Not in Print: playwrights off script - on inspiration, process and theatre itself

We sat down with multi-award-winning playwright Kate Mulvany to discuss her new play The Shiralee, adapted from the novel by D'Arcy Niland and published by Currency Press in August 2026.

Macauley is a swagman earning his keep by prize-fighting his way across the country. Far away in Sydney’s Kings Cross, his almost ten-year-old daughter Buster lives with her lonely mother Marge, who is struggling to make ends meet. When Macauley returns home one night to find Marge in bed with another man, and Buster drunk on sherry, he throws Buster over his shoulder and takes her into his unforgiving lifestyle as a swagman on the open road.

‘Breathes new life into a classic Australian story. One that has now, surely, become an Australian classic play.’— The Scoop AU

Available now at currency.com.au!

We sat down with playwright Chenturan Aran to discuss the story behind his play Cut Chilli, which is published by Currency Press in 2026.

On the VCE Playlist in 2026, Cut Chilli sears through the messy tangle of adoption fraud, interracial families and belonging with a real kick.

Available now at currency.com.au

Performing at Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre from 12-23 August, 2026.

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More from Chenturan Aran: Comet Boombox at Old Fitz Theatre, 17-22 November, 2026.

Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025

 

SHARING CULTURE VIA THE STAGE: Following on from Jordan Shea's Keynote asking 'What is an Australian play?', this panel examines what it means to share culture on stage. How generous should we be when it comes to sharing our culture, particularly when it's not just our own stories at stake, but our community's? What are the considerations and responsibilities when we represent our community on the stage? And why do we do it?

 

FEATURING: Chenturan Aran, Joanne Kee, and Tracey Rigney

 

CHAIR: Courtney Stewart

 

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Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025

 

PLAYWRIGHT CRUSH 2: Jules Orcullo and Michelle Law

 

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Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025

 

WRITERS VS AI: What is the point of having a humanities degree if AI can do the job? But what about creatives with budget restrictions who are using AI to support their work? The rise of AI and how it affects our work and lives is an urgent conversation. This panel explores the ethical and legal challenges of AI. 

 

FEATURING: Lucy Hayward, Matthew Ngamurarri Heffernan, and Claire Pullen

 

CHAIR: Alana Valentine

 

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Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025

 

FEMINIST VOICES: More women and non-binary artists are now in key creatives roles where they are not just participating, but leading, innovating, and redefining what theatre can be. As playwrights, directors, dramaturgs and producers, their perspectives and contributions are transforming the Australian cultural landscape. But what has it taken to get here? And how do we continue opening up new doors for future generations?

 

FEATURING: Amy Sole, Courtney Stewart, and Laneikka Denne

 

CHAIR: Mary Rachel Brown

 

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Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025

 

ADAPTING FOR THE STAGE: What makes the classics so tempting to reimagine? And how do playwrights manage the balancing act of putting their own stamp on it while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original? Join the brave playwrights who take on the classics as they explore why these centuries-old plays are still relevant.

 

FEATURING: Wesley Enoch, Virginia Gay, and Damien Ryan

 

CHAIR: Eamon Flack

 

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Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025

 

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG: A series of anecdotes about mishaps large and small, and the necessity of fixing things on the run. It may sound superficial, but it speaks to theatre's intrinsic need for adaptability, resilience, and energy. 

 

FEATURING: Virginia Gay and Paul Capsis

 

CHAIR: Wesley Enoch

 

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Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025

 

IN CONVERSATION WITH JOANNA MURRAY-SMITH facilitated by Melanie Tait. Includes excerpts from Murray-Smith's 'Julia' read by Katrina Foster.

 

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Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025

 

PLAYWRIGHT CRUSH 1: Ryan Enniss and Joanna Erskine

 

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