Dorcas Maphakela

Dorcas Maphakela is a multidisciplinary creative combining writing, visual arts and holistic well-being advocacy in her practice. She is a South African-born Mopedi woman who relocated to Australia by choice in 2007 and became a citizen in 2012. She studied Fine Arts at the University of Johannesburg and holds a Master of Arts in Writing from Swinburne University of Technology. Dorcas is also a TV presenter, public speaker and founder and producer of the Antenna Award-winning OZ AFRICAN TV (OATV). Her work was acknowledged with a Media Award from the Victorian Multicultural Commission for “outstanding reporting on issues of importance to diverse communities and reporting which contributes to Victoria’s cross-cultural understanding” (VMC).

Dorcas Maphakela's Latest Articles

From left, shortlisted writers in The Furphy Literary Awards 2025 Amy Montague (third place), Jorgia Hamilton, Kym Tyzack, Serena Moss (winner), Emma Westwood and Damien O'Donnell. Image: The Furphy Literary Award.
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The Furphy Anthology 2025 review: celebrating emerging Australian writing

The Furphy Anthology gathers the best short stories from almost 800 entries to this year's Furphy Literary Award.

Two panels, on the left is a woman in pink scrubs with a thermometer around her neck. On the right is cover of book, 'Brown. Single. Author.'
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Brown. Female. Doctor. review: Sarah Arachchi's marvellous medical memoir

Brown. Female. Doctor. examines the professional and personal life of a Sri Lankan paediatrician.

Black and white photographs of varying sizes arranged on a wall next to small text. Each of the photographs has a spotlight.
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We Outside review: bold photos honouring the spirit of African diaspora youth

We Outside challenges stereotypes with tenderness. At the Immigration Museum, Melbourne, until 17 August.

A Black woman is sitting on a bed spread which features a yellow and white design. The light is subdued.
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Theatre review: The Black Woman of Gippsland, Southbank Theatre, The Sumner

A modern mystery tale about Indigenous identity.

Seven women in denim stand in front of a hive structure.
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Performance review: Hive City Legacy: Naarm Chapter, Arts Centre Melbourne

Across theatre, movement, poetry, music, comedy and circus, BIPOC femme artists showcase their wares.

Two panels. On the left is Eugen Bacon, a black woman with cropped hair wearing a cream top. On the right is the cover of her book "A Place between Waking and Forgetting." It features an illustration of a landscape i nshades of brown, yellow and orange.
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Book review: A Place Between Waking and Forgetting, Eugen Bacon

Speculative fiction that incorporates elements of African culture and folklore.

Two panels. On the left is of a curly haired woman smiling. On the right is the cover of her book 'Half Truth' that features an illustration of a curly hair woman with a red dress, There are no features on her face.
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Book review: Half Truth, Nadia Mahjouri

From Tasmania to Morocco, two women search for the truth about one man.

A black and white photo of two men, the comedian Jack Docherty and David Bowie.
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Comedy review: Jack Docherty: David Bowie & Me: Parallel Lives, The Westin, MICF 2025

A blend of humour and heartfelt storytelling that reflects on a lifelong admiration for David Bowie.

Two panels. On the left is photo of Eugen Bacon. On the right is the cover of her book, 'Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction' with features a profile illustration of a black woman.
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Book review: Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction, Eugen Bacon (editor)

Essays on Black speculative fiction speaks to evolving discourses about identity.

In the production of 'Ilarun' a black woman in white, with a white turban, is sitting down wit h her arms apart. On the right is a tuft of plants.
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Theatre review: ILARUN: The Cutting Comb, fortyfivedownstairs

A story of decolonised power based on a 18th century Jamaican matriarch.

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