Theatre as empathy and collective healing

In this episode of Showtime I sit down with the incredible Carissa Lee, an actor, writer and cultural researcher whose work bridges theatre, television and academia.

Carissa takes us back to her early days growing up in a small South Australian town where a passionate drama teacher first introduced her to Shakespeare and professional training. That encouragement lit a spark that has never gone out. She shares the thrill and nerves of stepping on stage, the profound impact of seeing her first professional play, and how discovering diverse playwrights, especially Indigenous voices like Jack Davis, expanded her view of what theatre could be.

We talk about the creative risks she has taken, from playing Charles Manson in a four hour play to balancing the emotional intensity of her latest role in What’s Yours? at Red Stitch Actors Theatre. Carissa opens up about portraying fertility struggles, the importance of community in theatre, and the power of shared laughter and tears with an audience.

This conversation is about more than acting. It is about empathy, resilience and the way stories connect us.

🎭 What’s Yours 🗓️  1 August to 24 August 📍 Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre 🎟️  redstitch.net

Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre will present the world premiere of What’s Yours, a funny, heart breaking and hopeful new play by Melbourne playwright Keziah Warner. Opening Friday 1 August 2025, the production is directed by Isabella Vadiveloo (Wolf Play) and is the second work in the 2025 season to be developed through the company’s INK new writing program.

Written for ensemble member and Helpmann Award winner Christina O’Neill (Hour of the Wolf, Bloom, My Brilliant Career, Calamity Jane), What’s Yours explores the fallout from a single, impossible request.

Jo and Simon were in love for eight years before their relationship ended. Simon then fell for Jo’s best friend, Lia. A decade later, after several failed IVF attempts, Simon and Lia ask Jo, who has happily chosen a life without children, to donate her eggs.

The request forces each of them to confront what they want, what they can give and what they owe to one another.

With warmth and wit, Warner has crafted a moving portrait of fractured friendship and complicated love. What’s Yours offers a fresh perspective on the childfree by choice movement while celebrating resilience, autonomy and the enduring power of women’s connection.

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CARISSA LEE is a Noongar actor, writer and cultural researcher whose work spans theatre, film, television and academia. Born on Wemba Wemba Country, she has built a career that reflects both artistic excellence and a strong commitment to cultural storytelling. Carissa has performed with some of Australia’s most respected companies including Melbourne Theatre Company, Malthouse Theatre, Ilbijerri Theatre and State Theatre Company of South Australia. Recent highlights include performing in Maurial Spearim’s comedy Inside Out at the Yirramboi Festival and Nazaree Dickerson’s moving Noongar family play Ngarngk.

Her screen work is equally diverse, with appearances in ABC programs Planet Lulin and Sammy J, the web miniseries Behind the Seams, and the independent horror film The Dysphoria. Known for her versatility and presence, Carissa brings depth and authenticity to every role whether comedic, dramatic or experimental.

Beyond the stage and screen Carissa holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne and works as a cultural safety researcher, dramaturg and editor through her fellowship at Swinburne University of Technology. Her practice weaves together performance and research with a strong focus on creating work that honours Indigenous perspectives and fosters greater cultural understanding.