HELP BRING THREE DRESSES TO THE STAGE IN 2027

A new North Queensland story for families across Australia

JUTE Theatre Company is bringing Wanda Gibson’s multi-award-winning children’s book Three Dresses to the stage – and this AusArt Day, we’re asking you to help us make it happen.

Adapted by playwright Chenoa Deemal and led by First Nations artists, Three Dresses is being developed as a large-scale theatre work for children and families, combining performance, Guugu Yimithirr and English language, music, movement, puppetry and visual storytelling.

At its heart is a story of family, childhood, Country and memory.

Warm, funny and full of life, Three Dresses draws on Wanda’s experiences growing up in Hope Vale and the treasured holidays that inspired her book. Alongside its joy, the work also gently explores the lasting impacts of mission life and the Stolen Generations, creating a story that can open conversations across generations.

From page to stage

Over the past several months, Chenoa Deemal has been adapting Wanda’s story for theatre, supported by an expanding team of First Nations and regional creatives.

Earlier this year, the creative team travelled to Hope Vale for a week of development on Country and in the community at the heart of the story. They worked with local young people, explored Guugu Yimithirr language and song, spent time with Wanda at Hope Vale Arts and Culture Centre, and visited places including Elim Beach that have helped shape the work.

In late October and November, the team will come together again for an intensive four-week creative development, testing the script, performance, music, puppetry, design and visual language as we take the next major step towards a full production in 2027.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

Creating a new Australian theatre work of this scale takes much more than putting actors on a stage.

Your donation helps JUTE:

• employ First Nations and regional artists and creatives

• develop new music, puppetry, design and visual storytelling

• support cultural collaboration and Guugu Yimithirr language within the work

• provide the time and space artists need to develop the production properly

• move Three Dresses from creative development into full production

• prepare the work to reach children and families in Far North Queensland and beyond

Every contribution helps us move one step closer to opening night.

A STORY THAT STARTS HERE – AND CAN TRAVEL FAR BEYOND IT

Three Dresses is deeply connected to Hope Vale, Guugu Yimithirr Country and Far North Queensland.

By supporting this work, you are helping a story from our region grow into a major new Australian theatrical work – one that can be shared with children and families on stages across the country.

BE PART OF THE STORY

Whether you give $20, $50, $100 or more, your contribution becomes part of the journey of this new work.

Help us bring Three Dresses to life.

Want to learn more about the work? Click Here