Exhale for Melbourne dance
Melbourne City Ballet presents a two-week showcase of new contemporary dance pieces from four top choreographers. Former Royal New Zealand ballet dancer Brendan Bradshaw combines early 20th-century opera, intricate pas de deux and vintage footage for his piece Caruso, and ballet dancer Iona Marques pays tribute to her Brazilian heritage for Ciranda, a work inspired by the hypnotic traditional dance. Rising dance stars Michael Pappalardo and Yuiko Masukawa reflects the everyday life of contemporary society in Grind, while Melbourne City Ballet’s artistic director Michael Pappalardo seeks out curious inspiration for Arachnid.
Exhale, Brunswick Mechanics’ Institute, Melbourne, 7 to 17 May
Alt-J on tour
Their storming debut album An Awesome Wave surfed the charts, and their densely layered, complex electronic harmonies ruled the Aussie festival stages last summer. Now UK indie trio Alt-J return with an East Coast headline tour to celebrate their second album This is all Yours.
Alt-J play Riverstage in Brisbane on 8 May, then Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth
David Malouf in conversation
It’s the only Australian opera to premiere this year. Now award-winning Australian writer David Malouf will join composer Elliott Gyger, librettist Pierce Wilcox, director Imara Savage, and journalist Miriam Cosic to discuss his novel Fly Away Peter, and how it was transformed into an opera with Sydney Chamber Opera.
David Malouf in Conversation, Carriageworks, Sydney, 9 May
Fremantle Heritage festival
From buskers to the industrial waterfront, Fremantle has one of Western Australia’s most diverse arts and cultural scenes. For 10 days each May, the city celebrates its rich historic background, with events like A Sailor’s guide to Fremantle, storytelling from Indigenous artist and bushman Clarrie Cameron, augmented reality tours, the Gangsters n’ Molls social dance and a roller skate disco.
Fremantle Heritage festival, from 8 to 17 May
Judith Lucy: Ask No Questions of the Moth
Australian comedy star Judith Lucy makes a triumphant return after three years away from the stage. In her inimitable way, Lucy takes the challenges of the last year – including her brother’s death and her early menopause – and transforms them into comedy gold.
Judith Lucy plays Wrest Point Entertainment Centre in Hobart on 9 May, then Brisbane, Mackay, Taree, Port Macquarie, Perth, Darwin, Newcastle, Sydney
