Diversity & Access Statement.

Acknowledgement of Country

Shakespeare South acknowledges the Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of the unceded land on which we were founded, We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We acknowledge that we create work on unceded Aboriginal lands across the continent. As a company, we are committed to ongoing learning and to engaging respectfully with First Nations communities, artists, and consultancies where appropriate, particularly in relation to place-based work and storytelling. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land. 

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Environmental Justice

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Our work is grounded in an understanding that environmental and social justice are deeply interconnected. We recognise that the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change are not experienced equally, and are often borne most acutely by First Nations communities, marginalised groups, and those historically excluded from cultural and economic power. As such, our commitment to ecological practice is inseparable from a commitment to equity and justice. We approach our work through an intersectional lens, recognising that identities and experiences are shaped by overlapping systems of power, including race, gender, class, ability, and cultural background. We aim to reflect this complexity in both our creative work and our organisational practices, and to create spaces in which diverse experiences are acknowledged, respected, and meaningfully represented.

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​Diversity 

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We firmly believe that theatre is enriched by a diversity of voices, bodies, and lived experiences. Our casting and creative practices prioritise the inclusion of  artists and performers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We are committed to fostering representation across genders, ages, and identities, and to creating space for artists whose perspectives have historically been underrepresented on stage. We are further committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ artists, collaborators, and audiences. We are committed to making our work accessible to audiences across a range of income levels. Where possible, we offer tiered ticket pricing, including concession and supporter options. For longer seasons, we aim to include low-cost or “pay what you can” performances, as well as occasional ticket access codes to reduce financial barriers.

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Access and Inclusion

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We recognise that access operates across multiple dimensions—physical, cultural, and economic. As a company working in site-responsive environments, we strive to provide clear information about each venue and to support audience members with specific access needs wherever possible. We continue to explore ways of making our productions more accessible, including relaxed performances and, where resources allow, services such as Auslan interpretation.

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We understand that diversity, access, and inclusion are ongoing practices rather than fixed outcomes. We remain committed to listening, learning, and adapting our work in dialogue with the communities we serve.

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If you would like to speak with us about access, inclusion, or participation, we warmly encourage you to get in touch at info@shakespearesouth.com.