The engagement of practising professional artists is integral to the WAYTCo methodology, as is ensuring that our artists receive the remuneration, training and support they need to focus on delivering irresistible creative learning programs.
Mararo Wangai (he/him) is a Kenyan-born writer, performer and media graduate, with a passionate interest in diverse forms of storytelling. His work strives to avoid simplistic narratives, assesses society critically and remains adaptive, organic and alive through its development until it’s eventual encounter with an audience. Attracted to stories that deal with issues of humanity, Mararo challenges himself to wade far from his comfort zone and produce material that confronts, caresses and sometimes punishes an audience.
Rachel McMurray is a theatre director, writer and facilitator, based in Boorloo, working across the UK and Australia, specialising in collaborative performance and new writing that sparks conversation and social change. Recent credits include Associate Director on The Pool – Tour (Black Swan Theatre), The Snow Queen (The Dukes Lancaster), and Assistant Director on Never Have I E
ver (Black Swan Theatre). Her 2025 production Shadow of Doubt, which she wrote and directed, earned multiple Performing Arts WA Award nominations. Rachel has worked with organisations including Black Swan State Theatre Company, Barking Gecko, WA Ballet, WAAPA, and in the UK, The Royal Exchange Theatre & The Lowry Theatre. W:
Shaun Johnston(he/him) is a Boorloo-based performer, teaching artist and theatre-maker with a movement practice that incorporates acting, physical theatre, contemporary dance and modern martial arts. A graduate of WAAPA’s Bachelor of Performing Arts (2019) majoring in Performance-Making, and of their Bachelor of Performing Arts Honours (2022) majoring in Dance and graduating with First Class Honours. Whilst at WAAPA, Shaun was a member of LINK Dance Company (2022), and performed in In Your God (James Welsby & Michael Whaites), Something About Love (Sue Peacock). Recent credits include Conception (2023, TBRT) and My Shout (2021) with Undercurrent Theatre Company. Since 2020, he has regularly worked with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, and has performed & taught across regional WA & in Perth while touring Blueback (2023) and Hare Brain (2020).
Shaun recently returned from a professional development in Germany, where he danced in the ‘b12 fall’ workshop festival & completed a month-long intensive in clown with Arthaus Berlin. He is a certified Pilates instructor with a qualification through Polestar Pilates.
Jesse Vakatini (he/him)is an actor and director who lives and works in Boorloo, Perth. He is currently studying at Curtin University, completing his Bachelor’s in Creative Arts (Theatre). His credits include: MEDEA (Black Swan State Theatre Company, 2019), Body Rights (WAYTCo, 2020), Beside (WAYTCo, 2021), Body Of Knowledge (WAYTCo, 2022), When The Rain Stops Falling (Hayman Theatre Company, 2023), The Persians (Hayman Theatre Company, 2023), Potluck For Penance (Hayman Theatre Company, 2024), The Lake (2023), Self-Preservation (2024), Drug Money (2024), Django (2024), All Boys (Every Other Theatre Company, 2024) and Manna (2025).
