Polite Society’s Social Diary – September

Playwright Daniel Keene wrote Mother in just 10 days, with one actor in mind for the role: Noni Hazlehurst, one of Australia’s most highly regarded performers. This month, she resumes this acclaimed one-woman show, playing Christie, an older woman who is living on the streets, struggling with her mental health and isolation. Not an easy play to experience, perhaps, but still an unmissable piece of theatre. Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne, September 4-21

How do we create more inclusive cities, which encompass sustainability, cultural cohesion and plenty of space? Answers on a postcard, or you can attend one of the talks by world-renowned architects and designers taking place in Sydney Design Week. Highlights include the chance to hear from Sumayya Vally, the artistic director of the inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale and the youngest architect to design London’s annual Serpentine Pavilion, and Professor Anna Puigjaner, co-founder of Barcelona-based architecture studio MAIO, talking about collective kitchens and shared social space. Various venues, September 13-19

It's billed as one of the most important events on the cultural calendar – and

Sydney Contemporary certainly attracts a well-heeled crowd over its four-day run at Carriageworks. This year, more than 85 galleries are showing their artists’ work, alongside a program of live performance, talks and installations, including a 20-metre-wide gibbon on the roof (listen out for its lovelorn calls). Carriageworks, Sydney, September 4-8

Featuring more than 20 of her iconic songs, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical promises to have Melbourne audiences on their feet for, well, as much of the show as they can get away with. Since its premiere in 2018 (earning three Olivier Award nominations), this high-energy musical has toured the world to rave reviews, telling Tina’s remarkable story from humble beginnings in Nutbush Tennessee to international superstar. Her first husband, the abusive Ike, is dispatched at the end of Act One, clearing the way for hits like ‘Private Dancer’, ‘Disco Inferno’ and ‘The Best’. Princess Theatre, Melbourne, from September 21

To be honest, we’d happily read Don Watson’s thoughts on drying paint, but it’s nevertheless a relief to know his latest essay tackles the infinitely more fascinating subject of the upcoming US election. His Quarterly Essay – High Noon: Trump, Harris and America – is published by Black Inc. on September 16, and he’ll be discussing it at, among other places, The Wheeler Centre with Sally Warhaft on September 5, and Canberra with political analyst Professor Mark Kenny on September 17. We’ll be stocking up on conversation points for the inevitable dinner party discussions in the next two months.

And continuing the political theme, Julia arrives at the Sydney Opera House this month for an encore season after its sold-out tour last year. Justine Clarke once again steps into the role of Australia’s first female prime minister as she deals with scrutiny and sexism from the media and her parliamentary colleagues. The famous ‘misogyny’ speech is as powerful as ever; if you missed out on seeing Julia last year, we recommend seizing the opportunity now. Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, from September 5

If you don’t recognise the name Alphonse Mucha, you may know his art – this Czech expat was one of the pioneers of Art Nouveau illustration and design, becoming one of the most influential artists of the period. Those famous posters of superstar actress Sarah Bernhardt, all flowing hair and curled fonts, or those typically Parisian adverts for everything from champagne to Nestlé baby milk? All Mucha’s work. The Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW brings together a selection of his illustrations, jewellery, interior decoration, photographs and more, and shines a well-deserved light  on his talent and incredible life story. Don’t miss out on its final few weeks. Art Gallery of New South Wales, until September 22