About

TWT is a cultural collective. It brings together artists, activists, and community members. They are committed to social transformation through theatre and the arts.

Core Team:

Xris Reardon (they/them): Xris is a socially engaged theatre practitioner. They developed their love for theatre through their engagement with the Brunswick Women’s Theatre, so many years back. This led to seeking out and training with Augusto Boal, Adrian Jackson, David Diamond, SITI Theatre Co. Viewpoints Training. And more. They are focused on creating spaces for upholding collective wisdom/knowledge through the arts. They have used Theatre of the Oppressed in much of their work with non-professional actors.

Myriam Bourez (she/her): As one of the founding members of TFCH pourquoi pas?, Myriam has used Theatre of the Oppressed within communities for over 12 years. She develops Forum theatre works examining homophobia, gender, sexuality, and addressing ‘phobias’ experienced by parents of LGBTQI children/youth/adults. Her work focuses on using theatre to support communities to speak about issues that deny freedoms and basic rights. Myriam speaks French and English.

Penelope Glass: (she/her). Actor/director working between Australia and Chile, with over thirty years in community theatre practice. Penny has worked in Prison Theatre in Chile since 2002 as a founding member of Teatro Pasmi. And is the Co-founder: Collectivo Sustento (theatre/arts – permaculture – social justice). She speaks English, Spanish, French.

Fiona Strahan (she/her): She has a lifetime of experience as a disability rights activist. She is also a cultural worker challenging systemic discrimination. Fiona confronts eugenic thinking in contemporary society. Fiona wrote and produced and acted in the D word presented in Tasmania. She also was selected for the Potania residency with Performing Lines. Current Work: She is Leading “Short Attack” – examining disability rights through theatre. Decades of experience in disability politics and culture. Focus on systemic advocacy and cultural change. Expertise in challenging discriminatory practices and thinking.

Nekko Kelly (he/him): Emerging filmmaker and editor based in Melbourne, bringing vital youth perspective to socially engaged media creation. Editor: “Call Me By My Name”. Co-produced Time Capsules a yearlong project. Currently studying film.

Supporters:

Performing Lines / Moonah Arts / Snuff Puppets (Australia) / GABFAI (Chiang Mai) / United Act (Burma) / Cardboard Citizens (London) / YSAS / Working It Out / Youth Advisory Network / Borderlands Cooperative / The Chalice / OASES Postgraduate Institute / Good Sheperd Youth and Family Services Social Policy Unit / Council of Single Mothers and Their Children Inc / EACH / Rivendell Living and Learning Centre.

Documentation Support: (see past projects and links)

Past and Present Funding: Australia Council • Besen Family Foundation • Borderlands Coop • CANSA • Consumer Credit Funds • Cultural Development Network • Department of Education • Moreland City Council • OASES • Rivendell • SYNOD • Social Justice Unit of the Uniting Church • The Chalice • Thornbury Women’s Neighbourhood House • Queensland Community Arts Network • Wesley City Mission • Yarra Valley Council • Indian-Australian Institute • Melbourne University • Legal Services Board • Drummond Street and more.