lindner’s solo photographic exhibition Who Am I Really. Rusten House Art Centre, 87 Collett Street, Queanbeyan, July 4-25.

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