Freedom, created and developed by Mohammed ‘Ayo Busari’ and produced by blue joy theatre company, is an interdisciplinary performance work that interrogates what it means to seek, lose, and reclaim freedom across diasporic Black and African identities. Blending theatre, live music, spoken word, storytelling, movement, and cinematic audio-visual design, this visceral and poetic work journeys through Nigeria, the UK, the US, and Australia, tracing how freedom is shaped by colonisation, migration, memory, and belonging.

At its core, Freedom asks: “What does freedom truly feel like?”, and “for whom is it withheld, delayed, or denied?” The work unfolds as an intimate dialogue between self and shadow, body and voice, exploring not freedom as an abstract idea but as something lived, carried, and sought within the body. It is a piece grounded in reflection, resistance, and release.

Guests are invited to experience a work-in-progress presentation offering insight into the creative process behind the development of Freedom.
 

Read more about the residency here

About the Artist

Mohammed ‘Ayo’ Busari - Lead Creative / Writer / Performer / Composer

Mohammed ‘Ayo Busari’ (he/him) is a Boorloo-based, award-winning multidisciplinary artist, creative producer, writer, researcher and performer with over a decade of experience across Nigeria, the UK, and Australia. He holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism & Media from the University of Hertfordshire and a Master of Arts in Screen Arts from Curtin University.

Ayo’s practice spans theatre, music, spoken word, and visual storytelling, creating immersive, poetic, and emotionally resonant works. He is the founder of TAB Family, Blue Joy Theatre Company, and Mobus Entertainment, and co-founder of The Outsiders and The TOOL Event, platforms dedicated to fostering collaboration between BIPOC and non-BIPOC artists.

His work includes producing and performing in acclaimed projects such as An Evening of African Poetry & Storytelling, and co-leading TAB Family, winners of 2025 FRINGE WORLD Award (Music & Musicals) and 2025 WAM R&B/Funk/Soul Act of the Year. Ayo is also Communications & Marketing Coordinator at The Blue Room Theatre and a board director for WA Youth Theatre Company and Regional Arts WA.

Collaborators - Shelby McKenzie, Prince Attwood, Oli Hughes & Tao Issaro

This development of Freedom is being supported by the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts' Studio Program.