What to see
Julia by Joanna Murray-Smith stars Justine Clarke as Australia's first female prime minister. In 2012, Julia Gillard gave a speech that sent shockwaves around the world.
This play presents a re-examination of that moment, and a portrait of the woman who made it all happen. Co-produced by Sydney Theatre Company and Canberra Theatre Centre, Julia is both an insight into the person behind the public mask, and a reflection on the experience of women in contemporary politics.
In a coming together of history and art, Murray-Smith's dramatic imagination has rendered a powerful monologue that takes us through key moments in Prime Minister Gillard's life, culminating in a verbatim performance of the 'misogyny speech'.
This return season is on at the Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre until August 11. See: canberratheatrecentre.com.au
What to watch
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Arena has been selected as a live site for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On Saturday, August 4 there will be a Watch Party from 10am to 2pm. Sit back on a bean bag and watch the Games on the big screen.
Apart from the Games themselves, entertainment options include children's face painting, colouring in, sport demonstrations and challenges, free AIS tours every 30 minutes, free entry to Sportex, the interacting sporting exhibit, meet and greet past Olympians and Paralympians to see their medals, and an Olympic podium and photo wall. There will be food trucks selling food and drink at the arena.
You can also head along to the AIS Visitor Centre to watch the Channel 9 broadcast of the Olympics until September 11. The Watch Party is free, but bookings are required. See: events.humanitix.com/olympics-live
Where to laugh
Comedian Urzila Carlson is coming to Canberra with her show Just Jokes. She is a three-time winner of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's People's Choice Award for most tickets sold at the festival.
She is performing at Llewellyn Hall on Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 2 at 7pm. The latter show has sold out already - be quick to get tickets for the other one. See: llewellynhall.com.au for details.
On Saturday, August 3 at the Canberra Theatre at 8pm is the show Tommy Little Has a Regular Size Deck, which is also selling fast. See: canberratheatrecentre.com.au
What to listen to
The master of midfield mayhem Rampaging Roy Slaven and the leading light of long shots HG Nelson cast a collective eye over the world of sport including, of course, the Olympic Games.
Listen to their podcast Bludging on the Blindside. See: abc.net.au/listen/podcasts
What to admire
French culture isn't all about the Olympics. Gauguin's World: Tna Iho, Tna Ao is on display at the National Gallery of Australia until October 7 where you can explore French Post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin's art and controversial legacy.
The exhibition will reveal that Gauguin belonged to the art and themes of his time and how contemporary perspectives can enable new readings of his work. See: nga.gov.au
