The inaugural program of Artistic Director Ebony Bott includes the world premiere of Suzie Miller’s latest play Strong is the New Pretty about the creation of the AFL Women’s Competition, and a new movement piece about mortality from The Farm called No One Gets Out of Here Alive (see page 63). La Boite presents Michelle Lim Davidson’s personal drama Koreaboo about her visit to Seoul to meet with her somewhat disinterested birth mother. The best-selling pub-themed show The Choir of Man has a season in the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, while Luke Murphy’s part crime-drama, part psychological thriller Scorched Earth arrives after a New York season. This year’s new Festival Village – a large-scale riverside precinct at South Bank – also promises to be a lively spot with plenty of free and ticketed events.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Suzie Miller, the celebrated Australian playwright behind sell-out smash hits Inter Alia, RBG: Of Many, One and international phenomenon Prima Facie, turns her extraordinary talents to the formation of the AFLW in this explosive world premiere as part of Brisbane Festival 2026.

In 2010, an official report into the state of Australian Rules Football recommended the creation of a national women’s league. Seven years and a whole lot of grit, passion and fancy footwork later, the AFLW was born. This is the untold story of how the league went from a pipe dream to a sensation the sports world could no longer ignore.

This footy-finals season: rally your team and barrack your heart out for a performance that promises a nail-biting match, not just for sport lovers but anyone looking to be uplifted by an inspiring story of determination, legacy and pride.