Entertainment
17 October, 2025
Unique blend for all geeks
A UNIQUE blend of science, storytelling and entrepreneurship will take centre stage at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre this month as JUTE Theatre Company and Launch Y(E)P join forces for the first time to present Encore for Innovation.
Launching on Saturday 18 October, the fast-paced program combines theatre and hands-on workshops to inspire young minds and celebrate First Nations’ creativity.
After the Cairns launch, the initiative will tour 14 regional and remote communities from the Cassowary Coast to the Cape, igniting STEM confidence and big ideas along the way.
At the heart of the program is ‘Get Your Geek On’, a two-hander play written by acclaimed First Nations playwright Isaac Drandic, directed by Raymond Blanco, and performed by Maci-Grace Thomson and Maurice Sailor.
The story follows 12-year-old Djirra, a science-loving girl inspired by Australian Indigenous inventor David Unaipon, as she strives to create a world-changing invention for her school science fair.
Mr Drandic said Djirra’s curiosity was designed to reflect the deep scientific understanding embedded in Indigenous knowledge systems.
“Aboriginal preacher, author and inventor David Unaipon is a brilliant example of what’s possible, while the boomerang and woomera are genius inventions using the science of physics to fulfil practical needs,” he said.
Launch Y(E)P director Tara Diversi said the collaboration was an exciting way to encourage young people to see innovation through a creative lens.
“Arts and theatre-based activities have a way of bringing out creativity and breaking down barriers, which is an excellent starting point for innovation,” Ms Diversi said.
JUTE Theatre Company’s creative producer Monica Stevens said she was thrilled to see the arts merging with STEM.
The schedule is:
11am – Get Your Geek On performance
12pm – Theatre workshop / The Problem Solvers workshop
1.30 pm – Build a Side Hustle workshop
3pm – Get Your Geek On performance
4pm – Theatre workshop (wraps at 5.15 pm)
Tickets are just $5 per person, per session via: www.bit.ly/3Wy3nAT
