Stella Miiles Franklin was an Australian author, activist and feminist, leaving an endowment behind celebrating Australian Literature in the form of the annual  Miles Franklin Award.  However, Stella was much more than an author! Inspired by the dramatic and exciting life story of Stella Miles Franklin, Melbourne based composer, vocalist and pianist Monique diMattina has written a new musical – STELLA – about the life of Stella Miles Franklin. Monique has developed the music and script to the degree that it is ready for a public workshop performance before the next stage of development for the theatrical stage in 2024. Moniquie spoke about the process to date, the admiration that she has for Stella, and shared her excitement at the both the opportunity for the workshops presentations and the cast she has assembled for the workshops including Alma Zygier, Xani Kolac, Fem Belling, Esther Henderson, Sam Lemann, Cat Canteri, Ben Robertson, Adrian Perger, Kalina Krusteva, Zara Giacobello, Darcy Kent and Monique herself. STELLA – The Miles Franklin Story is in workshop mode at The Jazzlab on October 6,7 & 8, 2023 Hear what Monique had to say when she spoke with David Moyle on Bent Notes in this podcast from JOY 94.9. Monique diMattina was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday September 24, 2023 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member