This highly sought-after program provides artists with a two-week residency at our Fremantle theatre, offering financial support, access to studio space, and the expertise of our artistic and technical staff to help develop original puppetry works.

After a competitive selection process, we are proud to support three exceptional artists whose projects promise to push the boundaries of puppetry and captivate audiences with fresh, innovative perspectives.

We look forward to seeing the creative growth of the artists and the evolution of their projects throughout the year.

The 2025 Artist in Residence Recipients are:

Liang Luscombe

Liang Luscombe is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans puppetry, sculpture, and moving image. Her work investigates the impact of images and film on audiences, and she is currently pursuing a PhD at Monash University. Liang holds an MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and has showcased her work in renowned locations such as Artists Space in NYC, ACMI in Melbourne, and the 51st Athens International Film + Video Festival.

Residency Project – In Shadows (Dalam Bayang-Bayang):

In Shadows is a live art performance that blends shadow puppetry inspired by the Malaysian wayang kulit tradition, semi-improvised instrumental music from five-piece ensemble Hantu, and contemporary dance. The piece explores the figure of the pontianak, a ghostly woman from pre-Islamic Malay folklore who transforms after death due to male violence or childbirth. A manifestation of patriarchal fear and feminine revenge, she is also a politically charged figure, surfacing in Malaysian and Singaporean horror cinema during times of instability and anti-colonial struggle.

During her residency, Liang will focus on creating and testing adapted Malaysian wayang kulit puppets and shadow puppet scenery, collaborating with puppeteer Bronwen Kamasz to bring the piece to life.

Rueben Mongoo

Rueben Mongoo is a multidisciplinary artist committed to storytelling that is raw, authentic, and transformative. As a proud Yamatji and Nyoongar artist, Rueben’s work is deeply rooted in cultural identity, personal experience, and a desire to challenge narratives. Through performance, sound, movement, visual art, and puppetry, he creates immersive works that spark dialogue, amplify marginalized voices, and push artistic boundaries. Passionate about collaboration, Rueben values community-driven art that fosters inclusivity and deeper cultural understanding.

Residency Project – Dreaming:

Dreaming is a visually captivating exploration of an Indigenous story, focused on cultural learning and a deep connection to the land. This performance follows the protagonist, guided by a mystical Bird, as they travel through the dream world—a sacred, timeless space. The protagonist embarks on a transformative journey that reveals the land as a living, breathing entity filled with stories. Through this journey, the protagonist finds a renewed sense of self and a profound connection to their cultural heritage.

This project seeks to bring to life the deep spiritual connection between the Indigenous people and their land, using innovative puppetry to immerse the audience in a new creative work.

Lily Murrell & Jen Marsh

Jen Marsh a visual artist whose works are precisely personal and simultaneously all encompassing. Following a diagnosis of Young Onset Dementia, Jen began working with Mind the Change. With the same energy Jen imbued in her sport, profession and life, Jens art practice has been wide reaching. Her work was presented in YODyssey’s exhibition with City of Melville, City of Vic Park and City of Stirling in 2024.

Lil Murrell is an independent theatre maker with a focus on visual storytelling in accessible and engaging ways. She trained in Performance Making at WAAPA and is a Creative Arts Facilitator at Mind The Change.

The Project – Shifting Hands:

Shifting Hands will oscillate between gentle introspection and unrestrained exploration, asking, “Who’s in control?” The project will centre around Jen’s artistic voice, with a focus on improvisational puppetry and dementia-friendly creative exercises developed from Anne Basting’s pioneering research. The residency will provide Jen and the team the opportunity to explore and amplify her voice, both as an artist and through her puppets, in an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.