Four playwrights. Four new works. One fabulous night of play readings.

Friday, 24 October 2025 7pm – Bulmba-ja Arts Centre, Cairns
Free entry, just arrive a little bit before 7pm.

JUTE Theatre Company, in partnership with Belloo Creative (Brisbane), will launch a brand-
new script development model when it presents 4 on the Floor, with a public showcase of
new works in progress, on Friday 24 October at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre.

Developed over an intensive week-long creative lab in Cairns, 4 on the Floor brings together
four emerging playwrights, Kirtley Leigh, Ingrid Monavar Johnson, Monica Stevens, and
John Doolan, who are shaping exciting new works under the guidance of dramaturgs,
directors, and actors in a dynamic collaborative environment.

The program reimagines how new writing is developed in regional Australia, embedding
dramaturgical process, rapid feedback, and peer collaboration to fast-track the evolution of
new work. The showcase will feature excerpts from each play, followed by a Q&A and
networking opportunity with artists and industry guests.

JUTE Senior Creative Producer Kathryn Ash said 4 on the Floor reflects the company’s deep
commitment to nurturing regional voices and amplifying diverse stories from Far North
Queensland and beyond.

“We wanted to create an environment where new ideas could ignite quickly – where
playwrights are supported, challenged and connected,” Ms Ash said.

“Partnering with Belloo Creative expands our reach into the Queensland theatre sector and
ensures these emerging voices are part of a wider conversation about the future of
Australian storytelling.”

Among the new works in development are:

The Dalenger Violin (working title) by Kirtley Leigh – a lyrical exploration of music,
memory, and the 300-year-old violin that has shaped a lifetime of performance;

Stationery: The Musical by Ingrid Monavar Johnson – a witty, heart-filled love story
about connection and communication in the digital age;

The Brown Blouse by Monica Stevens – a powerful First Nations historical drama
set on the Palmer River goldfields; and

Martin Grove by John Doolan – a haunting psychological drama about memory, guilt,
and the cost of secrets.

JUTE’s new script development program, 4 on the Floor is part of the company’s long-term
investment in regional artist development and story creation, supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, and the Australian Government through the Regional Arts Fund.

What: 4 on the Floor – Public Showcase of New Works in Development
When: Friday 24 October 2025, 7.00 pm
Where: Bulmba-ja Arts Centre, 96 Abbott Street, Cairns

FREE ENTRY