Queen Victoria Gardens

Join ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company for a groundbreaking conversation that celebrates the vibrant tapestry of First People’s stories

What does it mean to authentically present First Peoples’ stories on stage? What does Blak theatre practice look like? How do we navigate the relationship between institutions and community priorities? Join leading Blak creatives as they unpack these expansive questions for The Future of Blak Theatre.  

Speakers include Wiradjuri/Worimi theatremaker Amy Sole (ILBIJERRI Theatre Company), Taungurung playwright Isobel Morphy-Walsh, Yorta Yorta/Gunaikurnai playwright Andrea James and dramaturg Jennifer Medway (Melbourne Theatre Company).  

The Future of Blak Theatre is a groundbreaking conversation that celebrates the vibrant tapestry of First People’s stories. Coinciding with Blak in the Room, an ambitious partnership between ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company presenting three plays by First People playwrights, this panel of theatre makers will delve into the intricacies of storytelling from Blak perspectives, exploring themes of self-determination, sovereignty and the importance of community-driven narratives. 

Collaborators

Andrea James is a Yorta Yorta/Gunaikurnai theatremaker and VCA graduate. She is currently the Associate Artistic Director at Griffin Theatre Company. Andrea served as Artistic Director of Melbourne Workers Theatre (2001-2008), where she is best known for her play Yanagai! Yanagai!. Other notable works include Winyanboga Yurringa, Big Name No Blankets (with Anyupa Butcher and Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher) and Sunshine Super Girl. In 2025 she will direct her newest play The Black Woman of Gippsland at Melbourne Theatre Company. 

Jennifer Medway is a dramaturg with over a decade of experience in developing new Australian work. Currently, she is the Head of New Work at Melbourne Theatre Company, overseeing one of the largest play development programs in the country. Previously, she served as the Literary Associate at Melbourne Theatre Company (2017-2021) and has held positions at various theatre companies, including the Australian Theatre for Young People and Griffin Theatre Company. 

Isobel Morphy-Walsh, a proud Nirim Baluk woman from the Taun Wurrung (Taungurung) people, is a multidisciplinary artist working across visual and performance art. She is also a weaver, curator, producer, activist and educator. Isobel has spent her life working with her community and our cultures with a particular emphasis on history, culture, country and its importance today. Her play Gunawarra Re-creation will be showcased at Blak in the Room, a partnership between Melbourne Theatre Company and ILBIJERRI Theatre Company. 

Amy Sole is a proud Wiradjuri/Worimi person. Amy is an award-winning playwright, director, actor, dramaturg and advocate. They are a Creative Associate at ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, a graduate of MFA (Directing) at NIDA and hold a Master of Theatre (Playwriting) from VCA. Amy will direct Emu in the Sun at Blak in the Room, a partnership between Melbourne Theatre Company and ILBIJERRI Theatre Company. Other recent credits include Scar Tree (ILBIJERRI Theatre Company) and Whitefella Yella Tree (Griffin Theatre Company).