Dalby play takes stage thanks to arts grant
Published on 13 August 2025
Dalby-born playwright Nadia Milford will bring her moving new stage production 'The Last Princess of Lebanon' to Toowoomba's Empire Theatre in August supported by a Western Downs Regional Council grant.
Ms Milford successfully applied for a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant to help realise her dream of bringing a one-woman play to the stage, weaving together her passions for theatre, dance and sound design.
The play is based on a true story of Ms Milford's great-grandmother, a Lebanese migrant who moved to Dalby in the 1930s and who was a princess in her native homeland.
Ms Milford said financial support through Council's RADF grant was instrumental in launching a documentary screening in Dalby, and now further afield to the Empire Theatre.
“This project simply wouldn’t have made it to the stage without the multiple rounds of funding I was fortunate to receive," Ms Milford said.
“The grant supported my sound artist and I to travel to Dalby, run workshops, record elements of the soundscape, and more time in the studio to refine the story.
“This work explores what it means to belong to people, place, and body; I want to see us embrace our diverse lineages and celebrate the richness they bring.”
Reflecting on the impact of the program, Ms Milford encouraged local creatives to consider applying for an RADF grant to help bring their art to life.
"The arts have the power to foster cultural identity and build meaningful community connection and my advice for anyone considering applying for a grant is to dream big and communicate why your vision matters to the community," she said.
Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Peter Saxelby said the widely popular grants program was now open year-round to make funding arts and cultural events and initiatives more accessible than ever.
"Our region is brimming with clever, creative people and our arts community has so many impactful stories to share; the RADF grant is just one of the many ways Council supports arts and culture here on the Western Downs," Cr Saxelby said.
"Theatre has a unique power to open hearts and minds and by sharing diverse stories on stage we can create a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural fabric that makes up the Western Downs.
"For those who missed 'The Last Princess of Lebanon' documentary screening in Dalby, I'd encourage you to get to the Empire Theatre and catch this wonderful, inspiring stage production in Toowoomba.
"Similarly, if you have a theatre project you'd like to see on the stage, consider how an RADF grant might get you there!"
The Last Princess of Lebanon will premiere at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba on Friday 22 August at 7.30pm, offering audiences an emotive theatrical experience that blends heritage with heartfelt storytelling.
Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants are currently open.
For more information contact Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL) or visit www.arts.qld.gov.au/regional-arts-development-fund.