This July, 50 new short works by Australia’s leading playwrights will be simultaneously livestreamed by over 30 performing arts organisations across the country. Titled Dear Australia, the exciting project spearheaded by Playwriting Australia sees 50 playwrights commissioned to create, for specific performers, original monologues that reflect on the state and future of the nation during this uncertain moment brought about by COVID-19 and recent political turmoil.

Anchuli Felicia King. Photo supplied

David Berthold, interim Executive Chair of Playwriting Australia, said that this was a project that “not only elevates the voice of playwrights, but also demonstrates the huge diversity of voices this nation enjoys”.

“Recent months have exposed and prised open many cracks in our society. These 50 micro works address major questions, allowing us to see into some of those cracks, but also inviting us to see light ahead. These stories are, in turn, confronting and comforting. Together, they are a revelation and unique celebration of Australian voices.”

Miranda Tapsell

PWA invited 25 theatre companies from across Australia to nominate two playwrights each. PWA then commissioned these 50 playwrights to write a short monologue, which were then...