AustLit

“I believe in touch. I believe in song. I believe she remembers him. I believe the perfect girl can always meet the perfect boy. I believe we are not alone in the universe.” 

'A father prepares himself for the day he lets go of his daughter’s hand. A young man breaks up with his girlfriend so they can both follow their dreams. A couple play nice in public to hide the fractures at home. A woman rebuilds herself along with a flood-devastated city. A working mum contemplates taking the photographs of her late husband down from the fridge. A grandmother dreams of seeing her grandson’s face. A renowned 100-year-old scientist ponders the one great earthly puzzle he was never able to solve: 'What is love?' 

'Inspired by a personal moment of profound love and generosity, bestselling author – and one of Australia's finest journalists – Trent Dalton spent two months in 2021 gathering stories on his sky-blue 1960s Olivetti typewriter, on a prominent street corner in Brisbane’s CBD.

'Speaking to Australians from all walks of life, he asked them one simple thing: 'Can you please tell me a love story?'

'What followed was Dalton’s unashamedly joyous collection of Love Stories, and the creative team behind the smash-hit page-to-stage adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe (Sam Strong and Tim McGarry) reuniting to bring to life Dalton’s latest warm, wise, poignant, funny and moving story about love, in all its guises.'

Source: Brisbane Festival.

'Weave your web and make your mark.

'Underneath a crafter’s cart lived a lively young arachnid. Fancy Long Legs was her name, and she was easily distracted.

'Fancy Long Legs is a brand-new glittery and vibrant musical adventure for children, based on a new picture book by Brisbane’s international tinsel and craft icon, Rachel Burke.

'Fancy Long Legs is the story of Fancy, a spider who loves to create but struggles to stay focused on her creative task of web-building. With the support of her friends, Fancy goes on a beautiful journey of self-discovery to find her own style and make something no one else can.

'This uplifting story takes a wholesome and relatable look at neurodivergence, offering a playful and glitter-covered adventure of acceptance, staying true to yourself and finding friends who love you and celebrate your differences.'

Source: La Boite Theatre.

'On 8 May 1968, a group of remarkable Torres Strait Islander workers on the vast expanse of the Mount Newman railway construction project shattered a world record as they laid down an astonishing 7km of track in a single day, an unparalleled feat that still stands unchallenged. At the heart of their extraordinary achievement is the power of song – songs that are unique to Australia, that tell a passionate and inspiring story.

'Straight from the Strait pays homage to the stories of these Torres Strait Islander men and women who ventured far from their homes in pursuit of employment on the mainland. Amid the gruelling labour, they discovered a sense of camaraderie that transcended boundaries. Their sweat and toil laid the foundation for Australia’s emergence as an industrial nation.

'This production reverberates with the power of song, a harmonious fusion of traditional Torres Strait music and contemporary melodies. Through the vibrant ancestral languages of Meriam Mir, Kala Lagaw Ya and Torres Strait Creole combined with English and the backbeat of a contemporary band, it tells a tale that pulses with passion and inspiration.

'Developed through collaboration and consultation with the Yumpla Nerkep Foundation and Torres Strait Islander artists, Elders, and communities, this project is led by a team of First Nations creatives, performers, musicians, and cultural advisors.

'We acknowledge the many Torres Strait Islander families and artists who have generously contributed to this project.'

Source: Opera Queensland.

'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.

'“My feet walk on land that is red blood soaked. Black burnt, yellow sun-drenched country. Stories from thousands of years. Songs eternally kept on the wind and water. I honour lines that have been cut. Poisoned, shot and led to the cliff’s edge. Those who passed to the spirit world before their kin could arrive from the dreaming to continue a physical lineage.”

'Remembering the stories that remain unwritten and unspoken, returned to the earth and stars that they arrived from. Acknowledging that First Nations people are descendants of those who fought for land, family and identity. Not everyone continued to walk this physical world, many returned to the spirit world.

'Kuramanunya honours them. Kuramanunya. The story is told.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Meet Ruby Semblance, a 21-year-old idealist. She believes in art, music and angry choreography. Ruby is the lead singer/songwriter of Kitty Litter. Not Kitty Litter ‘the band’ mind you – according to Ruby, an ‘Onstage Conceptual Art / Music Oriented Happening.’

'If that sounds unappealing, you are right. Kitty Litter have been together for four years, played five hundred shows, and have one fan. One.

'One fateful day Kitty Litter take the stage to be greeted by a sold-out audience… of small children. It turns out their furious protest song Bananaland has accidentally become a runaway kids hit. 

'Is Kitty Litter destined to become the next Wiggles? Spoiler: yes! And it’s our total delight as the audience to witness them rail against this destiny. Do they allow themselves to be consumed with the notion of ‘selling out’ or do they buy into their accidental ‘kids’ band’ fame?

'Their journey is a rollercoaster romp full of heart, music, comedy, pathos and lovable characters.'

Source: Brisbane Festival.

'Step inside the filming of a 1970s Aussie action flick and get up close and personal with the actors and their extraordinary stunt doubles. Watch them cycle through take after take of high octane stunts; flips, jumps, fights and more as the doubles put their bodies on the line while the actors reap the glory.

'Stunt Double is a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek dive into the complex and absurd power dynamics of the film industry, into exploitation as a bloodsport, and the human cost of celebrity. In Stunt Double it’s the hardest working people who get paid the least and exploited the most. Sound familiar? That’s because some things never change.

'Some members of the audience will get to experience this first hand as they help bring this film to life, stepping into roles such as extras, gaffer, clappers, art department and more.

'Inspired by films such as Wake In Fright, Razorback and BMX Bandits, Stunt Double is sure to be an unforgettable ride, and yet another genre-bending blockbuster by groundbreaking dance and theatre collective, The Farm – Produced by Performing Lines.'

Source: Brisbane Festival.

'Embark on a musical journey with Songs From The Book of Life, a unique theatrical experience by Deborah Conway & Willy Zygier, based on Deborah’s highly anticipated memoir set to be released this October. Traverse their four-decade-long careers, exploring their story of youth, rebellion, love, aging, and the world of music.

'This bold tour-de-force features original music, theatrical storytelling, and the gritty details of an iconic woman who transformed the Australian music industry. Dive into this tale of honesty, humour, and revelation.'

Source: Brisbane Festival.

'Love never dies, it just transforms.

'Two men. They flirt. They dance. They fall in love.

'House. Dog. Coffee machine. Joint bank accounts.

'Work. Routine. Drift. Crisis.

'Intimate, poetic and de-centering, Unconditional weaves a compelling tapestry of a queer relationship between a man who identifies as gay and a person whose identity evolves during their marriage… starting as “he”, but now transitioning to “she”, which destablises their union, their belief systems, and their politics.

'Each playwright writes for one character in subjective monologue, duelling monologue and dialogue. Told with humour, insight and absolute honesty, Unconditional re-examines and re-defines the nature of love and what we tell ourselves we would accept. Is love really unconditional? Or does it have conditions like everything else?'

Source: Playlab Theatre.

'In one of his first works as Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre, Wiradjuri director-choreographer Daniel Riley evokes an immensely powerful and personal story of his Great-Great Uncle, Alec “Tracker” Riley. 

'Alec, a Wiradjuri Elder and tracker, served the New South Wales Police Force for forty years, leading numerous high-profile cases. As an Elder of his community he forged a path between the enforced colonial system in which he worked and his Wiradjuri lore. Tracker takes inspiration from his legacy and examines the battles First Nations people have shared for generations.

'Weaving together dance, music and text, Tracker is brought to life in association with ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and by a team of celebrated First Nations creatives, including award-winning playwright Ursula Yovich (Man With the Iron Neck, SF2019), co-director Rachael Maza AM (Black Ties, SF2020), composers James Henry and Gary Watling, visual artist Jonathan Jones, lighting designer Chloe Ogilvie and an all-First Nations cast. 

'Culturally rich and ambitiously original, this multidisciplinary work rethinks how we engage with and experience First Nations storytelling.' (Production summary)

'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)

'‘Brotherhood is easy when things run smoothly. But when someone causes hurt, this is where it’s tested.’

'To celebrate Victory in the Pacific, five indentured Chinese workers are staging a theatre show at Brisbane’s Bulimba Dockyards.

'The men aim to weave an epic tale of brotherhood and resilience, charting their journey from poverty and war in rural China, through hard work on the tiny phosphate-rich island of Nauru, to a hasty evacuation from the Japanese to Australia, and all the challenges that they overcame on the way. However, differing perspectives of critical events in their story threaten to derail this display of unity to become the one thing that could tear them apart.

'Blending vaudeville, musical theatre, circus, Cantonese Opera and martial arts, Slow Boat is inspired by the unexpected arrival in Australia of playwright Anna Yen’s father, along with 580 other Chinese men, during WWII.'

Source: Playlab Theatre.

'Brisbane, 2022. Five women, best friends for decades, meet once a month to talk about books, life, love and the jagged bits in between.

'Dissecting each other’s lives seems the most natural thing in the world and honesty, no matter how brutal, is something they treasure. 

'Best friends tell each other everything, don’t they? But each woman carries a complex secret and one weekend, without warning, everything comes unstuck.'

Source: La Boite.

'Come in, grab a biccy and a cuppa. All shapes and kinds are accepted here, this is a safe space - but not your usual support group.

'Weredingo brings you a fictional world where shapeshifters are hunted for their duality, meeting in secret to safely shift into their animal forms and congregate with their feathered or furry brethren.

'This powerful new dance-theatre work combines storytelling with Karul Project’s distinctive contemporary dance style and a dash of humour. Led by a First Nations team, this story is brought to life alongside beautiful animations by Jake Duczynski of Studio Hackett and projection by Wirrim Studios.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Besties Niarra and Te Umuroa are out playing in the bush. Just another day in paradise – until they glimpse what can only be the world’s last Tasmanian Tiger.

'Dodging hunters, Niarra and Te Umuroa set sail for Aotearoa to hide their new friend. But hunters aren’t the only ones on this Tiger’s tail. They’ll have to outwit Māori gods and palawa spirits to save their furry friend.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

Brisbane favourites, Polytoxic, have collaborated with local creative minds to bring you a time capsule of ‘now’.

From visual artists, to dancers, to writers, theatre makers and musicians, more than 100 local artists contributed to this work, sending their reflections, celebrations and memories of life under lockdown.

These stories, remixed with breathtaking aerials, soundscape and large-scale visuals, will be projected on the walls of Brisbane Powerhouse.

Snapshot is a heart-burst of gratitude the Brisbane arts community - a shout-out to the movers, dreamers and the makers - and a homage to the faces behind the art.

Source: Brisbane Festival

SILENCE is about the space in between. Conversations not being heard and responses that are muted. A drum beats and bodies thrash through frequencies to uncover what lies in the SILENCE. There is SILENCE between stars as the emu travels across the night sky, or the dancer’s energy when they hit the cut between rhythms. It’s also the deafening silence under white noise. The same questions echoed through generations.

We’ve marched across Country. We’ve had promises made and broken. We’ve drafted our own treaty, and still we’re the only sovereign peoples without one.

Choreographed by Bundjalung-Yugambeh, Wiradjuri and Ni-Vanuatu man Thomas E.S. Kelly, this new dance work pulls it from under the rug and slams it back on the table. Because the conversation about a treaty will never be silenced.

Source: Brisbane Festival

Future Ancestors depicts the journeys of three spoken word artists. Traversing the multitude of intricacies and intersectional complexities within Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pasifika and Indian communities, this moving spoken word piece forges a future of solidarity for all Indigenous people. Ethan Enoch-Barlow, Meleika Gesa-Fatafehi and Naavikaran present this original short-form performance work, creating a space where all voices can be heard.

Source: Metro Arts

'Meet Edna: She’s 14, chronically awkward, and everyone thinks she’s a serial liar. But none of this will matter when her REAL life starts. With Harry. There’s just one problem, Harry is in True Connection - the world’s biggest boyband.

'When True Connection announce a tour stop in Edna’s city, she realises that this is her one chance to meet Harry and convince him of their destiny. But just how far is she prepared to go in the name of love? Edna takes her obsession to unforeseen heights in this thrilling and hilarious musical comedy about first love, fan culture, and the danger of underestimating teenage girls.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.