Set designer John Verryt shows Viva a few of his favourite treasures.

Bernadette Rae talks to the man many consider the guru of New Zealand dance, master choreographer Douglas Wright.

Heroes don't come much kookier than Xerxes. He may be the King of Persia but he opens Handel's opera by extolling the beauties of a plane tree; a man who, as one character comments, "is aroused by a rough trunk."

The latest piece of youth-oriented theatre from Massive Company adopts the admirably egalitarian but dramatically unsatisfying strategy of giving what amounts to a lead role to each member of the 14 person cast.

Jacqueline Smith's week of tv, music and movies.

When is a dance work not a dance work? asks Bernadette Rae about an Arts Festival piece which mixes French intellectualism, untrained performers and Lionel Richie.

Rebecca Barry talks to Kiwi opera singer Kristen Darragh about her drive to perform around the world.

Albuquerque's National Institute of Flamenco preserves and promotes the artistry, history and culture of flamenco and fulfils an educational role through its National Conservatory of Flamenco Arts.

The Fringe festival has exploded into life nowhere more so than at The Basement which is serving up a moveable feast of up to five fast-turn-around shows a night.

The first of 250 artists from around the world have begun to arrive in time for the opening of the Auckland Arts Festival on Wednesday.

Art has the power to comfort and the demise of an Auckland festival wouldn't help Christchurch.

Catherine Smith looks at the best free and family shows on offer during the two major arts festivals showcasing Auckland City this month.

The avant-garde end of Fringe Fest spectrum finds an appropriate niche with a free event held at the base of the stairs that link Saint Kevin's Arcade with Myers Park.

Before they'd even put a toe in the water this week, the Wet Hot Beauties were the media's feel-good, sold-out hit of the summer.

David Larsen talks to career film buff David Thomson about his revised classic.

One of the many funny lines in the profanity-strewn satirical film In The Loop came from the character Jamie Macdonald, the senior press officer in 10 Downing St and the "angriest man in Scotland".

The 37-year-old supermodel and fiancé Jamie Hince have reportedly told pal Tracey Emin to display her work at the reception to celebrate their nuptials.