French dancer-choreographer Rachid Ouramdane's multimedia performance reviewed by Raewyn White

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.

Deep in the Forest is subtitled a Cautionary Cabaret and punters should be cautioned to exercise a certain amount a scepticism when viewing the show's promotional material.

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.

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

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.

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