Cultural Catalysts: Creativity in the Sri Lankan Diaspora
Playwright S. Shakthidharan, chef Manoli De Silva, and comedian Suren Jayemanne come together to discuss the ways history, creativity and Sri Lankan diaspora culture inform their work.
Recording & Photography
This event will be photographed and video & audio recorded for use by The Wheeler Centre and its partners.
About the Event
S. Shakthidharan’s debut play Counting and Cracking began with a shoebox of his great-grandfather’s letters. Working with his family and the wider Sri Lankan diaspora, he excavated his family’s history, weaving threads of culture and connection into a multi-award-winning theatrical epic following four generations over five decades.
To celebrate the Melbourne debut of this global hit, Shakthidharan is joined in conversation by Masterchef sensation Minoli De Silva, who infuses her culinary artistry with Sri Lankan flavours at Darwin’s Ella restaurant, and actor and comedian Suren Jayemanne, whose stand-up work draws on his experiences as an Australian with Sri Lankan heritage.
Hosted by journalist Bhakthi Puvanenthiran, these acclaimed Sri Lankan creatives come together for an insightful and celebratory exploration of how personal narratives and cultural influences shape their craft, from family kitchens to international stages.
Following the panel discussion, the SAARI Collective invites audience members from the South Asian community to join them for a special lunchtime event that celebrates the opening weekend of Counting and Cracking. Learn more about this free event here.
Please note: Sashi Perera is no longer able to appear at this event
Presented in partnership with The Wheeler Centre, RISING and University of Melbourne Arts and Culture (UMAC).
Counting and Cracking plays at the Union Theatre from 31 May to 23 June as part of RISING. Tickets can be purchased via rising.melbourne.
Accessibility
Accessible toilets available
Assistive Listening
Auslan interpreting available by request
Companion tickets available
Registered Assistance Animals welcome
Wheelchair accessible
For information regarding accessibility at Union Theatre, Arts and Cultural Building, click here.
Please notify us of all access requirements when booking online so we can assist you with your visit. If you require further information, please contact ticketing@wheelercentre.com.
About the Book
Featuring
Minoli De Silva is a passionate chef that brings a vibrant energy both on and off the screen, most recently won the hearts of a national and international audience with her delightful personality, endearing mannerisms and flavour packed food on MasterChef Australia Season 13. Minoli made it to the t... Read more
Suren Jayemanne is an award-winning comedian, writer and presenter. Due to a lack of CPD hours, he is no longer allowed to call himself an accountant. While not himself an industry darling, he does play squash with some, making him industry darling adjacent. Suren’s TV appearances include Ques... Read more
Bhakthi Puvanenthiran is the Entertainment Editor at the ABC. Previously the Editor of ABC Everyday and Managing Editor of Crikey, a journalist and editor at The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, she has also co-hosted podcasts, worked at various literary festivals and is a regular media commentator. B... Read more
Shakthi is a western Sydney storyteller with Sri Lankan heritage and Tamil ancestry. He’s a writer, director and producer of theatre and film, and composer of original music. Belvoir: The Jungle and the Sea (Co-written with Eamon Flack) and Counting and Cracking (Associate Writer Eamon Flack). His... Read more
Location
159 Monash Road, Parkville, Arts & Cultural Building, University of Melbourne
More detailsWatch, Listen, Read
Watch
Ma Thida: Myanmar’s Struggle for Democracy
Listen
Global Game Changers: The Evolution of the Olympic Games
Watch
Surveillance, Technology and AI: Meredith Whittaker in Conversation
Watch
No Place Like Home: Australia’s Housing Affordability Crisis
Listen
Surveillance Technology and AI: Meredith Whittaker in Conversation
Read