FOR almost two decades, Ipswich-raised performer Fez Fa’anana has been proving that world-class creativity can come from regional Queensland.
He has taken his unapologetically bold blend of circus, drag, cabaret and theatre to audiences across the globe through internationally acclaimed company Briefs Factory.
Now, that global success story has received a major boost, with Briefs Factory awarded $119,784 over two years through Arts Queensland to develop and deliver The Whizz Kid, a new large-scale production combining circus, burlesque, drag and physical theatre.
For Fa’anana, the funding is about far more than a new show – it is a lifeline for a company that has spent nearly 20 years pushing artistic boundaries, and is a vote of confidence in Queensland’s independent creative sector at a time when many arts organisations are struggling to survive.
“I can’t tell you how important this funding is for Briefs Factory and for me personally,” Fa’anana said.
“To be a recipient of Arts Queensland funding in this current climate is an achievement and success that has become less and less common in our creative industries and in the independent sector.”
After immigrating from Samoa, Fa’anana grew up in Ipswich and attended Bremer State High School before building a career unlike any other.
Today, he is recognised around the world as the co-founder of Briefs Factory, whose productions have toured Europe, North America and beyond, earning an international reputation for seamlessly blending circus, drag, burlesque and comedy into performances that celebrate individuality.
Fa’anana often describes himself as “a bearded immigrant, drag queen, rugby player, brat child and trouble maker” in a reflection of the many identities that have shaped both his life and his work.
“I’ve always been really aware of my diverse make-up,” he said.
“I think we sometimes fall short of celebrating how interesting and intricate each individual can be.
“You have the capacity to be many things.”
As Briefs Factory prepares to bring The Whizz Kid to life, Fa’anana hopes the Arts Queensland investment will do more than fund a production, believing it will demonstrate that artists from regional communities can create work that resonates on the world stage while staying true to themselves.
For Ipswich, it is another reminder that some of Australia’s most innovative creative talent continues to emerge from the city’s own backyard.
“It’s important we normalise these ideas,” Fa’anana said. “I want to confuse people in the best possible way.
“I want people to realise that things they think don’t belong together actually do.”
