MAKE SOME SPACE

Meet the Artists

• Tarenya Joshi (She/Her)

  

  Theatre became a part of my life only a short while ago, but since then it has grown into something I hold in deep regard – something I’m truly in awe of. Seeing how powerful theatre can be in telling stories and creating connections inspired me to get involved in school productions and classes. I’ve also had the privilege of being a Youth Ambassador with the Melbourne Theatre Company this year, which has been an incredible opportunity to learn and grow. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey, exploring new creative challenges, and contributing to meaningful stories with the 2025 Make Some Space program.

• Sabrina Lee (any pronouns)

  

  Sabrina is an emerging theatre-maker and dramaturg based in Naarm. She is currently engaged at the VCA in a Bachelor of Fine Arts: Theatre, where she strives to pursue skills in and explore all aspects of theatre, from writing to directing, dramaturgy to education. She recently produced her first independent professional theatre show, 5 Locktin 2025 at the Motley Bauhaus, as a writer, director and actor. Sabrina has also been an avid performer throughout Secondary school productions and MUSE at the VCA.

• Casper Hluschko (He/Him)

  

  My name is Casper and I am a young artist and student based on the lands of the Kulin Nation. I am currently enrolled in a Bachelor in Psychology (Honours) course, with aspirations of supporting and working with the queer and neurodivergent communities of which I am part of. Between studying and hanging out with my friends and community, I spend most of my time indulging in many forms of art. Since I was a kid I have been creating and listening to stories whenever I have been given the chance. I have done this mainly through painting and drawing, but I love exploring other art mediums when given the opportunity.

• Luqman (He/Him)

  

  Luqman is a trans Sudanese Naarm based game maker, programmer and designer. When he’s not studying at RMIT doing an Advanced Diploma in Screen and Media, he helps facilitate workshops with the Diversity in Stem team at RMIT, teaching students STEM. Currently. he’s interning with the Operations team with College of Vocational Education, RMIT, learning everything there is about first aid and building audits. He contributed to Brimbank FReeZA (now Amplify) co-curating art events that are drug and alcohol free. In his spare time, he likes to dance and knows the best cafes in Naarm for matcha.

• Mabruka O (She/Her)

  

  Mabruka is an emerging performer, producer, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work explores the diverse experiences within the African diaspora. Her creative practice bridges community, culture, and storytelling, using art as a tool for empowerment and representation. A recipient of the ActNow MakeSpace residency, she is dedicated to creating space for authentic narratives and paving the way for future artists of African heritage. Mabruka’s work reflects a deep commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and reshaping how stories from her community are told, shared, and experienced.

• Edith-Peace (She/They)

  

  Edith-Peace is a growing creative. A multifaceted artist with a passion for theatre, writing, visual art and performance. Edith-Peace is an actor for stage and screen, a poet, Mc, writer, model and DJ- a jack of many trades. They let their lively energy and vibrant personality shine through what they do and create. Their work often explores themes such as identity, introspection, unapologetic authenticity and their experience navigating the world as a black, neurodivergent and queer artist.

• Sannie (She/Her)

  

  Sannie is a Chinese Malaysian creative based in Melbourne, exploring the intersections of technology and spirituality in shaping creative expression. Drawing from her experience in street dance, Sannie is curious about how digital platforms preserve cultural practices while also transforming them, and how AI influences one’s definition of ‘authenticity’. She is interested in performative rituals that merge creativity and technology, offering opportunities for shared reflection and connection. Through the Make Some Space residency at Footscray Community Arts, Sannie continues to develop her practice further, to explore new forms of collective experience and meaning-making in the digital age.

• Elisha Lule (She/Her)

  

  Elisha Lule is a performer and emerging theatre-maker based in Naarm. She’s been part of Western Edge Youth Arts for the past four years, developing original work through ensemble-based, youth-led performance. Elisha has performed in a range of shows and creative developments that explore identity, culture, and community. In 2025, they’ll join international company Mammalian Diving Reflex to collaborate on Night Walks with Teenagers, a project that brings young people and audiences together in unexpected ways. Elisha is passionate about making bold, honest work that reflects real stories and connects with people from all walks of life.

• Enhui (She/Her)

  

  Enhui is a playwright, performance maker, actor and dramaturg based in Naarm. She is currently studying Theatre at VCA, and a recent graduate of VCA Secondary School, where she was the recipient of the VCASS Theatre Arts Award, and Victorian Government’s Victorian Global Learning Award, in the Arts Achievement (Performing Arts) category. She has collaborated / undertaken programs with Pony Cam, Back to Back Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, MTC, Riot Stage, and Cinespace/SEXSEA. As an artist, Enhui seeks to bridge gaps in understanding – she’s never felt fully comforted by a community, so she writes for the in-betweeners.

• Lars Carey (They/Them)

  

  Lars Carey is a young artist based on the lands of the Kulin nation. I am a digital artist with experience as digital artist/Set prop design/ GFX on “Who’s speaking please.” Additionally, I am a media maker under the name of “Festival Misadventure,” on YouTube, TikTok, etc. I am someone who strives to empower others through creating a stronger community via art. In my art I frequently explore themes of finding oneself externally and internally.

Producer / Facilitators

• Performing Lines

  

  Performing Lines in a national organisation with a recently established Victoria office, producing provocative contemporary performance by Australia’s most audacious independent artists. The company curates a portfolio of work that is propelled by pressing questions and new ways of seeing the world; championing the unconventional, the marginal, the rebellious and the new.

  Performing Lines’ purpose is to take risks and to ensure that the breadth and plurality of Australia’s creative potential is represented and celebrated. They work across theatre, dance, music, performance art and innovative artistic modes; as well as national producing and capacity building initiatives including artist residencies and producer training programs.

  In everything they do, they acknowledge that we live on Aboriginal land and constantly learn from the wisdom of First Peoples. The local context and history that precedes them informs the company’s vision, processes and how they move forward.

• Sarah Austin (She/Her)

  

  Sarah is a multi-award award winning theatre-maker and researcher specialising in creating contemporary and experimental performance with, by and for children and young people.

  She has worked for companies in Australia and overseas as a Programmer, Director, Dramaturg and Curator and completed her PhD at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2020 where she now works as a Lecturer in Theatre. She is Artistic Director of Sarah Austin and Co, a company dedicated to creating exceptional contemporary performance work for very young children.

  Her creative work has been recognised with Green Room Awards for Outstanding Theatre for Young Audiences, Curatorial and Artistic Direction and Outstanding Contemporary and Experimental Performance.

• Samantha Butterworth (She/Her)

  

  Samantha is a Programmer and Creative Producer based in Melbourne. She is the Senior Producer at Performing Lines in Victoria. Prior to this, Samantha worked as Arts Programmer at Darebin City Council where she programmed and delivered the annual Darebin Arts Speakeasy season, amongst a slate of other activities. Previously, Samantha has worked as the Creative Producer of Elbow Room, as Tour Coordinator with Regional Arts Victoria (where she has also been engaged to produce both 2014 & 2015 Showcase Victoria events in conjunctions with the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres), Producer of the inaugural Poppy Seed Festival, Operations Manager for Red Stitch Actors Theatre; Administrator for Rollercoaster Theatre Company; and has sat in many roles as a Freelance Producer.

• John Marc Desengano (He/Him)

  
  John Marc Desengano (he/him) is a Filipino-Australian actor, theatre-maker and educator based in Melbourne. Graduating from The University of Ballarat in 2008, he has been working regularly as an actor and educator since.

  John Marc made his Malthouse Theatre debut in 2022 playing Jacob Coote in Looking for Alibrandi. He has returned to Malthouse to perform in Atlantis and F Christmas. Other notable theatre credits include; The Yellow Wave, The Bachelor S17 E05, Enlightenment, Just a Boy Standing in Front of a Girl, A Midnight Visit, Rhinoceros and many more.

  His television credits include; Lie With Me, Aunty Donna’s Coffee Café, FISK and others.

  John Marc’s passion for working with young people has led him to a career in the Youth Arts sector, working with incredible organizations such as St. Martins, Polyglot and Western Edge.

Partners