Vena Cava Productions was established in 1996 and is QUT’s student-driven, not-for-profit theatre company. It aims to offer students semi-professional learning opportunities and practical experiences within the theatre industry to grow and learn as emerging artists.

 

Vena Cava has a very special place in my heart. Although it’s sometimes been a rocky relationship, I truly love this company and all it offers young artists in Brisbane. It was my first introduction to the industry, as a stage manager, on their Mainhouse one in 2019 and over the years I have been given so many more incredible opportunities through Vena Cava; from working on their Mainhouses and Freshblood festival to fulfilling various executive roles.

 

However, not all of my experiences have been good and I know the past few years have been hard on us all. Vena Cava has been running for almost 30 years. Meaning it is bound to hit a rough patch every now and then, but that doesn’t negate the good it has done for our industry. It has been the building blocks for some of Australia’s most incredible companies and the launching pad for some of our most treasured artists. However, without the backing of our university and of industry professionals, it won’t last another 30.

 

We are – and always have been – the young artists creating the future of theatre in Brisbane, so coming to the new year myself and the Vena Cava team are asking the industry for your help, your experience and your support in executing our new vision. We are looking to continue to expand our reach so we can offer new and improved opportunities to both our members and the wider Brisbane arts scene. Not just for this year, but for many years to come.

 

As a part of this, our 2023 season is going to aggressively question the power structures of both the theatre and the world around us. As a young artist in Australia, I can’t help but feel angry, robbed and at times dismissed. Angry at covid for limiting our opportunities, angry at a university that no longer values theatre and angry at an industry that so often pushes aside people who don’t fit into the right box. I love theatre, from producing and stage management to writing and design, I have no idea what I would do with my life if not theatre. But it is not always a safe space or a constructive one and unfortunately young or emerging artists are often the ones who feel the brunt of this. I want Vena Cava to help change that, not just for our company but for the industry as a whole.

 

I firmly believe our members are the voices who are going to shape the next generation of theatre, not just in Brisbane, not even just in Australia, but throughout the world. Passionate, diverse and truly talented artists who are going to blow everyone away with their voices and their willingness to both listen and lead. Our season this year aims to fulfil this purpose. It is bold, aggressive, opinionated and firmly rooted in the values of young people.

 

Vena cava is vital to this industry, it offers invaluable experiences to young artists and this year myself and the team aim to offer visionary art and theatre that’s going to leave people questioning everything. So what are you waiting for take a look around and explore everything we have to offer you this year!

 

~ Scarlett Hughes, Artistic Director 2023

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