Advertise on podcast: 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. *** 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   ***   currency.com.au

Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025   PLAYWRIGHT CRUSH 2: Jules Orcullo and Michelle Law   ***   currency.com.au

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   ***   currency.com.au

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   ***   currency.com.au

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   ***   currency.com.au

Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025   PLAYWRIGHT CRUSH 1: Ryan Enniss and Joanna Erskine   ***   currency.com.au

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.   ***   currency.com.au

Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025   Welcome to Country followed by Jordan Shea's Keynote Address - What is an Australian Play?   *** currency.com.au

Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2025   AUSTRALIAN PLAYWRIGHTS ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE: Not only are Australian plays being lauded on international stages, but Australian playwrights are also finding a place at leading theatre companies around the world 'on attachment', where they can hone their skills while making important connections for future possibilities. This panel discusses what it means for Australian plays and playwrights to be part of the international scene, the rewards and challenges of it, and the practicalities of making it happen.   FEATURING: Anthony Blair, Jane Harrison, and Tom Wright   CHAIR: Tommy Murphy   ***   currency.com.au

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   ***   currency.com.au

We sat down with playwright Madelaine Nunn to hear more about her three plays published by Currency Press - 'Cactus', 'Garage Girls' and 'sitting, screaming'.    She shares her insights about the writing process, and also what it's like stepping into the role of actor and producer.   Listen to the end to find out more about a very exciting project coming to Melbourne Theatre Company in 2026!   Her plays are available at currency.com.au

We talk to Australian actor Francis Greenslade about his life, career, and what led him to write his book 'How I Learnt to Act: On the way to NOT going to drama school'.   Listen out for some entertaining anecdotes about working with some big names in TV and theatre, some unconventional acting tips, and the path he has forged for himself in a difficult industry.   ***   How I Learnt to Act is available on the Currency Press website

Recorded at the Currency Press Festival of Playwrights 2023   CONTENT WARNING/CANCEL CULTURE: We're living in an age when a media storm can shut down a show or even a festival. When the purpose of theatre is often to disrupt and to challenge societal norms, how do writers and producers walk the ever-evolving line to avoid cancellation?   Featuring Suzie Miller, Van Badham, and Suzy Wrong   Chair: Lee Lewis