Rachael Hains-Wesson travelled to Bali, Indonesia to catch up with Gavin at the Bali Deli in Seminyak, briefly discussing some of his earlier experiences as the Artistic Director of Barking Gecko Theatre Company from 1991-2006.

Over a professional theatre career that spans more than fifteen-years, Grahame Gavin produced, directed and wrote a range of pioneering plays whilst the Artistic Director (AD) of Barking Gecko (BG). These projects have been instrumental in creating opportunities for the company and its practitioners, locally, nationally and internationally. Gavin’s foresight and his ‘no nonsense’ approach to fostering research-based performance projects have assisted in bringing high-quality and innovative theatre experiences for young people throughout Australia and overseas.

Perhaps less known is Gavin’s involvement in the initial developmental stages concerning the Indigenous theatre company, Yirra Yaakan Noongar Theatre Company (1993) as well as the hugely successful AWESOME Perth International Children’s Festival. His directing and writing credits and various accolades are numerous and wide spreading such as receiving a Swan Gold Award for Best Theatre Development in 1990 and the ASSITEJ Honorary Presidents Award for ‘Outstanding Services in the Sphere of Children’s and Youngsters Theatre’ between 1993-1996.

Additionally, throughout the early 1990s and 2000s, Gavin was the main driving-force behind Barking Gecko acquiring a local, national …