Running 15th September - 21st September 2025

Welcome to Vena Cava Productions of FRESHBLOOD FESTIVAL, at Backdock Arts, between the 15th to 21st of September. Within this festival there are seven productions that are full of talented emerging practitioners, telling stories of connections.

Connection:

Why, in an age of unprecedented digital connectivity—where the internet allows us to communicate across the globe—do we find ourselves increasingly disconnected in person? What truly binds us together? What are the forces that tether us to one another, and what drives us apart? How do we navigate the intricate web of relationships, networks, and unseen threads that link one point to another?

If you have any questions regarding the shows, please reach out to venacavaproductionsqut@gmail.com

Thu 25 Sep 2025 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM AEST

See local Queensland actor Connor Hawkins in this hilariously dark, heartbreakingly human solo play by Will Eno. Thom Pain (based on nothing) follows an enigmatic everyman as he riffs on life, love, childhood, and mortality in a gripping, stream-of-consciousness monologue. Both comic and unsettling, this Pulitzer Prize short lister invites audiences into a raw, intimate exploration of what it means to be alive - and alone.

Directed by Timothy Wynn

Running 26th September - 04th October 2025

It’s Toby Ackland’s birthday party down near the surf club—and that should mean heaps of grog, drugs and good clean fun. But by the morning a young girl is dead—raped by three boys and bashed with a rock.

Who is responsible?

Blackrock is an intimate and strongly shaped human drama which examines the social forces behind the impulse to violence in individual lives.

Fri 10 Oct 2025 7:15 PM - 10:30 PM AEST

Vanic Productions presents our first-ever competition set in our brand-new Battle Royale Setting, and heavens above it’s going to be sinful. Watch as seven fierce performers face off in a triple-threat night of drama, glam, and unholy talent.

Elle Would, Femme Brulee, Jaguar, Luna D’Lux, Mercy Elago, Saxon Dix, & Tom Catastrophe will compete in three electrifying challenges: a self-produced performance, a chosen Lip-Sync-Royale, and a final walk of temptation on the runway.

Hosted by the one and only Veronica Vanic, this is Camp Hers like you’ve never seen it before.

Let the sins begin

Sat 18 Oct 2025 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM AEST

The Undead Underground is more than a local rap event, The Undead Underground is a celebration of local talent pushing Brisbane's creative boundaries with young upcoming names like Tyr0, Mascara & i1 and some people who have been in the scene for a longer like Brisbane collective MISFXTS (Including members Trauma, Prii, Vanni, 1k3y, PACKLO, Farlane, Mdnight), Niffd, Groupchat, Dre Demon, plus more!!!

The Undead Underground will also including local Fashion brands and local artists selling handmade products to show you more of what Brisbane has to offer in the future. This is more than an event, this is an amazing showcase of the wonderful artists who are reviving the underground cause we ain't dead yet! 

Running 23rd October - 26th October 2025

The Lightning Thief is a full-length dramatic comedy musical filled with fantasy and adventure appropriate for all audiences. Set in the present day, teenager Percy Jackson discovers he's a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus' missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.

Running 30th October - 01st November 2025

School’s out… forever.

Step into the corridors of Horror High, where an after-school special takes a sharp left turn into the supernatural. Schoolyard drama, teenage crushes and looming exams meet buckets of blood, vengeful spirits, and monsters lurking behind the lockers.

Completely unscripted, every scene is made up on the spot by our fearless cast. No one knows who’ll make it out alive—or in how many pieces.

It’s camp. It’s creepy. It’s hilarious. And it’s the perfect way to spend Halloween.

Sat 08 Nov 2025 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM AEST

COME see four of the most talented local Brisbane/Meanjin rock bands ranging from punk/blues, rock'n'roll.

Riot Revolver is looking to make it's mark on the Australian music scene with some of the most talented emerging bands in Brisbane: Funhous, Opalineiv, and Dazey.

Doors open at 6:30pm. 

Fri 14 Nov 2025 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM AEST

The Mosh Fest brings a high-energy night of live music, heavy beats, and chaos to BackDock Arts. 

Expect wild mosh pits, raw underground talent, and a crowd that goes all in from the first drop to the last encore.

Sat 15 Nov 2025 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM AEST

Witness the debut performance of Crack That Whip - The Devo Tribute Show

All the classics from this iconic groundbreaking band will be performed by 5 devoted spuds in authentic Devo style, including Whip It, Girl U Want, Beautiful World and Freedom of Choice. Select deep cuts will also be included for the hardcore Devotee as well!

So grab your energy domes and enjoy a great night's entertainment and find out the answer to the question, Are We Not Men?

Fri 28 Nov 2025 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM AEST

The Music Development Project is the first competition-style music festival to discover the young power of new Chinese singers in Australia. 

Winners collaborate with producers to release their own personal music and even have the chance to sign as a professional vocalist. Moreover, the Music Development Project is more focused on young people, especially Chinese international students. 

音乐成长计划是澳洲首个面向新华语年轻歌手的竞赛式音乐节，旨在为素人歌手提供专业演出体验，由专业乐队伴奏，打造高水准华语音乐赛事。优胜者有机会与制作人合作发布个人原创音乐，并可能签约成为职业歌手。项目聚焦年轻人，特别是留学生群体，致力于为他们搭建通往专业音乐舞台的桥梁，激发舞台表现力，走向更广阔的音乐舞台。