Fruitbox and The Adult Lifestyle Centre
The team at FruitBox ( a non-profit committed to staging and developing original LGBTQIA+SB theatre ) came up with a wonderful production called “French Letters and Leather Cleaner“. This was showcased in Sydney during pride month 2023.
Adultsmart was approached to do a bit of a collaboration with Fruit Box for this production. Fruit Box came to our Adult Lifestyle Centre Kogarah store to take some promotional pictures as well as a video for the show. These were used in the marketing campaign. The stage production was loosely based on an LGBTQ friendly adult shop and LGBTIQ safe spots.
How Fruitbox is Making a Difference for the LGBTQIA+SB Community
Theatre has always been a powerful medium for social change. It has the ability to create a space where people can confront difficult and uncomfortable issues, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Theatre allows us to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world from a different perspective. It has the power to break down barriers and promote empathy, understanding, and acceptance.
Fruitbox, a theatre company based in Australia, understands the power of theatre in creating social change. For the past few years, the company has been using theatre as a tool to promote equality and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ SB community. Through their productions, Fruitbox is breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and accepting society.
Fruitbox’s productions are not only entertaining.
But also educational and thought-provoking. They tackle important social issues, such as discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia, and challenge audiences to think critically about the world around them. By using theatre to confront these issues, Fruitbox is helping to create a more just and equitable world.
Representation in LGBTQIA+SB communities
Representation is crucial for members of the LGBTQIA+ SB community. Seeing oneself reflected on stage or screen can be a powerful experience, especially for those who have been marginalized or excluded. Representation can provide a sense of validation, belonging, and acceptance.
Fruitbox recognizes the importance of representation in the LGBTQIA+SB community. Their productions feature a diverse cast of actors, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+SB. By centering LGBTQIA+SB voices and stories, Fruitbox is giving a platform to those who have been historically silenced.
Representation in theatre is not only important for LGBTQIA+SB individuals, but for society as a whole. When we see diverse perspectives on stage, it challenges our assumptions and expands our understanding of the world. It promotes empathy and understanding, and helps to create a more inclusive and accepting society.
Creating inclusive and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+SB individuals
Fruitbox is committed to creating inclusive and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+SB individuals. Their productions are designed to be welcoming to all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or cultural background. They prioritize accessibility, offering captioned performances and audio descriptions for those with visual or hearing impairments.
The purpose of the Ripe Development Program is to “facilitate a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ artists to heal, share and express themselves through storytelling”, says Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Fruit Box Theatre Sean Landis. Sean believes that “the arts are an incredible place to promote connection and wellbeing within Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community as they allow for us to share what we otherwise might not know how to express. Fruit Box Theatre aims to give voice to the unexpressed and allow queer artists to have fun”.
Fruitbox Offers Workshops and Training
In addition to their productions, Fruitbox offers workshops and training programs for LGBTQIA+SB individuals. These programs provide a space for LGBTQIA+SB individuals to connect, learn, and grow. They offer training in theatre skills, as well as opportunities to explore important social issues.
Fruitbox’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces extends beyond their productions and workshops. They actively work to make their productions accessible to low-income individuals and communities of color. Partnering with community organizations to provide discounted tickets, and offer free performances in public spaces.
Fruitbox’s impact on the LGBTQIA+SB community
By centering LGBTQIA+SB voices and stories, they are helping to create a more inclusive and accepting society. Their productions have sparked important conversations about discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia, and have challenged audiences to think critically about their own biases.
Fruitbox’s future plans
Their mission is to continue using theatre as a tool for social change. Planning to expand their productions and workshops, reaching a wider audience and creating more opportunities for LGBTQIA+SB communities. Partnering with more community organizations to provide discounted tickets and free performances.
Fruitbox is also committed to addressing broader social issues.
Planning to partner with advocacy organizations to support LGBTQIA+SB rights, and to use their platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
Respect To Elders
Fruit Box Theatre acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country and their continuous connection to lands, water and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. Fruit Box operates primarily on the stolen lands of the Gadigal and Wangal peoples of the Eora nation, of which sovereignty was never ceded.
Role of art in social change
Art has always played a critical role in social change. It allows us to imagine a different world, and to work towards creating that world. Art has the power to inspire, to challenge, and to provoke. It can help us to confront difficult issues, and to create a more just and equitable society.
Fruitbox is a powerful example of how art can be used to create social change. Through their productions and workshops, they are breaking down barriers and promoting equality and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+SB community. They are using theatre as a tool to create a more inclusive and accepting society, and to inspire others to do the same.
Fruitbox is a vital and inspiring organization that is making a difference for the LGBTQIA+SB community. Through their innovative productions and workshops, they are breaking down barriers and promoting equality and acceptance.
They are creating inclusive and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+SB individuals, and challenging audiences to think critically about the world around them. By supporting Fruitbox and their mission, we can all help to create a more just and equitable society.
Proud Of Our Minor Contribution
Adultsmart and the Adult Lifestyle Centre were proud to offer our support and use of our premises to assist Fruitbox in their Production.