Award winning playwright S. Shakthidharan has described his groundbreaking theatre work Counting and Cracking as "a radical act of belonging". The epic, three-act, three-hour tale captures the Australian migrant experience through the story of one Sri Lankan family across four generations. To celebrate the play's return to the stage, we hear from four Sri Lankan Australians about the role creativity has played in their lives, culture and community.This event was recorded at the University of Melbourne (UMAC) in partnership with Rising Festival and The Wheeler Centre on June 2, 2024.SpeakersS. Shakthidharan Writer, Director, Producer and composer of original musicAuthor, Counting and CrackingCo-Founder and Co-Director, KurinjiMinoli De Silva Owner, Ella by MinoliFinalist, Masterchef AustraliaSuren Jayemanne Comedian, writer, presenterBhakthi Puvanenthiran (host) Entertainment and Features Editor, ABCFurther informationHow writing the epic play Counting and Cracking helped Tamil playwright S. Shakthidharan's mum face her traumaABC Online, May 27, 2024'We are here, we belong' — The unifying impact of Counting and Cracking The Stage Show, ABC RN, June 11, 2024
Award winning playwright S. Shakthidharan has described his groundbreaking theatre work Counting and Cracking as "a radical act of belonging". The epic, three-act, three-hour tale captures the Australian migrant experience through the story of one Sri Lankan family across four generations. To celebrate the play's return to the stage, we hear from four Sri Lankan Australians about the role creativity has played in their lives, culture and community. This event was recorded at the University of Melbourne (UMAC) in partnership with Rising Festival and The Wheeler Centre on June 2, 2024. Speakers S. Shakthidharan Writer, Director, Producer and composer of original music Author, Counting and Cracking Co-Founder and Co-Director, Kurinji Minoli De Silva Owner, Ella by Minoli Finalist, Masterchef Australia Suren Jayemanne Comedian, writer, presenter Bhakthi Puvanenthiran (host) Entertainment and Features Editor, ABC Further information How writing the epic play Counting and Cracking helped Tamil playwright S. Shakthidharan's mum face her trauma ABC Online, May 27, 2024 'We are here, we belong' — The unifying impact of Counting and Cracking The Stage Show, ABC RN, June 11, 2024