ABOUT US
Arbour Theatre Company is a Bathurst-based independent theatre company for young people under 35 that creates vibrant, meaningful moments for the stage. Arbour brings together local artists and creators in local spaces, and tells stories that are audacious, beautiful, and anchored in the perspective of those that live right here on Wiradyuri land.
Arbour aims to foster the artists of the future, to give space for young people to grow into their creative practice, and discover new methods of theatre and expression.
Arbour Theatre Company was started in 2020, by Co-Founders
Ruby Conolan Barrett and Disapol Savetsila.
RUBY CONOLAN-BARRETT
Co-Artistic Director
Ruby Conolan Barrett is a theatre maker, director and performer passionate about creating meaningful, professional theatre with young people. Training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, UK, as well as the University of Melbourne, Ruby's portfolio consists of devised ensemble pieces, immersive, site-specific works and classical plays. She strongly believes in the power of theatre to facilitate community growth and spark change, and has made theatre with young people in Australia, the UK and Zambia. She has worked with Australian Theatre for Young People, Zen Zen Zo Theatre Company, Local Stages Bathurst, and Barefeet Theatre Lusaka, and has brought numerous youth theatre shows to life.
She is the Co-Artistic Director of Arbour Theatre Company.
DISAPOL SAVETSILA
Co-Artistic Director
Disapol Savetsila is a playwright and writer. His first play, Australian Graffiti, was staged by Sydney Theatre Company in 2017. He has also had his work performed at Crack Theatre Festival and Now You See Me Festival.
He was a part of Belvoir St Theatre’s Emerging Writers program, Australian Theatre for Young People's Fresh Ink and National Studio programs, and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance's Lotus Playwriting Program.
He is the Co-Artistic Director of Arbour Theatre Company and Co-writer of Theatre versus Everything.
OUR STORY
Arbour Theatre Company is fronted by Co-Directors Ruby Conolan Barrett and Disapol Savetsila. We began Arbour Theatre Company as we wanted to create vibrant, meaningful moments for the stage that matter to young people and locals.
Coming from a directing and writing background, we felt we could facilitate the telling of stories which haven’t had the chance to be heard before, and use our experience and powers for good!
We aim to devise productions that speak to what it feels like to live on Wiradyuri land, here and now, by young people and for young people.