This weekend, admire the creations of Sydney-based artist George Raftopoulos at Praxis Artspace, listen to acclaimed journalist Annabel Crabb spill the beans on her encounters with politicians, or check out one of the many other fabulous Fringe productions.

Words Charlie Gilchrist

Art with a message

Sydney-based artist George Raftopoulos’s paintings have been compared to ancient Greek fabulist Aesop, with them conveying visual fables and moral lessons. Drawing on his experience as a Greek migrant growing up in a small country town, George’s art explores themes such as our inhumanity to one another, the human condition and musings on politics, philosophy and life. George’s paintings are held in numerous public and private collections and have been displayed extensively over the past two decades, including at the Greek Embassy in Canberra and the Paris Print Biennial. Praxis Artspace in Bowden will be presenting George’s works in the George Raftopoulos: They Walk Amongst Us exhibition until March 30.

The Grilling Season with Annabel Crabb

Acclaimed journalist Annabel Crabb will be making her way to the Adelaide Fringe this month for The Grilling Season with Annabel Crabb. Annabel is the ABC’s chief online political writer and is well-known for her Kitchen Cabinet TV series, where she has informal dinner table chats with Australian politicians. Throughout its seven seasons, Annabel has interviewed politicians including Christopher Pyne and Jacqui Lambie. As presenter, she has sampled every point of the culinary arc, from canapes at the Lodge to the perilous pursuit of mud crabs in croc-infested waters. In her Fringe show, Annabel is spilling the tea on her strangest and most hilarious political encounters. Hear the tale of gnocchi that foretold the end of a political career, the scariest salad in politics and the amazing things you can learn from onions. The show runs until March 17 at Gluttony.

Fringe season continues…

Fringe season continues next week with an array of shows from circus to theatre, cabaret and more. The South Australian Circus Centre will present two shows at the Fringe this year – BYPASS and Girl Talk. BYPASS is an acrobatic show that takes you on an evocative journey through the complexities of human nature and the intrinsic need to participate in a collective, while Girl Talk is a physical theatre performance that defies stereotypes and celebrates the strength of female voices. Also on this weekend is Demagogue at Holden Street Theatres, which recounts the story of a student who is in trouble for her political activism graffiti on school grounds.

Hope for the future

Have you ever wondered what the future might look like if we don’t address urgent issues such as protecting the environment and wildlife, preserving cultural heritage and looking after our collective wellbeing? In HARBINGERS: Care or Catastrophe, five diverse artists explore these questions through unique media such as painting, sculpture and weaving. This exhibition is curated by Lauren Mustillo and Fulvia Mantelli and includes works from artists Chris De Rosa, Lara Tilbrook, Ellen Trevorrow, Clancy Warner and Laura Willis, who all have a strong connection to regional South Australia. Their art delves into themes including rising sea levels, migration policies, catastrophic fire events and ongoing colonialism. The free art show is touring the state but is currently showing at the Walkway Gallery in Bordertown until April 23.

Soiree at Ayers House

Built in the 19th century for then-South Australian premiere Henry Ayers, Ayers House is the last survivor of the prestigious mansions that once lined North Terrace. This Fringe season, you are invited to this marvellous historic manor for the Ayers House Lawn Party. Over an incredible eight nights, dance to music from the Flames and Back-to-Back while you enjoy a drink from Tomich Wines and Threefold Distilling. The event transforms Ayers House every Friday and Saturday until March 16.