WAO and Breaksea are seeking local storytellers for THE ALBANY PROJECT
West Australian Opera and Breaksea will be presenting The Albany Project, a groundbreaking fusion of music and storytelling that aims to celebrate and reflect Albany’s vibrant community and its stories and storytellers in 2026.
Central to the project, will be the involvement of young storytellers, aged between 12-18 years, from the Lower Great Southern. West Australian Opera and Breaksea are seeking interest for Breaksea’s Youth Writers’ Group, which will be mentored by industry experts.
Breaksea’s Artistic Director and CEO Matt Reuben James Ward, who has previously collaborated with West Australian Opera on Koolbardi wer Wardong, Wundig wer Wilura and The Nightingale, which he directed, said “The Youth Writers’ Group is a fantastic opportunity for youth interested in writing and storytelling. The Youth Writers’ Group will explore the theme of a future where anything is possible, whilst honouring Albany’s rich history and it’s the perfect space for aspiring writers to develop their skills and explore their creative potential. This unique collaboration promises to deliver a moving and transformative experience that resonates with the spirit of Albany and its people, and will also foster intergenerational connections. We are excited to delve into these workshops and work with new and emerging talent.”
The Youth Writers’ Group consists of 14 interactive sessions commencing on Saturday, March 1 where participants will learn from industry experts and creatives including Jon Doust, Rachael Colmer, Jarred Wall, Jarrad Inman, Chris van Tuinen, Pia Harris, Matt Reuben James Ward and Menang elders.
West Australian Opera’s Artistic Director, Chris van Tuinen said “We are delighted to be collaborating with Matt Reuben James Ward on another original production and we look forward to working closely with Breaksea, the Menang elders and the participants of The Youth Writers Group to explore the central theme of “A Future Where Anything is Possible”.
To register for Breaksea’s Youth Writers Group’s click here.
The Albany Project is supported by City of Albany and Lotterywest and will be presented at the Albany Entertainment Centre from 23 - 25 October 2026.
For more information click here.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Daniele Foti-Cuzzola, West Australian Opera, Media Consultant
E: [email protected]
M: +614 343 548 67
