Storytellers 2026 Project
By Megan Sarmardin
After EVERYWOMAN’s father memories are fading, they must race to preserve the scores of their families songlines.
Sundowning is a deeply personal and poignant theatrical exploration of memory, loss, and the enduring power of love in the face of dementia. Inspired by the performer’s own journey with a family member diagnosed with the disease, this show delves into the heart-wrenching question: what happens to the memories of our loved ones when their minds begin to fade? Through a blend of storytelling, song, and possibly visual media, Sundowning will navigate the emotional landscape of this illness. The narrative will journey through the stages of discovery, denial, acceptance, and the ongoing challenges of caring for someone with dementia. It will touch upon the bittersweet moments of shared laughter, the quiet struggles, and the constant battle to hold onto fleeting moments of clarity.
The show aims to create a shared space for audiences to confront their own experiences with loss and memory, whether through dementia or other forms of profound change. It will be a testament to the enduring bond between family members, even when the threads of memory begin to unravel. Ultimately, Sundowning seeks to illuminate the beauty and fragility of human connection, and to offer a voice to the unspoken experiences of those living with and caring for individuals with dementia. It will be a powerful, intimate, and ultimately hopeful reflection on what it means to love, remember, and find solace amidst Sundowning of the past.
This creative development is part of the collaborative Storytellers partnership program between QPAC and Metro Arts, created to realise fresh ideas and foster new voices in theatre. Working with emerging to mid-career First Nations playwrights and physical theatre artists, the program supports the development of bold original work from early-stage script writing to show creation through a series of workshops and intensives, with guidance and direction from industry professionals.
Find out more about the Storytellers Program HERE.

Megan Sarmardin (Artist) is a dynamic singer, songwriter, and actress whose career has taken her from her hometown of Mount Isa, Queensland, to stages across Australia and the UK. Her musical journey began with a heartfelt performance of Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colours at the Spinifex Country Music Club, setting the stage for an impressive career in music and theatre.
A self-taught musician and passionate performer, Megan starred as Julie in the stage production of The Sapphires (2011) and portrayed Aunty Auriel Andrew in Queensland Theatre Company’s Country Song (2015). Her strong ties to the Queensland Music Festival have seen her grace productions such as Bobcat Dancing, Swinging Utes, and Songs That Made Me, where she mentored aspiring female artists and shared the stage with icons like Deborah Conway and Claire Bowditch.
Megan’s original production, Little Birung — a powerful song cycle co-written with John Rodgers and inspired by the stories of her Great-Grandmother, Flora Hoolihan — debuted at the Judith Wright Centre in 2011 before touring North West and Far North Queensland. The production honored the resilience and strength of Indigenous women, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
Currently managing and performing with the outback band BullDust, Megan continues to entertain audiences across remote communities. Music and creativity have been Megan’s anchor through life’s challenges, fueling her passion for mental health advocacy. Now, she’s developing a creative mentorship program to empower the next generation of female trailblazers to pursue their dreams while prioritizing wellbeing.
Photo by Lewis-james Media
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This creative development is a part of the Storytellers program which has been developed by QPAC in collaboration with Metro Arts.
Hero image courtesy of the artist.
