A painting of a girl in a coral dress on a sunlit beach, holding up a blue dress patterned with yellow flowers.

Artwork by Wanda Gibson.

PerformanceTheatreFirst NationsPuppetryTicketed

QPAC’s Out of the Box presents

Three Dresses

Dates
22–27 June 2027
Venue
Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC
Duration
55 minutes, no interval
Ages
Ages 5+
Year levels
Prep to Year 3
Learning areas
The Arts, English, HASS

Overview

A magical journey inspired by a true childhood story.

Three Dresses is a joyful new First Nations work that celebrates family, culture, and the extraordinary moments woven through everyday life. Performed in Guugu Yimithirr and English with music and puppetry, this vibrant production follows Wanda, a young girl who discovers the power of her creativity and her unique place in the world through family traditions and an unforgettable beach holiday. Beneath her adventures lies a powerful story of resilience, reflecting the lived experiences of Aboriginal families through mission life and the enduring legacy of the Stolen Generations.

Inspired by the childhood memories of Nukgal Wurra author and visual artist Wanda Gibson, Three Dresses brings her experiences of mission life to the stage with authenticity and heart. Adapted from Wanda's award-winning book and developed with songwriters, Elders and children from the remote Queensland community of Hope Vale, this rich cultural experience will connect past and present through story, song and memory.

Three Dresses is a co-production between JUTE Theatre Company and QPAC’s Out of the Box in association with Queensland Theatre Company. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

Based on the book Three Dresses written and illustrated by Wanda Gibson and first published by University of Queensland Press in 2024.

Good to know

Foyer activation (Glasshouse Theatre, Door 1)
Created with accessibility at its heart, the activation features a carefully crafted space where patrons can experience the world of Three Dresses in a way that suits their sensory needs. Open throughout each performance, it provides a welcoming retreat for those who may benefit from time away from the theatre, offering an alternative way to engage with the production while remaining connected to its story and themes.

For families

Performance dates and times

Running time: 55 minutes, no interval

  • Tue 22 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soon
  • Wed 23 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soon
  • Thu 24 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soon
  • Fri 25 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soon
  • Sat 26 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soonAuslan interpreted · Tactile tour · Relaxed performance
  • Sun 27 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soon

Accessibility

Auslan InterpretedTactile TourRelaxed

Performances offering these services are marked in the dates above.

For Educators

Performance dates and times

Running time: 55 minutes, no interval

  • Tue 22 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soon
  • Wed 23 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soon
  • Thu 24 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soon
  • Fri 25 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soon
  • Sat 26 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soonAuslan interpreted · Tactile tour · Relaxed performance
  • Sun 27 Jun

    • 10:00amComing soon
    • 1:00pmComing soon

Accessibility

Auslan InterpretedTactile TourRelaxed

Performances offering these services are marked in the dates above.

Curriculum links

Cross-Curriculum Priorities

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

The Arts – Drama

  • Foundation: AC9ADRE01
  • Year 1: AC9ADR2E01, AC9ADR2E02
  • Year 2: AC9ADR2E01, AC9ADR2E02
  • Year 3: AC9ADR4E01, AC9ADR4E02

English – Literature and Contexts

  • Foundation: AC9EFLE01
  • Year 1: AC9E1LE01
  • Year 2: AC9E2LE01
  • Year 3: AC9E3LE01

English – Engaging with and Responding to Literature

  • Foundation: AC9EFLE02
  • Year 1: AC9E1LE02
  • Year 2: AC9E2LE02
  • Year 3: AC9E3LE02

Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)

  • Foundation: AC9HSFK01, AC9HSFK02
  • Year 1: AC9HS1K01, AC9HS1K02, AC9HS1K04
  • Year 2: AC9HS2K01, AC9HS2K02, AC9HS2K03
  • Year 3: AC9HS3K01, AC9HS3K02, AC9HS3K03

Creatives

  • Wanda GibsonAuthor, Artist & Translator
  • Chenoa DeemalAdapter
  • Raymond BlancoDirector
  • Liam MazaSet Designer
  • Tamara RewsePuppetry Designer
  • Dora Gibson, Tammy GibsonSongwriters, Singers
  • Tristan Barton, Natalie MannComposer
  • Wendy MockeDramaturg
  • Eric AveryViolinist
  • Lia Pa'apa'aEarly Childhood Arts Engagement Consultant
  • Shane GibsonGanhil Traditional Song Consultant
  • Monica StevensCreative Producer