Autumn Days – Monologues and Short Plays by ArtSound

Autumn Days – Monologues and Short Plays

A well-crafted monologue—or a tightly written two-hander—can compress an entire life into 10 minutes, revealing the quiet turning points, the unspoken griefs, the unexpected humour that emerges when we’re brave enough to sit still and listen. And when those stories are written and performed by people who’ve lived through decades of love, loss, reinvention, and resilience? The result is often devastating, hilarious, and utterly singular.

Autumn Days promises all of that. Six voices presenting 10 pieces. Some funny. Some heartbreaking. All exemplifying the lived reality of creative ageing in Canberra—a city that Festival Director Dr. Hope describes as “one of the most creative cities in Australia,” where people “genuinely understand how important creative activity is for health, wellbeing, and quality of life.”

On Saturday, March 29, from 2–4pm, settle into the dappled afternoon light of the Manuka Arts Centre gardens and experience something rare: theatre that doesn’t pander, doesn’t condescend, and doesn’t apologize for the age of its creators. Watch some of Canberra’s best actors perform script in hand as they make you laugh and cry. You’ll be reminded that the richest stories often come from those who’ve had the longest time to notice what matters.

Tickets: $15 ($10 for current ArtSound members. Discount will be applied when online payment charged. Concession tickets: $10. Discount is available at the door).

This is theatre that challenges stereotypes, celebrates artistic excellence, and proves that creativity, growth, and connection are possible—and vital—at every age.