Picture the scene – the historic Bankfoot House, the region’s oldest surviving homestead.
Mt Tibrogargan rising up in the background, part of the iconic Glass House Mountains. It’s early afternoon and people are starting to gather with anticipation.
They’re all here to take part in Boundaries at Bankfoot, a First Nations-led performance of spoken word, song and theatre.
This event explores the physical, cultural and political boundaries that have shaped shared histories and continue to influence identity and relationship with Country today.
The program is presented by Horizon Festival, an annual arts and cultural festival exploring the intersections of art, people and place on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country.
Both locals and visitors to the region are invited to take part in the festival, with over eight creative events happening across the Glass House Mountains, Maleny, Mapleton and Montville.
Boundaries at Bankfoot was developed through six months of writing masterclasses and collaborative workshops led by dramaturg Lara Croydon and curated by the Munimba-Ja team, an Aboriginal-run Art Centre founded by Director Libby Harward (Quandamooka).
Five emerging playwrights will present excerpts of new works that are raw, powerful and deeply connected to place.
Their storytelling engages with the Bankfoot House heritage site and the living histories that challenge, heal and inspire. Audiences will be invited to listen deeply, honour resilience and celebrate the creativity and cultural continuity of First Nations peoples.
“On places like Bankfoot, the lines are still visible, who drew them, who was fenced out, who was made invisible,” Project Lead Libby Harward said.
“We’re not here to tidy that history; we’re here to name it and move through it with strength and care. When First Nations voices lead, the boundary becomes a meeting place for truth, accountability and repair.”
Boundaries at Bankfoot will take place on Saturday 9 May, 1–3pm at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct, Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains.
To book tickets or view the full festival program, visit the Horizon Festival website.
