Nadine McDonald-Dowd is a Yuwi woman who works closely with First Nations Artists to tell their stories, recently collaborating with Anita Heiss to bring her novel Tiddas to the stage as part of Sydney Festival’s Blak Out Program. McDonald-Dowd’s extensive experience in producing theatre and dance has seen her advising multiple government bodies on arts and culture policies, particularly in the area of Indigneous arts.

What has been your journey into theatre ?

I left Mackay and headed to the big smoke of Brisbane in 1991 to study at QUT Kelvin Grove. It opened my eyes to so many things and I guess, I became fixated on the world of theatre then. In the mid 90’s I started working at Kooemba Jdarra Indigenous Performing Arts Company and the time I spent there absolutely changed my life. I had the privilege of working on so many amazing works, met and worked with some pretty incredible people and learned from those who I would still say, were the best. Their kindness, willingness to share and their dedication to the continuation of our culture through storytelling was
inspiring, I am thankful everyday for their generosity because it enable me to grow not only not only as a creative but as a blak woman. I miss those days.

Tell me about your experience of developing Tiddas into a production for the stage

I’ve known Anita for years and have always loved her and her work. When she wrote Tiddas, I fell in love with the women and one night, over a drink or two, we spoke about turning it into a production and well, the rest is history! Working with Sanja Simic and Anita over two years, we had creative developments, script sessions, readings, workshop…and then COVID came to visit so it’s been a journey. So many wonderful people have contributed to this work getting to were it is and to them we are so grateful.

What is the one message every person who sees Tiddas should take with them out of the theatre?

This is a story of sisterhood and the love that binds us. It seems such a simple thing to say but honestly, I don’t know where I would be without the love of my sisters in my life. Through the great times, the s crappy times and those moments where you question everything – they are there. It’s a story about women, for women written and created by women.

What do you enjoy about the Aussie theatre scene, and what needs to change?

I don’t think there is enough sips in me to answer this question! Hahahaha Our stories have always been in this country. Our words, voices, songs dances and creations have echoed through this landscape long before there was a theatre scene and we are still here. I think that’s what I love the most. We will always be here. Always was, always will be.

What type of wine would you pair with Show, and why?

I think Tiddas deserves a good fruity lexia!! Kidding!!!! Look between the Mudgee wine, Pimms and Beers – you can just grab your favourite, settle in and enjoy the ride!

Purchase your ticket to Tiddas here, on at Belvoir St Theatre until 28 Jan 2024.