Courtroom drama has a peculiar capacity to grip an audience.

Decades of hard work for Stephen Daisley, a former shearer, farmer and soldier turned author, have paid off.

Doris is a housewife and businesswoman taking her first steps in the corporate world; George is an accountant away from home at a conference.

The works, for the most part small statues and ceramics, are displayed on carpet mats on the floor.

One New Zealand fiction writer will wake up $50,000 better off on Wednesday thanks to a new literary prize.

The inspiration that got one Auckland teen aiming for the stage was Dorothy, the green and yellow spotted dancing dinosaur on The Wiggles.

There are two Block Parties happening in Auckland: which is the one for you?

COMMENT: You know life can change for a few people to something unrecognisable. But I don't think the basics change, at least with most, writes Alan Duff.

COMMENT: We thought we knew who Americans were, but this year we have seen a new side to their character that has set me wondering about its origins.

An inspirational drama teacher who travelled from Gisborne to England to see actor Jeremy Irons perform in a play had a welcome surprise at its conclusion.

COMMENT: Four hundred years after the writer's death it's time to acknowledge Shakespeare has less to offer the modern world.

Hollins doesn't patronise her young audience by sanitising these pivotal scenes, so parents may want to consider how easily frightened their children are.

This week marks 400 years since the death of our national poet. And yet his characters, the worlds he created, the thoughts he expressed are for all people and all time.

Ian McGuire's story of brutality, greed and whaling - set aboard a boat off the coast of Greenland - is worth seeking out, especially for those of you who are not squeamish.

Listing racist remarks and restrictive stereotypes may seem simplistic at first, but this is mere preparation for some smart theatrics.

COMMENT: It sounds weird but this Broadway musical is a reminder of what is truly great and inspiring about America.

To celebrate its silver jubilee, Tim Bray Productions is bringing back favourite shows from its repertoire and The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch is first.

Extra dates have been added to the Pop Up Globe following "overwhelming demand", organisers have announced.

Australian artist Scott Marsh has painted over his Kanye Loves Kanye mural for $100,000 after it created an international stir.

On April 23, Auckland will be the first city in the world to mark 400 years since the death of playwright William Shakespeare.

Works of two established artists and a newcomer grace Auckland venues this month.

Leaning back in one of the armchairs, Canton speaks of "racial hierarchies" and "exoticism" and whether we're all "a little bit racist".

Kiddie kitsch and darker psychological themes fill Jessie McCall's latest offering, writes Bernadette Rae.

Christophe Rousset, one of the world's top harpsichordists, visits New Zealand next week.

The buyer of a treasured Goldie painting, sold tonight to man from China, will have to ask permission from the Government if he wants to take it out of the country.

A painting by one of the country's leading abstract artists has been sold for more than $40,000, after it was put under the hammer for the very first time since being painted over 40 years ago.

Roger Hall's collaboration with British singer songwriter Peter Skellern throws up an entertaining confection celebrating the joys and hazards of grandparenting.

Mahler's Third Symphony was the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's spectacular contribution to the 2009 Auckland Arts Festival.

At 70, Henare is taking on his biggest role ever as the Sultan in the popular blockbuster Aladdin, which opens in Sydney in August.

Working with the legendary Boulez was an unforgettable experience, says Barenboim.