Side Walks is an annual pop-up storytelling, ideas and literature festival run by Centre for Stories. In unique venues across Perth and Northbridge, Side Walks is a curated whirlwind of talks, performances and readings with a special emphasis on homegrown talent. Side Walks was made possible in 2021 with funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Centre for Stories Founders Circle, Rayner Real Estate, and Aspen Corporate Financial Planning. Thanks also to our in-kind venue partners, Randal Humich, North Metropolitan TAFE, and St George’s Cathedral.

In conversation with Shelagh Magadza, Jay Emmanuel, Mararo Wangai, and Simone Detourbet discuss the discuss how creative practice can be censored, diluted and sanitised when producing work for the white gaze. What is the work that BIPOC creatives really want to make, and for whom?

Shelagh Magadza has had an extensive career as an artistic director and producer of major events and festivals. She has held leadership positions for two of Australasia’s largest multi-arts festivals in Perth and New Zealand. Shelagh has been an advocate for artists at a community level and creating international opportunities for touring and exchange. She is currently the Executive Director of the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA.

Mararo Wangai is a Kenyan-born writer, performer and media graduate, with a passionate interest in diverse forms of storytelling. His work strives to assess society critically and remain adaptive, organic and alive through its development until it’s eventual encounter with an audience. Mararo challenges himself to wade far from his comfort zone and produce material that confronts, caresses and sometimes punishes an audience. Mararo wrote and performed Black Brass for Perth Festival 2021, produced by Performing Lines WA.

Simone Detourbet is an emerging actor, writer and director from Darwin. She is a Malak Malak (NT) and Gooniyandi (WA) woman. Simone attended WAAPA in 2015-16, completing the Aboriginal theatre course and the screen performance course. Since then, she has worked as an actor in multiple productions with Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company and participated in several artist residencies.

Jay Emmanuel is a theatremaker, writer, director, creative producer and community advocate. He is committed to community development using participatory theatre making processes, actively engaging the CACD space to facilitate expression for communities to tell their stories. Jay wrote and directed Children of the Sea for Perth Festival 2021.

Credit: Sophie Minissale