Queensland Government
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

Pictured: Wesley Enoch

Wesley Enoch

Noonuccal Nuugi man Wesley Enoch,40, continues his people’s storytelling tradition as Queensland Theatre Company’s incoming artistic director.

Q. What is it about Stradbroke Island that creates such vibrant creative people?

I don’t think you can underestimate the power of Aunty Kath (Walker) and the relationship she brought forward between political struggle and cultural and artistic voice.

Q. Was theatre a given for you?

My grandmother wanted me to be a doctor or a teacher. I found theatre when I was 12 or 13, and a really angry aggressive young man. Theatre became my way of acting out, in a positive way. Now I see that through artistic direction, through storytelling, I’m both teaching and healing.

Q. How does storytelling heal?

Working with young people, I challenge them to look at why they behave a certain way. Is it constructive or destructive? In youth detention centres, I’ve seen kids big-noting themselves for the media coverage their crimes have received. They’re seeking validation, but it’s in a destructive way. I give them a platform to tell their story more positively.

Life is a journey and everyone has a story. It may be one that ends up on the stage. It may be one shared, surrounded by grandchildren.  The great benefit of storytelling comes from the confidence that it gives you.

Q. You’ve been away from Brisbane for 10 years, working with some of Australia’s major theatre companies. What changes have you noticed on return?

Brisbane is less apologetic about its identity. It’s doing what we Murris have said for years: stand proud, be loud; accept yourself for who you are; don’t feel embarrassed; don’t apologise. Accept, this is who I am. That’s what Brisbane is doing now. It’s exciting.

Q. You take the reins as Queensland Theatre Company’s artistic director full-time from January 2011. What changes can we expect of the Queensland Theatre Company?

I’m committed to encouraging more people to enjoy theatre, to encouraging innovation and creativity and to developing a stronger Indigenous presence, perhaps through specific productions or career pathways, or both.