AustLit

'Inspired by the true story of Estee Lee and written by her sister shake & stir's Nelle Lee, Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! is a confronting, honest, heart-warming retelling of Tae’s journey from heartbreaking loss to a life top full of adventure, success and love. All bolstered by the support of a phenomenal family and a loving community – and a fabulously flawed Drag Queen.

'Paralysed at six years old in a car accident, Tae struggles to come to terms with her readjusted reality. Lying in her hospital bed after yet another spinal surgery, she questions what the future holds for her and her family. 

'Resigned to let go of her futile fantasies, Tae’s world is suddenly flipped upside down by the loud and proud arrival of her fabulous Fairy Godmother – magic dust at the ready and poised to rewrite the narrative. 

'Together, they embark on a glittery adventure that challenges outdated notions of happily ever after and proves that true joy and fulfilment can be found in the most unexpected – and FABULOUS – of places.

'Featuring internationally renowned Drag Queen Maxi Shield (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and introducing Maya Dove as Tae, supported by a cast of QLD favourites, Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! is a magical, camp, song and dance fairy tale of epic proportions with a heart of glittery gold.'

Source: Brisbane Festival.

'The year is 1999 and Shannon has a secret

'Shannon Molloy is a year 9 student at an all-boys rugby-mad Catholic school in regional Queensland, with a secret that no one can ever find out. Shannon is gay.

'Based on the best-selling memoir by award-winning journalist Shannon Molloy, Fourteen is the inspirational true story of growing up gay in central Queensland, transformed into a powerful must-see theatre production by nationally acclaimed shake & stir theatre co.

'Set to a nostalgic mixtape of 90s bangers from all your faves, from Shania Twain to The Spice Girls, Fourteen addresses the trials and tribulations of growing up with honesty, humour and heart. Equal parts uplifting and heart-wrenching, we follow Shannon in a year of self-discovery set amidst a backdrop of torment, bullying and betrayal – not just at the hands of his peers, but by the adults who were meant to protect him.

'This moving coming-of-age memoir about adversity and tragedy is also a story of resilience, hope and hilarity – thanks to the love of a group of close-knit friends, a fiercely protective family, an extraordinary mother and... S Club 7. So press play on your discman, lose yourself in a pumping 90s pop remix and take a technicoloured trip back to your teens. This is Fourteen.' (Production summary)

'Big Brother is back.

'The sold-out production that stunned audiences in 2012 returns in 2014 following a five-month national tour. Strap yourself in for this terrifically frightening theatrical event directed by Michael Futcher set against a towering wall of plasma screens.

'Oceania; a Nation perpetually at war, where cameras watch every move and Thought Police roam the streets. A place Winston Smith calls home. By day, Winston is an editor at the Ministry of Truth, rewriting history to align the past with the current political agenda of the ruling party and its illusive leader, Big Brother. By night, Winston pursues a forbidden love affair with a mysterious woman in an attempt to rebel against Big Brother's oppressive regime and maintain some control over his otherwise totally controlled life.

'When Winston and his love are discovered, they are violently separated, detained and prepared for reintegration back into society. But can human nature truly be changed?

'From the team that brought you Animal Farm, this new adaptation brings George Orwell's final novel screaming into the present. ' (Production summary)

'The creative powerhouse behind the smash hit, sell out productions Animal Farm and 1984, return in 2013 with a new Australian play.

'Directed by Michael Futcher and featuring a cast of some of Queensland's finest actors, 'Tequila Mockingbird' visits themes of racial prejudice, the perversion of justice and the consequences of alcohol abuse, all in a uniquely Australian context.

'After a woman is attacked in a remote Australian town, the racist underbelly rears its head as the community targets a young Indian Doctor who has recently relocated to the area. Only one local man possesses the strength to uncover the truth and defend the accused in the ultimate fight for what’s right but first, he must take care of other matters, a little closer to home.

'Don’t miss this bold, brave new work examining a darker side of Australian culture lurking just below the surface. ' (Source: www.qpac.com.au/event/Tequila_Mockingbird_13.aspx )

'Studying Shakespeare Suckeths

'STATESPEARE', the Helpmann Award-nominated show that audiences (of all ages) across the country adored, is back and Barder than ever… For two nights only!

'Is Shakespeare still relevant? It’s the first rehearsal for the year 12’s Performance Task and Lachlan and Nerys know that with their knowledge of The Bard they cannot fail. Their allocated group members Jay and Rob don’t know the difference between Shakespeare and Schwarzenegger.

'As this mismatched foursome battle it out on the drama room floor they surprise and shock themselves as they gain a greater understanding of Shakespeare’s most famous plays including Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Titus Andronicus, Much Ado About Nothing, Othello, The Taming of the Shrew and Hamlet.

'Fast-paced and hilarious, don’t miss this very special opportunity to catch STATESPEARE as part of the 2013 Inaugural QLD Youth Shakespeare Festival. The Festival gives high school students the chance to compete against other talented Shakespeare fans for the chance to be part of a live Shakespeare stage show. The general public is encouraged to come along to the finals and see the students competing for this exciting opportunity.

'Originally co-produced with La Boite Theatre Company.' (Source: Brisbane Powerhouse website)