La Mama’s Festival of Mother Tongues

La Mama’s Festival of Mother Tongues Ariadne photo by Darren GillFrom 12 – 24 November, La Mama Theatre will present the inaugural La Mama’s Festival of Mother Tongues – a multi-lingual season with shows in languages including Farsi, Persian, Sicilian, Wathaurong, Marathi, Spanish, Filipino, Italian, Polish, French, Maori, Greek, Mandarin and Macedonian.

The festival is an opportunity for communities who speak these languages to attend a show in Melbourne in their native tongue, as much as it is an opportunity for English speakers to experience new sounds and cultures right here in Carlton. With ticketed and free shows running during the day and at night for all ages to enjoy, families can make a day of it to get the whole festival experience.

“We are excited to present this inaugural multi-lingual festival across our local community in Carlton, which is itself so beautifully diverse!” said La Mama Director and CEO, Caitlin Dullard. “We hope that everyone can engage with the festival in some way – whether you come to see a show in a language you speak at home, or to bask in new sounds, and new stories.”

Festival producer Dora Abraham, who has a Hungarian background, was surprised that no other festivals of this nature exist in Victoria. “When the expressions of interest went out last year, I was excited and a bit stunned: why was no one else doing this already? It made me want to embrace my bilingual practice, and it felt validating to have this platform to speak to and with community,” said Abraham.

Many of the shows will use English surtitles, and all are welcome to enjoy, connect with, and celebrate the diversity of modern theatre. Join La Mama this November at the festival hub across four iconic Carlton venues: La Mama HQ, La Mama Courthouse, CO.AS.IT. and The Motley Bauhaus. Don’t miss it!


La Mama’s Festival of Mother Tongues runs from 12 – 24 November 2024. For more information and full program, visit: www.lamama.com.au for details.

Image: Ariadne – photo by Darren Gill