Valerie Berry is a profoundly multifaceted individual, boasting a diverse array of skills and experiences that have been meticulously honed over the course of her illustrious career. As a talented actor, performance maker, and theatre educator, she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to exploring and pushing the boundaries of collaborative and interdisciplinary processes, continually seeking innovative ways to merge seemingly disparate disciplines and create something truly unique and captivating.
Noted for her extensive professional portfolio, Valerie has had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of esteemed institutions and companies throughout her illustrious career, including the National Theatre of Parramatta, a renowned hub for innovative and experimental theatre productions, Cake Industries, a cutting-edge creative agency known for its bold and imaginative approach to storytelling, Polyglot Theatre, a leading Australian company celebrated for its boundary-pushing performances and interactive experiences, the Blacktown Arts Centre, a vibrant cultural hub dedicated to showcasing and supporting local and national artistic talent, Theatre Kantanka, a respected and acclaimed company recognized for its bold and provocative productions, Urban Theatre Projects, a pioneering organization committed to creating and presenting innovative and inclusive works, Belvoir, a highly respected and acclaimed theatre company renowned for its bold and innovative productions, Version 1.0, a celebrated company known for its genre-defying and boundary-pushing performances, Branch Nebula, a highly respected and acclaimed company recognized for its innovative and thought-provoking productions, and Performance Space, a renowned hub for experimental and avant-garde performances, and the Sydney Theatre Company, a highly respected and acclaimed company celebrated for its diverse and innovative productions, to name but a few of the many esteemed institutions and companies with which Valerie has had the privilege of working.
Valerie has been fortunate enough to collaborate with a diverse array of international companies, including the esteemed Anino Shadowplay Collective from Manila, with whom she has maintained a long-standing and fruitful partnership since 2005.
This partnership has yielded a multitude of notable productions, showcasing the artistic synergy and creative chemistry between Valerie and her collaborators. Some of these productions include The Folding Wife, Within and Without, Arkipelago, Arkipelago2: Intima-sea, and This here.Land.
This latter production, in particular, has garnered significant recognition, having been showcased at the prestigious Liveworks Festival 2017 program, which is renowned for its excellence and innovation in the performance arts.
Through these collaborations, Valerie has not only expanded her artistic horizons but has also contributed to the global cultural exchange, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse artistic perspectives.
Valerie's impressive professional trajectory extends far beyond the realm of theatre, as she has concurrently cultivated a remarkable career in the film and television industry, boasting an impressive array of credits that include The Matrix Reloaded, a critically acclaimed science fiction blockbuster, The Great Raid, a historical drama, Supposed the Night Tasted Like Sugar, a poignant and thought-provoking short film, Rope Burns, a gritty and intense drama, Spirited, a supernatural thriller, Big Sky, a sweeping and epic drama, and A Difficult Woman, a powerful and emotional biographical drama.
In addition to her work in film and television, Valerie has also made significant contributions to the world of radio drama, having produced a wide range of captivating and engaging productions for ABC Radio National. These credits include The Folding Wife, a haunting and emotionally charged drama, Conversations through the Wall, a thought-provoking and introspective exploration of human connection, Ancestry of my eyes, a poignant and moving exploration of identity and heritage, Rita's Lullaby, a soothing and comforting tale of love and family, Season to Taste, a vibrant and colorful exploration of food, culture, and community, and Lotus War, a gripping and intense drama that explores the complexities of war and its aftermath.
Valerie is a multifaceted individual who excels in various capacities, including her role as a dedicated mentor and facilitator. In 2015, she co-directed and expertly guided the Junior Ensemble show, Chasing your Shadow, at Shopfront Theatre, showcasing her exceptional leadership and collaboration skills.
In addition to her theatrical endeavors, Valerie has also served as a mentor and facilitator for CuriousWork's Beyond Refuge program, a groundbreaking initiative that provides support and resources to writers and filmmakers from migrant, refugee, and recent settler backgrounds. Her mentorship has undoubtedly had a profound impact on the lives and careers of those she has worked with.
Valerie has also had the opportunity to share her expertise as a guest facilitator for Beyond The Square, Access Program, and Riverside Theatres, further solidifying her reputation as a highly effective and versatile mentor and facilitator.
Valerie Berry, a multifaceted and accomplished individual, has established a strong presence in the Australian arts landscape, currently residing in Adelaide.
In collaboration with Vitalstatistix and Paul Gazzola of OSCA, Valerie continues to contribute to the SUE Project, a testament to her enduring commitment to creative endeavors.
Beyond her work on the SUE Project, Valerie has been actively involved in a variety of other projects, including Border Crossers and Adhocracy 2017, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability in the face of diverse artistic challenges.
With her impressive array of skills and experiences, Valerie Berry has emerged as a talented and influential figure in the Australian arts scene, leaving a lasting impact that continues to resonate with audiences and industry professionals alike.
