Creating contemporary, politically sharp, hard-edged Australian theatre has been at the core of Belvoir St Theatre’s mission since 1984. 

Since its founding more than 40 years ago, the Sydney theatre company has been committed to diverse and passionate storytelling. Those intentions continue to guide the theatre, from developing new forms of theatrical expression to producing new work by and about aboriginal Australians. 

“Programming work from often unheard voices is what our values system is based on,” said Fiona Hulton, the theatre’s Deputy Executive Director of Marketing, People and Community. 

When developing diverse work, the cultural safety of artists and audiences is paramount. Belvoir St Theatre embedded community in their practice and prioritised healing over harm in their process for Counting and Cracking.

“Programming work from often unheard voices is what our values system is based on.”

Counting and Cracking follows the journey of a war-torn Sri Lankan-Australian family over four generations. Written by S. Shakthidharan (known as Shakthi) and directed by Belvoir’s Artistic Director Eamon Flack, the play features 19 performers from six countries speaking five languages.

“Shakthi and I made a deal,” Eamon told The Guardian, “that if we did it, we’d do it properly, that it wouldn’t just be a piece of cultural charity.”

Despite the financial cost, the theatre supported the production with years of research and development. Rehearsals cultivated inclusive processes to empower the artists. 

When it came time to market the show, audience development initiatives focused on creating meaningful connections with each community connected to the story. Instead of a single transaction, Belvoir sought to create long-term connections. Through purposeful engagement and a pipeline of future productions, the theatre has given the South Asian community a reason to return.

“Delivering work for community means deep listening, engagement and discomfort,” Fiona shared. “It’s being open to the needs, concerns and priorities of a wide range of people. And it’s worth it. These communities will become the bedrock of Belvoir’s future.” 

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Fiona Hulton presented this talk live as part of Tessitura’s Innovator Series at the Tessitura Learning & Community Conference in Sydney in November 2024.