Storytelling and a show: an exclusive professional learning event for Drama Victoria members.
Join acclaimed writer S. Shakthidharan for a deep-dive into his deeply personal writing process, then experience his work on stage. For teachers taking students to see The Jungle and the Sea for the VCE Theatre Studies playlist, this is also an opportunity to see the show in advance of your excursion.
S. Shakthidharan is a Western Sydney storyteller with Sri Lankan heritage and Tamil ancestry. He’s a writer, director and producer of theatre and film, and a composer of original music. His debut play, Counting and Cracking, was voted ‘the best Australian play of the 21st century’ in an ArtsHub poll, among many other honours. In 2025, he premiered two new works, The Wrong Gods and Two Blood, and in 2026, he was awarded the Windham-Campbell Prize for drama.
This event addresses the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers 1.3, 6.2 and 7.4, and the cross-curriculum priority Asia and Australia's Engagement with Asia.
Mon 17 Aug
5.00pm storytelling workshop with S. Shakthidharan
6.30pm dinner break
7.30pm performance of The Jungle and the Sea
Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Blvd
Cost: $95 (plus GST)
Price includes:
- 90min storytelling workshop with S. Shakthidharan
- A-reserve ticket to Preview performance of The Jungle and the Sea
- Light refreshments served pre-show
This production contains mature themes, occasional coarse language, and the use of haze and loud sound effects. Approximate running time: 2 hours and 50 minutes, including 2 intervals.
Limited tickets. RSVP by Thu 23 Jul.
Presented with
Photo credit: Alex Vaughan