In 2023, the Theatre Royal will support Tasmanian artists through its RAWspace program, with the aim of increasing the range of new stories being shared whilst expanding performance experiences for Tasmanian audiences. 

RAWspace supports projects that engage audiences or the public through live performance, working in any art form. It provides a platform for artists to experiment with new ways of storytelling, creating different artistic experiences to what is traditionally expected within a theatre environment. Proposed projects may have an intended outcome in a venue, public space, or digital platform. 

After receiving a record number of applications for the program in 2023, the Theatre Royal is pleased to announce that we have selected four projects by Tasmanian artists working across a variety of different media including street performance, chamber opera, theatre and digital platforms. 

The four successful RAWspace projects in 2023 are:

• Feras Shaheen, Street Pavilion 
• Amanda Hodder & Nicholas Tolputt, Rumpelstiltskin 
• Rod Anderson, Sex Enlightenment Death 
• Nancey Mauro-Flude, Matt Daniels & Margie Medlin, Rhapsody 

All the successful applicants will be supported with funding, rehearsal space, technical assistance and mentoring to support the development process as part of a one-week residency in the Theatre Royal’s Studio Theatre.

Chief Executive of the Theatre Royal Simon Wellington recognises that venues need an opportunity to work with artists as they explore the different ways people engage and create art in the 21st century.  

“RAWspace opens the Theatre Royal up to new artists and new forms of storytelling. We hope to provide a space for them to research and explore, and, ultimately, a platform to share their work with the public – whether that’s in a theatre, online or on a street.”

“As a major cultural institution in this State, we feel a responsibility to invest in local artists, encourage them to experiment and innovate, and help them find an audience. This year, we are supporting four incredibly unique projects that you might not expect to see at the Theatre Royal. But they reflect the diverse stories, ideas and experiences of our community, and offer very different ways for people to engage with them. I hope this program helps us to continue being a relevant and accessible performing arts centre.”   RAWspace 2023 is supported by the City of Hobart and founding patron of the RAWspace Giving Circle, Belinda Kendall-White.

For more information about RAWspace, click here.