About Us
Dr. Carmel Bendon
Carmel Bendon is an author, academic and presenter on ‘all things medieval’. She has a PhD in Medieval Literature and a 1st Class Honours in Early English. Her publications include the influential academic book Mysticism and Space, the prize-winning novel Grasping at Water and the Catholic Media of America Award winning creative non-fiction The Mystics Who Came to Dinner as well as articles, book chapters and encyclopedia entries on subjects that include Julian of Norwich, Hildegard of Bingen, Geoffrey Chaucer, Oscar Wilde, and poet Bruce Dawe. She is a regular speaker at libraries, museums and interest groups throughout Australia, has been enrichment lecturer on the Princess Cruise line, and has regular chat spots on ABC radio nationally.
Cate Whittaker
Born near the Brontes she gained a BA Hons (LEICS), MA Hons by thesis (SYD. Attended playwright workshops NSW Writers Centre, National Theatre London, she was offered places at Leeds Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic and a part in the National Youth Theatre. Her play Forgotten (ABC Breakfast), had sell-out audiences Riverside Lennox 2019, 2023, toured Hobart Playhouse, and was endorsed by Irish Consul General for Dublin Festival. Her play, The Lost Voice of Anne Bronte Sydney2020 (SMH “engaging play”), and under her direction Canberra Theatre Centre 2021 (CCC “vigorous piece…fine performances”) was offered a place at the Anne Bronte Bicentenary Haworth UK. Her play Jane Franklin and the Rajah Quilt 2024 premiered Hobart Theatre Royal (featured ABC National News), then Riverside (SMH “great story”). She directed her play, Sivvy Plath’s Birthday Present 2024 Loading Dock Darlinghurst 2024 which performed to sellout audiences.
