SPOTLIGHT: Jemima Sirtes

November 06, 2023

We’re putting a spotlight on our super talented Playwave Creatives. Read about their highlights as part of the Creative team and the inspiring journeys they are on.

Next up is Jemima Sirtes! 

 

When did you become a Playwaver and what drew you to become a Playwave Creative?  

I became a Playwaver in February of 2023! I was looking online for more ways to become active in the theatre scene, and Playwave seemed like an amazing opportunity.

Your favourite memory as a Playwave Creative? 

Definitely getting to review Sex Magick! Such an amazing show by the Griffin Theatre Company. So glad I finally had a way to express my views about theatre.

 

 

What has kept you busy in 2023?  

Currently, High School. I just finished my Preliminary exams and am about to start year 12 content! Also, expanding my theatre collective ‘Springfield Majesty’ with the help of the Blackbird Foundation! For the past year or so, I’ve been working on a show entitled ‘613 Seeds’. It's a retelling of the myth of the Abduction of Persephone. It's an introspective on culture, fear and complicated matrilineal relationships. I’m working with some amazing people and am so grateful for where I am creatively right now.  Hopefully exciting things will come with soon, so stay on the lookout!

Who inspires your creative practice?  

I am inspired by so many amazing Australian women in theatre such as Shari Sebbens, Laneikka Denne, Yve Blake, Suzie Miller, Joanna Murray-Smith, Contessa Treffone, Justine Clarke, Paige Rattray, Abby Lee-Lewis, Catherine Văn-Davies, Sarah Snook, Eryn Jean Norvill, Emme Hoy, Stephanie Somerville, Michelle Lim Davidson and Deborah Mailman, (just to name a few!). Not an Australian, but Phoebe Waller-Bridge is such a brilliant writer and has a special place in my heart. 

 

 

How has being a Playwaver impacted your experience of the arts in Sydney? 

Playwave has given me the opportunity to see so many more shows. Theatre tickets can be really expensive but luckily with Playwave I’ve gotten to see so many shows for cheaper. It is making theatre more accessible to people who love theatre but can’t pay hundreds of dollars for shows. I’ve also gotten to connect with so many amazing creatives and I’ve made many new friends. 

Your top 3 picks for the best places to experience the arts and live performance in Sydney.

1. KXT Theatre in Ultimo

2. Belvoir St Theatre (both upstairs and downstairs)

3. STC’s Wharf 1 Theatre

What would people be surprised to know about you? 

I can tell any Childish Gambino song by the first 3 seconds (usually less).  I’m fully obsessed with Donald Glover how talented he is across all forms.

 

 

What has been the best arts event you’ve been to this year? 

My 2 favourite arts events this year have been Dennis Kelly’s Girls and Boys at Seymour Centre presented by the STCSA starring Justine Clarke and Dumb Kids at KXT written by Jacob Parker and directed by Sophia Bryant. I’m also so grateful to be a Griffin Ambassador this year! I’ve seen so many great shows and met some absolutely gorgeous people. 

What arts events are you most looking forward to?

We’ve officially entered the time of year in which all the theatres are announcing their new seasons! Such an exciting time to celebrate amazing work on stage. I am so excited for The Louis Trilogy at Griffin Theatre, Never Closer and Holding the Man at Belvoir, and No Pay? No Way! at STC! Very excited to see what theatres like KXT and 25A have in store for next year!  

---

Want to get involved? Contact us or drop us a line at hello@playwave.com.au. We want to hear your Playwave story. 

You can follow Jemima's theatre collective Springfield Majesty on Instagram @springfieldmajesty.

Photos from above:

1. About Jemima from the Blackbird Foundation

2. An excerpt of Jemima's review of Sex Magick, Griffin Theatre. 

3. Original mock-up for the poster for 613 Seeds

4. Jemima at PONY, Griffin Theatre