New films
Chappie (MA): A police droid is reprogrammed and gains the ability to think for himself.
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them (M): A married couple struggle to deal with a personal tragedy.
Inherent Vice (MA): In 1970, a drug-fuelled Los Angeles detective investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.
Kidnapping Mr Heineken (M): The story of the kidnapping of beer tycoon Alfred "Freddy" Heineken.
Manny Lewis (MA): A stand-up comedian (Carl Barron) has trouble in his personal life.
Top Five (MA): A comedian (Chris Rock) who wants to be taken seriously is about to marry a reality star (Gabrielle Union) on TV.
Saturday
FREE FILM
2pm: These Heathen Dreams, screening at Palace Electric, New Acton, as part of Art, Not Apart is a documentary about avant-garde poet and playwright Christopher Barnett, who lives in self-exile in France, where he runs an experimental theatre laboratory working with the marginalised and underprivileged. In 1993, he returned to Australia to work wirth Canberra's Splinters Theatre of Spectacle, and a 30-minute compilation of the resulting work, Thirst, will also screen.
JUDITH LUCY
5.30pm: Ask No Questions of the Moth is comedian Judith Lucy's new show after a year marked by death and early menopause. Also 7.30pm, Sunday at 6pm. The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre. Bookings: 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au.
THE LORD BYRON 5
6.30pm: The Lord Byron 5 is a band dedicated to performing selected poetical works of Byron in a musical and theatrical act. Teatro Vivaldi, ANU Arts Centre, dinner and show from 6.30pm (prices depend on seat location). Bookings: 6257 2718.
WINE, WRITING AND DANCE
7pm: Canberra writers are joining Folk Dance Canberra for an evening of dance and story at 7pm at Folk Dance Canberra Hall, 114 Maitland Street, Hackett. The night will be a combination of dancing, with the opportunity to participate, listening to some of Canberra's best writing, and chatting with dancers and writers over a glass of wine and some cheese. For information on the venue or dancing, phone Lesley, 6286 6401.
HANDLE IT
7.30pm: In the play Handle It, Kelsey Armitage is an 18-year-old university student whose life is turned upside down when compromising pictures of her are posted on Facebook. From here the play explores the Generation Y experience of intimacy in a world where the internet shapes relationships, pornography is everywhere and young women do their best to cope. The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City West. Also Sunday at 6pm. Bookings: 6247 1223 or thestreet.org.au.
MARY POPPINS
8pm: Free Rain Theatre Company presents the Canberra premiere of the musical about a magical nanny who flies into the lives of the troubled Banks family. Canberra Theatre. Bookings: 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au.
Sunday
BALLOONS
6am: Fantastic balloons will take flight on the final day of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular on the lawns of Old Parliament House. Early risers will be able to enjoy hot breakfasts served by the Belconnen Lions Club, with all proceeds going to the Canberra community. Free for spectators. For balloon flight bookings, phone Balloon Aloft, 6285 1540, or Dawn Drifters, 6285 4450.
DRAW TOGETHER
11am: A workshop at the National Gallery of Australia for all ages (children to be accompanied) teaches art-making in response to works of art. Admission $12/$10 members (includes materials). Meet at the information desk. Until 12.30pm. Bookings: nga.gov.au.
CEILIDH
11am: The Queanbeyan Scottish Ceilidh, an annual free event for the community, is on at the Queanbeyan Conference Centre, 253 Crawford Street, until 4pm and features the Goulburn Soldiers Club Pipes and Drums, the Canberra Celtic Pipe Band, the Queanbeyan Pipes and Drums, the OzScot highland dancers, the Joy Reiher School highland dancers, Celtic choirs, fiddlers, small pipes and a bush poet.
