Harry Haynes-Wright

Director, Actor, and Teacher in Melbourne

Harry Haynes-Wright

Director, Actor, and Teacher in Melbourne

Harry Haynes is a Melbourne based director, educator and researcher. Born in London and raised in Spain he trained at the renowned Drama Centre London. During his training he was awarded both a Leverhulme scholarship as well as the Sir John Gielgud Award Scholarship for excellence.

As a director he has presented work in Melbourne at The National Theatre (Julius Caesar 2020, The Changeling 2021), MeatMarket (Woyzeck + Marie 2019), Brunswick Mechanics Institute (Eros and Agape 2021), Siteworks (Electra) In England as a director Harry was mentored and was assistant to award winning director Di Trevis and worked with her at her Jerwood Theatre Workshopsr, from whom he learnt the skills of dramaturgy and practical directing. It was during this apprenticeship that he worked on the repertoire of Chekhov (Three Sisters), Harold Pinter (Ashes to Ashes), Tennessee Williams (Cat on a hot tin roof) and William Shakespeare (Richard II).

As a theatre maker, he is indebted to the theatrical practice of South London theatre collective DIRTY MARKET led by Jon Lee and Georgina Sowerby which he worked from 2010-2018 work includes Leonora Carringtons's The Hearing Trumpet(2017), Rough classics: Macbeth (2015)& Rough classics: Life is a Dream (2011).

While an actor he worked at UK Theatres such as Shakespeare’s Globe, The Almeida Theatre, Theatre Delicatessen, Platform Theatre, Southwalk Playhouse, Battersea Arts Centre, Camden Peoples Theatre and Old Red Lion. As well as working on screen for BBC, ITV and FOX.

As an educator he has lectured and taught at University of the Arts London, Deakin University, University of East Anglia, Drama Centre London and The National Theatre Drama School. He is currently a HDR candidate at Deakin University, his research looks to address the pedagogy of vulnerability within actor training and its relevance within an evolving professional theatre practice.

In 2018 Harry founded ‘The Liminal Space’ a theatre company and performing arts training community whose aim is to create and present narrative storytelling that speaks to (and is informed by) the physical and social communities in which it operates (orbits).

Harry identifies as neurodiverse (ADHD) .

  • Education
    • Drama Centre London (BA Hons Acting)
    • Deakin University (Current HDR Candidate)
Recommendations
on first viewing I was impressed by director Harry Haynes ability to draw out often psychologically complex performances from a group of young actors at the very beginning of their career. Their passion and enthusiasm was truly heartening and inspiring...Harry has impressed in his short time on the Melbourne theatre scene with innovative works that seek to commune performer and audience in shared storytelling. It’s odd that that feels so bold but this blend I have found is quite special.."
Carla Donnelly (Across the isle)
as a director, Harry was patient, insightful and challenging, always encouraging me to strive for what was best for the story...Part of his talent lies in drawing out other people’s power and encouraging them to strive for greater artistic heights. He is incredibly present in the rehearsal room and takes wholehearted ownership of the story, as if it were his own. . I can truly say I did some of my best acting work, felt the safest, and had some of the most fun in the room that he created.."
Edith Poor - Actor/Writer
Harry works with empathy - encouraging each actor to own their process, whilst nurturing the skills already there. His insights, I found, were almost always acuate - not just about performing, but about the inner workings of human beings. I look forward to working with him again."
Student testimonial