Cirrus@Austlit

'On 8 May 1968, a group of remarkable Torres Strait Islander workers on the vast expanse of the Mount Newman railway construction project shattered a world record as they laid down an astonishing 7km of track in a single day, an unparalleled feat that still stands unchallenged. At the heart of their extraordinary achievement is the power of song – songs that are unique to Australia, that tell a passionate and inspiring story.

'Straight from the Strait pays homage to the stories of these Torres Strait Islander men and women who ventured far from their homes in pursuit of employment on the mainland. Amid the gruelling labour, they discovered a sense of camaraderie that transcended boundaries. Their sweat and toil laid the foundation for Australia’s emergence as an industrial nation.

'This production reverberates with the power of song, a harmonious fusion of traditional Torres Strait music and contemporary melodies. Through the vibrant ancestral languages of Meriam Mir, Kala Lagaw Ya and Torres Strait Creole combined with English and the backbeat of a contemporary band, it tells a tale that pulses with passion and inspiration.

'Developed through collaboration and consultation with the Yumpla Nerkep Foundation and Torres Strait Islander artists, Elders, and communities, this project is led by a team of First Nations creatives, performers, musicians, and cultural advisors.

'We acknowledge the many Torres Strait Islander families and artists who have generously contributed to this project.'

Source: Opera Queensland.

'Meet Ruby Semblance, a 21-year-old idealist. She believes in art, music and angry choreography. Ruby is the lead singer/songwriter of Kitty Litter. Not Kitty Litter ‘the band’ mind you – according to Ruby, an ‘Onstage Conceptual Art / Music Oriented Happening.’

'If that sounds unappealing, you are right. Kitty Litter have been together for four years, played five hundred shows, and have one fan. One.

'One fateful day Kitty Litter take the stage to be greeted by a sold-out audience… of small children. It turns out their furious protest song Bananaland has accidentally become a runaway kids hit. 

'Is Kitty Litter destined to become the next Wiggles? Spoiler: yes! And it’s our total delight as the audience to witness them rail against this destiny. Do they allow themselves to be consumed with the notion of ‘selling out’ or do they buy into their accidental ‘kids’ band’ fame?

'Their journey is a rollercoaster romp full of heart, music, comedy, pathos and lovable characters.'

Source: Brisbane Festival.

'Meet Edna: She’s 14, chronically awkward, and everyone thinks she’s a serial liar. But none of this will matter when her REAL life starts. With Harry. There’s just one problem, Harry is in True Connection - the world’s biggest boyband.

'When True Connection announce a tour stop in Edna’s city, she realises that this is her one chance to meet Harry and convince him of their destiny. But just how far is she prepared to go in the name of love? Edna takes her obsession to unforeseen heights in this thrilling and hilarious musical comedy about first love, fan culture, and the danger of underestimating teenage girls.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The story of a generation and the city that shaped it – told through the songs of The Go-Betweens.

'When an old mixed tape is unearthed, four friends rewind to Brisbane in the 1990s. Through a series of monologues interwoven with the songs they loved, they relive the events which shattered friendships and scattered friends to the four corners of the world.

'The Sound of a Finished Kiss is a new Australian musical celebrating the internationally-renowned song-writing talents of Robert Forster and Grant McLennan along with their evocation of Brisbane’s unique subculture in the final decades of the twentieth century.'

Source: Brisbane Powerhouse.