I MET AN ANGEL NAMED JACQUES

Meet the Cast and Crew

• Gideon D. Wilonja

  

  Gideon D. Wilonja is a Congolese-born multidisciplinary artist based in Naarm, whose work explores the intersection of gender, sexuality, and identity. Through a distinctive blend of feminine and masculine aesthetics, Wilonja crafts imagery and narratives that are both bold and nuanced, offering a fresh perspective that challenges conventional norms. His work centers on amplifying Black and queer voices, drawing from his own experiences as a queer Black man to tell stories that are often marginalized by mainstream media. As the founder of Mwangaza Theatre, the first African theatre company in Australia, Wilonja is at the forefront of reshaping the theatrical landscape in Melbourne. His debut play, “Do Black Boys Go to Heaven?” received critical acclaim, and his recent production—a reimagining of the off-Broadway classic *Bare: The Musical* with an all-Black cast—further solidified his reputation as a groundbreaking artist. Wilonja is deeply committed to empowering his community to reclaim and define their own narratives. In recognition of his innovative work, Wilonja’s piece “Soft” was awarded the grand prize at the 2021 Wyndham Art Prize. His contributions continue to challenge the status quo in the world of art.

• Ras-Samuel

  

  Ras-Samuel: Ras-Samuel is an Actor, Filmmaker, and Theatre Maker. He grew up in the highlands of Tigray, Ethiopia as a shepherd herding goats and cattle protecting them from wild animals. To pass time spent a lot of time creating stories, playing improv games, and climbing trees to get exotic fruits with his fellow shepherds. He came to Australia in 2006 and his acting journey began as a teenage acting student at Greentree Acting School, and he further honed his skills through a 12-month Program at Brave Studios. It was announced on Deadline that Ras-Samuel was cast in one of the longest on going franchises in history ‘Kindom of the Planet of the Apes” (20th Century Fox) his other credits include The Clearing (Disney+), Woodywoodpecker (Universal Studios), and The Abandoned (Panorama) Neighbours ( Freemental media ). Notably, he has also written, produced, and starred in films like Jebena Genie, The Last Supper, A Good Boy, and BLVCK GOLD. His film BLVCK GOLD received accolades, with an Australian premiere at the St Kilda Film Festival in 2022 and a Best Actor nomination. It also won Best Cinematography at FlickerFest in the same year. In the world of theater, Ras-Samuel will be playing the role of Booth in the Pulitzer winning play TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, HE made his mainstage debut with Because The Night at Malthouse Theatre, Happy End at Victorian Opera. Independent theatre credits include Do Black Boys Go To Heaven? ( Mwagaza Theatre ) Twelfth Night ( Melbourne Shakespeare Company) The Importance of Being Earnest ( Sonnet 66 ) and Huckleberry Finn at Chapel Off Chapel.

• Sasha Hennequin

  

  Sasha is a Mauritian-Australian actress with credits across theatre, television, film, and commercials. On stage, she has appeared in the Australasian premiere of “The Color Purple” (as Darlene) and the Australian premiere of “Passing Strange” (as Mother), which was nominated for five Greenroom Awards including Production of the Year. Her screen work includes roles in the final seasons of “Wentworth” (Protection Inmate), “Spreadsheet” (Receptionist), and short films such as “House of Whoreship”, “Reincarnate”, and “Flicker” —the latter winning Audience Choice at the 48 Hour Film Festival. Sasha’s career highlight was working with Academy Award winning director Peter Farrelly on his latest movie “Ricky Stanicky”. Commercially, she has featured in campaigns for major brands including Ford, Coles, AFL Auskick, Sportsbet, Vodka Cruiser, Worksafe, and Moro Oil. Sasha has trained extensively in screen and stage both in Australia and the US, with studies at Hollywood Actors Lab, as well as musical theatre training with Queenie Van Der Zandt through the Australian Musical Theatre Academy.

• Benjamin Chisholm

  

  Benjamin “Ben” Chisholm, an Australian born actor, writer, singer and comedian residing in Geelong, Victoria. Forever the entertainer, Ben was allured to the world of stand-up comedy as a teen. With his quick wit, beautiful mind and impersonating talent he gained quick traction and acclaim performing on Foxtel’s Stand-Up Australia, being a state finalist for two consecutive years on “Green Faces” and several Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows and performances during the early 2000’s. After being encouraged by a fellow comic to pursue acting, he managed to secure his first role in the 2007 Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks Emmy-award winning HBO miniseries “The Pacific”, opening the door to a wide variety of roles on Australian Television including appearances in “The Hollowmen”, “Neighbours”, “Police Under Fire”, “Bed of Roses” and “Underbelly: Squizzy” and the American award winning HBO series “The Leftovers” alongside Justin Therox. In cinema he has appeared in Australian thriller “Red Billabong”, as BJ, the Australian historical drama “The Legend of Ben Hall” as Bill Hall the brother of the legendary bushranger and in the Australian sci-fi action “Occupation” and subsequent sequel “Occupation: Rainfall” staring alongside Ken Jeong and Temuera Morrison.

• Atinuke Abraham

  
  Atinuke “Tinu” Abraham has captivated audiences across the Victorian drama scene with her compelling presence and nuanced performances. She made her debut in 2015 as Tituba in the purely pensive production of The Crucible, a role that earned her a Victorian Drama League nomination for Best Actress in a Minor Role or Comedy. Since then, she has continued to bring depth and vitality to the stage, most recently in AKARAKA (2024), a work produced by Empty Seat Theatre. Tinu brings to her performances not only craft and commitment, but also a passion for equity in health, gender, and race, values that shape both her artistry and her life beyond the stage.

• wani toaishara

  

  wani toaishara’s practice incorporates performance, video installations and image-making, which are informed by his ongoing explorations of Indigenous Black African subjectivity. toaishara works in an approach he describes as auto-ethnographic, and his practice often employs material forms and aesthetics traditionally associated with the African diaspora. His performance-influenced installations create spaces where historical precedent and self-determination intertwine.

  Drawing on the quotidian visual traditions across the African continent, toaishara’s work engages with the diverse Black cultural histories and complex experiences across the diaspora. toaishara’s site-responsive approach considers the relationality between cultural materiality, memory, and place, unpacking connections between historical narratives and contemporary realities.

• Chiara Henger

  

  Chiara Henger (she/her) is a Melbourne-based Producer and Stage Manager with over five years’ experience across stage and screen. Her stage management credits include Everyone Wants To Be Emma (La Mama Theatre, 2023), Momentum (Arts Centre Melbourne, 2022), and Love, Lust, Lost (Broad Encounters, Melbourne season, 2023). She is delighted to be working with Footscray Arts Centre on I Met An Angel Named Jacques.

  Alongside theatre, Chiara works extensively in film and television, with recent credits including Production Coordinator on a Bollywood feature filmed in Melbourne, and Story Producer on the online reality series Outlaster (2024). She has also produced and directed a range of independent screen projects, and was recently honoured with ‘Best Australian Produced Short’ at Scream Queens Film Festival 2024.

  Chiara brings a love of storytelling, an eye for detail, and a passion for fostering spaces where art and community meet.

• Milly Wright

  

  Milly Wright is a Melbourne-based fashion stylist and costume director, bringing her expertise in fashion, editorial, and commercial styling to the theatre for the first time. Since completing her Diploma of Fashion Styling at RMIT in 2022, she has worked across television commercials, editorial shoots, runways, and advertising campaigns. She has held Head Dresser roles at Melbourne Fashion Week 2024 for Moth Design and stylist Joseph Romano, and will return in 2025 with stylist Stuart Walford. In 2024, she collaborated with Romano to design and upcycle garments for the Brotherhood of St Laurence and was Head Dresser for Melbourne Fashion Festival 2025 with Event Gallery. Her portfolio includes styling for Melbourne jewellery label Krool Jewells, assisting Walford on campaigns for Highpoint, Just Jeans, and Bonds, and having her editorial Pixelated Petals published in Fashion Journal (2023). She has assisted Bianca Christoff on projects including King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s Gila Monster music video, and campaigns for Officeworks and R U OK? Day. Additional credits include working on the Stellar Magazine Mother’s Day cover story (2024), collaborating with The Artist Group, wardrobe styling Forbes Australia Issue 6, and assisting Jolyon Mason on Maticevski’s Summer 26 collection. Milly brings creative flair, diverse industry experience, and a love of storytelling through clothing to the world of theatre costuming

• Ethan Hunter

  

  Ethan Hunter (he/him) is a sound designer and VCA graduate (BFA Design & Production) working across theatre, dance, film, and installation. His recent notable credits include sound design for ‘What’s Yours’ (2025) and ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ (2023, 2024) with Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, ‘Boys on the Verge of Tears’ (2025) at fortyfivedownstairs, ’Laundry Shoot’ (2024), ‘MinusOneSister’ (2023) at Theatre Works, and several graduate productions at VCA, such as ‘Plant Nation’ (2024), ‘Theatrum Botanicum’ (2022), and ‘The Wolves’ (2022). Ethan has also collaborated with Masters of Theatre (Directing) students on captivating projects like ‘Ariadne’ (2021), and ‘An Unseasonable Fall of Snow’ (2022) at VCA. Ethan has completed secondments with Malthouse and Melbourne Theatre Company, contributing to productions like, ‘Macbeth (an Undoing)’, ‘Laurinda’ and ‘Cyrano’. In addition, Ethan has worked as a Sound Engineer at companies such as Malthouse and Melbourne Theatre Company as well as touring with Chunky Move’s ‘4/4’ and ‘U>N>I>T>E>D’.

• Kiana Daniele

  
  Kiana Daniele is a Certified Intimacy Professional through the SAG-AFTRA-accredited course Principal Intimacy Professionals. With experience across major productions including, Binge, ABC Studios, Channel 10, and numerous stage works, Kiana brings a well-rounded industry perspective to her practice.

  Drawing from her background in performance and specialized training, Kiana fosters a collaborative and respectful environment on set. Her approach empowers open communication with all the individuals involved in intimate scenes.

  Kiana holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre) from the Victorian College of the Arts and has been working professionally in the industry since 2017. Her practice is grounded in care, consent, and clarity – advocating for best practices in intimate work across screen and stage.

• Jacqueline Tran

  

  Jacqueline Tran is a creative from Naarm/Melbourne whose work revolves around how intersectionality shapes our identity as individuals and helps communicate these complexities. Building on her design background as a visual merchandiser and stylist, her practice has evolved into the areas of live performance, community theatre, and community events, often with a focus on amplifying underrepresented voices and stories. She’s been involved with projects for Melbourne Fringe Festival, Weave Movement Theatre, Wyndham Cultural Centre, Creative Brimbank, and most recently, Darebin Arts.

Digital Performance Programme