Entertainment
1 October, 2026
Writers take centre stage
FROM a one-act drama to a farcical musical comedy, six members of the Malanda Theatre company have developed theatre pieces after taking part in a series of workshops with award-winning playwright Kathryn Ash.
Over three months, the writers worked their stories into pieces which were showcased in a performed reading, held in the historic ballroom of The Big Pub in Malanda.
“The six writers brought an extraordinary strength of imagination and dedication to the workshops,” Ms Ash said.
“Each arrived with a very different story to tell, but all were willing to test their ideas, listen closely, take creative risks, and keep working. Everyone has a story, but turning that story into theatre requires curiosity, courage and persistence.”
Ms Ash co-founded JUTE Theatre Company in 1992. She has remained an active artist and project manager with the company including seven years as senior creative producer.
She has written over 30 plays, writes long-form fiction and has spearheaded creative writing and playwriting workshops over 25 years.
The workshops were funded by the Malanda Theatre Company with assistance from the Regional Arts Development Fund.
“It was wonderful to see the Malanda Theatre Company’s spirited love of theatre, their range of work, and their support for initiatives like this emerging playwrights’ program,” Ms Ash said.
“And to see (the writers’) characters and worlds become more vivid as the three weekend residencies progressed.”
Dr Peter Arnold-Nott, short-story writer and emerging playwright, created a dramatically moving piece, The Bull Paddock.
Emerging playwright, Kirsty Mawer, said the workshops had motivated her in continuing with her play, Book of Li(v)es, which she would like to see “develop into a one act play ready to be staged”.
Director, producer and actress, Grace Chapman, talked about the workshop series helping her tie her myriad of ideas together which culminated in her thematically thoughtful work, The Good Dirt.
Geraldine Borella, workshop coordinator and emerging playwright, is working on a two-act farcical comedy musical called Indispensable.
“Having access to someone as knowledgeable as Kathryn has been invaluable to my writing technique,” she said.
“She’s incredibly incisive, getting straight to the core of what is and isn’t working in the piece. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from her.”
Given the success of the workshop series, Malanda Theatre Company hopes to repeat it next year for its members.
