Western Terrace: Verdure Stories

Six people stand smiling in a line, illuminated by soft, colorful lighting. Behind them, a sheer green curtain and large windows create an inviting, celebratory atmosphere.

Western Terrace: Verdure Stories

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Join us for a vision of green as we journey with five writers, artists, and community members who contemplate their relationship to plants. Whether through watering plants when you cannot nourish yourself, finding your favourite tree in your neighborhood, wondering if you can pick that fruit hanging over the fence or dealing with family members who just don't share your love for verdure. This is a night of chlorophyll memories and moments.

Curated by Gaury Paramanathan

Featuring Alana Hicks, Priyanka Thevarani, Rebekah Roberston, Rashmi Ravindran and Anas Ahmed.

When: Wednesday 19 November, 6pm - 8pm

Location: Level 3, Western Terrace

Registration: Spaces are limited with some seats and standing room. Registration is essential As this is an outdoor venue, please dress accordingly. For access requirements please contact PHIVEtickets@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au 

Image credit: Western Terrace: Meet Me At The Table, curated by AfroSistahs. November 2024. PHIVE, City of Parramatta. Image by Garry Trinh

 

Featuring

A person with short, wavy hair stands confidently in front of lush green foliage with a vibrant orange flower. They wear a patterned top, exuding calm strength.

Alana Hicks is an award-winning writer and director whose work spans film, television, and immersive media. Originally from Papua New Guinea she tells bold, heartfelt stories that explore culture, identity, and belonging, often with humour and emotional depth. Alana was awarded the prestigious American Australian Association – Australian International Screen Forum Directing Scholarship (2025–26), supporting the development of her debut feature film Breaking of Charity.

Smiling person with short hair and a nose ring in a green patterned dress. Sunlight and palm leaves create a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.

Priyanka Thevarani is an anti-disciplinary artist, writer and earring enthusiast working on unceded Darug land, exploring themes of ancestry, community, family and liberation as an Eelam Tamil femme.

 

A person with glasses and a navy headscarf wearing earbuds stands in front of lush greenery and pink flowers, conveying a calm, serene mood.

Rebekah Robertson is an arts worker and advocate working across institutional, not-for-profit and independent spaces. A multi-award-winning actor and theatre producer in a previous life, Rebekah has a continuing passion for facilitating creative encounters in daily life for broad and diverse audiences.

A woman stands smiling in a sunny garden, surrounded by blooming pink cherry blossoms and lush greenery. She's wearing a black top and red pants.

Rashmi Ravindran is a filmmaker and artist from India now based in Sydney. She has created features and digital documentaries on the themes of gender, sexuality, VAW, organ donation, diversity in art and more. She has worked as director/producer for television and non-profits for over a decade and her work has been showcased on the ABC, at the MCA, Sydney Festival and the Sydney Opera House.

A person stands smiling in an ancient stone archway, wearing a blue cap, black shirt, and beige pants, with greenery and a pathway in the background.

Anas Ahmed once had a full head of hair. Having studied software development and realising he can't spend his life coding and debugging, he studied filmmaking and worked as an editor. The hair fell away in time, while moving between Pakistan and Australia, but Anas gained two cats, a beautiful wife, and grand new dreams.

A person smiling warmly while standing amidst tall golden grass under a cloudy sky, conveying a sense of joy and tranquility in nature.

Gaury Paramanathan works at the intersection of arts, culture and community. His arts practice predominantly focuses on storytelling, writing and performance. He has written and directed a number of short films and feature essays, including for ABC iView and The Guardian. Gaury was shortlisted for the Deborah Cass Prize in 2021, won a Writing NSW mentorship and was recently published in a Sweatshop anthology. Gaury is currently a writer in residence at the Sydney Theatre Company.

Gallery

Six people stand smiling in a line, illuminated by soft, colorful lighting. Behind them, a sheer green curtain and large windows create an inviting, celebratory atmosphere.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A person speaks at a podium on a brightly lit stage with a green curtain backdrop. An attentive audience, seated in rows, listens intently.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A person speaks at a podium on a brightly lit stage with a green curtain backdrop. An attentive audience, seated in rows, listens intently.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A person speaks at a podium on a brightly lit stage with a green curtain backdrop. An attentive audience, seated in rows, listens intently.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A person speaks at a podium on a brightly lit stage with a green curtain backdrop. An attentive audience, seated in rows, listens intently.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A person speaks at a podium on a brightly lit stage with a green curtain backdrop. An attentive audience, seated in rows, listens intently.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A person stands at a microphone reading to an audience seated in colorful chairs. The room is bright with a green backdrop and large windows. Audience appears attentive.
Image: Rihana Samouly
Audience of diverse adults in a bright room, sitting and clapping, smiling with engaged expressions. Large windows and green lighting in background.
Image: Rihana Samouly
Three people smile and embrace for a selfie, radiating joy in a colorful room with a lively background, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A group of people gather in a modern, vibrant room with a red floor and ceiling. Some examine items on a table; others chat, creating a lively, social atmosphere. A large screen in the background displays a scenic image.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A group of people gathered indoors, engaging in lively conversation. An older woman seated at a table, reading. The atmosphere is warm and social.
Image: Rihana Samouly
People enjoying meals and conversations on a modern rooftop terrace. Lush greenery and cityscape in the background create a vibrant, lively atmosphere.
Image: Rihana Samouly

The Western Terrace is a series of creative gatherings, performances and workshops taking place underneath the golden hour, as the sun sets, facing West, thinking West. Imagining the Western Terrace as an extension of their own homes, gardens and balconies, the series features artists, authors, filmmakers, musicians and community sharing domestic ritual collectively.