Since 2013, Story Week has been bringing the world's best performing artists to Australian audiences. Offering an annual celebration of performed writing which spreads fresh wings to greet audiences hungry for meaningful human connection; the event has always been known for breathing fresh life into the streets of Sydney and beyond. Now, Story Week is back and more innovative than ever in 2021, serving up an unmissable line up of diverse voices and stories to immerse yourself in.

Speaking about the return of the literary festival towards the end of November, Story Week and Word Travels’ creative director Miles Merrill reminds us that now, more than ever, stories and human connection are the two things that inextricably bind us.

“We’ve been trained for almost two years to be afraid of other humans... Stories are how we continue to understand each other in isolation. It’s like we’ve gone into cocoons and now, by literally transforming our bodies through vaccination, we emerge, spread wings and gather. The collective noun for butterflies is: kaleidoscope. This is so celebratory. It’s the driving metaphor for Story Week.”

Below, we're sharing everything you need to know to participate in the upcoming Story Week events.

 

When is Story Week 2021?

This event will run from Monday 22 November - Sunday 28 November 2021.

 

Who will be performing?

This year's lineup has no shortage of incredible performers, performances and interactive events that you simply can't miss. This year in particular, the event is spotlighting the many remarkable First Nations voices and talents with an event titled First Person Voice – a serious of three live events, Celebrate Language, Weaving with Language and Love Letters to Country.

Some First Nations artists to look out for include Jazz Money, Lu Norton, Daniel Mateo, Ché Baines, Travis De Vries and Tully De Vries; as well as an initiative through Stop Money image recognition technology to bring culture to life through everyday items; the stop sign and a $10 note.

You can find the full list of events and performers on the Word Travels' website.

 

Where will Story Week 2021 take place?

Story Week 2021 events will take place in a variety of venues across Sydney, as well as many hosted virtually so that you can tune in no matter where you are.