Devni Wimalasena

Queuing up for Brown Women Comedy for the third year in a row, I felt something I rarely feel before a comedy show — pride. Pride because South Asian women deserve this space. Pride because each year the show gets bigger and louder. And pride because, you know when you see brown people happily lining up for something? Whatever’s on the other side is about to blow your socks off. And trust me, it does. The magic of this show is that while it’s for brown women, it’s not just for us. It’s for everyone.

When tragedy strikes, it can leave us feeling weak and vulnerable. While many crumble under its weight, some find the strength to turn their pain into art. South Asian Australian neurodivergent screenwriter and author Nandita Chakraborty is one of those rare few. In 2011, a terrible rock-climbing accident in Melbourne left Nandita with a traumatic brain injury. After months of rehab, she returned to her work but had to go through rehab again in 2016-17.

The Melbourne Fringe Festival has been a vibrant celebration of independent arts since 1982. The 2024 theme, “Eat Your Art Out,” invites you to explore the delightful intersection of food and art, uniting the community through shared experiences. The festival runs from October 1 to October 20, 2024. Alongside Nandita Chaktraborty's s Two Worlds Collide, the festival features many shows, comedy, dance, and events, showcasing exceptional work from numerous South Asian artists.