Lakesha Grant is an up-and-coming actress, a Larrakia woman, and one of the leads of the Australian Theatre for Young People’s (ATYP) production CUSP.

I had the pleasure of seeing Grant perform in ATYP’s production The Resistance earlier in 2023. Her conviction and passion for both acting and for the subject matter of the production shone through in her performance then, and I have no doubt the same can be said for her performance as Rosie in CUSP. Read on to find out more about the production and about Grant’s experience in Sydney’s theatre industry.

What has been your journey into theatre ?

I moved from to Sydney from Darwin a couple of years ago and auditioned for ATYP’s The Resistance in 2022. That was my first production.

Long rehearsal days and diving in to really analyse a script can be tough; but as an emerging actress I am enjoying every minute of it and all the opportunities to learn from people around me.

Tell me about your experience of performing in CUSP. What has this experience been like compared to your role in AYTP’s The Resistance?

It’s a short turnaround between rehearsals and putting on each show, around two weeks.

The pace is both nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. I adore the challenge and love the role of Rosie that I play in CUSP.  The circumstances and story of all the characters in the play will feel familiar to audiences, in one way or another.

What should audiences know about your character Rosie?

Rosie is a strong young woman. She’s seen as the golden child in her family, but as a young teenager is eager to experience all that life has to offer.

What does it mean to you to be producing a story about First Nations Peoples, particularly in the context of the upcoming Referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?

It’s incredibly special to share this performance with others. As a proud Larrakia woman, my people and I are storytellers, and this is a powerful piece of theatre that others can relate to.

What is the one message you want every person who sees CUSP to take with them?

Be gentle with the younger generation. It’s hard growing up and understanding what’s going on around you. It’s important to be aware of some of the hardships young people are faced with.

What do you enjoy about the Aussie theatre scene, and what needs to change?

I enjoy being creative and getting together with others. It’s really important for me to get out of my comfort zone, particularly as a musician too.

Working with ATYP has helped enhance my stage presence.

Purchase your ticket to CUSP here.