ABOUT US
Founded in 2020, Arbour Theatre Company (ATC) is a Bathurst-based independent theatre company that creates vibrant, meaningful moments for the stage. Arbour brings together local artists and creators who are committed to telling stories that are audacious, beautiful, and anchored in the perspective of those that live right here on Wiradyuri land.
ATC aims to foster the artists of the future, to give space for young people and local artists to grow into their creative practice, and to 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 director, producer and performer. She has directed and devised work across Australia, the United Kingdom and Zambia, including with Australian Theatre for Young People, Zen Zen Zo Theatre Company, Local Stages Bathurst (BMEC), and Barefeet Theatre Lusaka. As Artistic Director for Arbour Theatre Company, Ruby has directed A Bed of Roses (2021), A Campfire Story (pre-production, 2021) and Ama and Nana (Work in Progress Development & Showing, 2024-25). Most recently, she guest directed Smoko by Jazzy Story (Browns Mart Theatre, Darwin Fringe), which won the Darwin Festival Pomelo and Theatre Dance and Circus awards.
She is the Co-Artistic Director of Arbour Theatre Company.
DISAPOL SAVETSILA
Co-Artistic Director
Disapol Savetsila is a playwright and writer. In 2026, he won the Patrick White Playwrights Award for his new play, Ama and Nana. 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, amongst others.
Disapol 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 founders and Co-Directors, Ruby Conolan Barrett and Disapol Savetsila.
Based in Bathurst, NSW, Arbour Theatre Company creates productions that speak to what it feels like to live on Wiradyuri land, here and now, raising up local voices and giving space for local artists to grow their talents.
Coming from a directing and writing background, Ruby and Disapol felt they could facilitate the telling of stories which hadn't had the chance to be heard before, using their experience in professional theatre to benefit emerging artists and local communities.
Arbour Theatre Company began as a dream to create vibrant, meaningful moments for the stage, and continues to do so, helping shape stories that matter to the communities who hold them up.
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