Vena Cava Productions and the company of Love and Information acknowledges the Jagera and Turrbal people as the First Nations owners of the land on which we now stand and create. We pay our respects to the elders past, present and emerging and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, and always will be.
‘Why do they need to know all this stuff?’
Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information is a larger-than-life embrace of the human experience in a world constantly in flux
For me, Love and Information feels like sitting in a cozy cafe, sipping coffee and watch the world go by Each person has their own story - someone’s in a rush for work, someone’s in love, someone is having a date with a friend. It’s fascinating how every person’s experience is unique, yet connected That’s what really interested me about this play, and how this meaning would come through in performance.
Love and Information is a collection of 57 scenes able to be explored and experimented with. With each scene, the cast and crew have the freedom to be creative, tinkering with pacing, lighting, set design, and beyond It's a multitude of possibilities in which our cast and crew have leaned into a maximalist telling of the story, inviting them to push the boundaries and craft something truly extraordinary.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our incredible director, Grace Longwill. Her vision has breathed life into this production, capturing the complexity of Churchill’s narrative in a truly compelling way.
We also had the pleasure of working with an amazing cast and crew who poured their hearts into making this show a reality. Their dedication behind the scenes and on stage is what has been able to bring this bold production alive
We’re also immensely grateful to Metro Arts for their support, as well as the industry professionals who generously shared their time and expertise
Charlii and I wanted this season to spark introspection, to make people think about what really matters in life. Love and Information challenges us to consider the impact of love and information on each other, and what that means in our digital age
Above all, this show is a celebration of life’s complexity, reminding us to cherish every fleeting moment Love and Information urges us to seize the day, making every second count.
Charlii
-Vivian and
V i v i a n HinzArtistic Director CharliiLobley-EvansHead o f Psnoitcudor
GraceLongwill -Director
“In the same way that your heart feels and your mind thinks, you, mortal beings, are the instrument by which the universe cares If you choose to care, then the universe cares If you don’t, it doesn’t.”
Brennan Lee Mulligan
I’ve tried to write this directors note over and over and over, and I think I want to start with gratitude This show would not exist without the fabulous cast and crew and their beautiful brains It wouldn’t be the show it is without our wonderful dramaturg Alex, our fabulous choreographer and drag consultant Martelle, and our music consultant Riley. I wouldn’t have had the chance to work on it without the support of Jess Bunz and of course- it wouldn’t exist without Caryl Churchill.
Caryl Churchill has written an absolute playground of a text- a show that is always left up to interpretation, that requires the cast and crew to have a point of view. No two productions of this show will be the same- and that’s the beauty of the text to me. This text will always evolve and always change but some things stay the same. There will always be seven sections. There will always be depression scenes, and Facts will always be the last scene
This show has been hugely collaborative- I didn’t necessarily come into the creative process with an idea or interpretation that I was driving at- I was more interested in seeing what we would come to organically, what themes we would fixate on and explore, and what got left in the wash. I keep going back to the fact that the show was originally written in 2012 in a world of information technology and connection that was very different, that was new and scary- technology and the over saturation of information seems inevitable these daysa fact of life In 2012 love and information were separate entities, working against each other in this version the AND does the heavy lifting, exploring play compassion and possibility. Human beings are endlessly complex and this show is a fantastic celebration of moments both big and small- simple and dramatic, and all equally important. There’s a warmth to this interpretation that I think is incredibly important- hope and community are important acts of resistance and survival as our world grows increasingly more connected and more complex.
Finally, Caryl Churchill is an incredibly political writer and recently had an award taken away from her for speaking out in support of Palestine and against genocide. I think it would be unconscionable to direct a play about human nature and not acknowledge the massive disgusting loss of life happening in Gaza and across Palestine. So I want to make it clear- Free Palestine Ceasefire now
With love (and information)
-Grace
Nic Davidson (he/him) is a Meanjin/Gabi Gabi based creative. He is currently in his final year studying a Bacehlor of Fine Arts (Drama) at QUT He is best known for his performance as 'Johnny' with Matilda Award THAT Production Company's production of the one man show 'I Love You, Bro' (2023) For his performance, he was named as "one of the regions most exciting up and coming actors" (Ipswich News, 2023) He is also known for his portayal of 'Brian Johnson' in Moreton Bay Theatre Company's production of 'The Breakfast Club' (2021), for which he was nominated for 'Best Actor in a Leading Role' Through his studies, Nic has developed a keen interest in writing, directing and collaborating with artists to tell uniquely Australian stories. As a creative practitioner, Nic's futuristic goal is to create collaborative and performative opportunities for regional artists and communities through a regional theatre company.
Taj (He/Him) is a Meanjin/Brisbane based actor and performer who loves a good show He is currently 2 years into a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) at QUT, and has a range of experience in Theatre, Film and Music outside of Uni This being his debue show for Vena Cava, some of his other notable roles including Galileo in We Will Rock You (2022), Brindsley in Black Comedy (2022) and Seargent Trotter in The Mousetrap (2021), along with various other short films and live performances Through his preperation, Taj works to create performances that are interesting, exciting and truthful, and he loves working on projects along side other talented artists
Georgia (she/her) is a Meanjinbased artist who is currently studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama) at Queensland University of Technology Georgia has been involved in the creative industries for the last 10 years, performed an array of roles in musicals, short films, and theatre both in Australia and Papua New Guinea Georgia moved from Canberra last year to pursue a career in Acting Some notable works include; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (REP), Demeter in Persephone's Dog (Canberra College), Zoe in Dear Evan Hansen (Moresby Arts Theatre), Linda in Blood Brothers (Moresby Arts Theatre), Natalie in All Shook Up (POMIS) Georgia worked in collaboration with Vena Cava's 2023 Freshblood Festival where she debuted as a writer and director for her show 8 minutes and 21 seconds and has since worked on creative developments for the Mainhouse 2 production later in 2024
Throughout her studies, Georgia hopes to continue her exploration within the creative industries, both off and on-stage Love and Information is Georgia's first Main House Production performance and her Metro Arts debut
CAST
nic Davidson cast
taj de montis Cast
georgia hollis cast
Isabella Kirkwood (she/her) is a Meanjin-based artist She is currently in her final year studying a Bachelor of Acting with Queensland Conservatorium
Griffith University Having trained with Queensland Theatre’s Young Artists Ensembles and thrived in these creative and collaborative spaces, Isabella is a two-time recipient of the Barbara Sisley award in recognition of her tenacity and dedication Alongside her tertiary studies, Isabella has also attained her Certificate in Speech and Performance Australia through the Australian Music Examinations Board, prompted by her keen interest in voice and language With QCGU, Isabella recently performed in ‘Tartuffe’ under the direction of former La Boite Artistic Director Todd MacDonald, and will be performing in ‘Vernon God Little’ with award winning artist Jason Klarwein in QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre later this year
Previously at QCGU, Isabella originated the role of Rory in ‘Common Ground’, and performed as Titania in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Isabella has also worked Griffith Film School on numerous projects, including the comedic web-series ‘Unfinished Business’ Isabella is determined to create collaborative and equitable creative opportunities in multidisciplinary spaces. ‘Love and Information’ marks Isabella’s Vena Cava debut
Ruva (she/her) is a Meanjin-based first year Bachelor of Arts (English/Philosophy) student at the University of Queensland Growing up in Toowoombaa, Ruva gained experience performing in school musicals such as 'The Wedding Singer' (2019) and 'Footloose' (2023) and productions and more recently as part of The Empire Theatre IMPACT ensemble in 2022's 'Going, Going, Gone' and Static Air (2023) As her first post-highschool production and as part of Vena Cava, Ruva is excited to expand her experience as well as work with a wonderful cast and crew.
Azz (they/them) is a non-binary queer artist located in the Sunshine Coast/Brisbane area They have grown up admiring actors and performers, especially those in live theatre and love the stage Currently They are developing their dramatic knowledge and creative discipline by undertaking a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama) with a minor in script writing, at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). They enjoy realism, epic and absurd theatre and hope to incorporate them in their future works Azz has over five years of stage and screen experience, having performed in various musicals, plays and student films Alternating between writing and performing, Azz aims to create social change and inspire artists through their work Love and Information is Azz’s first Main House Production and their Metro
When it comes to theatre, lets just say, Andrew Oxford is probably interested in it Andrew is currently studying in his second year of a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Majoring In Drama and Performance) at QUT, which he enjoys it immensely Andrew's debut to serious theatre dates back to 2021 when he performed in an original work named One Second by Amber Grossman with JUTE Theatre Company. Since then he has greatly enjoyed collaborating with peers and collegues alongside experienced professionals to develop new work which challenge his inititave and creativity to produce utterly unique work. On the other hand, Andrew has performed in many large scale musicals productions with the Cairns Choral Soceity, including Les Misérables in January this year Love and Information is Andrew's debut show with Vena Cava Productions. He is excited about the amount of creative intrepertation that the cast is given to devise the scenes which calls back to his interest in creating unqiue work
Yianni (he/him) is a meanjin based actor who is currently undergoing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) at the Queensland University of Technology From a young age, Yianni discovered his passion for performing arts through the concept of entertaining his fellow peers and family members Starting as a witch in his lounge room to being cast as Mufasa in ‘The Lion King’ at Marymede Catholic College, he has developed a keen understanding and love for performance He has continued to flourish and learn and is now perusing his dream in hopes to further his professional career Yianni has been involved in several stage productions including ‘A Corus Line’ debuting as Gregory Gardner, ‘Newsies’ as Morris Delancey both with The Performing Artists Company in Melbourne He appeared in ‘Our Town’ playing Simon Stimpson and Wally Web in 2023 with VCASS as well as a group devised or play called ‘Fight’ playing directed by Ross Hannafor looks forward to buildin repertoire and his success his field Yianni is excited t part of Vena Cava’s First House Production of ‘Lov Information’ and his Metro debut
Jazelle (she/her) is a Meanjinbased artist who is currently studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) at Queensland University of Technology Her work consists of Vena Cava’s Freshblood Festival in 2023 were she debuted in Emily Risdon’s A Friend Like That and Crea Arenas The Flower Does Not Exist In 2023, Jazelle co-founded production company, Ordinary Productions alongside Ruby Fox and Seini Leauanae. Their short film Cassie, in which she stars as the titular character, and Chasing Ollie is set to premier later this year Jazelle cannot wait for what the future brings as she is set to star Joanna Richards’ You Can’t Tell Anyone in June as part of Playfest with QUT She also looks forward to working in George Risdons new student film A Wiser Man as a part of the QUT Fine Arts (Film) final short film projects Love and Information is Jazelle’s first Main House Production and her Metro
andrew oxford Cast
yianni paikopoulos Cast
jazelle white Cast
Cast
Molly Waters (she/her) is a performer and creative working in Meanjin She is currently in her first year at QUT, studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) Although Molly has garnered acting experience on stage and screen from a young age, a majority of her artistic background has been gained from performing as a vocalist and within the field of Musical Theatre Molly's most notable performance was as a part of Team Delta in the 2019 All-Stars season of The Voice Australia, and since then she has performed in various productions such as Creative Generations (Featured Vocalist; 2015, 2016, 2021) and Alice; A Journey Through Wonderland (Brisbane Arts Theatre, 2022) Apart from performance, Molly composes pieces of music, as well as poetry and short narrative pieces, and aspires to devise her own theatrical work in future Love and Information is Molly's Vena Cava debut, as well as her first Main House Production.
Director
Grace Longwill is an Meanjinbased director, performer and theatre maker with a practice anchored in curiosity collaboration, play, and a commitment to accessible, sustainable practice She hates writing about herself in the third person, but absolutely loves this show, and its wonderful cast and crew
Assistant Director
Rebekah Rasmussen (she/her) is a Meanjin based theatre-maker specialising in directing, performing, writing and dramaturgy Currently completing her final year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama) with a minor in Scenography at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Rebekah has demonstrated her versatility and passion for the craft She recently directed “Friendship & Other Drugs” at QUT’s Potential Festival 2023, and she is set to direct its revised edition later this year Rebekah made her Vena Cava debut as a performer in their 2023 Freshblood Festival, where she portrayed Catherine in Joshua Price’s play, “Sugar Mountain ” Passionate about collaboratively devised work, Rebekah explores human connections through diverse perspecti create refle introspective exp audiences Rebeka be working behind Assistant Direct second show wit Product
Georgia (she/her) is a Gold Coast/Meanjin based QUT student in her first year of studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Production) This is her first Vena Cava production and is filling the role of Lighting Designer Georgia holds a Certificate II in Creative Industries, which she completed throughout her senior years at high school. Majority of her experience is in the dance industry Throughout her senior years, she filled the roles of Lighting Designer, Assistant Stage Manager, Stage Manager, Lighting Operator and Sound & AV Operator for various dance concerts She takes a particular interest in Lighting Design and Stage Management, so naturally she is very excited to take on this role as Lighting Designer in the theatre world
georgia sandersan lighting designer
Production Designer
Liv Gainsford (they/them) was previously based in Gooneburra/Toowoomba where they completed their final year of schooling. They directed a film awarded 2nd place for Shake & Stir’s Shakefest, were involved in creating and performing the collaborative original production of Going, Going, Gone! with Empire Theatres Youth Arts Senior Impact program
Following their high school graduation, they moved to bigger and better things in Meanjin/Brisbane where they began studying a BFA in Drama with a minor in dance at QUT Liv jumped in head first at uni in Vena Cava’s Main House 1, Revolt, She Said Revolt Again filling the role of assistant director This opportunity lead them through a directorial mentorship, preparing them to step into the role of director for Main House 2 Bug House was Liv’s directing debut and was above and beyond what they could have hoped for Liv is ecstatic to dive in further this year, and expand their knowledge, skills and experience It will be their first time being a production designer, and they are super keen to get stuck into things!
Production Designer Production Designer
Thomas (he/him) is a Meanjin based student in their second year of studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film, Screen and New Media at QUT. Thomas finds most of his artist experience and expression within film, behind the camera as either Technical Officer or Director of Photography, but is very excited to try theatre production in a more proffesional setting During his time at his high school, Downlands College, Thomas performed in three musicals; Les Miserables, Crazy for You, and Wicked In his senior year Thomas helped produce The Complete Works of Shakespeare: Abridged as Assistant Stage Manager, and helped produce The Addams Family after graduating as general crew and set assembly Thomas is excited to blend his knowledge of film and theatre to help further his creative practice overall
Alana Bensley is a Brisbane-based theatre artist with a passion for all things creative Having previously completed a BFA in Drama at QUT, she is now back as a first year Technical Production student with a focus in stage design She has been involved with various Brisbane productions over the last 10 years, including as a performer and creative with A Matter of Material, which won the Communify Anywhere Award at the 2022 Anywhere Festival This is Alana's second production with Ve
Pearce Andrew Krisanski, (He/Him)
Hello, I am an aspiring designer who is currently studying my third year of Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Production) at QUT Kelvin Grove While I have many interests and often can't stick to one, my main creative interests are Sound Design, Vision Design, VFX Artist, and not last Photographer I am based in Brisbane and I have designed for numerous small shows, working my way up to bigger and greater works I previously studied a Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation and Special Effects) which is where I first found my love for VFX and sound design My love for photography has always been, but I have now bought my own equipment that I'll put to use any chance I can get
Amiel (she/they) is a vibrant theatre artist based in Meanjin, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama) with a minor in creative writing at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) She is (overly) passionate about playwriting and dramaturgy, but eagerly absorbs any creative wisdom that crosses her path. Love and Information is Amiel's second stint with Vena Cava, having previously worked as ASM and Sound Designer for I’m Not Entirely Here in the 2023 Anywhere Festival Beyond designing, she has performed onstage in Singin' in the Rain (2021), and twice in The Addam’s Family (2020 & 2019), as well as numerous choir and solo musical eisteddfods Her first backstage role was in 2022, as director of What's in a Name?, an original play that was a finalist for the Queensland Young Playwrights Award in 2020 She’s also done work for the JTI & Bionic Gamechangers research films (2024) and Young Rock (2021) Vision designing has been an exciting new challenge, and she can’t wait to see what you all think of the show!
Carmen (she/her) is a Meanjinbased filmmaker currently pursuing her second year of a BFA in Film, Screen, and New Media, with a minor in Journalism LOVE AND INFORMATION represents her debut in live theatrical production, and she is thrilled to be collaborating with Vena Cava Productions on this new journey. With a diverse background in screen-based projects spanning narrative fiction to documentary filmmaking, Carmen is especially drawn to participatory documentary filmmaking for its potential as a catalyst for social change Committed to amplifying underrepresented perspectives, she hopes to utilise her craft to illuminate narratives and voices often overlooked
pearce krisanski sound designer
Amiel Simpson Vision Designer
Carmen Holland Production Stage Manager
Bella (she/her) is a third year student based in Meanjin/Brisbane with a love for the craetive arts scene, especially for theatre She is currently enrolled at QUT pursuing her BFA Technical Production degree, aiming to focus on the design and management aspects of theatre, with a keen interest in stage management After her experience in Vena Cava's main house two show "Bughouse" in 2023, where she worked as an Assistant Stage Manager, she gained experience and knowledge, which has assisted her on her journey as a creative and technical practitioner
Carys (they/them) is a Meanjinbased artist in their first year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Production) at QUT
While Carys’ love of theatre started as a performer, their interest truly lies behind the scenes Soon after graduating high school in 2023, where they studied theatre, Carys completed the Staging and Technical Production Residency with NIDA Open which expanded their knowledge on sound, lighting and stage management techniques while working collaboratively with Sydney-based artists. Studying at NIDA, though only for a short time, solidified Carys’ n
Neve Lockett (She/Her) steps into her technical debut as assistant stage manager for Vena Cava Productions' "Love and Information " With a rich performance history including acclaimed roles like Reno Sweeney in "Anything Goes" and Danny in "DNA," she's earned accolades such as the Gold Coast Drama Festival's Outstanding Actor Award and the 2023 HOTA Cultural Leader Award
Currently studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama) at QUT, Neve's first foray into assistant stage management is a testament to her diverse talents and ongoing exploration of theatrical magic Her creative range extends to playwriting and composing, with notable milestones including First Place in Music (2023) for Shake and Stir’s ShakeFest and Runnerup in Emmanuel College's Folio Competition Neve's journey is defined by a commitment to the magical realm of storytelling that has the power to touch hearts and change lives
Deputy Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager
Kaitlin (she/her) is a Wakka Wakka/ Meanjin based first year student currently studying her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Production) at QUT. Having been involved in High School and smaller community theatre productions in both cast and crew roles, Kaitlin is keen to build upon and elevate her skillset and experience within the field New to the Brisbane area, she is keen to immerse herself in the wide range of arts and culture Brisbane has to offer With no specific path in mind, Kaitlin is at present open to experiencing all aspects of theatre-making and production. Kaitlin is making her debut with Vena Cava Production as Sound and Vision Operator
