The risk is part of the itching in the oyster shell that makes the pearl. It's an essential part of what makes the performing arts so exciting.

Auckland's Nightsong Productions and Theatre Stampede have premiered in Wellington a joyous, theatrical tour de force.

Mark Amery reviews 11 and 12 at the New Zealand Arts Festival.

Comedy co-stars Jaquie Brown and Madeleine Sami are dancing to another tune.

Director Colin McColl moves Oscar Wilde's satire to contemporary times.

New Zealanders are guaranteed a special buzz at the latest MetOpera presentation, opening next week.

A 6am powhiri for two hundred international artists kicked off the 2010 New Zealand International Arts Festival on Wellington's waterfront this morning.

Former festival junkie Mark Amery re-emerges as a critic and commentator for the NZ International Arts Festival opening in Wellington today.

It's called Fresh Produce but it has nothing to do with farmers' markets or the current vogue for home-grown vegetables.

Terry Pratchett's alternate world as seen in the latest National Theatre film offering has a Kiwi tang.

There's a new musical coming to town and it sounds like it's Sesame Street crossed with Peter Jackson's sordid black comedy Meet the Feebles.

Leaving for work, a buttoned-up English banker asks his housewife: "Is your lover coming today?"

Touching operatic allegory parallels lives of man and beast.

Just imagine. If the French had colonised the South Island, Christchurch would be chic.