From July to August, Filipino-Australian performer Marcus Rivera takes on the role of Gomez Addams in The Addams Family at Hayes Theatre Co in Sydney. More than simply a new role, his performance reflects the growing space for Filipino artists on the Australian stage.
Key Points
- The rise of a Filipino actor such as Marcus Rivera into a mainstream role is particularly significant. According to a 2019 Diversity Arts Australia report, only around one in ten arts leaders came from culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Creative Australia’s 2025 National Arts Participation Survey found that 40% of Australians engage with the arts to connect with their culture or community.
- Beyond his own success, Marcus hopes to help create greater opportunities and a more permanent space for Filipino-Australian artists.
As a person of colour, this opportunity has given me a platform to amplify the voices of our community, the Filipino Australian community, and it has been an absolute blessing.Marcus Rivera
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