Chantal Nguyen

is an award-winning arts writer.

By this author

Culture September 09, 2023

Artist William Kentridge

Before the Australian premiere of his latest work, Sibyl, at the Sydney Opera House, animator, director and visual artist William Kentridge reveals that the moment when a work begins to catch fire is always mysterious.

Culture July 29, 2023

ATI: A Dance Reckoning of Truth, Place and Belonging

NAISDA’s new production explores the systemic inequality faced by Indigenous Australians.

Culture September 09, 2023

Miss Saigon

As problematic as some believe Miss Saigon is, the crowd-pleasing Vietnam War-set musical is the only current big-ticket production to showcase Asian talent.

Culture July 15, 2023

Bell Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

Peter Evans’s production of Romeo and Juliet for Bell Shakespeare brings the young lovers into an everyday world.

Culture May 06, 2023

Burrbgaja Yalirra 2

From maps of Country to ancient gods, Marrugeku’s showcase of new dance works, Burrbgaja Yalirra 2, allows its artists to explore the connections between ancestors and the present day.

Culture April 15, 2023

Sydney Theatre Company’s Julia

Sydney Theatre Company’s Julia is not so much about the former prime minister as a historically dubious showcase for the speech that made Gillard internationally famous.

Culture January 21, 2023

Sydney Festival 2023

Amid a rich menu of work at this year’s Sydney Festival, the new opera Antarctica is a standout.

Culture December 10, 2022

Pinchgut Opera’s Médée

Pinchgut Opera’s contemporary production of Médée is musically glorious, if a little static in its staging.

Culture November 05, 2022

Hundreds + Thousands

The message of Luke George and Daniel Kok’s performance Hundreds + Thousands is lost in its assault on the audience.

Culture June 18, 2022

Bangarra’s Terrain

Bangarra’s vast hymn to Country shows the company has a bright future under incoming artistic director Frances Rings.