Trent Dalton, perched on the corner of Adelaide and Albert Streets with his blue typewriter and listening ear, is now a thing of Brisbane legend. The Boy Swallows Universe author spent two weeks asking passers-by the simple question: “Can you please tell me a love story?” It was these heart-warming and heart-wrenching stories of not-so-ordinary Queenslanders that went on to form Trent’s 2021 book Love Stories. 

Playwrights Tim McGarry and Fiona Franzmann join Trent to bring this poignant portrayal of love in Brisbane to the stage with a new production from award-winning director Sam Strong. The novel’s infamous origin story has been interwoven into the play itself, with the introduction of the narrator Jean-Benoit (Rashidi Edwards), a Belgian busker who befriends the writer (Jason Klarwein) at his corner of the world in Brisbane City.

This new work aims to capture the diverse depiction of love explored in Trent’s original work, with the addition of new stories that have been revealed to the author since its publication. Whilst centring on Trent’s own love story with wife Fiona Franzmann, Love Stories will be rich in the lives of ordinary Australians – holding a mirror to our contemporary Australian society. 

“Love Stories will dissolve the wall between the theatre and the city, bringing the rich diversity of Brisbane centre stage, and sending a joyous message of love back into the world,” shares director Sam. 

For Trent, he’s most excited to witness the stories of his own community be brought to life and showcased on the stage. “It’s a rare and wondrous thrill to see one’s words brought to life … It’s an even greater thrill to see the love stories of so many not-so-ordinary real-life Queenslanders given such reverence and weight,” says Trent. 

Love Stories will make its world debut with a limited run at Brisbane Festival this year. Tickets are on sale now via the QPAC website.