Aslam Abdus-samad

Theatre Maker / Movement Artist / Actor

Bio

Aslam Abdus-samad is an interdisciplinary artist, movement director, and performer whose practice spans devised theatre, performance installation, interactive art, and community-engaged projects. With a career that extends across Australia and internationally, his work is marked by a unique blend of physicality, surrealism, and narrative, underpinned by a deep specialization in physical theatre and collaborative creation.Trained at Griffith University (BA in Applied Theatre, 2007) and the Victorian College of the Arts (Postgraduate Diploma in Performance Creation, 2011), Aslam is currently completing his Master of Dance at VCA, where he also teaches movement to BFA (Theatre) students. His global foundation includes formative training with Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre (Australia), the Stella Adler Studio’s Physical Theatre Program (NYC), and IUGTE (Italy), alongside teaching and artistic residencies in Spain, South Korea and Singapore.Aslam’s work is deeply collaborative, often partnering with schools, community organizations, and professional institutions to mentor emerging artists and educators. His roles as a facilitating artist with Milk Crate Theatre (since 2017) and teaching positions at VCA, NIDA, Sydney Opera House, and Q Theatre highlight his commitment to fostering creativity and agency through physical theatre, devising, and movement-driven storytelling.Balancing accessibility with artistic innovation, Aslam’s practice (rooted in his identity as a queer artist of colour) invites audiences into layered, culturally resonant experiences that challenge traditional theatrical boundaries.

Videos

In 100 years

In 100 Years
Lead Artist / Director
(2025, 4 minutes)

In 100 years

Knight Time Adventures
Performer / Writer
(2022, 1 minute)

Hands I Burnt

Hands I Burnt
Lead Artist / Director
(2016, 1 minute)

In 100 years

I Can't Sleep
Performer / Deviser
(2023, 1 minute)

The Language of Flowers

The Language of Flowers
Lead Artist / Director
(2019, 1 minute)

Showreel 2013

Showreel
Various Roles
(2013, 5 minutes)

WIWIH Installation Trailer

Words I Wish I Had
Lead Artist / Dancer
(2023, 1 minute)

Political Children

Political Children
Movement Direction
(2017, 1 minute)

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