Darwin Lyons leads the Young Ruffians!

We are over-the-moon about our new Youth & Development Coordinator, Darwin Lyons! Darwin’s main role is to run the Young Ruffian Apprenticeship Program, and there’s no one better for the job. Not only was Darwin the Artistic Producer of The Paprika Festival from 2015-2017 (a youth led theatre festival and year round training/mentorship program for young artists), she also created the inaugural Acting program at Centauri Arts, and was a facilitator at Heydon Park Secondary school, a school that proudly uses alternative models of learning for women. We can’t wait to see what she does she with Young Ruffian Program!

Here’s some rapid-fire questions for Darwin:

What’s your favourite Shakespeare play?
A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Which, in your opinion, is the most over-rated Shakespeare play?
Macbeth

What are you most excited for in the Young Ruffian Program?
I’m excited to see the work the Young Ruffians come up with – every time I work with people in that age group the work fascinates and inspires me

What’s a book/movie/poem/show/play you turn to when you need inspiration?
Mary Oliver’s When Death Comes

What inspired you as a teenager?
As a teenager I was really inspired by my peers. I remember feeling like the people around me were so smart and strong, and like we had this amazing potential to make change.

Describe your role with Ruff in less than three words.
Circle learning

Best thing about Withrow Park?
Beautiful, huge nature in the middle of the city, a wonderful community of people and a very large hill that makes me a better biker

A little known fact about you that surprises people:
I don’t like mushrooms

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Be able to communicate in the language of whoever I am with

If you could have a mediocre power, what would it be?
To learn new skills very quickly

To apply for our Young Ruffian Program, check back here in the Spring, or follow us on Instagram! (@shakespeareruff)