When a group of JMC Acting students first tackled Federico García Lorca’s Blood Wedding as part of their graduating work, they didn’t know the season would take on a second life. Under the direction of Deborah Leiser‑Moore, what began as a capstone project has now been invited into the 2025 Theatre Works season. 

Independent theatre is where many emerging performers cut their teeth. To have a student-devised production programmed into a professional season so soon after graduation is rare. It shows these young actors what’s possible, that the work they begin at JMC doesn’t have to end at assessment.

For our current students, it’s a reminder of where rigorous training and collaboration can lead. For these graduates, it’s a first step into the professional networks that sustain an artist’s career.

What the reviewers saw

Over the past week, the Melbourne arts media has been there to witness it.

The Age called it “a tragic tale as old as time”, praising the set, the mood and the ensemble’s focus.

Stage Whispers described it as “an outstanding production… a rich, multi-layered show that steps outside of its traditional theatrical space and provides new and exciting challenges for the audience to experience.”

In a five-star review, On The House wrote: “Raw, physical, and moving … the cast of JMC graduates work as one, capturing the diversity and urgency of Australian theatre today.”

"JMC presents some striking talent in this production"

The company

This season features seven graduates: Teresa Giansiracusa, Mia Cannollo, Jonathan Pindiura, Tess Lynch Steele, Mohamed Al Ziady, Connor Raselli and Dion Zapantis. It’s an ensemble that reflects the collaborative spirit we see every day on campus – now holding its own on a professional stage.

Blood Wedding runs at Theatre Works, St Kilda, until 2 August 2025.

Book tickets: www.theatreworks.org.au/2025/blood-wedding