Celebrating queer theatre: Sean’s story
It’s been nearly two years since Sean Landis became an Out For Australia 30 Under 30 winner, and since then his passion and talent for showcasing LGBTQIA+ in theatre has only gotten stronger. In fact, after graduating from university, he joined forces with Madeleine Gandhi to create Fruit Box Theatre. Created in March just last year, this Sydney-based theatre company is a hub for writers and performers to share their stories—and will showcase its hard work at Sydney WorldPride.
A love for theatre
Sean had always loved theatre long before he knew what it meant, as he would often dress up and perform with his family. It wasn’t until 2015 that he realised it was something he could potentially do for the rest of his life. Sean went on to become a Youth Ambassador for Griffin Theatre Company in Sydney, where he would learn more about Australian theatre. One of the first plays he saw with them inspired him to turn this interest into a career: Ladies Day.
“It was the first time I had seen effeminate men onstage anywhere. I was completely captivated and mesmerised by being so seen. It sparked a love, and I haven’t been able to look back since,” shared Sean.
His interest in theatre continued even when he was studying law and media at The University of Sydney. This was where he met co-creator Madeleine. They often worked on productions together in between studying for exams. In early 2020, they produced the play Orlando with a predominantly LGBTQIA+ team. They managed to finish their run just before the first lockdowns, but this experience solidified what they wanted to do with their lives.
“Stories are such a human way and such a primal way of sharing truths. I’ve always thought of theatre as an expression to other humans of what it means to be a human, and extending that to LGBTQIA+ people is just sharing what it means to be queer,” Sean explained. ”You can change the world with a good story.”
While there were many artists who shared their stories through theatre, Sean and Madeleine felt like there was no central hub to bring all these LGBTQIA+ creatives together. After completing their uni degrees, they set their plans into motion and launched Fruit Box Theatre. Their RIPE Development Program brought together twelve actors and six writers, and after months of consultations and development workshops, they’re now ready for their first season.
A joyful first season
Fruit Box Theatre’s first season will run from the 10th of February to the 11th of March, with with several presented during Sydney WorldPride. They’ll be showcasing two plays in their entirety, two stage readings, and a brand-new musical. If you’re in Sydney, make sure to check out the brilliant works they have to offer.
“People can expect just fun, joyful, truthful queer stories for everyone depending on what you like,” Sean said.
These productions wouldn’t have been possible without Fruit Box Theatre’s loyal supporters and, of course, the production team themselves. Sean is proud of each and every team member for bringing their all, to make their shows the best they can be.
“It’s exciting to see it all come together,” he said. “It’s such a diverse season and it’s so exciting. Most of these works we’ve been working on since they were just ideas, so it’s so wonderful to see they’ve come and see all the joy and passion of the artists.”
To inspire and be inspired
It’s incredible to remember that these creatives all worked on the production in their free time. Madeleine also works full-time as a Legal Officer at the Attorney-General’s Office while Sean works at Australia Theatre Live. Everyone is able to bring their own unique thoughts and skills to the season, and often learn from one another.
“I think what’s really important is the queer elders that came before me—before us,” Sean explained. He reflects on his time working with writer Laurent Auclair on his play French Letters and Leather Cleaner, which is coincidentally about the connection between younger and older queer people. “I am so endlessly inspired and excited about being able to work with him.”
While Sean looks up to so many people, the fact that he has inspired so many people around him is something he’s still adjusting to. He was awarded a 30 Under 30 Award before he started Fruit Box Theatre, and his continued dedication shows how worthy he is of both achievements. Sean continues to create a community and platform for many LGBTQIA+ people, and encourages everyone who wants to pursue theatre to have a go.
“Audition for things, write a play, send it to people, ask them to put it on with you. If you’re a director, ask a local theatre to be involved. There’s so many opportunities and so many cool people. If you put yourself in that world, you never know what’s going to happen.”
Follow Fruit Box Theatre to find out when you can submit your passion project for the next round of the RIPE Development Program. To find out more about all of the shows in their upcoming season, go visit their website.
You can also follow them on social media through the following links.
Instagram: @fruitboxtheatre
Facebook: @fruitboxtheatre
TikTok: @fruitboxtheatre