First Stories Festival

28 FEB - 7 MAR

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

The week-long inaugural program in early 2022 aims to empower emerging First Peoples writers to find their voice in their own way.

Each of the 5 selected writers will bring a dream project to work on throughout the week, with the opportunity to share with the group, get dramaturgical advice for their piece, and explore new methods to inspire their writing practice. Participating writers, including regional and interstate artists, will be paid MEAA rates for their time.

The festival is led by industry professionals Brittanie Shipway and Sermsah Bin Saad, and will feature sessions from esteemed creative mentors including Jane Harrison, Mitch Tambo, Uncle Jack Charles and Kamarra Bell-Wykes.

“It is important to focus on the next generation and make sure storytelling can flourish.”

- Wesley Enoch

FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

Brittanie Shipway (she/her)

PRODUCERS

Sermsah Bin Saad (he/him) Lauren Bennett (she/her)

MENTORS

Jane Harrison (she/her) Mitch Tambo (he/him) Uncle Jack Charles (he/him) Kamarra Bell-Wykes (she/her)

PHOTOS BY

Underground Media

ABOUT THE ARTIST - SERMAH BIN SAAD & BRITTANIE SHIPWAY

Sermsah Bin Saad is known for his work in theatre, television, film, festival circuit, opera, dance and choreography. Above all his artistic achievements, Sermsah values his heritage. A proud Nyikina man from the Kimberley’s, he believes in ‘Liyan’ a saying springing from his hometown of Broome/Derby Western Australia meaning connection to country, spirit and your instinctual knowledge.

Brittanie Shipway is a proud Gumbaynggirr and Turkish woman. Best known for turning four chairs on The Voice (Season 3), Brittanie is a graduate from the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (Musical Theatre), and delights in storytelling as an actor, singer, writer and dramaturge.