Kyron Weetra Named New Artist in Residence at State Theatre Company South Australia

State Theatre Company South Australia is thrilled to welcome emerging theatremaker Kyron Weetra as its new Artist in Residence.

Weetra – who most recently worked as a writer on State Theatre Company South Australia/ActNow Theatre’s online theatre project Decameron 2.0 – will work with and receive mentorship from various artists and develop a new commission for the Company during his 12-month residency.

A proud Narungga/Saxon clan man, Weetra comes to the Company following residencies at ActNow Theatre and Carclew, where he had the opportunity to travel to Yorke Peninsula and learn Narungga language. This work will help inform his commission, for which he will receive dramaturgical support and creative development.

“Through my discussions around my language journey with Artistic Director Mitchell Butel, I have been sparked by the notion of developing a semi-autobiographical play that incorporates the Narungga language” he says.

“My aim in learning language is to live and champion the culture of my ancestors, to raise awareness of the ancient cultures that make up this land and to breathe these old words into the minds of the young to keep alive these frequencies that were aimed to be destroyed. I feel like this opportunity with State Theatre Company South Australia is a perfect way to put some of the first few tangible markers upon the path I am now on.

“I feel blessed to be working with this amazing theatre company and its fantastic people.”

Weetra is a writer, actor, comedian and musician who has worked with various arts companies over the past 10 years.

He was one of the inaugural First Nations Writers in Residence at ActNow Theatre, where he also supported its Pathways Program for emerging First Nations Artists, and worked as a writer on Decameron 2.0. He has also created work for the DreamBig and Adelaide Fringe Festival since 2016 and plays in several bands. This year he received a Carclew Fellowship, enabling him to reconnect with Country and learn about the Narungga language from Elders and community members.

Artistic Director Mitchell Butel says Kyron is a “great addition to our artistic team.”

“Kyron is one of South Australia’s most dynamic, smart and unique theatre and musical artists and I’m thrilled he’ll be developing new works for State Theatre Company South Australia as our new Artist in Residence,” he says.

“His sharp and witty pieces for Decameron 2.0 were among my favourites and I’ve also loved witnessing him in glorious action as a writer and performer in the Tandanya/Fringe hit The End is High Concept and his terrific work with the band Thoma and The Humbugs.

“Some of the stories Kyron has already relayed about his journeys to reconnect with and discover more Narunnga language, culture and family are fascinating and I’m so excited by what I know will be another great work emerging from this adventure and quest.”

Weetra’s residency was made possible through Arts South Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander grants program.

Weetra starts with State Theatre Company South Australia this month, joining Resident Director Shannon Rush.