QPAC First Nations

31/03/2025

This year we celebrate the 20-year collaboration of The Mabo Oration collaboration between Queensland Human Rights Commission and QPAC.

On 30 May, the legacy of Eddie Mabo and his fight for land rights will be honoured in Cairns at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss will deliver the Oration, hosted by Commissioner C’Zarke Maza, with a powerful performance by Gerib S*k Mer Island Dance troupe.

Learn more now > atqp.ac/MaboOrationCairns25

31/03/2025

Step behind the scenes of Bangarra Dance Theatre's Illume photoshoot with Mirning Choreographer Frances Rings as she shares the inspiration behind their newest theatrical experience.

Illume's premiere national tour will kick off in Sydney before coming to QPAC's Playhouse stage from 1 to 9 August. Don't miss this journey through a kaleidoscope of images, patterns, and synergies into the otherworldly language of light ✨

Bangarra Dance Theatre's Illume
1 to 9 August
Book now > atqp.ac/BangarraIllume25

🎥 Cass Eipper

21/03/2025

QPAC was proud to facilitate a visit earlier this week by Leah Purcell to her hometown of Murgon for a public reading of the play she wrote and directed 'Is That You, Ruthie?' following its sold-out return season.

Based on the books by Dr Ruth Hegarty, the powerful play delves into the complex aftermath of a government removal policy that separated mother and daughter, as they were forced to live in a dormitory in the Cherbourg Aboriginal Settlement.

The play was taken back to ground zero with a visit by Leah and the cast to where the dormitory once stood in Cherbourg and then on to the free play reading event at Murgon State School.

It was a great success with over 140 members of the Community and Year 11 and Year 12 students in attendance, including Aunty Ruthie herself and members of her family.

The play reading by the two cast members Melodie Reynolds-Diarra and Shakira Clanton, with direction by Leah, received a standing ovation. The audience was also very moved and appreciative of a Q and A with none other than Aunty Ruthie herself joining the cast and Leah on stage.

15/03/2025

The deeply moving stage adaption ‘Is That You, Ruthie?’ ends its second sold-out run in the Cremorne Theatre today.

But the storytelling will continue on Tuesday as acclaimed director Leah Purcell, pictured here with cast members Melodie Reynolds-Diarra and Shakira Clanton, head to Leah’s hometown for a FREE public reading of the play. All are welcome to attend!

When: Tuesday 18 March from 11am
Where: Murgon State High School, multi-purpose hall | 2 Dutton Street, Murgon

📷 Peter Wallis

13/02/2025

On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised on behalf of the nation for past laws, policies and practices that have impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly members of the Stolen Generations and their descendants.

Today, we came together to mark the anniversary of National Apology Day alongside our friends from Link-Up Qld.

We'd like to extend our thanks to MC Ivan Ingram, guest speakers Aunty Flo Watson OAM, Aunty Florence Onus and Dr Rose Barrowcliffe, the Murri School Dancers and singer Edgar Conlon for contributing to this celebration of culture, resilience and unity.

This is event is now available to watch on demand. Learn more > atqp.ac/NationalApologyDay25

11/02/2025

Introducing our 2025 Sparks Playwrights!

❤️ Saj
❤️ Aunty Valerie Matthews
❤️ Nicole Reilly
❤️ Jamaine Wilesmith
❤️ Bianca Valentino

We’re thrilled to support these talented artists as they embark on their playwrighting journey with us in 2025 and can’t wait to see their creativity spark ✨

Sparks is a Playlab Theatre and QPAC partnership that is designed to facilitate pathway opportunities for First Nations artists in the performing arts.

Learn more about the Sparks program > atqp.ac/Sparks25

11/02/2025

05/02/2025

QPAC's First Nations program is created, produced, and managed by a team of First Nations creatives; supporting new works in development, training and upskilling of new artists and arts workers, full scale stage works, celebratory festivals, and community events (such as NAIDOC celebrations and community festivals).

We've recently launch artwork for the program from Jennifer Kent, a multicultural Australian with First Nations ancestry from the Quandamooka, Jinibara and Darumbal communities.

Kgwambi-Barra was inspired by a pearl Jenny received one day from a crow when she was working on multiple youth projects. 'Kgwambi' or 'Quampie' or 'Goompie' translates to pearl shell in the local Minjerribah traditional language.

Learn more about Jennifer's story > atqp.ac/AboutJenniferKent
Keep up to date with our First Nations program by signing up to our mailing list > atqp.ac/FirstNationsWaitlist

04/11/2024

‘Eat Slay Zombie’ has arrived at the Cremorne Theatre! Don’t miss this powerful production's debut to the stage, for one week only ⏰

Presented by Playlab Theatre in partnership with QPAC and Melt Open, ‘Eat Slay Zombie’ premieres at QPAC from 6 to 9 November. Secure your tickets now > atqp.ac/EatSlayZombie24

📸 Red Handed Productions

22/10/2024

There are only two weeks until ‘Eat Slay Zombie’ by Alinta McGrady premieres in the Cremorne Theatre 😱

We are so excited to share what we’ve been up to, but for now, enjoy a cheeky sneak peek into the rehearsal room 👀

Presented by Playlab Theatre in partnership with QPAC and Melt Open, ‘Eat Slay Zombie’ premieres at QPAC from 6 to 9 November. Grab your tickets now > atqp.ac/EatSlayZombie24

📸 Lucy McLatchey

14/10/2024

Let Sparks Fly!

Dive into the world of playwriting with Playlab Theatre and QPAC’s First Nations emerging writers’ program: Sparks ⚡

Providing support under the guidance of experienced artists, Sparks offers a creative and imaginative space for First Nations writers to expand their craft and explore the art of playwriting.

Beginning February 2025, participants will begin a mentorship with nationally recognised playwright Kathryn Marquet and through a range of activities designed to stimulate ideas, introduce elements of craft, and provide strategies for undertaking a development process.

Participants will emerge from the program with a professionally developed script concept, 10-minutes of the script completed, and tested in front of an audience at a public reading.

Applications are now open for 2025 and close 25 November. Explore the program > bit.ly/PlaylabSparks25

29/08/2024

NOW OPEN 💙💚🤍🖤

Straight from the Strait ignited the Playhouse Theatre with raucous applause and immense joy last night!

There are few words that capture the electric energy, so we’ll let these photos do the talking ✨

Must close this Saturday - limited tickets remain! > atqp.ac/StraightFromTheStrait24

Presented by Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation, and QPAC in association with Brisbane Festival.

📸 Jade Ellis Photography

29/08/2024

ON SALE NOW - Eat Slay Zombie by Alinta McGrady 🧟⛓️‍💥

Never fear, the @‌BLKBUNKERBTCHES are here!

The zombie apocalypse has finally happened and TikTok is the sole form of communication. This is a world of zombie kill tallies, educational doomsday TikToks, and out-of-bounds Bunnings. Sheree and Tash are bunking down in a bowling alley, when another survivor turns up, challenging their isolation. Maybe it’s time to explore who, and what else, is out there? With big decisions to make, and no working flamethrower to protect them, how do two blak women navigate a world that is actively trying to kill them?

Presented by Playlab Theatre in partnership with QPAC and Melt Festival. Eat Slay Zombie premieres at QPAC from 6 to 9 November > atqp.ac/EatSlayZombie24

📸 Janna Imperial

20/08/2024

The countdown is on! 🌟 Straight from the Strait makes its world premiere on 28 August.

Join brothers Boyor, Kusa, and Pinau on their journey from the Torres Strait Islands to work on the Mount Newman Railway. Leaving their family and homes behind, they face trials that test their bond and ultimately achieve an unchallenged track-laying record 💙

28 to 31 August | QPAC Playhouse
🎟️ atqp.ac/StraightFromTheStrait24

Presented by Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation, and QPAC in association with Brisbane Festival.

13/08/2024

Meet the Straight from the Strait cast (part two)! ✨

There's now less than three weeks until this unforgettable performance makes its world premiere debut. Don't miss the limited season!

28 to 31 August | QPAC Playhouse
🎟️ atqp.ac/StraightFromTheStrait24

Presented by Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation, and QPAC in association with Brisbane Festival.

12/08/2024

There were so many beaming faces at the special Community and Opening Night performances of Bangarra Dance Theatre's Horizon last week.

Hurry - only a few seats left for what critics are describing as 'an inspired, visceral, and poignant work.' (The Blurb)

✨ Must close this Saturday - only six shows remaining ✨
Tickets selling fast > atqp.ac/bangarrahorizon_24

📸 Tai Bobongie

12/08/2024

Meet the Straight from the Strait cast (part one)! ✨

We are so excited to introduce you to the characters in this remarkable story. Stay tuned to meet the other members of our incredible cast 💙

28 - 31 Aug | QPAC Playhouse
🎟️ atqp.ac/StraightFromTheStrait24

Presented by Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation, and QPAC in association with Brisbane Festival.