SALTWATER GIRLS
★★★★★
“This is a beautiful coming-of-age story by Lana Filies combining storytelling, poetry, and song.
– What’s the Show
It is masterfully directed by Amelia Gilday, and lovingly produced by Moon Bureau.”
Saltwater Girls is a funny and deeply personal solo work by Lana Filies about attending Catholic school, discovering her sexuality, and trying to make sense of all the things she was taught to be ashamed of. Through storytelling and poetry Lana moves between memories of girlhood, first crushes, Catholic rituals, complicated relationships and the difficult business of becoming yourself. There are hymns, school bells, Gillian Anderson thirsting, and a healthy amount of lesbian yearning.
Creatives
Written by Lana Filies
in collaboration with Amelia Gilday
Performed by Lana Filies
Directed by Amelia Gilday
Lighting Design by Alicia Badger
Sound Design by Amelia Gilday
Production Associate Madison Chippendale
Performance History
The Motley WhereHaus, Melbourne Fringe Festival, September 2026
EASH, Sydney Fringe Festival, October 2026
“Must see! Beautiful writing, further lifted by her natural wit, comedic timing and charisma.”
– Sydney Travel Guide
“A sharp, soulful new work. It’s the kind of work that lingers after the lights come up.”
– Big Gay Guide
WRITER’S NOTE
Hello to whoever is reading,
I’m Lana and I love the ocean. For all of its unpredictability, It’s been the centrepiece of my life. It’s where I go to write, read, sleep, dream, be in stillness and where this show began.
Saltwater girls, my first solo play (eeep!) is a series of stories from my catholic school experience complimented with a collection of poetry I have been writing over the last three years.
The show is my love letter to the bravery of Young queer girls, especially when trying to navigate their high school years in an institution that they didn’t fit the mould of. It’s also a dedication to the incredible educators, now friends, in my life. Angela Cascarino (drama) and Vanessa Pierce (art) .
You both created havens for all of us rambunctious misfits, places where we could retreat, take risks (far too many) and dream. We knew it was a risk for you to do that, (oh boy, you let us know) but you did it anyway, you persistently showed up for us, you still do. There are no amount of thank you’s for your bravery. Perhaps this show is one. You are both the reason that theatre and education are at the forefront of my life.
The show is directed by the ever wonderful and brilliant Amelia Gilday. Their insight, guidance and brain power is never short of inspiring. I’m continually in awe of you. Thank you deeply for holding this story with delicacy, through all of its versions.
SWG wouldn’t be possible without the support of my team at Moon Bureau; Amelia, Alicia and Maddie. My most beautiful and generous collaborators. The three that have always listened, personally, and creatively. Also to Jay and the Cats, my favourite rehearsal pals.
And of course, always, thank you to Jane. Thank you for knowing that the truest form of care is sunshine and saltwater. Thank you for always bringing me home to the sea, may we find each other, in our spot, by the ocean in every lifetime. I’ll be looking for you.
As she would say; “You’ll never regret a swim.”
I never have.
Nor would you.
Thank you for being here,
Enjoy.
Lana x
“Triumphs on every level.”
– Chuck Moore Reviews
