Q&A with Jemima Dunn

Jemima Dunn is a Performing Artist from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Her passion for performance began in high school, where she took part in school productions and finished at the top of her drama class upon graduating. Jemima is passionate about physical theatre and aims to create thought-provoking pieces that confront social and political issues, incorporating a team of artists with unique perspectives and experiences on these topics.

In the course of completing her Bachelor of Performing Arts at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), she received the New Colombo Plan Scholarship to complete her degree with Intercultural Theatre Institute. One of her performance highlights was taking part in Generator, a WAAPA showcase where she performed in a scene from her original work I Hate Missing Sunsets. Outside of theatre, Jemima enjoys singing and songwriting, and hopes to release her music professionally in the coming year.

Jemima plans to explore directing and film acting upon graduating and is also excited to put her performance making skills to the test. She hopes to take part in projects that can facilitate important discussions between creatives and their audience, as well as demonstrate theatre’s ability to positively impact our world.

Jemima is a Special Placement Student from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and New Colombo Plan Scholar.

Your journey with ITI started in 2020, as a visiting student from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Tell us how you came to know about ITI. What made you choose to come here?

I was introduced to ITI in 2019 by the wonderful Frances Barbe, my course coordinator at WAAPA.

I applied to take part in the theatre exchange to ITI out of curiosity, not wanting to turn down the experience to study overseas. Being chosen to take part in this theatre exchange in 2020 was life-changing. My experience at ITI challenged my perspective on my social and educational goals and heavily influenced how I want to train as an actor. Looking back, I wouldn’t have changed any part of the experience. It is, to this day, one of the turning points of my life.

How does it feel coming back here two years later, to complete your final year of study?

At first, it was quite difficult figuring out my place within the third year cohort. I had taken a whole year off study due to Covid and I hadn’t seen them in two years. Now that the year has almost passed (much too quickly!) I feel so grateful to have worked with this amazing batch and I feel that I found my place amongst them. Completing my studies with ITI has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

Think back to your first day here as a visiting student: what were some of your thoughts and emotions then?

I was overwhelmed on my first visit to ITI and the only way I can describe it is by calling it magic. More than two years on, perhaps the magic has worn off, but I still feel incredibly lucky that I get to spend most of my days at ITI. It holds a special place in my heart.

What are some memorable experiences you’ve had here?

Chin Huat’s movement class is definitely a stand out, I think it’s some of the most fun I’ve had at ITI. Voice class with Simon is something I’ll miss — it’s always a chance to take the exercises and have fun with them, never missing an opportunity to enjoy the work. In general, just getting to study and perform with my amazing third year cohort and learn about the cultures of the students here has been an extremely special and memorable experience.

Is there anything you’ve learnt here that has shaped or changed you as an actor?

I have learnt how to condition my body, voice and mind for performance through the various teachings at ITI. These techniques have helped me to find more comfort and enjoyment onstage, which is something I don’t take for granted.

My experience at ITI challenged my perspective on my social and educational goals and heavily influenced how I want to train as an actor. Looking back, I wouldn’t have changed any part of the experience. It is, to this day, one of the turning points of my life.

What are your plans for after graduation?

Upon graduation, I intend to undertake a film internship in the Indo-Pacific region to continue expanding my skill set in the arts industry.

Any special thanks or words?

I would like to thank the entire staff at ITI with all of my heart for their generosity. The knowledge and training techniques they have imparted on me will be invaluable in my future endeavours in the arts. Thank you Simon for helping me return to ITI by providing me with a reference for my scholarship application and for being the best Voice teacher I’ve ever worked with. Thank you Sasi for welcoming me back to ITI with open arms and never questioning my ability to fit into the precious world you have created here. Thank you Wan Ching for your tireless effort in mentoring me in my Final Year Independent Project. Thank you Chin Huat for always being a positive presence and encouraging me to enjoy the performative space. Thank you Karen for being patient and kind to me in my Taiji training. Thank you Aarne, our wonderful director of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, for an extremely rewarding performance process. Finally, thank you to my beautiful third year batch mates for accepting me into your final year of study. I have loved working with you all more than I can say.

ASYLUM production shot by Bernie Ng