The Short+Sweet Sydney Festival is thrilled to announce the launch of Short+Sweet Deadly 2025, a week-long program that places First Nations voices centre stage through a celebration of theatre and dance.

Scheduled for April 2025 at Turner Theatre, TAFE NSW Ultimo Campus, this inaugural event will offer First Nations artists a dedicated professional platform to share their stories, talents, and culture with diverse audiences.

Supported by TAFE NSW, a leader in high-quality education for First Nations people across New South Wales, Short+Sweet Deadly aims to honour the richness of Indigenous storytelling, preserve cultural heritage, and engage the broader community.

Organisers say the festival promises to be "an unforgettable experience" that resonates deeply with both performers and viewers.

Curating the event is acclaimed Wiradjuri dancer and choreographer Ella Havelka, the first Indigenous dancer to join The Australian Ballet and an alumna of Bangarra Dance Theatre.

Ms Havelka's experience brings a unique vision to the program, one that seamlessly combines traditional and contemporary forms of storytelling.

"This platform provides an incredible opportunity for First Nations artists to present authentic stories that resonate with our communities and beyond," Ms Havelka said.

"By blending traditional and contemporary forms, we can create powerful narratives that honour our heritage and inspire future generations."

Short+Sweet Sydney festival director Ali Bendall emphasised that Short+Sweet Deadly is more than just a festival week; it's a movement to empower First Nations artists and bring their stories to the forefront.

"We are honoured to provide a stage where First Nations creatives can shine and connect with audiences on a profound level," said Ms Bendall.

As a global festival brand, Short+Sweet brings Theatre, Dance, Music, and Film Festivals to audiences worldwide. The festival's mission is to build enthusiastic theatre-goers by showcasing exciting and accessible short-form works, fostering a celebration of storytelling across cultures and communities.

The program goes beyond celebrating Indigenous culture—it sets the stage for a more inclusive and representative arts landscape. Artistic Director of Short+Sweet, Mark Cleary, describes Short+Sweet Deadly as a bold step towards a more inclusive and representative arts landscape in Australia.

"By investing in First Nations talent, we are not only celebrating their cultural contributions but also laying the groundwork for future touring productions, educational initiatives, and working towards the establishment of a permanent First Nations theatre company by 2030," said Mr Cleary.

TAFE NSW's partnership in this venture reinforces what it calls its "commitment to delivering relevant, high-quality training and education for First Nations people across the state".

TAFE NSW First Nations Team spokesperson Kallie Fernando said they are proud to support Short+Sweet Deadly 2025.

"This partnership aligns with our dedication to empowering Indigenous communities through education and the arts," she said.

"By nurturing talent and providing platforms for expression, we contribute to a richer, more diverse cultural fabric in New South Wales."

The program is actively seeking submissions of 10-minute (or less) plays and dance pieces from First Nations writers, directors, actors, dancers, and choreographers.

Participants will not only perform at one of Sydney's most celebrated arts festivals but also have the chance to learn from industry leaders through workshops and masterclasses. Select works may even have the opportunity for future touring through TAFE NSW.