culture

Stephen A. Russell For director Constantine Costi, all the world’s a stage, whether it’s an opera production or a porridge-making competition in a Scottish village.

Jana Perković In the 30 years since Marrugeku’s humble beginnings, artistic directors Dalisa Pigram and Rachael Swain have forged one of Australia’s most significant dance companies.

Max Delany Hany Armanious is an existential sculptor of the everyday, capturing its absurdities while insisting they be taken seriously.

Santilla Chingaipe In the 1970s, WITCH was one of Africa’s biggest bands before fading into obscurity. Now touring Australia’s east coast, they are enjoying the global acclaim they deserve.

Nadine J. Cohen Acclaimed actor and novelist Tasma Walton discovered her inner funny girl in the new television series Reckless.

Debi Enker Over a long and storied career, Sally Wainwright has created some of the most iconic television series of this century, from Happy Valley to Gentleman Jack.

Andy Hazel The maverick Scottish filmmaker behind We Need To Talk About Kevin and You Were Never Really Here returns with Die My Love, a feral, funny story of motherhood and survival.

Santilla Chingaipe British cabaret and opera star Le Gateau Chocolat, who performs next month with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, uses drag to reach his audience’s hearts.

Anthony Mullins His outsider upbringing means Tony Ayres, the brains behind television series such as The Slap, Nowhere Boys and an upcoming drama based on Erin Patterson, is drawn to complex characters.