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The Stories We Need Now

with Moreblessing Maturure, Amy Sole and Suzy Wrong

10 March 2024

In a world disillusioned by division and an inability to bring about positive change, it is artists, writers, storytellers, and creatives who can resonate beyond politics and chart a path to a better world. 

Co-curated by Nakkiah Lui

We tell ourselves stories in order to live.

Joan Didion

Dreaming new narratives can lead to different futures

With growing political disillusionment and with democracy being circled by increasingly extreme influences and political vultures, what voices are we turning to for understanding, community and hope?

In this panel, we explore the potency of artists, writers, storytellers, and creatives in shaping narratives that resonate beyond the confines of politics. A community's stories are what create empathy and understanding among people. Storytellers not only critique the status quo but also offer alternative perspectives, empowering individuals to envision and advocate for change. Storytellers are vital for building empathy. Can stories ignite the spark of social and political change?

Sydney Opera House Presents

 

Moreblessing Matarure (she/they)

Moreblessing is a Zimbabwean/Australian inter-disciplinary artist. She has held residencies at Playwriting Australia, ATYP and STC and participated in Screen Australia’s Developing the Developer, leading to an Associate Development Producer role with Kojo Studios. For stage, she’s developing Bruntwood Prize shortlisted NO PINK DICKS (Darlinghurst Theatre Company) and MILK & HONEY & LEMONS (Next Wave, Campbelltown Arts Centre).

Moreblessing has appeared in projects across stage and screen including the critically acclaimed sell-out tour of SEVEN METHODS OF KILLING KYLIE JENNER. Parallel to her practice, she works as dramaturg, consultant and advocate for anti racist, inclusive practices while sitting on MEAA’s National Performers Committee.

Amy Sole (they/them)

Amy Sole is a proud Wiradjuri/Worimi person. Amy is a playwright, director, actor, dramaturg and advocate. They are Creative Associate at Ilbijerri Theatre Company and a recent graduate of MFA (Directing) at NIDA and hold a Master of Theatre (Playwriting) from VCA.

Recent works for theatre include Whitefella Yella Tree (co director, Griffin Theatre company), Forgetting Tim Minchin (director, 25a, Downstairs Belvoir), Benched (director, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, 2022) and Burning (writer/director, NIDA, 2022)

Amy regularly directs developments of new works, most recently Phoebe Grainer’s Sugarcane for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award and Dylan Ven Den Berg’s way back when at Darlinghurst Theatre Company. They have worked as assistant director on God's Country (NIDA, 2022), Metamorphoses (NIDA, 2021), and RENT (Sydney Opera House, 2021). 

They are also a part of Melbourne Theatre Companies Artistic Associate advisory council, and a sitting Co-Chair of the Equity Diversity Committee.

Suzy Wrong (she/her) Participating moderator

Suzy Wrong is a prominent theatre reviewer and activist, working on Gadigal land. Her website Suzy Goes See features upwards of an unprecedented 2,000 theatre reviews, all written by herself, from over eleven years covering the scene in Sydney. She sits on the judging panel of the Sydney Theatre Awards, and plays a critical part in championing diversity in that space. Suzy was last seen in the SBS four-part drama Hungry Ghosts, playing the role of clairvoyant Roxy Ling, and is always looking for opportunities to revisit her first love of performance. Suzy has a radio spot, every Tuesday afternoon on Joy Radio, that allows her to address issues pertaining to feminism, racism, and queerness.

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