Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina (front left) with members of the Festival’s First Nations team, the Blak Curatorium. Photo © John Gass Photograph

The Australian Turn?

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the arts. While live performance is gradually returning, on-going travel restrictions mean virtually no international artists will tour here. This absence might provide a unique opportunity to shine a stronger light on Australian artists and content. So, will we seize the chance to create a greater space for Indigenous, female and ethnically diverse voices to speak to us about Australia today? Steve Dow reports.

Ghost lights glow in a centuries-old tradition on otherwise darkened stages. These lone lights guide safety during theatre closures...