By Casey Neill
Drama lecturer Jo Raphael invites people of all abilities onto the stage through Fusion Theatre.
She established the drama group in 1997 following a request from Springvale’s Alex Litsoudis.
It was first known as Dramability but “grew and developed and over a number of years it became incorporated as Fusion Theatre”, which runs from Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre in Dandenong.
“What’s beautiful about it is the way that everyone can work together,” Ms Raphael said.
“Everyone, regardless of ability, brings something interesting to the table.”
Her dedication earned her this year’s Greater Dandenong Leadership Award, which was presented at the council’s Australia Day Festival in Dandenong Park on Thursday 26 January.
“I was delighted. It was a great surprise,” she said.
Ms Raphael is a Deakin University lecturer and was at the time that Mr Litsoudis first approached her.
Fusion Theatre has maintained a close association with the university and received support from City of Greater Dandenong.
“I have an interest in drama education and applied theatre,” she said.
“I have a background in working with people with disabilities.
“We have participants, some who identify as having a disability and others who don’t.
“Working in inclusive theatre, you have such diverse actors that you create really surprising and original works of theatre.
“It’s a really positive voice for people with disability in the community.”
