Vaishnavi Suryaprakash

Notes

AWARDS 2019 Helpmann Award for Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role (Counting and Cracking) 2020 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Ensemble (White Pearl) 2021 Blake Prize Winner: STORIES OF KANNAGI (short film) 2022 Equity Ensemble Award nominee (WAKEFIELD) 2022 Glorias Fellowship Recipient POSITIONS HELD 2012-present Senior Bharathnatyam dancer at Natanalaya Dance Company 2018-2024 NIDA Company Member 2021-2022 Teaching Artist Assistant, Sydney Theatre Company 2022 AFTRS Talent Program selection 2022-2023 Literary Associate, Belvoir Theatre 2023 Literary Associate, Royal Court London CREDITS (as dramaturg) • 'Scenes from the Climate Era' (2023) by David Finnegan, dir. Carissa Licciardello. Belvoir Theatre Company. • 'waiting for a train at a bus stop' (2023) by Mwansa Phiri, dir. Mwansa Phiri. Edinburgh Fringe Festival. • 'Reykjavik' (in development) by Julian Larnach REVIEWS "Vaishnavi Suryaprakash carries the show as the protagonist in a solo performance combining technical mastery and warmth. Her performance flows effortlessly, often within the same breath…Suryaprakash is so charmingly natural [that] her winning sincerity lulls you into feeling you’re simply catching up with a very honest and witty friend. [Her] characterisation is so complete that it makes a searing statement about partner violence and the ways audiences view victim identity." (Sydney Morning Herald) "Actor Vaishnavi Suryaprakash is the unequivocal main attraction, with unassailable magnetism, steadfast energy and focus, along with a passionate and authentic approach to the material, that keep us absolutely riveted." (Suzy Goes See) "Suryaprakash is particularly compelling as a multi-faceted antagonist, offering a performance that is both subtle and direct, peeling back layers to reveal her character’s simmering motivations." (Time Out) "As young Radha, Vaishnavi Suryaprakash displays [a range that extends to comedic moments as well as glimpses of poignancy and vulnerability] with a little more wide¬eyed optimism and idealism. Her work in the second and third acts is beautiful to watch." (Weekend Notes) "The dominant performance is that of Vaishnavi Suryaprakash, whose portrayal of Clearday founder Priya is a storm of aggressive girl-boss energy..." (Scenestr) "Suryaprakash keeps us guessing as to Lakshmi's motives in a stunning interplay of opacity and sincerity." (The Age) "Suryaprakash sets the tone with a performance that flirts with satirical exaggeration without going there, and is viscerally and amusingly physical as well as being vocally incisive." (Sydney Morning Herald) "Colin Friels is surrounded by a strong cast, who play several roles. Vaishnavi Suryaprakash is particularly impressive as Andrea Sarti (here rewritten as a girl), who is taught by Galileo as a child and becomes one of his followers..." "Vaishnavi Suryaprakash plays Lakshmi with a persuasive composure that never slips into villainy... That kind of role is difficult to land. It requires full conviction without exaggeration, a steady presence that feels sincere but still carries danger. Suryaprakash makes that balance look effortless". (Honi Soit) "Vaishnavi Suryaprakash plays at least four parts, each to perfection." (Stage Whispers)