Maya Tregonning (pictured above, second from the front), an alumna of John Curtin College of the Arts, returns to Perth to perform in The Mirror as part of the RE//PERTH Festival with the circus group Gravity and Other Myths (GOM). Tregonning, who graduated in 2012, excelled in both Gifted and Talented Drama and Dance at John Curtin.
After her graduation, Tregonning pursued her passion for performance in Melbourne at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), where she specialized in aerials, foot juggling, and acrobatics. She continued her training in Montreal and has performed with several Australian circus companies in over 15 countries.
Among her many career achievements, Maya counts performing at the Chameleon Theatre in Berlin as a standout experience. “The season is six months long with seven shows per week, which is exhausting but incredibly rewarding,” she recalls. “Living in Berlin and immersing myself in a different language and culture was unforgettable.” Tregonning also performed at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2022, opening the event with GOM’s show MACRO before an audience of 16,000 alongside 30 choir members and 30 acrobats.
Maya is thrilled to be performing The Mirror in Perth. “I was part of the original creative team, so this show is very close to my heart,” she shares. “We explore self-image and challenge modern-day entertainment norms in a world dominated by screens and social media. It’s dynamic, thoughtful, and cheeky, and it’s been wonderful to see Perth audiences embrace homegrown Australian art.”
Reflecting on her time at John Curtin, Maya credits the College with laying the groundwork for her successful career. “Specialising in dance and drama provided a solid foundation for my circus arts career,” she says. “Performing in JC productions built my confidence, and classes in stage makeup, lighting, sound, and set design have been invaluable.”
Maya highlights the supportive community of teachers and friends at John Curtin as crucial in her journey, providing the encouragement needed to pursue a career in the arts.
Looking ahead, Tregonning plans to continue working with GOM and is interested in future roles such as tour directing, teaching, or physical therapy. John Curtin College of the Arts celebrates Maya’s incredible achievements and looks forward to seeing her continued success. Her journey is an inspiring testament to where dedication, passion, and a solid educational foundation can lead. Welcome home, Maya!The Mirror continues at RE//PERTH until July 27. Get your tickets here.
Image credits: RE//PERTH and Millisa Martin Photography
