Jackie Sheppard is a mixed medium performer, storyteller, dancer and workshop facilitator. Their creations are inspired by the multilayered narratives of Sovereign peoples. Jackie attempts to identify and interrogate Ancestral, Intergenerational and embodied narratives that are relative to Blak lived experiences. Focusing on Somatic, Spiritual and Sub-conscious “bodies”, Jackie seeks to shed light in dark places, exploring taboo and complex topics.

Based in Melbourne, Tim Denton is an image-maker, designer/builder, puppeteer, mask and physical theatre performer with over 35 years of professional experience. He has worked on projects as diverse as community events, school programs, TV and
Film, theatre, circus, pageants, parades, stadium and street performance. He is currently the founder and co-director of AboutFace Productions, which is highly regarded throughout Australia and New Zealand for its inventive work that pushes the boundaries of theatrical design.

Ayesha Mehta is a vocalist, shadow puppeteer, writer, poet, educator and visual artist. Committed to radical visibility and storytelling through dynamic and uninhibited original music, art, words and filmmaking, Ayesha was both nominated for the Outstanding Women in Music Award and a recipient of the AMP Tomorrowmakers Fund in 2021. She is the co-founder of GRID Series, a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Lumiphonic Creature Choir, curated as Program Director of the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival 2022, and is co-founder of Taipei’s iconic community arts platform, Red Room.

James Henry has been in demand as a composer and sound designer writing various blends of traditional Aboriginal and contemporary genres. His diverse skill set has seen him compose for Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Philharmonia Choir and musical director for the Dreamtime at the G opening ceremonies, as musical director of Tanderrum; Melbourne Festival Opening Ceremonies, various theatre and dance productions as well as commissions. James earned a nomination for best documentary score at the 2022 AACTA Awards for his work on “Freeman’”. In 2023, James will be the First Nations Composer in Residence for Ensemble Offspring as well as an inaugural participant in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s ‘First Voices’ program. ‘Tracker’ will premiere at the Sydney Festival and ‘Jacky’ will premiere for Melbourne Theatre Company in which James will be the sound designer/composer.

Yumi Umiumare is an established Japanese Australian Butoh Dancer, choreographer and creator of Butoh Cabaret works. She has been creating her distinctive style of works for 30 years and her creations have been seen in numerous festivals around the globe. She is a recipient of the fellowship from Australian Council (2015–16) and a winner of the Green Room Geoffrey Milne Memorial Award (2017). Yumi is artistic director of ButohOUT! festival in Melbourne since 2017 and is a key figure in the international contemporary Butoh scene. Yumi ‘s recent works focus on Dance, Spirit and Tea.

Jacob Boehme is a Melbourne born and raised artist of the Narangga and Kaurna Nations, South Australia. A multi-disciplinary theatre maker and choreographer, creating work for the stage, screen and festivals, Jacob has led the artistic direction of large scale public events: Tanderrum Melbourne Festival, Boon Wurrung Ngargee Yalukit Willam Festival, Thuwathu Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair and choreographed for the opening ceremonies of the FINA World Swimming Championships, Cricket World Cup, Dreaming Festival and Dreamtime at the G. Jacob is the founding Creative Director of Yirramboi Festival, recipient of the 2018 Green Room Award for Curatorial Contribution to Contemporary and Experimental Arts. Jacob is the writer and performer of the critically acclaimed solo work Blood on the Dance Floor, recipient of the 2017 Green Room Award Best Independent Production.