Summary:

In this episode, our host Criena Gehrke speaks with playwright, artistic director, and Indigenous leader Wesley Enoch about the role of storytelling, leadership and wisdom in elevating and amplifying the voices of Indigenous artists and cultures. They also highlight the importance of advocating for the intrinsic value of the arts, particularly in terms of celebrating differences and encouraging dialogue.

After, Criena is joined by fellow host Stephanie Fortunato to discuss key takeaways. They emphasize the critical need to support the next generation of cultural leaders and arts administrators, particularly Indigenous leadership.

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References

1. One Woman’s Song by Peta Murray, produced by the Queensland Theatre Company in 1993
2. Kath Walker
3. Celebrating Neville Bonner, the first Indigenous federal parliamentarian
4. Lydia Miller
5. Pat O’Shane
6. David Hudson
7. Ralph Myers: let's keep the dreamers in charge of the arts
8. Sydney Festival director Wesley Enoch talks us through his 'Australian Made' collection at SBS On Demand
9. The New HOTA Gallery

Bio

Wesley Enoch is an internationally acclaimed playwright and artistic director. He is the current [2021] Indigenous Chair in the Creative Industries (a new role) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia. He has written and directed iconic Indigenous productions including The 7 Stages of Grieving, Black Medea and The Story of the Miracles at Cookie’s Table. He was the Artistic Director of the Sydney Festival from 2017 to 2020 and was previously the Artistic Director at Kooemba Jdarra Indigenous Performing Arts and the Ilbijerri Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Theatre Co-operative. Wesley’s other residencies include Resident Director at Sydney Theatre Company; Associate Artistic Director at Belvoir Street Theatre; the 2002 Australia Council Cite Internationale des Arts Residency in Paris and the Australia Council Artistic Director for the Australian Delegation to the 2008 Festival of Pacific Arts. He was creative consultant, segment director and indigenous consultant for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.