Bio

Dani Hayek (they/them) is a writer and theatre maker based in Naarm/Melbourne. Dani earned a Masters in Screenwriting from VCA and has worked primarily in film and television development. Dani was part of the script department for the ABC Comedy White Fever.

As a theatre maker, Dani is an alumni of ‘The Australian Theatre For Young People,’ having participated in the NATIONAL STUDIO writers residency where they developed their play Not A Big Deal. Dani was commissioned by La Mama Theatre to create their immersive theatre installation VACANT/ENGAGED for the Banksia Festival. Their not-so romantic comedy Pastabate premiered at Sydney Fringe Festival before a mainstage run as part of La Mama’s 2024 Winter season.

As a memoir writer, Dani has been published in L.Paterno’s book, This is Not a Love Letter and publications such as Twenty Something Humans and Concrete Queers.

As a queer Iraqi-Lebanese-Australian writer, Dani’s work focuses on identity and culture, blending heart and humour in all their work. Dani dedicates everything to their cat, Joan Clawford.