About Us
Free Theatre is founded on the transformative potential of the arts. Formed by theatre workers, Pongjit Saphakhun and Richard Barber, it draws on an extensive body of practice and lived experience in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Free Theatre works with diverse communities and arts workers to share its engaged practice and methodology, with the Dialogue Theatre technique at the heart of this practice.
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Dialogue Theatre is a transformative theatre form created by Pongjit and Richard to enable safe spaces for difficult conversations. The Play is the provocation. The Characters are the mediators. The Dialogue takes place between characters and audience. It works for actors and non-actors. Reaching communities, workplaces, and the public. From the live Dialogue Theatre form to the online Digital Dialogue variation. We look forward to sharing this practice widely over the coming years.
What's Happening
Dialogue Theatre Module
Watch the Preview
Watch the Introduction
Real Mums of Sunshine
The Real Mums of Sunshine docu-drama was finally launched in Sunshine on December 1 after a long production struggle. This unique play on reality TV brings together the mums of the Sudanese Mother's Coalition in Victoria and a collective of young South Sudanese artists in this inter-generational dialogue on screen. Directed and facilitated by Free Theatre, this marks our transition into a digital dialogue style.
Me & Mental Health
Arusi "The Wedding" is the name of the ensemble dialogue theatre production created by the Me & Mental Health team with Free Theatre. This powerful work by an emerging team of young African Australian actors is currently making its way around the western suburbs seeking to address the mental health crises in community and the surrounding cultural challenges.
Our Spaces
At Schoolhouse Studios
Free Theatre is a resident of Schoolhouse Studios, a Melbourne-based not-for-profit arts organisation set in a former supermarket in the heart of Coburg, providing affordable studio space, event spaces, a gallery, and a bar for local artists and the wider community.
At the Makhampom Art Space
In partnership with its sister organisation, the Makhampom Theatre Group, Free Theatre facilitates Dialogue Theatre programs, organises residencies and retreats, and curates the Makhampom Art Space in northern Thailand.
Contact Us
Studio 40, Schoolhouse Studios
28 Victoria St, Coburg
Victoria 3058 Australia
Free Theatre acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, live and create