(Photo credit: Sydney Opera House)
Carmen
Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Opera Australia presents the evergreen opera classic, Georges Bizet’s Carmen. The sultry gypsy Carmen seduces soldier Don José, after which they flee the city, with him simultaneously running away from his military responsibilities and his betrothed Micaela. However, true chaos begins when Carmen betrays him, falling in love with the toreador Escamillo instead.
Bennelong Point, Sydney. Until Mar 23. From A$46.
Brisbane Comedy Festival
Multiple locations in Brisbane, Australia
The popular Brisbane Comedy Festival is back for its ninth year. This year’s festival presents a line-up of 70 local and international comedians, with names both fresh and established in the mix. With acts ranging from stand-up to comedy sketches and everything in between, your funny bone will be in for a good tickle no matter what your tastes in humour are.
For more information, visit www.brisbanecomedyfestival.com. Feb 23 to Mar 25.
Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Medium
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Follow celebrated photographer Robert Mapplethorpe’s pursuit of “perfection in form” in the 1970s and 1980s. The exhibition showcases over 200 works, portraying a wide and varied range of subjects, including flowers and cultural idols such as Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Louise Bourgeois and Isabella Rossellini. As an openly gay man and a strong advocate for homosexual rights throughout the American gay liberation movement, Mapplethorpe’s works also shed light on homoerotic desire through erotic imagery and depiction of the New York gay scene.
Art Gallery Road, The Domain 2000, Sydney. Daily, 10am-5pm. A$18 (adult), A$16 (concession). Until Mar 4.
