Teatro de Los Andes, based in Bolivia, offered to stage their "earthquake play" here instead of La Odisea, but were turned down for logistical reasons.

If you are looking for a show that is funny and uplifting, it is unlikely that you would settle on something that has interminable and suicide in its title.

Named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of 50 moments that changed the history of rock and roll.

The stage is dark with just the faint gleam of drum kit, sita, cello, violin and four seated musicians.

When the Basement theatre is packed out at 10pm on a Monday night for a local production based on a 19th century novella by Henry James, I think it is safe to say the Auckland Fringe Festival and the Auckland Arts Festival are going off.

Boldly and cleverly, this Flaxworks solo show is built upon one solitary, striking symbol of celebrity.

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

Set designer John Verryt shows Viva a few of his favourite treasures.

Bernadette Rae talks to the man many consider the guru of New Zealand dance, master choreographer Douglas Wright.

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."

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.

Albuquerque's National Institute of Flamenco preserves and promotes the artistry, history and culture of flamenco and fulfils an educational role through its National Conservatory of Flamenco Arts.

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.