FRIDAY 23rd JANUARY

8.30am – 9.30am
Coffee, tea, Registration

9.30am – 11.00am
Keynote Address: Rhoda Roberts

11.00am – 11.30am
Morning Tea

11.30am – 1.15pm
Walkie Talkie – Redfern Then and Now
Aunty Donna Ingram will take you to the heart of Aboriginal Redfern, starting with a yarn at The Block and a short walk to see some local landmarks and discuss the neighbourhood’s social, cultural and political history. Spaces are limited, so bookings can be made at the Information Desk on the day. Walking groups will depart from the Courtyard at 11.30am. Bring a hat and water, we’ll provide the sunscreen.

11.30am – 12.25pm   BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Respect Your Elders: Don’t miss two theatrical legends in conversation – Rhoda Roberts takes a short break following her morning keynote to discuss the life and work of the irrepressible Uncle Jack Charles.

Artist Conversation – Roysten Abel: Adena Jacobs talks to acclaimed writer and director Roysten Abel, whose newest creation, The Kitchen, is presented and co-commissioned by Sydney Festival.

Writing Room #3 – Writing Time: The third and final instalment of the Writing Rooms series hosted by PWA Director Tim Roseman will focus on writing time, temporality and history in the theatre, featuring  Donna Abela, Peter Matheson, Leah Purcell  and Chi Vu.

What are the next green steps? A lively discussion about sustainable arts practice and what’s needed to continue the theatre sector’s momentum in this critical area. Hosted by Matt Wicking, Greenie-in-Residence at Arts House.

12.35pm – 1.30pm     BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Respect Your Elders – Peter Wilson: Lee Lewis talks to Peter Wilson about a career that, over more than 40 years, has transformed contemporary puppetry practice in Australia.

Companies in Conversation – Performance 4a: David Williams talks to Jenevieve Chang, Mayu Kanamori, Annette Shun Wah and William Yang about the past and future of Asian-Australian performing arts company Performance 4a.

Making it Happen – How Production Managers Make It: Our final in this series of discussions with the creative and backstage theatre heroes, Bill Harris hosts a discussions with Sydney Festival Head of Production John Bayley, QTC Production Manager Toni Glynn and Performing Lines Production Manager Liz Young.

Who Needs Youth Theatre? Policy changes have put our youth theatre sector at risk. Australian Theatre for Young People Artistic Director Fraser Corfield asks what we are going to do about it, with Caitlin Newton-Broad, Lenine Bourke and Katherine Quigley.

1.30pm – 2.45pm
Lunch

2.45pm – 3.30pm
Transfer to Sydney Opera House (Buses and lollies provided)

3.45pm – 5.00pm
Keynote Address – Frie Leysen:  About Embracing the Elusive

5.00pm – 6.45pm
Farewell Drinks
SOH Concert Hall Northern Foyer

6.45pm onwards
After Party – The ‘Summer Playground’ on the Western Concourse of the Sydney Opera House is the place for delegates to hang out after the  function, and they are offering a 10% discount at the Festival Garden bar which is operated by The House Eatery. Just show your lanyard to get the discount.