North Youth Theatre is an ensemble of young, culturally diverse artists who recognise the impact of storytelling to challenge minds, inspire the uninspired, and encourage conversation on current topics and issues that impact young people and the wider society. Youth-led, their projects reflect a fresh perspective, exploring a blend of traditional theatrical techniques with modern cinematic storytelling and original music.
The collective provides a space that develops artistic skills and essential competencies in leadership and project management, supporting the next generation of cultural innovators. Through their passion and creativity, the ensemble is redefining youth theatre and making a significant impact on their community.
In recent times, North Youth Theatre has been focussed on film production. People Like You (written and directed by Kiko Wayne Jr) and The Box (written and directed by Ali Hosseini) are due for release in 2024. This work has inspired the establishment of the Djilang Cultural Film Collective to create further opportunities for emerging artists to create their own films with the guidance of professional mentors.
ran
a short film by kiko wayne jr - premiered 20 April 2023
Writer, director and actor, Kiko Wayne Jr, 23, came to Australia from Ethiopia in 2018. When he arrived in the regional city of Geelong he couldn’t speak English but he went to school and began to learn the language. In 2019 he wrote his first short play which became part of North Youth Theatre’s production, ‘Waiting for Something Better’. Kiko developed a passion for writing his own stories inspired by tales from back home and was integral to the writing and performing of North Youth Theatre’s successful show, ‘Maps of the Heart’ in 2022.
“I grew up around my grandfather who was a great storyteller, and he also inspired me to be a storyteller. I decided to tell my stories through the screen.” - Kiko Wayne Jr
With the support of North Youth Theatre’s Artistic Director, Dr Dave Kelman and under the mentorship of filmmaker, Benj Binks, Kiko drew on his personal experiences and observations of life in Geelong to create his writing and directorial film debut, ‘Ran’.
Nominated in the 2023 Victorian Multicultural Film Festival, ‘Ran’ is a short film about a young man’s struggle to find his way in a new country and is now available on SBS On Demand.
Rafiki
an original theatrical work - 20 & 21 April 2023 at Platform Arts
When his father dies, Gotche takes over his restaurant ‘Rafiki’. Azibo works there but his work visa has expired. When Gotche decides to convert the restaurant to a nightclub, Azibo’s future is on the line.
A joyful comedy incorporating original songs, Jamaican dance and projections to explore friendship, culture and resilience.
“Refreshing, funny and wonderfully entertaining. ”
‘Gotche’ from Rafiki
‘Rafiki’ from Rafiki
CAST
Andrew Bijimba, Sally Frame, Ali Hosseini, Kisile Kisile, Perpeti Kisile, Kapping Ntumba, Ali Omeed
Written by Andrew Bijimba and Sally Frame
With original music composition and performance by Callum Watson
Original song lyrics by Andrew Bijimba and Sally Frame
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director Dave Kelman
Director’s Assistant Jane Rafe
Film Benj Binks
Choreography Chuby Dice
Photos Sandy Gray
“A window into the experience of young people from different cultures in the Geelong region.”
Earlier works
The ensemble, under the guidance of Artistic Director Dave Kelman, have presented two previous major works - ‘Waiting for Something Better’ and ‘Maps of the Heart’.
‘Maps of the Heart’ (2022) wove together stories from the ensemble’s own families with the actors’ reflections on who they are, where they have come from and how it feels to be living in a society that struggles to embrace difference.
“A special glimpse into heartfelt stories from Geelong’s many diverse cultures. An impressive cast of young talent trusting us with their openness and personal stories that transport you across the world.”
‘Waiting For Something Better’ (2019), a tragicomedy inspired by Samuel Beckett’s, 'Waiting For Godot' (1953) was a unique take on the climate emergency in a strange and beautiful story that featured live music, rap and film, with all script and music developed by the ensemble.
“I loved that many of today’s burning issues from global warming to biotechnology were told in such an interpersonal way... I was touched emotionally both through humour and tragedy.”
Dr Dave Kelman - Artistic Director
Dave has worked for the last thirty years as a youth theatre director, writer, researcher and drama educator in Melbourne and Leeds UK. He has directed critically acclaimed works at the Malthouse Theatre, has delivered many innovative arts residencies in schools, is a widely published researcher and is an award-winning lecturer in arts education. He has a doctorate in drama education from the University of Melbourne.
JOIN THE ENSEMBLE - Expression of Interest Form
Free to join, North Youth Theatre is an open access youth theatre group that welcomes young people aged 15-25 years from all cultures and backgrounds. Step into the world of Geelong's youth-led theatre, creating original theatrical and film works, engaging in song and dance, exploring social issues while being a part of an incredible ensemble to create thought-provoking and entertaining performances.
Fill out this form if you are interested in joining the ensemble and we’ll get in touch.
North Youth Theatre is proudly supported by the Raymond Charities, Platform Arts and the City of Greater Geelong through its Community Grants program