The Japanese Princess Lyric Opera
Friday, March 17 – Saturday, March 18 (Various times) | Chapel Off Chapel (12 Little Chapel St, Prahran)
Photo via Lyric Opera of Melbourne Facebook page.
Directed by Miki Oikawa, the Lyric Opera offers a stark depiction of imperial Japan, scattered with intermittent moments of whimsy and romance. The narrative follows Kornelis, an art student with an infatuation for the Orient, and its unknown capacity. Amidst the turmoil with his fiance Lena, the performance explores relationships, internationalism, and the pursuit for purpose in a succinct one hour single-act.
Husband and wife duo Robert and Kate McFarlane bring this 1962 lesser known masterpiece by Camille Saint Saëns to life in a production that’s bound to keep opera regulars and newer audiences on the edge of their seats.
With a fusion of theatre and movement, and an inclusion of songs sung in French, this performance is sure to shatter any preconceptions about traditional Opera formats and is built upon a foundation of intricate set design, artistic direction, and expressive choreography.
For those looking to try something new, tickets are available on the official website.
Trio Agogo
Saturday March 18 (6.00pm – 8.00pm) | The Wesley Anne (250 High St, Northcote)
Image via Wikipedia
Setting sail across the seas to the coasts of Brazil, Trio Agogo offers an experience in a contemporary music genre that originated in 19th century Rio de Janeiro.
Showcasing the ‘Choro’ and ‘Samba’, this live show explores this instrumental style with lively beats, subtle modulations, and dashes and improvisation. With a history performing in the back alleys of Brazil and South America, Trio Agogo provide unique insight into the gradually diminishing art of rhythmic sounds.
Adam May takes the helm of this band, playing a European string guitar (cavaquinho). He’s accompanied by Paul Carey and Al McGrath- Kerr, making the trio a dynamic team.
For those with a penchant for dancing, music, and letting their hair down this event makes for a perfect night out.
For more information, head to their website.
Melbourne Queer Film Festival 2017
Thursday, March 16 – Monday, March 27 (Various times) | Various venues
For those looking to kick their feet up after a strenuous week, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival offers an opportunity to do just that.
Now running in its 23rd year, the festival offers an insight into a relatively unexplored niche in film; queer narratives. Boasting two Melbourne-based feature films and never before attempted 3D session, there’s something in it for just about everyone.
Head to the Festival Lounge (Beer DeLuxe, Flinders St) where you’ll find a selection of beverages, food, and musical entertainment between screenings. If a film is leaving you wanting more, check out the various panels the festival has on offer, discussing everything from representation to funding creative projects.
If you’re after an immersive learning experience, the festival has got you covered. On the big screen are multiple award-winning documentaries including Call Me Kuchu (whereby an activist works against a legislation that makes homosexuality punishable by death in Uganda), I Am Gay and Muslim (focusing on the intersection between homosexuality and Islam), and The British Guide to Showing Off (charting the Miss World Beauty Pageant).
For more information on how you can get tickets or to see what’s screening, head to their website.
Carlton Harmony Concert
Sunday March 19 (3.00pm – 6.00pm) | Neill Street Reserve, Carlton
Image supplied.
With a diverse range of talent, the Carlton Harmony Concert is a great way to spend the last few hours of your weekend. Currently booked in are Dun Dun Kan (a West-African drumming group), and Rudy v Alliance with many more set to grace the stage on Sunday.
Open to all Carlton residents and beyond, this free event also boasts multicultural food stalls and the opportunity to purchase various goods and crafts.
Bring your own picnic, rug and anything else you might need to stay comfortable during the afternoon.
For an upbeat way to cap off your weekend, check out the event listing over at That’s Melbourne’s website.