Experience a cultural feast: theatre, film and art round at WWAF

Have you secured your tickets to WWAF yet? With less than six weeks remaining, it's the perfect time to plan your winter getaway to the charming village of Woodend.

Alongside our amazing music and words & ideas program, the 20th edition of the festival will feature theatre, film, and an art exhibition, complete with free art workshops. Keep reading to discover all the details, or head online now to view the complete four-day program. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast.

Two Absurdist Plays by Peter Rose
Highly Strung Players 

Join us for a unique theatrical experience with The Highly Strung Players. Founded in 1989 by award-winning author and publisher Peter Rose, this dynamic group brings to life the works of Rose and other absurdist playwrights through captivating, rehearsed readings. One ticket gets you entry to both plays.

The first play, The Innominable (by Georgina Banks and Ellie Nielsen) is premiering at WWAF. Meet twin sisters in their fifties, waiting to collect their mother’s ashes. One sister, Glen-Rae, was named at birth; the other, mysteriously, was not. She is the Innominable.

The second play, The One Who Rang (by Ellie Nielsen and Peter Rose) is one of five short works in the series called The Ones. The two characters (unnamed) are married publishers who work for different companies. After a mysterious telephone call, we learn about the Man’s unhappy childhood and the origins of their own relationship.

Festival organisers are grateful that this event is a fundraiser for the WWAF.

When: Saturday 7 June at 5pm
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend

The Great White Whale
Introduction and Q&A by its Director, Michael Dillon.

Join internationally acclaimed, award winning local filmmaker Michael Dillon at the Woodend première of his latest documentary, The Great White Whale. This extraordinary tale follows the first attempts to climb Big Ben, the smoking glacier ringed volcano on Heard Island, Australia’s loneliest, most remote outpost.

The beautifully shot original footage, the brilliant music score (by Paul Jarman and John Crick), the quirky humour of the expeditioners and the utter boldness of the quest adds spice to one of the least known, yet most audacious Australian adventure tales of the 20th century.

This rare showing is not to be missed! Meet Michael and hear him talk about the film.

When: Monday 9 June at 4.30pm
Where: Norma Richardson Hall, Woodend

The Gallery Mt Macedon
Art exhibition and workshops

You are invited to look, learn and create as you witness artists at work from The Gallery Mt Macedon. Join them at the Woodend Neighbourhood House and discover the quality work of this local arts collective. Learn how members work by watching them demonstrate, then create your own art piece if you wish. Both adults and children will be encouraged to ‘stamp’ their mark on the environment, creating cut-outs of nature and wildlife. Entry is free and no bookings are required.

When: Saturday 7, Sunday 8 and Monday 9 June, 10am-4pm
Where: Woodend Neighbourhood House

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is a registered charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donate here or visit our website for more information on how to donate.