BACK TO THE FUTURE: POLITICS & PLAY IN THE FACTUAL SPACE

Global political and social unrest post 9/11 has caused a massive shift in democracy and a generalised loss of innocence. In Australia, a revolving door of political leaders has provided fodder for comedians and factual practitioners to imagine a better world in the future and to idealise the past. Annabel Crabb’s Back in Time for Dinner brought us on a delightful time-traveling adventure which explored how the food we eat has transformed the way we live, and defined family roles over the past 60 years. Her show, The House takes us deep into the heart of Australian democracy and explores Parliament House like you’ve never seen it before.

Whilst we’ve never been so sceptical about politicians, there was a time when things were different. Modern historical documentaries such as Hawke: The Larrikin and The Leader give us a lens by which to examine the frequently cyclical series of challenges and obstacles that face politics.  Can you imagine one of our current leaders setting a world record for beer drinking whilst at university or weeping openly about their daughter’s heroin addiction? At a time of fake news and 360 degree media coverage, politicians are increasingly trying to present a sanitised version of themselves.

This session brings together a lively panel of factual producers who question who the leaders of today are and what a more progressive and inclusive Australia might look like. Will Australia Ever Have a Black Prime Minister examines the likelihood of an indigenous person climbing the political ladder to the top job.

This spirited session asks how the factual space can allow us to have inclusive frank discussions about Australia’s future within the context of the ongoing global debate on democracy.

 

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