MIGHTY PLAYWRIGHTS
Mighty Playwrights is an annual program, working in collaboration with the region's primary schools to bring the joy of writing and story telling to the next generation of young people. Goulburn Mulwaree Library's Mighty Playwrights program inspires young people to discover the power of their own thoughts and voices through literacy education, story telling, and the performing arts. Mighty Playwrights encourages and celebrates self expression, lifelong learning, and the free exploration of ideas and the imagination.
Executive Team: Erin Williams, Monique Hayes, Blake Selmes, Greg Angus
Coordination: Erin Williams & Michelle Morris through Goulburn Mulwaree Library, Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Southern Tablelands Arts, The Lieder Theatre Company and Goulburn Primary Schools
Seven young writers, aged 9-12 years, and nominated by their schools, are working tirelessly in the Library for 8 weeks to develop and write short stage plays. Through mentor relationships with professional writers, illustrators, actors, and musicians, our Mighty Playwrights are creating some amazing stories, about issues that are important to them, in their own words and with their own individual style.
Goulburn's Lieder Theatre Company will take the completed play scripts and turn them into magical full-scale stage productions.
This year we also welcome Hume Conservatorium and the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery to our Mighty Playwrights program! Students from Hume Con will be creating original music pieces for the plays, which will be heard as part of the gala stage performances in September, and Afternoon Art Club participants from the Art Gallery will be creating original illustrations to be published alongside the plays in the published book of Mighty Playwrights 2022.
Introducing our 2022 Mighty Playwrights
Ellie Bale
Windellama Public School.
The Girl Who Cried Diamonds - Evelyn hasn't cried since her Mother died. Now she's crying diamonds. What does it mean, and how can she keep them away from her greedy step-sister?
Ellie was mentored by actor and teacher, Michelle McAleer.
Riley Jordan-Fermor
Goulburn North Public School.
The Dunce Crisis: Zhungo's Quest - it's the year 2772, and the world has changed. Can Zhungo save the human race, or is it worth bothering to even try?
Riley was mentored by Andy Picker, Associate Director of Education and Outreach at Hume Conservatorium.
Indie Miners
The Crescent School.
Tuff's Birthday Surprise - Tuff is the last, unloved puppy from the litter, until he meets Ivy. A heartwarming story of acceptance, love, and family.
Indie was mentored by Clare Jones, music therapist and co-founder of Right To Work.
Stella Moore Thompson
Tirranna Public School.
The Final Showdown - an exciting rock musical featuring a talented but bullied girl, and a magic guitar. Who will win the final showdown?
Stella was mentored by teacher and project partner, Greg Angus.
Zara Ridley
Wollondilly Public School.
Calling The Cops - a classic whodunit, full of wonderful characters and red herrings. Can you work out who's guilty?
Zara was mentored by actor and director, Alfie Walker.
Keida Voorden
Tallong Public School.
Stranded - 3 astronauts risk being stranded on the moon, in the path of a deadly radioactive storm. A hilarious tale of adventure and friendship against all odds.
Keida was mentored by illustrator, Danielle McDonald.
Adele Wakefield
St Joseph's Primary School.
Mister Understood - Little Johnny wants to be an artist, but his parents have other ideas. A beautiful story about being true to yourself and finding the confidence to stand strong.
Adele was mentored by librarian and teacher, Monique Hayes.
Filming and Documentation:
Danny Gwynn Field and Film
Danny Scott Photography
Paul Bissett, WordED
Revolution Print, Goulburn
The Mighty Playwrights Project was supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Communications & the Arts’ Festivals Australia Program.
