Okay ladies (and friends), let’s get in formation! The Sydney Opera House has dropped the first details for the next edition of All About Women (AAW), the festival of feminist ideas that marks the weekend of International Women’s Day each year (and always gives us a lot to think about). In 2025, the binary-smashing bonanza will take over the House with panels and conversations – as well as stand-up comedy and an immersive experience – all exploring inclusive ideas on gender, justice and equality.
There’s also happy news for the queer feminists out there (um, like the person writing this) who in previous years have rocked up for a full day of talks as they’re shaking off glitter and sleep deprivation – this year, AAW will not fall on the same weekend as the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. (And thank goodness for that, because there’s a big gay program ready to compete with those Kylie Minogue concerts!)
Leading the pack is Emmy-nominated comedian, actress and writer Kate Berlant (she/her) – the woman behind some of Hollywood’s most-talked-about movies of recent years including Don’t Worry Darling and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood; as well as her intimate, absurdist comedy special Cinnamon in the Wind (which is currently streaming on Disney+, hot tip) – who will premiere a new stand-up show as part of her debut Australian tour.
Berlant is joined by the much-loved winner of Australia’s first season of Alone, and author of new release We Are The Stars, Gina Chick (she/her) in a raw and inspiring conversation on grief, triumph over adversity and blazing your own trail. A flock of Australia’s funniest women will also come together for the return of one of the festival’s most popular events, Feminist Roast – featuring cultural commentator and comedian Lucinda ‘Froomes’ Price (she/her) hot off the release her debut book All I Ever Wanted Was To Be Hot; multi-award winning singer-songwriter, actor and comedian Michelle Brasier (she/her) (if you haven’t seen her on stage, you’ve absolutely seen her collaborations with Aunty Donna); writer, actor, director and All About Women co-curator alum, Gamilaroi and Torres Strait Islander woman Nakkiah Lui (she/her); and award-winning comedy star, Ydinji woman Steph Tisdell (she/her).
A couple of fantastic women, Whadjuk Noongar journalist and presenter Narelda Jacobs OAM (she/her) and award-winning actor and writer Michelle Law (she/her) (Miss Peony), have also jumped on board to co-curate some individual sessions alongside the Sydney Opera House Talks & Ideas team, which is led by Chip Rolley (he/him).
Michelle Law says that she’s delighted to join the AAW team following her “involvement as a participant and an ardent attendee over the years”. She also added: “The events I’ve co-curated are inspired by hot topics that dominate conversations with the women in my life – from the transformations women undergo at pivotal points in their lives, to the ways modern culture rejigs and repeats old stereotypes. We’ll be having some cracker discussions that I’m sure will continue beyond the steps of the Opera House!”
All About Women 2025 will kick off with an opening night on Saturday, March 8, alongside a bumper full-day program on Sunday, March 9. The full program of international and Australian artists, thinkers and storytellers will be announced in January.
Tickets for the events mentioned above are on sale to the general public from 9am on Thursday, November 28, starting at $35. For purchases and further info on the events and presales, head to sydneyoperahouse.com/all-about-women.
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