Latest from Arts & Literature

Short and often perfect

I cannot fathom why short stories are not as widely read as they once were when the best of the contemporary work is so entertaining.

Skeletons in closets all over haunted hall

Rachael King clearly didn't exhaust her fascination for the queer Victorian penchant for "collecting" with her award-winning and much-admired debut novel, <i>The Sound of Butterflies</i>.

Rewriting history

Katharine McMahon's haphazard approach to writing has structured her successful career.

Virginity and the city

She's funny, she's had a boob job and she's just written a book that could see her thrown out of her church.

Salt of the earth

Film-maker Roger Donaldson has compiled a photographic scrapbook of Kiwi codger Burt Munro - and has his eyes on a biopic of Ed Hillary.

We need this beating heart

It has been a horrid year on the economic front but the arts have thrived.

<i>TJ McNamara:</i> Gold carrots and white elephants

Blessed with rich variety and verve

The Auckland theatre scene has been busier than ever over the past year, but does quantity mean quality?

Fresh blood hits right note for a grand year

There's been plenty of variety and rich performances in the classical live music scene over the past year.

<i>Review:</i> Christ Almighty! at Basement theatre

50-year mystery over Agatha Christie play finally solved

In the good books

Give your loved ones a book for Christmas and they'll have a lasting gift everyone can share. Our reviewing team offers some tips for all ages and tastes.

Lurking close to home

Scary Kiwi kids' tale <i>Under The Mountain</i> is due in cinemas this week.

A busy life, done very well

<i>TJ McNamara:</i> Transported to an ethereal world

<i>Preview:</i> Yellow River Cantata, Messiah with Auckland Choral

<i>Preview:</i> Rudolph, The Santa Claus Show

Studio opens up its stage secrets