culture

Adam Ouston For Leigh Carmichael, meeting MONA founder David Walsh was a life-changing moment. Now, as the creative director of DarkLab, Carmichael is changing the way people see culture.

Emma Froggatt Leanne Stojmenov is once again featuring in Graeme Murphy’s Nutcracker, and having recently returned to dance after having a baby, the Australian Ballet’s principal artist says new priorities in her life help her bring a greater depth to the role.

Dave Faulkner As his main muse, Glen Campbell, delivers a final album, songwriter Jimmy Webb looks back at his own career in which he delivered some of American popular music’s best-loved songs.

Elizabeth Flux After years of juggling a day job and creative aspirations, actor and photographer Benjamin Rigby has a breakout role in blockbuster Alien: Covenant. So will previously closed doors begin to open?

Steve Dow Erin Helyard’s fortepiano performances referencing Schubert’s sexuality and syphilis reveal the harpsichord virtuoso and leader of Pinchgut Opera’s strong belief in historical context and personal experience informing musical expression.

Donna Lu

Li Cunxin has waited for the right time to stage Swan Lake at the Queensland Ballet, to be prepared for a visit from his mentor and veteran choreographer Ben Stevenson.

Darryn King

Composer Hans Zimmer’s monumental soundscapes have won him an Oscar for The Lion King and powered Christopher Nolan’s films, but their rapturous reception at rock music festival Coachella took even him by surprise.

Simon Webster Acclaimed short fiction author George Saunders – whose debut novel Lincoln in the Bardo deepens his interest in mortality and grief – talks about youth, fame, and the pleasure of every minute in which you’re not dead.

Romy Ash Whether using toy-like puffins to explore the global financial crisis or woodcut typefaces to examine feminist theory, Emily Floyd’s art is grounded in deep thinking and subtle references.