Here’s HELEN MUSA’s latest Arts in the City column. 

The Drawer Boy, a modern classic of Canadian theatre by Michael Healey, is coming to town. Directed by Zac Bridgman, the plot follows Miles, a young actor who moves in with two ageing bachelor farmers to do research for a new play and finds more than enough theatrical material in his two new housemates. Belconnen Arts Centre, August 21-30. 

At last, National Opera’s production of Richard Strauss’s opera, Der Rosenkavalier, in condensed form, will take the stage under the direction of Caroline Stacey, with Rowan Harvey-Martin holding the baton. The Street Theatre, August 23-31. 

Inferno, Mikaela Stafford’s free, immersive installation, centres on a large-scale resin sculpture that emerges from a 12-metre digital screen to blend 3D motion graphics, kinetic sculpture and dynamic lighting with a soundscape by Kate Durman. At the National Film and Sound Archive, August 22-November 16.

Opening at the same time around the corner, at the ANU Drill Hall Gallery, will be Light Source, which celebrates the role of light in abstract and expanded cinema. Curated by Martyn Jolly and Tony Oates, August 22-October 19.

In a concert postponed from June, Turkish-Australian soprano Ayşe Göknur Shanal returns to Canberra with a passion project, a concert of all-Cuban music simply titled, Cuba. Smith’s Alternative, Civic, August 21.

The National Capital Orchestra’s Community Play Day 2025 will allow local musicians aged 16 and over to rehearse and perform alongside a full symphony orchestra in a one-day celebration. Audience members are welcome to attend the 4pm “play through” concert. Albert Hall, August 24. 

The Australian Haydn Ensemble will be here with Haydn’s Miracle, works by Schubert, Purcell and, of course, Haydn. Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, August 21.