Inaugural First Stories Festival calls for submissions

TW-First-Nations-Festival-Lorinda-May-Merrypor-photo-by-Luke-Currie-RichardsonAcross February and March 2022, Theatre Works will present the inaugural First Stories Festival – a Deadly new writers festival for First Nations storytellers.

An initiative run #ByMob4Mob – the week-long program aims to empower emerging writers and storytellers to find their voice in their own way.

The First Stories Festival aims to support First Nations peoples, writers/creators to make work that celebrates cultural diversity and inclusivity. Themes of rejuvenation, inspiration and uninhibited freedom are at the heart of this festival.

Five selected writers will be asked to bring a dream project to work on throughout the week, with the opportunity to share with the group and receive dramaturgical advice for their piece, while exploring new creative methods to inspire their writing practice.

Participating writers will be paid MEAA rates for their time, and regional/interstate writers are also encouraged to apply.

The festival is led by industry professionals Brittanie Shipway and Sermsah Bin Saad, and will feature sessions from esteemed creative mentors including musician Mitch Tambo (Australia’s Got Talent), playwright Jane Harrison (Stolen, Rainbow’s End), actor Uncle Jack Charles (Mystery Road, Blackfellas), dramaturg Kamarra Bell-Wykes (Chopped Liver) and more.


The First Stories Festival takes place at Theatre Works, St Kilda: 28 February – 4 March 2022. Expressions of Interest are now open and close 29 October 2021. For more information, visit: www.theatreworks.org.au for details.

Image: Lorinda May Merrypor – photo by Luke Currie-Richardson