2022

The Mentor

Ignition | Creative Engine Grant Recipient 2022

The Mentor
Christian Cavallo - Bravo Arts

Written by Joshua White

The Mentor is Amanda Redfern, a one-time Hollywood star whose life has spiralled in later years. When she begins tutoring young actor Jordan Ridley, the two discover a vastly different set of perceptions across themes of sexism, ageism, respect, consent, and mental health; their methodologies as actors are fuelled by vastly different lived experiences.

This play is driven by a mature female voice, juxtaposed against a young, idealistic male perspective. It highlights that equality and equity are still values that haven’t been achieved, socially. It demands that we consider how we treat the most vulnerable and how we examine our own privilege. Industry veteran Amanda Muggleton will be playing Amanda Redfern, opposite Geelong local Connor Morel.

The Mentor was written by Joshua White in 2019 and first underwent creative development through the Hope New Works Development Initiative in 2020. The production will premiere in November as part of Theatre Works's 2022 season.

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About Christian Cavallo

Christian (he/him) is a graduate of the Master of Directing for Performance at the Victorian College of the Arts. He has directed numerous theatre productions across Geelong and Melbourne. He is the Artistic Director for Bravo Arts, and is currently Resident Director for Class Act’s Theatre in Education touring shows.

In response to COVID-19, Christian was one of the Creative Directors who delivered Hope New Works; producing, directing, dramaturging, and facilitating developments for theatrical work. The initiative was awarded two Green Room Association Awards for ‘Community Building and Advocacy’ and ‘Contribution to the Development of New Work’.

Christian has a theatrical background encompassing musical theatre, plays, immersive performance, theme-park work, concerts, cabaret, devised works, film & TV, and more. He currently teaches for Stage School Australia and is engaged across a number of tertiary institutions as a director and performing arts educator.

Image Credit: Gavin D Andrew