ATYP'S celebrated Fresh Ink National Mentoring Program for emerging writers runs annually from April–December in selected states across Australia. The initiative has been running for 15 years in varying forms and engages industry professionals to mentor young writers. ATYP partnered with JUTE to deliver the program in Queensland this year.

So far, our Cairns participants have attended regular meetings with their mentor Kathryn Ash to hone their skills and they produced one short work for the stage earlier in year. Their second 30 minute work will be presented at this upcoming live play reading delivered by skilled actors on stage in the Bulmba-ja theatre on November 29th.

SYNOPSES:

Hailey
by Adria Cunningham

Hailey is Brad’s AI girlfriend of seven months. She’s all his, made to serve Brad in every way possible — to honour and obey, please and protect. Brad is almost satisfied with her human-like qualities. Little by little he is working to make her perfect.

A nasty complication has arisen, however, with the reemergence of his ex-girlfriend Gema, who carries with her unwelcome news. It threatens to upend Brad's life, threaten his freedom, and impose responsibilities he doesn't care for.

Hailey will sort it out. Over a civil cup of tea, she will put Gema straight. Brad won't have to deal with it at all.

And who’s to blame when that nasty complication ends tragically dismembered on the kitchen floor?

During a time when AI droids have been integrated into society and are walking alongside humans, the dilemma of who or what they are remains unresolved. The boundaries of behaviour have never completely solidified.

This play explores themes such as morality, truth, free will, and the possibilities for relationships between humans and technology.

Seeking A Vape For The End of The World
by Amber Grossmann

The end of the world is near—literally. The nuclear apocalypse is 30 minutes away. For Gunther and Mouse, this is rather troublesome news, as it seems they have strayed further from their bunker than they'd intended. Now, there's nothing to do but accept the immediacy and permanency of their deaths—and the death of the entire human race.

Stranded on the Leichhardt Highway, surrounded by the sounds of the Southern Queensland bushland, things get hectic. What did you expect? Actions don't have consequences when you're a hair's stroke from death.

Gunther, an apostate Catholic, hopes to meet God and beg for forgiveness of his sins. He'd also settle for a final "rendez-vous".

Mouse wants Gunther to calm down and stop ruining their final moments on Earth. Oh, and they want a vape. Preferably watermelon ice.

Neither is particularly thrilled by their end-of-world company, but friends who die together decompose together, right?

Enter, Otto.

Who on earth is Otto? No one's quite certain. He's not a German backpacker, that's for sure. Otto's just here to mess things up, it seems.

"Seeking a Vape For The End of The World" is an irreverent, absurdist exploration of life, death, God, and the fragility of human nature, with a distinctly Australian flavour, posing the central question: if death is nothingness, then what is nothingness? And why are we so afraid?

Echos of Resilience
by Lena Bwami

Echoes of Resilience unfolds as a raw and poignant exploration of the profound impact of bullying and racial discrimination on two sisters, Lisa and Leah. Set against the backdrop of their pursuit for refuge in Australia, the play delves into their shattered dreams as they face a new battleground—a school rife with racism and unrelenting bullying. Leah, the victim, endures physical and emotional torment, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that echoes the disturbing reality faced by countless students. Fueled by determination, Lisa takes on the role of a fierce advocate, challenging the school's indifference and escalating the fight for justice. The narrative unfolds through powerful scenes, including a heartbreaking flashback, a community mobilising against systemic issues, and a tense confrontation with school authorities. Echoes of Resilience is a gripping exploration of resilience, familial bonds, and the collective strength needed to confront adversity. Wednesday's playreading of this work promises to leave the audience moved, inspired, and passionately engaged in the urgent call for change in the face of systemic injustice.