Who are you and what do you do?

I am a playwright, community arts worker, gardener, and guardian of a dog and 2 cats.

Which of your works has had the greatest impact on you, or have you loved the most?

Each of my works holds a special place in my heart, but I feel especially grateful for my career when it allows me to travel. Coming from Sydney to Melbourne to make A is for Apple allows me to reconnect with childhood memories in the eastern suburbs (my grandparents lived in Bondi and Bondi Junction respectively), and catch up with friends further afield. Making work in Singapore, Manila, and outback Australia remains a surreal privilege.

Jessica Bellamy
Photo by Zak Kaczmarek for Rock Surfers Theatre Company

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as an artist?

In a writing workshop when I was studying at NIDA, Tommy Murphy told my cohort, “don’t feel you have to give anyone an answer right away.” I think this applies to dramaturgical but also career as a whole. It’s your life, so take time with your decisions.

Is there a particular theme which is central to your work? 

I constantly move between Judaism, feminism, and climate change.

What local artists do you admire?

The wonderful artists currently working on A is for Apple including director Scarlet McGlynn, and our designers Jessica Dunn, Kelsey Lee, and Emma White. Our actors Amy Hack and Zoe Resnick. And shout out to Stage Managers who make everything possible – in this case, the fabulous Claire Ferguson. This team has been so resilient and positive despite many COVID challenges thrown their way – and I have found this really inspiring and fortifying.

A is for Apple at Griffin Theatre Company. Photo by Robert Catto.

Click through our gallery below for more of Jessica Bellamy’s work.