A Unique Fusion of Fantasy and Indigenous Storytelling
Dungeons & Damper: Inside the D20 is set to be a must-attend experience at Vivid 2026 in Sydney. This immersive adventure, created by Wonnarua writer-directors Maddison and George Coles, with support from Studio Gilay and creative Brooke Collard, draws inspiration from the popular tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons. The experience invites players to face the power of a Creation Spirit while learning about the importance of Country and the tradition of Indigenous storytelling.
The project focuses on the real-world impact of mining and environmental neglect, using fantasy as a lens to educate audiences. It also highlights the community that shared play can create. George Coles emphasized the need for First Nations representation in the tabletop roleplaying space, stating, “We really wanted to see First Nations representation in [the tabletop roleplaying space], but doing it in a really safe way, so audiences can expect to walk into a culturally-grounded space.”
Inspiration Behind the Experience
Maddison and George Coles grew up loving fantasy storytelling, influenced by films and TV shows like Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories. They discovered Dungeons & Dragons early on but lacked the large friend group needed to play it. As they grew older, they found opportunities to play with friends, eventually leading them to film school and university, where they became deeply involved in the game.
The nature of the game as a fantasy escape and a safe space for creativity was appealing. “D&D is so open for new people to play it … I think it being such a safe space makes it all the more reason why you should play it,” said one of the creators. In developing their own campaigns, the Coles sisters aimed to share these feelings and create a world where everyone could participate in community-driven, artful storytelling. They also wanted to create an experience that felt personal and representative of their own culture.
“Everything is so interconnected,” Maddison Coles explained. “Even though it’s something intrinsic to our culture and knowledge that we’ve grown up with, it’s not something that’s fully explored on screen.” The pair recognized that much of fantasy storytelling, particularly in Dungeons & Dragons, is Eurocentric. They sought to explore what the genre is capable of from a different cultural perspective.
Creating a Culturally Grounded Experience
Dungeons & Damper: Inside the D20 took several years to develop. As Coles explained, telling a story infused with Indigenous history and tradition requires extensive research to ensure cultural appropriateness, authenticity, and nuance. The team spoke to knowledge holders from various groups and sectors, including Mindy Woods, a Bundjalung chef, and Pauline Clague, an acclaimed filmmaker.
One example of this approach is the translation of the typical Wizard class in D&D to better reflect Indigenous culture. The language, rules, and lore around characters were changed to center Indigenous knowledge while remaining approachable for all players. “We’re all from different Countries, we all have our law, our own stories, and what is allowed and not allowed,” said Maddison Coles. “We were working with so many different mob from different communities to see what would be allowed.”
The Coles sisters aimed to be inclusive in their approach, creating a story grounded in Indigenous tradition that could still be understood and appreciated by non-Indigenous audiences. Players will gain the groundwork of this unique approach, allowing them to learn more about Indigenous cultural elements like the Creation Spirits in a creative, artful, and respectful way.
A Headlining Feature at Vivid 2026
Dungeons & Damper: Inside the D20 will feature prominently at Vivid 2026. During the weekend of 30-31 May, multiple free (ticketed) gameplay sessions will be available at the University of Technology, Sydney. Everyone is encouraged to participate and experience a fantasy world created with a grounding in Indigenous storytelling.
George Coles expressed gratitude for Vivid’s support of First Nations stories, especially within the Vivid MINDS track. “Their support has been absolutely essential,” he said. The Coles sisters hope visitors will take part with an open mind, leaving excited about the possibilities of both Dungeons & Dragons and the knowledge gained about Indigenous culture and practice.
“I hope they leave excited,” George Coles said. “I hope they get into supporting First Nations stories. Learn more about the Country that you’re on, or the Country that you work on, and the stories that are from those areas.”
The experience aims to bring joy and excitement, exploring themes of Black joy and Indigenous sovereignty. Dungeons & Damper: Inside the D20 sessions run between 30-31 May at the University of Technology, Sydney. Tickets are now available to claim on the Vivid website.
