From Wakakirri’s student storytellers to Orwell with an Australian twist, arts editor HELEN MUSA surveys what’s on in this week’s “Artsweek” column.

Wakakirri’s ACT Awards Night celebrates student storytelling through dance, recognising schools whose performances inspire social awareness, creativity and wellbeing. Canberra Theatre, September 7.

ANU’s Meet the Author series continues with Joshua Black in conversation with Andrew Leigh about Performance Politics: Australian Politicians and their Storytelling, examining the ways politicians shape public narratives. Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, September 3.

The Friends of the Australian Archaeological Institute in Athens present a lecture by vice-president Peter Londey exploring what modern society can learn from the ancient historian Thucydides. Hellenic Club, September 3.

James Batchelor, joined by Ruth Osborne and Dr Wesley Lim, presents a lecture demonstration examining the continuing influence of pioneering dancer Gertrud Bodenwieser on contemporary dance pedagogy, as part of the Wellspring series linking academic and artistic practice. The Street Theatre, September 3.

The Friends of the National Library and the ACT branch of the Australian Garden History Society present Professor Tim Entwisle discussing the remarkable diversity and cultural significance of oak trees in their annual joint lecture. National Library of Australia, September 7.

Grande Dame Productions screens If At First, an independent proof-of-concept film challenging ageism and sexism in the screen industry through a humorous and authentic glimpse of later life. Belconnen Community Centre, September 9.

Poets Hazel Hall and Moya Pacey launch their collaborative collection Featherfall, with the event introduced by Judith Nangala Crispin. Smith’s Alternative, September 10.

Stage

• Bloomshed brings George Orwell’s Animal Farm to the stage with a distinctly Australian political flavour, combining satire, allegory and energetic ensemble performance in a reimagining set against a rural backdrop. The Playhouse, September 3-5.
• Oh What A Night! celebrates the enduring hits of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in a musical revue created by Broadway producer Michael Chapman, featuring classic songs, choreography and nostalgic storytelling. The B, Queanbeyan, September 4.
• Musical satirists John Shortis and Moya Simpson join Seekers co-founder Keith Potger in 1966 and All That, reflecting on a pivotal year in music, politics and culture through song and personal recollection. Smith’s Alternative, September 4; National Theatre Braidwood, September 6.
• The Rocketman In Concert pays tribute to Elton John in a two-hour celebration featuring favourites such as Tiny Dancer, Your Song, Daniel and Crocodile Rock. Canberra Theatre, September 4.
• Comedian Tom Gleeson returns with Out of Touch (Encore), bringing his trademark sharp observations and irreverent humour to the stage. Canberra Theatre, September 5.
• The Beatles Rebooted: With Strings sees The Beatnix joined by the Sgt Pepper’s String Quartet for a fresh take on the Beatles’ most beloved songs. The Playhouse, September 6.
• Mockingbird Too presents Max Wolf Friedlich’s thriller JOB, a tense and provocative psychological duel exploring online identity, artificial intelligence, surveillance and workplace culture. The Mockingbird Studio, Belconnen Arts Centre, September 9-12.

Concerts

• Musica da Camera’s Arcadian Spring, directed by violinist John Ma, features Bach’s Violin Concerto in A Minor alongside works by Telemann, Scarlatti, Fischer and Vivaldi, performed in the lively spirit of the Baroque era. Holy Covenant Church, September 5; Soldiers Memorial Hall, Gundaroo, September 6.
• The Cat Empire joins the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for a special collaboration blending the band’s infectious energy with full orchestral colour. Llewellyn Hall, September 5.
• Polifemy presents Choristers of Flight, a spring concert of bird-inspired madrigals and Renaissance music, directed by Robyn Mellor and joined by the BlockSounds recorder ensemble. Wesley Uniting Church, September 6.
• The Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s Chamber Series continues with French Accents, featuring the CSO Wind Quartet in a program of French repertoire and Mozart. Gandel Hall, National Gallery of Australia, September 6.
• Geoff’s Poetry at Smith’s welcomes acclaimed poet Brendan Ryan from Geelong and local writer Nicola Bowery for an evening of readings and discussion. Smith’s Alternative, September 7.

Galleries

• Land’s Edge brings together ceramic artists Sarah Ormonde and Jo Victoria in an exploration of coastlines, cliffs, rock formations and shifting shorelines through their distinctive practices. Watson Arts Centre, until September 20.
• David Hockney: Portraits in Print surveys the celebrated British artist’s mastery of portraiture through a major display of prints spanning decades of experimentation and observation. National Gallery of Australia, September 5-May 9.
• Civic Art Bureau opens three new exhibitions, After Barcelona by Al Munro, Entanglement by Wendy Teakel and All Eyes on Me by Claire Fletcher,
• showcasing diverse contemporary approaches to painting and visual storytelling. Civic Art Bureau, September 5-October 4
• Tales of Gold: The Dawn Waterhouse Wattle Collection celebrates the lifelong passion of Canberra heritage advocate Dawn Waterhouse through a display of wattle-themed memorabilia, collecting and personal history. Calthorpes House, until November 28.
• Ten regional artists join forces for Spring Fling, a lively group exhibition showcasing a broad range of artistic styles and media under the banner of “10 Artists, one bash”. The Hive, September 4-25.

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