Polite Society’s March Social Diary
Celebrate the start of autumn with Michelin-starred food and fashion
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It isn’t cheap at $685 a head for a multi-course menu (and snacks!), but then dining at Mirazur isn’t something one does every day. It’s a chance to indulge in food that is, apparently, “rooted in the link between heaven and earth and the influence of the Moon and planets on plants”. This month, chef-owner Mauro Colagreco brings his hugely acclaimed three-Michelin-star eatery from the French Côte d’Azur to Sydney for a three-week residency at Pier One hotel’s The Gantry restaurant. 11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay; March 10-31.
A Palestinian Australian (Hazem Shammas) as the Scottish general, a former Home and Away star (Jessica Tovey) as his conniving wife – and a female Banquo (Julia Billington). Bell Shakespeare’s artistic director Peter Evans wasn’t kidding when he told The Sydney Morning Herald that “the way we do Shakespeare might be a little more flexible”. Witness the moral quagmire that is Macbeth at the Sydney Opera House until April 2, and Arts Centre Melbourne from April 27.
At Powerhouse Late this month, you can take a curator-led tour of the landmark Zampatti Powerhouse retrospective, hear members of Carla’s fashion team in conversation, watch Zampatti-themed films – including the 1965 Opera House Fashion Spectacular – listen to live music and a DJ set, and celebrate the designer’s Italian heritage at the bar. 500 Harris Street, Ultimo; March 16.
And there’s more (fashion) at the Melbourne Fashion Festival. Premium runways include the ultra-modern Utopia and eco-minded Envision, while lovers of vintage shouldn’t miss the National Trust’s Vintage Runway event at Vault in the Block Arcade. Another highlight? Yuwaalaraay woman Julie Shaw of Maara Collective talking Country and creativity at the NGV). March 3-11.
Extend your International Women’s Day celebrations (March 8) into the weekend at All About Women, a three-day festival of feminism at the Sydney Opera House. The 25-event program is nothing if not eclectic: from original riot grrls Bikini Kill in concert and 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame in conversation, to a dance workshop with south Asian troupe Bindi Bosses and a reading circle focused on the #metoo movement. SOH; March 11 to 13.
Rob Brydon might be best known as the foil to comedian Steve Coogan in the BBC’s acclaimed The Trip, but the mellifluous Welshman is stand-alone funny, as you’ll witness in A Night of Songs & Laughter. Sydney’s State Theatre, March 17-19; Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, March 23-25.
Less hilarious, but perhaps better for your health: Dr Michael Mosley, the guru behind intermittent fasting and the “what’s-not-to-love” one-minute exercise regime, who promises to explore the inner-workings of the body in his Evening of Discovery. Hear him, with his co-author and wife Dr Claire Bailey, at the State Theatre, March 23, and The Palais in Melbourne, March 25.
One of the world’s most-loved operas performed against the backdrop of what is arguably the world’s greatest urban harbour. What’s not to love about Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s 2023 season of Madama Butterfly? Delicate Cio-Cio-San and dastardly Pinkerton might be centrestage, but pop-up eateries, great bars and fireworks make fabulous co-stars. Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point; March 24 to April 23.
