Entertainment
24 October, 2025
Breaking new ground
CAIRNS’ JUTE Theatre Company is breaking new ground with 4-on-the-Floor, a week-long creative development intensive bringing together four emerging playwrights and a team of actors, directors and dramaturgs to develop new Australian works.
The initiative, led by JUTE’s executive artistic director Chris Kohn aims to create a “melting pot” of ideas, with diverse stories and theatrical forms developing simultaneously.
“There’s Ingrid Monavar Johnson’s musical about stationery, Monica Stevens’ gold rush-era love story, John Doolan’s environmental thriller ‘Martin Grove’, and Curtly Lee’s historical epic about her 300-year-old violin, believed to have been played by Beethoven,” Mr Kohn said.
“Actors move between the plays, ideas feed from one piece to another and the energy in the room is incredible.”
Visiting from southern Australia, Belloo Creative artistic director Caroline Dunphy is directing two of the new works.
“Supporting writers through dramaturgy and direction is our joy,” she said.
“Adapting to the different minds and hearts of each writer is profound. Audiences will see four very different plays, each with its own flavour and style.”
Ms Dunphy highlights the authenticity of working in regional Queensland, where established relationships and a supportive environment allow the creative team to work efficiently and build trust quickly.
For John Doolan, Martin Grove is a psychological drama that explores memory, secrets and trauma within the context of urban development and environmental conservation.
“I would like to improve my skills as a storyteller and writer for the region,” he said.
Drawing on his background in urban planning, Mr Doolan hopes the play will resonate with audiences and spark reflection on the ways we use and inhabit space.
Kirtley Leigh, a concert violinist and artistic director, is developing ‘Rhapsody: The Dalinger Violin’, tracing the 300-year history of her treasured instrument.
“I’ve never been a playwright before, and this is a chance to explore storytelling in a new way,” she said.
The work spans centuries and continents, weaving music, romance and adventure into a theatrical experience.
The 4-on-the-Floor public reading will be held on Friday, 24 October at 7 pm at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre. Each play will present about 30 minutes of material, from more complete drafts to early-stage workshop performances. Audience feedback will be invited to shape the following stages of development.
Entry is free, with bookings via www.bit.ly/47edoIp.
