Strong Is The New Pretty

It’s not just about a sport. It’s about a revolution.

Suzie Miller, the celebrated Australian playwright behind sell-out smash hits Inter Alia, RBG: Of Many, One and international phenomenon Prima Facie, turns her extraordinary talents to the formation of the AFLW in this explosive world premiere as part of Brisbane Festival 2026.

In 2010, an official report into the state of Australian Rules Football recommended the creation of a national women’s league. Seven years and a whole lot of grit, passion and fancy footwork later, the AFLW was born. This is the untold story of how the league went from a pipe dream to a sensation the sports world could no longer ignore.

Reuniting with director Lee Lewis, Strong Is The New Pretty is described by Miller as both a love letter to Australian women and a call for the classic Aussie 'fair go' to step up to include all Australians. It’s theatre written in mud, sweat and belief.

This footy-finals season: rally your team and barrack your heart out for a performance that promises a nail-biting match, not just for sport lovers but anyone looking to be uplifted by an inspiring story of determination, legacy and pride.

“Kick it to me!”

Strong is the New Pretty is a Brisbane Festival, Sydney Theatre Company and Trish Wadley Productions Co-Production, originally commissioned by Trish Wadley Productions.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.