Here’s arts editor HELEN MUSA‘s latest Artsweek column capturing Canberra’s vibrancy this week.

Based on the extraordinary true story of writer Tony Briggs’ mother, The Sapphires follows four fierce Yorta Yorta women who journey from country Australia to the frontlines of Vietnam, belting out Motown hits while breaking barriers; this acclaimed co-production is directed by theatre legend Wesley Enoch. The Playhouse, May 30 – June 7.

The Australia Cuba Friendship Society, Canberra Branch, presents an evening of Latin music, dance, food, drinks and family friendly fun, with Kalybú Latin Music providing the soundtrack for the evening. Curtin Hall, 40 Gillies St, Curtin, May 30.

The Sakya Temple of Peace has a free Open Day welcoming visitors to explore the new Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to peace and hope. Sakya Temple of Peace, 27 Jenke Circuit, Kambah. May 30.

The National Film and Sound Archive will mark Reconciliation Week with the screening of High Ground, in which a former soldier and a young Aboriginal man form an uneasy alliance while tracking a warrior accused of attacking settlers. Arc Cinema, May 31.

Geoff Page’s monthly poetry reading series welcomes Melbourne poet Alex Skovron and Canberra writer Penelope Layland for an evening of contemporary poetry, with no open mic segment. Smiths Alternative, June 1.

The National Library invites visitors to a free First Nations family history tour as part of Reconciliation Day, showcasing resources available for researching and preserving family histories. National Library of Australia, June 1.

Stage

• Two performances of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical Into the Woods will be presented in support of ACT Hub’s fundraising goals. ACT Hub, Spinifex St Kingston, May 29-30.
• Madcap comedy duo Lano & Woodley return to Canberra with their latest absurd adventure, Lano & Woodley in Space, bringing their trademark chaos and hilarity to two special performances. Canberra Theatre, May 30.
• Tempo Theatre presents the suspense classic Dial ‘M’ For Murder, the gripping tale of a scheming husband plotting the perfect crime against his wealthy wife, made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s film adaptation. Belconnen Community Theatre, May 29 – June 6.

Concerts

• The National Carillon will host All In, a National Reconciliation Week concert featuring Senior Carillonist Dr Thomas Laue and acclaimed Wiradjuri-Tongan vocalist Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga. National Carillon, May 30.
• Braidwood Concert Series helps showcase local talent as Rachel Johnston and Trent Arkleysmith perform with We Mavericks in an evening celebrating contemporary folk music. National Theatre, Braidwood, May 30.
• ARIA Award-winning artist Casey Donovan headlines the ACT’s free Reconciliation Day celebration, joined by Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga, Wiradjuri Echoes, Liam Keenan and others for a program of live music, dance, storytelling and cultural activities. Dunmore Lang Place, June 1.
• The Wesley Lunchtime Concert series presents Kompactus youth choir delivering a high-energy program driven by rhythm, movement and the pulse of contemporary choral music. Wesley Music Centre, June 3.
• Alec Hunter and Charles Martin present an innovative concert of electronic music featuring custom AI instruments, performances by staff and students from the Sound, Music, and Creative Computing Lab, and new works created using the School of Music’s Historic Keyboard Collection. ANU School of Music, June 3.
• Geoff’s Jazz at Smiths presents the Dan Junor Quartet in tribute to four legendary saxophonists, featuring Slingsby, Pound and Glanville in an evening of dynamic Canberra jazz. Smiths Alternative, June 3.

Galleries

• The Sagarmatha Everest exhibition is a fundraising art event featuring works inspired by Fahmida Suma and Sheikh Lana’s trek to Everest Base Camp. Aarwun Gallery, May 29-31.
• Canberra Contemporary presents Jessika Spencer as the inaugural recipient of the 2026 Platform First Peoples Program, showcasing new work by the emerging artist. Canberra Contemporary, Federation Place, May 29 – June 21.
• The 42nd Artshow@Radford returns with works by established and emerging artists, alongside student artworks inspired by the theme “Sense of Belonging”. Radford College, May 29-31.
• Catherine Ann’s exhibition You Are Here explores place, presence and perception through a new body of work on display in Ainslie. The Q Gallery, May 29 – June 11.
• Maria Fernanda Cardoso’s Spiders of Paradise combines large-scale photographs of Australian peacock spiders with new works from her celebrated photographic series and the video installation On the Origins of Art I-II. Canberra Museum and Gallery, May 30 – August 23.
• Artist Samantha Wortelhock unveils The Resurrection, a collection of new works confronting political, social and environmental issues. Marion Walt Studio, June 1 onward.