Julian Louis is a theatre maker and has been the Artistic Director of NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts) based in Lismore, NSW since 2007. The company has developed a national profile as one of Australia’s most exciting regionally based theatre organisations. The company presents a contemporary theatre program, made up of original productions, national and international touring works and artistic development programs.
Julian has directed theatre, opera and circus as well as large-scale site-specific works. For NORPA Julian has created a number of highly successful place-based works including Love for One Night - set in and on a country pub, Railway Wonderland – set on a disused railway station, Dreamland – set in small village halls and Wildskin, staged in a warehouse in the Lismore showgrounds. Julian has also directed Engine, The Bloody Bride and Not Like Beckett. He was also part of the creative team that made Cockfight by The Farm in association with NORPA.
Julian’s work as a theatre maker and artistic director focuses on original works that are created at the intersection of place, community and adventurous theatre making. These works combine forms including physical theatre, dance, text, and live music to convey the story.
Prior to creating an extensive body of work at NORPA Julian has made works for Perth International Arts Festival, Sydney Festival, ATYP and Powerhouse Youth Theatre. He is a graduate of Charles Sturt University BA Theatre/ Media, NIDA’s Directors course and trained as a performer in London with Philippe Gaulier.
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