The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and bAKEHOUSE Theatre Company have joined forces to create a new partnership designed to champion emerging Australian playwrights and bring bold new writing to the stage in the Festival of New Writers, New Works, on stage at KXT on Broadway from May 27 – July 4.
Through a collaboration with NIDA’s Master of Fine Arts Dramatic Writing program, emerging writers will have the opportunity to see their scripts realised in a professional setting, connecting with audiences and industry.
The partnership will present a festival of new works at KXT on Broadway showcasing plays written and developed by recent NIDA graduates and alumni. The productions highlight the next generation of theatrical voices, exploring themes ranging from political power and bodily autonomy to identity, sexuality and institutional corruption.
“So many of our writers get their first break at KXT, so it’s great to be able to formalise this partnership and strengthen the pathway between training and industry. There’s something transformative for emerging writers about seeing their work in front of audiences for the first time, and having heard early pitches for these works, I’m excited to finally see them on stage!” Said Joe Hepworth, NIDA Head of Dramatic Writing.
“We’ve been honoured to be the home for many world premieres of work by NIDA graduates and alumni. This partnership opens the door into the industry for some of our most exciting emerging and early career artists, and is an opportunity to expand their community and network, with guidance from our team at KXT. It’s a joy to be able to bring the work of the next generation to the stage, and we’re looking forward to sharing their work with the KXT audiences.” Said Suzanne Millar, Creative Director KXT on Broadway.
Among the featured productions is First, Do No Harm, written by Grace Malouf (MFA, Writing for Performance, 2023) and directed by Charley Allanah. The gripping new drama explores the volatile intersections of medicine, politics and family. At the height of her campaign for President of the Australian Medical Association, renowned surgeon Melissa Annous faces a devastating revelation from her Olympic-hopeful son that threatens both his future and her public standing. Shortlisted for the Silver Gull Award, the play confronts questions of bodily autonomy, disability politics and the limits of empathy.
Also premiering is Everyone Knows I’m A Pervert, a darkly comic new work by Taylor Fernandez (MFA Dramatic Writing, 2025). The irreverent comedy follows neurotic erotica writer Chastity Onan, whose worst fear becomes reality when she accidentally sends her explicit writing to all 172 of her email contacts. As guilt, anxiety and absurdity collide, Chastity must confront the chaos of her own neuroses in a sharp, hilarious exploration of shame, sexuality and self-perception.
Completing the program is Cadaver Synod by Ruby Blinkhorn (MFA Dramatic Writing, 2025) a bold and darkly comedic play inspired by a notorious episode of medieval history. Set in 897 AD Rome, the play follows newly elected Pope Stephen as he grapples with political pressure to put the corpse of his predecessor on trial. Teetering between satire and tragedy, the work explores institutional power, corruption and the fragility of moral authority.
Together, the productions highlight the diversity, ambition and originality of emerging writers trained through NIDA’s renowned dramatic writing program.
Tickets for the festival are on sale now.
Image credit: © NIDA 2026, photography by Brett Boardman.