The Stage Show

What makes a leader, a super star? Director Saheem Ali has turned Shakespeare's Richard II, a tale of political intrigue and enmity, into a radio serial for our times; and nearing age 90, conductor Richard Bonynge reflects on the exquisite vocal style that made his wife Dame Joan Sutherland, La Stupenda, a legend.

Plus, The Telephone: a bright dose of opera for a Zoom-weary audience.

What makes a leader, a super star? Director Saheem Ali has turned Shakespeare's Richard II, a tale of political intrigue and enmity, into a radio serial for our times; and nearing age 90, conductor Richard Bonynge reflects on the exquisite vocal style that made his wife Dame Joan Sutherland, La Stupenda, a legend.

Plus, The Telephone: a bright dose of opera for a Zoom-weary audience.

Actor and singer Zahra Newman on performing a one-woman version of the claustrophobic Wake In Fright, and the hit musical The Book of Mormon.

Also, musical theatre lovers celebrate Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton, now on the small screen. And calming breathing techniques, for performance and life.

Actor and singer Zahra Newman on performing a one-woman version of the claustrophobic Wake In Fright, and the hit musical The Book of Mormon.

Also, musical theatre lovers celebrate Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton, now on the small screen. And calming breathing techniques, for performance and life.

Does the diversification of mainstage theatre amplify or co-opt marginalised voices? Ilbijerri Theatre Company is one of Australia's only companies creatively controlled by Indigenous artists. We meet their artistic director, Rachael Maza.

Also, we discuss August Wilson's famous The Ground on Which I Stand speech about the need to fund black arts organisations in America and visit the company that developed his first play: Penumbra Theatre in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Does the diversification of mainstage theatre amplify or co-opt marginalised voices? Ilbijerri Theatre Company is one of Australia's only companies creatively controlled by Indigenous artists. We meet their artistic director, Rachael Maza.

Also, we discuss August Wilson's famous The Ground on Which I Stand speech about the need to fund black arts organisations in America and visit the company that developed his first play: Penumbra Theatre in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The indefatigable Tim Minchin has achieved worldwide success as a comedian, composer, actor and writer, but twenty years ago he wanted to be known as a singer-songwriter.

Also, Alan Cumming shares his Best Advice and we learn about the Alexander Technique — an approach to movement developed by a Tasmanian orator in the 1890s.

The indefatigable Tim Minchin has achieved worldwide success as a comedian, composer, actor and writer, but twenty years ago he wanted to be known as a singer-songwriter.

Also, Alan Cumming shares his Best Advice and we learn about the Alexander Technique — an approach to movement developed by a Tasmanian orator in the 1890s.

Australia's highly awarded soprano Emma Matthews shares stories from her life — from a childhood at sea, to achieving international renown, and teaching young singers to stay grounded while portraying characters who meet bitter ends.

Also, in theatre-mad Estonia a young woman with no experience as a theatregoer is challenged to see every production in the country over a 12-month period.

Australia's highly awarded soprano Emma Matthews shares stories from her life — from a childhood at sea, to achieving international renown, and teaching young singers to stay grounded while portraying characters who meet bitter ends.

Also, in theatre-mad Estonia a young woman with no experience as a theatregoer is challenged to see every production in the country over a 12-month period.