Drama graduates inspire next generation of theatre-makers

Essex drama graduates have returned to the rehearsal room to help teach the next generation of creatives and share their theatrical expertise.

Essex alumni Amy Yankuba-Triggs and Rio Montana Topley, who founded feminist, queer theatre company Succulent Theatre, worked with current first year students for a special creative workshop.

The two-hour session encouraged students to explore how personal experiences, emotions, and identities can become powerful sources of storytelling. It was followed by a performance, in the Lakeside Theatre, of Succulent’s current show, Funeral Teeth, which blends dark humour, grief, belonging and transformation.

Amy and Rio, both BA Drama and MA Theatre Practice graduates, founded Succulent Theatre, which explores autobiographical, confessional theatre, with Katja de la Fuente. Their debut show, NASTY, was picked up at Edinburgh Fringe in 2022 before touring UK theatres and school workshops.

Speaking about returning to Essex to teach and perform, Amy said: “Essex was such a vibrant and exciting place to begin my creative process, and to discover the theatre and writing that really interests me. It’s been fantastic to return to Essex and work with a group of really engaged students who are going to be brilliant theatre-makers.

Current student Taylor Woor, who took part in the workshop, said: “The workshop gave us all a really safe space to explore our ideas and transform moments from our own experiences into something creative and alive. It was an amazing opportunity to learn so much, and especially inspiring to get so hands on with Essex graduates. From being in the workshop, to watching them take to the Lakeside Theatre stage in the evening, it was a great day.”

Dr Andrew Burton, who teaches drama and creative writing in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, said: “I'm delighted that Amy and Rio returned to Essex to help inspire the next generation of drama students.

“Making their way in professional theatre as performers, writers and theatre-makers exemplifies the Essex spirit of curiosity, boldness and vision which lie at the heart of the Essex student experience.”

Succulent Theatre’s visit is part of the University’s ongoing commitment to connecting students with graduates working across the creative industries, offering real-world insight and inspiration for life beyond the studio.