1. Aroldo

On the return of the Saxon Knight, Aroldo, his beloved Mina becomes more and more agitated as she reveals that she has had an affair with the adventurous Godvino. With tensions brewing between Egberto, Mina’s father, and Godvino, a sword fight breaks out. Soon Aroldo is told the truth. Godvino escapes the sword fighting, taking Mina with him. Will Mina be punished for her sin or will Aroldo, with thought overpowered by love, forgive his beloved Mina? Verdi’s 1850 opera Stiffelio met with relentless opposition from the censor of the day, vanishing from sight for over a century. Seven years later Verdi overhauled it, relocating its time and setting, adding a new final act and relaunching it as Aroldo.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN, Monday, March 20, to Saturday, March 25. Details: 020 8534 0310

2. Oedipus

Redbridge Youth Theatre Workshop have created a brand new interpretation of Sophocles’ most famous work. Casting Oedipus as a displaced person in the modern world of people trafficking and internment camps they use this classic tragedy to explore themes of fate, destiny and truth.

Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB, Tuesday, March 21, to Friday, March 25, 8pm. Details: 020 8708 8800

3. Africarmen

Through a synthesis of ballet, contemporary and African dance, Zimbabwean-born choreographer Bawren Tavaziva’s reinterpretation of the Carmen story is powerfully performed by six stunning dancers. Appearing on the London stage for the final time.

Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham Green, N15 4RX, Tuesday, March 21, 7.30pm. Details: 0208 365 5450

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Alice In Wonderland

4. Alice’s Adventures

The Chelmsford Ballet Company presents a fresh look at the story and characters of an age old favourite. Lose yourself in a world of magic and mystery; the Mad Hatter, grins without cats, white rabbits, eat me drink me potions and cakes and shrinking Alice. Spot your favourite childhood characters as they tumble through Wonderland and the looking glass.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Wednesday, March 22, 7.30pm. Details: 01245 606505

5. Imagine Moscow

Drawing on rarely seen material, Imagine Moscow presents an idealistic vision of the Soviet capital that was never realised. Large-scale architectural drawings are supported by artwork, propaganda and publications from the period. Taken together, these unbuilt projects suggest an alternative reality for the city, offering a unique insight into the culture of the time. Each of the six projects presented in the exhibition introduce a theme relevant to life and ideology in the Soviet Union.

Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, Kensington, W8 6AG, until Sunday, June 4. Details: 020 3862 5900

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: PICASSO: Weeping Woman  (20445001)

6. The Ey Exhibition: Picasso 1932 – Love, Fame, Tragedy

See the first solo exhibition of Pablo Picasso’s work ever to be held at Tate Modern. Taking visitors on a month-by-month journey through 1932, a time pivotal in Picasso’s life. Over the course of this year he created some of his best loved works. More than 100 outstanding paintings, sculptures and works on paper demonstrate his prolific and restlessly inventive character.

Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG, until Saturday, September 9. Details: 020 7887 8888

7. Running Wild

Michael Morpurgo’s novel is brought to lush life with extraordinary heart, vibrant colour and exceptional creativity, wowing audiences of all ages.

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ, Wednesday, March 22, to Saturday, March 25. Details: 02089 852424

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Amy Winehouse

8. Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait

Discover the woman behind the music in this intimate and moving exhibition about a much-loved sister. Get to know the real Amy Winehouse through her personal belongings, from family photographs to fashion. Items on display reflect Amy’s love for her family, London and more. Originally staged at the museum in 2013 and returning following an international tour, Amy Winehouse: Family Portrait was co-curated with Winehouse’s brother Alex and sister-in-law Riva. The exhibition is accompanied by a new Amy-themed street art trail which leads to ‘Love Is A Losing Game’ by renowned street artist Pegasus.

Jewish Museum London, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB, from Thursday, March 16. Details: 020 7284 7384