Freedom is an interdisciplinary performance work developed by Mohammed ‘Ayo’ Busari and produced by blue joy theatre company.

Blending theatre, live music, spoken word, storytelling, and cinematic audio-visual design, Freedom interrogates what it means to seek, lose, and reclaim freedom across diasporic Black and African identities.

Traversing Nigeria, the UK, the US, and Australia, this visceral and emotionally charged work explores how freedom manifests across geographies 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?

This residency showing marks the second stage of creative development for the project, as Ayo and collaborators expand the work into a 30-45 minute interdisciplinary performance. The residency focuses on deepening the sonic and dramaturgical architecture of the piece through the development of original compositions, embodied movement, spatial storytelling, and narrative experimentation.

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

About the Artists

Mohammed ‘Ayo’ Busari - Lead Creative / Writer / Performer
Mohammed ‘Ayo’ Busari is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, creative producer, curator, writer, and performer based in Boorloo. Known for creating immersive and emotionally resonant works that fuse theatre, spoken word, and live music, Ayo’s practice explores identity, memory, community, and cultural storytelling.

He is the co-founder of The Outsiders and co-frontman of TAB Family, recipients of the 2025 FRINGE WORLD Award in the Music and Musicals categories. Ayo also serves as Communications & Marketing Coordinator at The Blue Room Theatre and sits on the boards of WA Youth Theatre Company and Regional Arts WA.

Shelby McKenzie - Co-Director / Collaborator
Shelby McKenzie is a performer, theatre maker, and movement artist whose practice centres embodiment, accessibility, and interdisciplinary performance. A WAAPA first-class honours graduate, Shelby’s work explores language-inclusive and movement-based approaches to contemporary theatre-making.

Their recent credits include Il Trovatore (West Australian Opera) and The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer. In 2026, Shelby will continue developing work nationally and internationally across theatre and film.

PICA’s Studio Program is supported by PICA’s Art Ambassadors. Freedom is being produced by blue joy theatre company.