Big stories told in bite-sized theatre

TALES of murder and nostalgia, familial heists and forgiveness, share-house chaos and rekindled love will unfold at the inaugural Geelong Short Play Festival next month.

Presented by the Geelong Writers community group, the festival will showcase six original 15-minute plays selected from 35 submissions.

Each was selected for inclusion in the festival for its sharp dialogue, compelling characters and creative spark.

Audiences can expect everything from crime capers to heartfelt drama.

The Duffel Bag by Kim Rance follows two bickering criminals planning a heist, while The Dippy Egg by Melina Bunting finds meaning in the simple pleasures of life.

Hydrangeas and Lilies by Belle Donald traces the evolving bond between parent and child, and Paloma Leon’s The Prodigal Daughter reimagines the biblical tale through a modern, poetic lens.

Rounding out the program, Out of Nowhere by Paul Bucci offers a sharp comedy about four hapless housemates, and Hear No Evil by Steve Brown presents a historical confession with chilling undertones.

Five local theatre groups — What’s On? Production Company, Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group, Overflow Theatre, Kaleidoscopic Void Theatre Group and Geelong Repertory Theatre Company — will help bring the works to life.

Festival coordinator Paul Bucci said the new event celebrates Geelong’s growing pool of creative talent.

“The festival promotes local creativity and provides great entertainment value,” he said.

“We encourage everyone to support this initiative so it can become a permanent fixture on the Geelong theatre calendar.”

The Geelong Short Play Festival will run over three sessions at the Geelong Arts Centre between November 7 and November 8.

Awards for People’s Choice, Best Production, Best Actor and Best Script will be presented after the final session.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, head to geelongartscentre.org.au