The Substation/ Artist/Western Edge/
Western Edge Youth Arts is a not-for-profit arts organisation creating safer spaces for young artists from Melbourne’s west to own and tell their stories, with their own voice.
Their work is steeped in the rich storytelling and culture-making of the diverse communities of the West, and fuelled by the underrepresentation of diverse voices and lived experiences on Australian stages, screens and leadership roles in the arts industry.
They work across three key programmatic areas of Schools, Community Theatre and Professional Development to provide opportunities for young artists to explore creativity, learn new artistic practices, gain on-the-job employment, and develop as artistic and cultural leaders.
Their approach to practice is grounded in decolonial theory and celebrating intersectional diversity. Beyond their artistic programs, Western Edge Youth Arts provide learning to corporate, government and community organisations through fee-for-service workshops.
Dive Deeper/
Related/
Community/
Music
Collective x Open Stage: Sonder
PRESENTED BY WESTERN EDGE
Join Western Edge for Collective x Open Stage: Sonder, the grand finale of their Open Stage quarterly series, where art and empathy combine in a celebration of the shared human experience. Inspired by the concept of Sonder – the realisation that every person has a life as vivid and complex as our own – Western Edge invite you to explore the depth and diversity of individual stories, and the power of connection through creativity.
This special night also marks the completion of 3 years together for The Collective, our ensemble of emerging actors, as we conclude our Level Up professional development program. Through a series of monologues and scenes, The Collective will bring to life narratives that reflect not only the complexity of human emotion, but offer a window into their unique journeys.
As we close out the Open Stage series, and the year, at Western Edge, join us for a night of performances, music, poetry, and storytelling, with a lineup of artists curated by Achela Chok. Immerse yourself in the richness of the stories and lives we inhabit, and the parts in between that connect us all.
FEATURING
Akwal Magek
An Dang
Ayanttu
Chala Mohamed
Fardows Abdul
Kiril Stamenkov
Milana Markovic-Matovic
Tèbir
Waj Chok
This project is supported by VicHealth through the Future Reset initiative and the Ian Potter Foundation. Production support is provided by ON3 Studio.
ABOUT
Western Edge is a not-for-profit arts organisation creating safer spaces for young artists from Melbourne’s West to tell their own stories, with their own voice, in their own way.
Each Open Stage event in the quarterly series has been curated by a young producer from the West, who program the events in line with their own specific practice and communities. Open Stage: Sonder is curated by Achela Chok.
Instagram @wstrnedge
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wstrnedge/
YouTube @westernedge
CONTENT WARNINGS
This event contains coarse language, mature themes, sudden loud noises and is presented in low lighting.
ACCESS
Please note, this is a licensed event, requiring photo ID. Attendees under 18 years old are welcome to attend, accompanied by a responsible adult guardian.
Complimentary catering will be provided. If you have any dietary requirements when booking your ticket.
This event is wheelchair accessible and gender neutral accessible toilets are available. Registered assistance animals are welcome. Some chairs and seating will be provided.
AUSLAN INTERPRETATION
This event will be Auslan interpreted by interpreters from Auslan Stage Left.
Music/
Performance
Open Stage: Sunset Session
PRESENTED BY WESTERN EDGE
Our community spoke, and we listened. Open Stage is the new space for gathering and celebrating togetherness through art. Meet, connect, share art and break bread.
The debut event in this new event series from Western Edge, Open Stage: Sunset Session invites creatives from all over the West to come light up The Substation for one summer evening of music, performance, poetry and food.
Featuring: HOPE, Strictly DT, Tébir, Yara, DJ Jewlz and many more.
WHAT IS OPEN STAGE?
Open Stage is not your average open mic night – it’s a program of quarterly events blending music, poetry, storytelling, and food, and a safe space for our community to come together to celebrate creative expression.
WHAT SETS US APART?
Each Open Stage event is curated by a young producer from the vibrant West-based community. In 2024, Damon Paraha, Akwal Magek, Achela Chok and Zoë Sydney will program their events in line with their own specific practice and communities across the Western suburbs.
PERFORMANCE TIMES
6.30PM - Doors open, food available and music by DJ Jewlz
7.00PM - Welcome to Country by Jaeden Williams
7.15 - 8.30PM - Performances by Akwal Magek, Zero, Nomad222 and Yara
8.30 - 8.50PM - Performance interval and music by DJ Jewlz
8.50 - 10.15PM - Performances by Tébir, HOPE, Strictly DT and Kudakwashe
PRODUCTION CREDITS
The Open Stage event series is curated by Damon Paraha, Akwal Magek, Achela Chok and Zoë Sydney. Production is supported by ON3 Studio.
CONTENT WARNINGS
This event contains mild coarse language, sudden loud noises and is presented in low lighting. Please note, this is an alcohol-free event.
ACCESS
This event is wheelchair accessible and gender neutral accessible toilets are available. Registered assistance animals are welcome. Some chairs and seating will be provided.
The duration of this event is approximately 225 minutes. Across the duration of this event, attendees are welcome to enter and exit the event at their will.
AUSLAN INTERPRETATION
This event will be Auslan interpreted by interpreters from Auslan Stage Left.
